1 Saul reigned one year; and when he had reigned two years over Israel,
2 Saul chose him three thousand [men] of Israel; [whereof] two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in mount Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin: and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent.
3 And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that [was] in Geba, and the Philistines heard [of it]. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear.
4 And all Israel heard say [that] Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines, and [that] Israel also was had in abomination with the Philistines. And the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal.
5 And the Philistines gathered themselves together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which [is] on the sea shore in multitude: and they came up, and pitched in Michmash, eastward from Bethaven.
6 When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait, (for the people were distressed,) then the people did hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits.
7 And [some of] the Hebrews went over Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. As for Saul, he [was] yet in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling.
8 And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel [had appointed]: but Samuel came not to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him.
9 And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering.
10 And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him.
11 And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and [that] thou camest not within the days appointed, and [that] the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash;
12 Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the LORD: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering.
13 And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.
14 But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him [to be] captain over his people, because thou hast not kept [that] which the LORD commanded thee.
15 And Samuel arose, and gat him up from Gilgal unto Gibeah of Benjamin. And Saul numbered the people [that were] present with him, about six hundred men.
16 And Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people [that were] present with them, abode in Gibeah of Benjamin: but the Philistines encamped in Michmash.
17 And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned unto the way [that leadeth to] Ophrah, unto the land of Shual:
18 And another company turned the way [to] Bethhoron: and another company turned [to] the way of the border that looketh to the valley of Zeboim toward the wilderness.
19 Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel: for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make [them] swords or spears:
20 But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his share, and his coulter, and his axe, and his mattock.
21 Yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads.
22 So it came to pass in the day of battle, that there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people that [were] with Saul and Jonathan: but with Saul and with Jonathan his son was there found.
23 And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the passage of Michmash.
Summary of 1 Samuel Chapter 13
1 Samuel Chapter 13 details a critical moment in the early monarchy of Israel, focusing on King Saul’s reign and the challenges he faces. The chapter illustrates Saul’s military leadership, his relationship with God, and the consequences of his actions.
Key Events
- Saul’s Reign and Military Preparations
- The Philistine Threat
- Saul’s Unlawful Sacrifice
- Samuel’s Prophecy of Judgment
Saul’s Reign and Military Preparations
At the beginning of the chapter, Saul is established as the king of Israel, having reigned for two years. He takes decisive action by organizing an army to confront the Philistine threat, which is significant given the historical animosity between the Israelites and the Philistines.
- Saul recruits 3,000 men, assigning 2,000 to himself and 1,000 to his son Jonathan.
- Jonathan leads a successful attack against a Philistine garrison in Geba, which escalates tensions between the two nations.
- The Philistines respond by gathering a massive army, reportedly numbering 30,000 chariots and 6,000 horsemen, indicating a formidable threat to Israel.
The Philistine Threat
The chapter highlights the dire situation faced by the Israelites as they confront the overwhelming might of the Philistine army. The Israelites are filled with fear and anxiety, leading many to hide in caves, thickets, and even cross the Jordan River to escape the impending conflict.
Saul’s Unlawful Sacrifice
As the situation becomes increasingly desperate, Saul waits for the prophet Samuel to arrive and offer sacrifices to seek God’s favor before battle. However, when Samuel delays his arrival, Saul becomes impatient. In a moment of weakness, he decides to perform the burnt offering himself, an act that is strictly reserved for the prophet.
- Saul’s decision to offer the sacrifice reflects his lack of faith and understanding of God’s commands.
- Just as Saul finishes the sacrifice, Samuel arrives, highlighting the consequences of Saul’s impulsive actions.
Samuel’s Prophecy of Judgment
Samuel confronts Saul about his unlawful sacrifice, emphasizing that Saul’s actions have demonstrated a lack of faith and obedience to God. As a result, Samuel delivers a grave message: God has rejected Saul as king, and his dynasty will not endure.
- This moment marks a pivotal turning point in Saul’s reign, foreshadowing the eventual rise of David as the next king of Israel.
- Samuel’s declaration serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God’s commands and the consequences of disobedience.
The Aftermath
The chapter concludes with the Israelites in a precarious position, lacking weapons and facing the might of the Philistine army. Only Saul and Jonathan possess swords, symbolizing the dire state of Israel’s military readiness.
- The chapter ends with a sense of foreboding, as the Israelites prepare for battle against a seemingly insurmountable foe.
- Saul’s failure to wait for Samuel and his subsequent rejection by God set the stage for the unfolding narrative of Israel’s monarchy.
Theological Themes
- The importance of obedience to God’s commands.
- The consequences of impatience and lack of faith.
- The sovereignty of God in choosing leaders and determining the fate of nations.
Conclusion
1 Samuel Chapter 13 serves as a critical juncture in the narrative of Israel’s monarchy, illustrating the complexities of leadership, faith, and divine judgment. Saul’s actions and their repercussions underscore the necessity of faithfulness to God’s will in the face of adversity.
