1 Samuel 13
BSB1 Saul was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned over Israel forty-two years. 2 He chose for himself three thousand men of Israel: Two thousand were with Saul at Michmash and in the hill country of Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin. And the rest of the troops he sent away, each to his own home. 3 Then Jonathan attacked the Philistine outpost at Geba, and the Philistines heard about it. So Saul blew the ram’s horn throughout the land, saying, “Let the Hebrews hear!" 4 And all Israel heard the news: “Saul has attacked an outpost of the Philistines, and now Israel has become a stench to the Philistines!” Then the people were summoned to join Saul at Gilgal. 5 Now the Philistines assembled to fight against Israel with three thousand chariots, six thousand horsemen, and troops as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They went up and camped at Michmash, east of Beth-aven. 6 Seeing that they were in danger because their troops were hard-pressed, the men of Israel hid in caves and thickets, among the rocks, and in cellars and cisterns. 7 Some Hebrews even crossed the Jordan into the land of Gad and Gilead. Saul, however, remained at Gilgal, and all his troops were quaking in fear. 8 And Saul waited seven days for the time appointed by Samuel, but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the troops began to desert Saul. 9 So he said, “Bring me the burnt offering and the peace offerings.” And he offered up the burnt offering. 10 Just as he finished offering the burnt offering, Samuel arrived, and Saul went out to greet him. 11 “What have you done?” Samuel asked. And Saul replied, “When I saw that the troops were deserting me, and that you did not come at the appointed time and the Philistines were gathering at Michmash, 12 I thought, ‘Now the Philistines will descend upon me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the favor of the LORD.’ So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering." 13 “You have acted foolishly,” Samuel declared. “You have not kept the command that the LORD your God gave you; if you had, the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. 14 But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought a man after His own heart and appointed him ruler over His people, because you have not kept the command of the LORD." 15 Then Samuel set out from Gilgal and went up to Gibeah in Benjamin. And Saul numbered the troops who were with him, about six hundred men. 16 Now Saul and Jonathan his son and the troops with them were staying in Geba of Benjamin, while the Philistines camped at Michmash. 17 And raiders went out of the Philistine camp in three divisions. One headed toward Ophrah in the land of Shual, 18 another toward Beth-horon, and the third down the border road overlooking the Valley of Zeboim facing the wilderness. 19 And no blacksmith could be found in all the land of Israel, because the Philistines had said, “The Hebrews must not be allowed to make swords or spears." 20 Instead, all the Israelites would go down to the Philistines to sharpen their plowshares, mattocks, axes, and sickles. 21 The charge was a pim for sharpening a plowshare or mattock, a third of a shekel for sharpening a pitchfork or an axe, and a third of a shekel for repointing an oxgoad. 22 So on the day of battle not a sword or spear could be found in the hands of the troops with Saul and Jonathan; only Saul and his son Jonathan had weapons. 23 And a garrison of the Philistines had gone out to the pass at Michmash.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 13
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 1 Samuel 13
- Themes from 1 Samuel 13
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 13
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
In 1 Samuel 13, King Saul is faced with a Philistine army, and he becomes impatient while waiting for Samuel to arrive and offer sacrifices. Against God's command, Saul offers the burnt offering himself, which leads to Samuel's rebuke and a declaration that Saul's kingdom will not endure. The Philistines then attack the Israelites, who are poorly equipped and leaderless. The chapter ends with the Israelites in a state of distress and Saul's leadership being questioned. Key verses such as 1 Samuel 13:8-14 highlight Saul's disobedience and its consequences.
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of the larger narrative of 1 Samuel, which tells the story of the transition from the period of the judges to the period of the kings in Israel. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, which tells the story of God's relationship with His people. The chapter highlights the importance of obeying God's commands and the consequences of disobedience.
Heart Application
This chapter has practical application for our lives today. It highlights the importance of obeying God's commands and the consequences of disobedience. As believers, we are called to obey God's commands and to trust in His sovereignty. We must be careful not to let impatience or fear lead us to disobey God's commands.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter tells the story of King Saul's disobedience and its consequences. Saul becomes impatient while waiting for Samuel and offers a burnt offering himself, which is against God's command. As a result, God rejects Saul as king, and the Israelites are attacked by the Philistines. The chapter highlights the importance of obeying God's commands and trusting in His sovereignty. In 1 Samuel 13:14, we see that God is looking for a leader who will obey His commands, which is a picture of Jesus Christ.
Voices from the Church
“The greatest enemy of the church is not the infidel, but the man who is a Christian in name only. Saul's disobedience is a warning to us all to be careful to obey God's commands.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The sovereignty of God is a comforting doctrine. It reminds us that God is in control of all things, even when things seem to be out of control. Saul's disobedience does not thwart God's plans, but rather it leads to the fulfillment of God's plans.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Saul's Disobedience (1 Samuel 13:1-12) — Saul becomes impatient while waiting for Samuel and offers a burnt offering himself, which is against God's command.
