1 Samuel 13:1-22 “The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart”

Having won a great victory over the Ammonites by the power of the Lord, Saul and his son Jonathan now face another old foe—the Philistines. Jonathan shows courage and trust in God by attacking a Philistine outpost.

Saul, by contrast, quakes with fear along with the rest of the Israelite army. Not only are they outnumbered, but the Philistines have chariots, spears, and swords while only Saul and Jonathan have swords among the Israelites.

In this desperate situation, Saul waits for seven days for Samuel to arrive, but can wait no longer. He takes it on himself to offer sacrifice to God. As soon as Saul finishes the sacrifice, Samuel arrives. He rebukes Saul for his foolish presumption in acting as a priest and for his lack of trust in Samuel and in God. Because he has disobeyed, God will not allow his dynasty to endure.

Next Steps

Does this seem like a drastic consequence for Saul’s sin? What are some things we “go ahead and do” that we do not wait for the Lord’s guidance to accomplish?

Prayer

God of love, remove our fear. Give us courage and trust.

DR. GARY HOLLOWAY

Gary Holloway is Executive Director of the World Convention. Holding degrees from Freed-Hardeman, Harding, The University of Texas, and Emory University, he has written or edited thirty books, including (with Douglas Foster) Renewing God’s World: A Concise Global History of the Stone-Campbell Movement from ACU Press. He is married to Deb Rogers Holloway.