Anesti Ministries

In the previous chapter, Samuel calls Israel and its king to walk in obedience to God. Saul’s journey as king began well, but in this chapter we see the turning point of Saul’s life.

v1-7 After 2 years as king, Saul’s true character began to show. Just as Samuel warned the people in 1 Samuel 8:12, Saul assembled the nation’s first army. These 3000 soldiers were not volunteers but chosen by Saul. Even though Jonathan defeated the Philistine garrison, Saul took credit for Jonathan’s victory. Saul then seized this opportunity to muster the nation to fight against the Philistines. His uncalculated move provoked the Philistines who responded with an overwhelming force that struck fear into the hearts of the Israelites.

v8-15 The most challenging time to trust God is when He makes us wait. Leaders who seek God’s heart know the importance of waiting on God. When you are desperate, you may be tempted to take matters into your own hands. But this passage warns us about the danger of moving ahead of God. When God makes you wait, it is not because He has forgotten you, but He is testing your faith.

Saul’s appointment with Samuel at Gilgal reminds us of their earlier meeting in 1 Samuel 10:8. Samuel had anointed Saul and told him to wait at Gilgal for the Lord’s instruction. Gilgal was also the place that Saul was consecrated as king (1 Samuel 11:15). As the people were waiting for Samuel to arrive, some began to leave. Perhaps they were fearful, or perhaps they were losing confidence in Saul’s leadership. Saul began to panic as the Philistine army approached and the people deserted him (v11-12). Saul was not allowed to offer sacrifices because he was not a priest. But instead of waiting for Samuel, Saul disobeyed the command of God and offered the sacrifices. When Samuel came, Saul did not repent but began to make excuses for his actions. In 1 Samuel 13:14, Samuel warned the people that obedience to God was the key to national success. God’s shows favor to those who obey His commands. But Saul disobeyed God’s command because he put his security in people rather than God. Because Saul rejected God, God also rejected him from being king over Israel. Samuel’s departure is a symbol of God’s presence leaving Saul (v15). This passage leaves the reader wondering about who God will choose to be the next king over His people (v14).

v16-23 How would Israel defeat the approaching army of the Philistines? Only 600 men left Gilgal with Saul when he went to meet Jonathan. Saul and Jonathan were the only ones with weapons in the camp of Israel. The rest of the soldiers were only armed with agricultural tools. This passage shows us how Jonathan’s victory in verse 3 was brought about by the Lord. The end of this chapter sets us up for the events that will take place in chapter 14.