- Samuel's Rebuke (1 Samuel 13:13-14) — Samuel rebukes Saul for his disobedience and tells him that his kingdom will not endure.
- The Philistine Attack (1 Samuel 13:15-23) — The Philistines attack the Israelites, who are poorly equipped and leaderless. The chapter ends with the Israelites in a state of distress and Saul's leadership being questioned.
- The Importance of Leadership (1 Samuel 13:1-14) — The chapter highlights the importance of leadership. A good leader is one who follows God's commands, and a bad leader is one who disobeys.
- God's Sovereignty (1 Samuel 13:1-23) — The chapter highlights God's sovereignty. God is in control of all things, including the rise and fall of kingdoms.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- This chapter teaches the doctrine of the sovereignty of God. God is in control of all things, including the rise and fall of kingdoms. Saul's disobedience does not thwart God's plans, but rather it leads to the fulfillment of God's plans.
- The Importance of Leadership
- The chapter highlights the importance of leadership. A good leader is one who follows God's commands, and a bad leader is one who disobeys. Saul's failure as a leader has serious consequences for the Israelites.
- The Consequences of Disobedience
- The chapter teaches the doctrine of the consequences of disobedience. Disobedience leads to serious consequences, including the loss of God's favor and blessing. Saul's disobedience leads to the loss of his kingdom.
- The Importance of Obedience
- The chapter highlights the importance of obedience. Obedience is the opposite of disobedience, and it is the key to experiencing God's favor and blessing.
Lessons from 1 Samuel 13
- The Importance of Patience — The chapter teaches the importance of patience. Saul's impatience leads to his disobedience, which has serious consequences.
- The Dangers of Disobedience — The chapter teaches the dangers of disobedience. Disobedience leads to serious consequences, including the loss of God's favor and blessing.
- The Importance of Trusting in God's Sovereignty — The chapter teaches the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty. God is in control of all things, including the rise and fall of kingdoms.
- The Importance of Obedience — The chapter highlights the importance of obedience. Obedience is the opposite of disobedience, and it is the key to experiencing God's favor and blessing.
- The Importance of Leadership — The chapter highlights the importance of leadership. A good leader is one who follows God's commands, and a bad leader is one who disobeys.
Themes from 1 Samuel 13
- Disobedience and Its Consequences — The chapter explores the theme of disobedience and its consequences. Saul's disobedience leads to serious consequences, including the loss of his kingdom.
- The Importance of Leadership — The chapter highlights the importance of leadership. A good leader is one who follows God's commands, and a bad leader is one who disobeys.
- God's Sovereignty — The chapter highlights God's sovereignty. God is in control of all things, including the rise and fall of kingdoms.
- The Importance of Obedience — The chapter highlights the importance of obedience. Obedience is the opposite of disobedience, and it is the key to experiencing God's favor and blessing.
- The Dangers of Impatience — The chapter teaches the dangers of impatience. Saul's impatience leads to his disobedience, which has serious consequences.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways that we can apply the lesson of Saul's disobedience to our own lives?
- How does the chapter highlight the importance of leadership?
- What are some ways that we can trust in God's sovereignty, even when things seem to be out of control?
- How does the chapter teach the doctrine of the consequences of disobedience?
- What are some ways that we can obey God's commands, even when it is difficult?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Saul's Disobedience (1 Samuel 13:1-12)
| 13:1 | Saul was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned over Israel forty-two years. |
| 13:2 | Saul chose three thousand men from Israel; two thousand were with him at Michmash and in the hill country of Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan at Gibeah in Benjamin. |
2. Samuel's Rebuke (1 Samuel 13:13-14)
| 13:13 | You have done a foolish thing, Samuel said. You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. |
| 13:14 | But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people, because you have not kept the Lord's command. |
3. The Philistine Attack (1 Samuel 13:15-23)
| 13:15 | Then the people of Israel went out from Mizpah and pursued the Philistines, attacking them as far as a point below Beth-car. |
| 13:16 | Now the men of Israel had gone back, each to his own town and clan, and the people were scattered. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of 1 Samuel 13?
The main theme of 1 Samuel 13 is the consequences of disobedience. Saul's disobedience leads to serious consequences, including the loss of his kingdom. In 1 Samuel 13:14, we see that God is looking for a leader who will obey His commands.
Why did Saul disobey God's command?
Saul disobeyed God's command because he was impatient and fearful. He became impatient while waiting for Samuel and took matters into his own hands. In 1 Samuel 13:8-12, we see that Saul's impatience leads to his disobedience.
