Day 13: 1 Samuel 13:6–14

“You have not kept the command which the Lord your God gave you. It was at this time that the Lord would have permanently established your reign over Israel” (v. 13).

Any serious student of Israel, or of David, must face why God rejected Saul as king of Israel. We begin to comprehend the reason by examining the time when Saul mustered an army for war against the Philistines, but the Israelite army was so badly outnumbered that they hid in caves.

God gave Saul a chance to shine. He could have taken his place among the great men and women of faith. According to verse 8, he “waited seven days, the time set by Samuel.” God was teaching his new king to wait on the Lord.

Imagine the strain on the fledgling king as he watched his army melt away before his eyes. The prophet told Saul to wait until he came to offer the sacrifice before battle. By the seventh day, Saul’s patience snapped. He could no longer stand to see his army disintegrate. No doubt he chafed under the criticism of his men. He dared not go into battle without making an offering to God, so he offered the sacrifice himself.

Have you noticed the truth in the old statement that God is seldom in a hurry but He’s never late? How often do we give up on God and on obedience just five minutes before deliverance? As Saul made the offering, Samuel arrived. At first glance Saul’s infraction may seem minor and Samuel’s reaction harsh, but we must remember, Saul was king of God’s people. If you aspire to greater authority, you must accept the greater accountability that goes with it.

Samuel demanded to know what Saul had done. The king’s response reflected his fear of public opinion, his lack of trust in God, and his cavalier attitude toward obedience. Saul said when he saw the men scattering and Samuel didn’t come, he “felt compelled to offer the burnt offering” (v. 12).

We dare not minimize disobedience to God. The prophet responded to Saul’s excuses and blaming with harsh words. Saul had a clear command from God. He disobeyed, and it cost him the kingdom.