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It’s always worth listening to advice and warning, particularly when it comes from God (see 8:7–18). We now read the reason for the warning. In chapter 11 there was a moment of great promise as King Saul defeated Nahash and rescued Israel. In chapter 12 Samuel gave a fresh warning to the people, but, above all, promised the Lord’s continued love if they would obey him. Yet now, in chapter 13, we have major spiritual disaster as the new kingdom spiritually fractures – almost as soon as it gets going. Sadly, this will go on for another 42 years (v. 1).
The Philistines, Israel’s great enemy, come in vast numbers to attack Israel (v. 5). The people, cowering before them, retreat (v. 6) and Saul’s army is left cowering in a corner (v. 7). Saul, meanwhile, is waiting for Samuel to come (see 10:8) to offer sacrifice and prayer for the threatened kingdom. King Saul sees his kingdom falling apart, and Samuel seems to be coming late, so, in desperation, he makes the sacrifices himself, calling upon God to intervene (v. 12). Samuel then arrives, either late or just in the nick of time, and is shocked by Saul’s arrogance. Saul had no right to do this as he isn’t Israel’s high priest or mediator. Above all, Saul has disobeyed Samuel’s (therefore God’s) command (v. 13). Saul’s sin was to think that performing the sacrifice was more important the obeying the word of God. We’re reminded that God doesn’t want our rituals, however well intentioned, but he wants us to keep his commands. In crises, don’t rely upon talismans and superstitions, or even church rituals, but follow what God has said.
Saul’s disobedience, sadly for him, will lead to the removal of his kingdom and the raising up of another king (vv. 13–14). For the first time, we hear the promise of the ‘man after [God’s] own heart’ – the hope of a truly obedient king. In 1 Samuel this will be David, but ultimately it will be Jesus Christ. Sin and failure in Saul will, in God’s purpose, lead to the establishing of a greater kingdom built on a greater King.
REFLECTION
1. Are you listening to God’s warnings in your life?
2. Why does God want us to obey his word rather than rely upon rituals?
3. How do we see Jesus living as the ‘man after [God’s] own heart’?
Scripture
About this Plan
1 Samuel charts the rise and fall of several of Israel’s leaders. You’ll meet the notoriously arrogant king Saul and see the ascent of the man after God’s own heart – David. You’ll read of dangerous battles, murder plots, giants and even more surprises in this book. You’ll see that despite turbulence in leadership, seemingly strong enemies and spiritual decay God is very much at work orchestrating the fall of the proud and the rise of the humble. What an encouragement for us today when we are faced with challenges not too dissimilar to these!
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