What are the consequences of disobedience?
The consequences of disobedience are serious. Disobedience leads to the loss of God's favor and blessing. In 1 Samuel 13:13-14, we see that Saul's disobedience leads to the loss of his kingdom.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 13:1 → Deuteronomy 17:14-20 | The concept of kingship in Israel is rooted in Deuteronomy 17:14-20, which outlines the guidelines for a king in Israel. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 13:14 → Acts 13:22 | The concept of a leader after God's own heart is also seen in Acts 13:22, which describes David as a man after God's own heart. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 13:8 → Hebrews 10:25 | The importance of patience and not giving up is also seen in Hebrews 10:25, which encourages believers to continue meeting together and not giving up. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 13:13 → Proverbs 28:13 | The concept of disobedience and its consequences is also seen in Proverbs 28:13, which states that those who cover their sins will not prosper. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 13:1 → 1 Timothy 2:1-4 | The concept of leadership and the importance of praying for leaders is also seen in 1 Timothy 2:1-4, which encourages believers to pray for all people, including leaders. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 13:14 → Psalm 89:20 | The concept of a leader after God's own heart is also seen in Psalm 89:20, which describes David as a leader after God's own heart. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 13:8 → Isaiah 40:31 | The importance of patience and waiting on God is also seen in Isaiah 40:31, which states that those who wait on God will renew their strength. |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 13:13 → Galatians 6:7-8 | The concept of disobedience and its consequences is also seen in Galatians 6:7-8, which states that a man reaps what he sows. |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 13:1 → Matthew 22:37-40 | The concept of loving God with all one's heart is also seen in Matthew 22:37-40, which states that the greatest commandment is to love God with all one's heart. |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 13:14 → 1 Peter 5:1-4 | The concept of leadership and the importance of shepherding God's people is also seen in 1 Peter 5:1-4, which encourages leaders to shepherd God's people with humility and care. |
Sermons on 1 Samuel 13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Time to Do Nothng but Trust by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Jonathan and the Israelites facing a massive army of Philistines. The Israelites were greatly outnumbered and lacked weapons, lea |
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Secrets of Victory by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God wants to help believers live in victory at all times. He encourages listeners to believe this wholeheartedly and to take God's comm |
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David - Raised Up by God by Devern Fromke | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the contrast between man's way of achieving and fulfilling God's will and God's way. He uses the examples of Saul, who was chosen by the peop |
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Finish the Way You Started by Carter Conlon | This sermon is a powerful message about finishing the race strong in faith, drawing from the examples of Saul in the Old Testament and the Apostle Paul in the New Testament. It emp |
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The Possibility of Death by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the grave responsibility placed on him to witness to every soul, as the possibility of death looms over everyone. He shares his dedication t |
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Wait by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of King Saul and his failure to wait for God's instructions. Samuel had instructed Saul to wait for seven days at Gilgal, but as t |
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Victory or Survival - Part 1 by Winkie Pratney | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Saul and the Israelites facing a dangerous enemy named Nehash. The Israelites were distressed and hid themselves in caves, rocks |
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(Church Leadership) 2. Sharpening Our Sword by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of delivering the word of God with clarity and effectiveness. He shares a personal anecdote about a preacher who would bang t |
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Victory or Survival - Part 2 by Winkie Pratney | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the progression of the church throughout history as a place of training and equipping for believers. He emphasizes the importance of both buil |
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(1 Samuel) Blessings to a Bold Faith by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having bold trust in God and being willing to work hard for His purposes. He uses the story of Jonathan and his armor beare |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Samuel 13
In this chapter, we see the sad story of Saul's disobedience and its consequences. Saul, who had been appointed by God as the first king of Israel, becomes impatient and disobeys God's command. This disobedience leads to serious consequences, including the loss of his kingdom. The chapter highlights the importance of obedience and the dangers of disobedience. As Matthew Henry notes, 'Saul's disobedience was a great sin, and it was punished accordingly.' The chapter also highlights God's sovereignty, as He is in control of all things, including the rise and fall of kingdoms. As believers, we must learn from Saul's mistake and seek to obey God's commands, trusting in His sovereignty and providence. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Saul's Impatience
Saul's impatience leads to his disobedience. He becomes impatient while waiting for Samuel and takes matters into his own hands. This impatience has serious consequences.
The Importance of Leadership
The chapter highlights the importance of leadership. A good leader is one who follows God's commands, and a bad leader is one who disobeys. Saul's failure as a leader has serious consequences for the Israelites.
God's Sovereignty
The chapter highlights God's sovereignty. God is in control of all things, including the rise and fall of kingdoms. Saul's disobedience does not thwart God's plans, but rather it leads to the fulfillment of God's plans.