1 Samuel 13:11

Verse

“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,

American Standard Version (1901)

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 assembled themselves together at Michmash;

Bible in Basic English

And Samuel said, What have you done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were going away from me, and you had not come at the time which had been fixed, and the Philistines had come together at Michmash;

Free Bible Version

“What have you done?” Samuel asked. Saul replied, “Well I saw my men were deserting me, and you hadn't arrived when you said you would, and the Philistines were gathering at Michmash to attack.

King James (Authorized) Version

¶ 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;

Translation for Translators

Samuel saw what Saul had done, and he said to Saul, “Why have you done this?” Saul replied, “I saw that my men were leaving me and running away, and that you did not come here during the time that you said that you would come, and that the Philistine army was gathering together at Micmash.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Then Samuel said, “What have you done?” Saul replied, “When I saw that the people were leaving me, and that you did not come within the set time, and that the Philistines had assembled at Michmash,

Noah Webster Bible

World English Bible

Samuel said, “What have you done?” Saul said, “Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that you didn’t come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines assembled themselves together at Michmash,

Young's Literal Translation

and Samuel saith, 'What hast thou done?' And Saul saith, 'Because I saw that the people were scattered from off me, and thou hadst not come at the appointment of the days, and the Philistines are gathered to Michmash,

Context

Saul’s Unlawful Sacrifice

¹⁰Just 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,¹²I 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.”

Sermons

One Minute Before Midnight

David Wilkerson

Summary

In this verse, Samuel confronts Saul for offering a burnt offering without waiting for Samuel as instructed. Saul's impatience and disobedience reveal a lack of trust in God's timing and authority. This incident marks a pivotal moment in Saul's reign as king, foreshadowing his downfall due to his failure to fully obey God's commands. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of taking matters into one's own hands instead of relying on God's guidance and wisdom.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
John Gill
Tyndale

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

And Saul said - Here he offers three excuses for his conduct: 1. The people were fast leaving his standard. 2. Samuel did not come at the time, למועד lemoed; at the very commencement of the time he did not come, but within that time he did come. 3. The Philistines were coming fast upon him. Saul should have waited out the time; and at all events he should not have gone contrary to the counsel of the Lord.