Text -- 1 Samuel 13:1-23 (NET)

Saul Fails the Lord

13:1 Saul was thirty years old when he began to reign; he ruled over Israel for forty years. 13:2 Saul selected for himself three thousand men from Israel. Two thousand of these were with Saul at Micmash and in the hill country of Bethel; the remaining thousand were with Jonathan at Gibeah in the territory of Benjamin. He sent all the rest of the people back home. 13:3 Jonathan attacked the Philistine outpost that was at Geba and the Philistines heard about it. Then Saul alerted all the land saying, “Let the Hebrews pay attention!” 13:4 All Israel heard this message, “Saul has attacked the Philistine outpost, and now Israel is repulsive to the Philistines!” So the people were summoned to join Saul at Gilgal. 13:5 For the battle with Israel the Philistines had amassed 3,000 chariots, 6,000 horsemen, and an army as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They went up and camped at Micmash, east of Beth Aven. 13:6 The men of Israel realized they had a problem because their army was hard pressed. So the army hid in caves, thickets, cliffs, strongholds, and cisterns. 13:7 Some of the Hebrews crossed over the Jordan River to the land of Gad and Gilead. But Saul stayed at Gilgal; the entire army that was with him was terrified. 13:8 He waited for seven days, the time period indicated by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the army began to abandon Saul. 13:9 So Saul said, “Bring me the burnt offering and the peace offerings.” Then he offered a burnt offering. 13:10 Just when he had finished offering the burnt offering, Samuel appeared on the scene. Saul went out to meet him and to greet him. 13:11 But Samuel said, “What have you done?” Saul replied, “When I saw that the army had started to abandon me and that you didn’t come at the appointed time and that the Philistines had assembled at Micmash, 13:12 I thought, ‘Now the Philistines will come down on me at Gilgal and I have not sought the Lord’s favor.’ So I felt obligated to offer the burnt offering.” 13:13 Then Samuel said to Saul, “You have made a foolish choice! You have not obeyed the commandment that the Lord your God gave you. Had you done that, the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever! 13:14 But now your kingdom will not continue! The Lord has sought out for himself a man who is loyal to him and the Lord has appointed him to be leader over his people, for you have not obeyed what the Lord commanded you.” 13:15 Then Samuel set out and went up from Gilgal to Gibeah in the territory of Benjamin. Saul mustered the army that remained with him; there were about six hundred men. 13:16 Saul, his son Jonathan, and the army that remained with them stayed in Gibeah in the territory of Benjamin, while the Philistines camped in Micmash. 13:17 Raiding bands went out from the camp of the Philistines in three groups. One band turned toward the road leading to Ophrah by the land of Shual; 13:18 another band turned toward the road leading to Beth Horon; and yet another band turned toward the road leading to the border that overlooks the valley of Zeboim in the direction of the desert. 13:19 A blacksmith could not be found in all the land of Israel, for the Philistines had said, “This will prevent the Hebrews from making swords and spears.” 13:20 So all Israel had to go down to the Philistines in order to get their plowshares, cutting instruments, axes, and sickles sharpened. 13:21 They charged two-thirds of a shekel to sharpen plowshares and cutting instruments, and a third of a shekel to sharpen picks and axes, and to set ox goads. 13:22 So on the day of the battle no sword or spear was to be found in the hand of anyone in the army that was with Saul and Jonathan. No one but Saul and his son Jonathan had them.

Jonathan Ignites a Battle

13:23 A garrison of the Philistines had gone out to the pass at Micmash.

Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Wesley: 1Sa 13:3

That is, he sent messengers to tell them all what Jonathan had done, and how the Philistines were enraged at it, and therefore what necessity there was of gathering themselves together for their own defence.

Wesley: 1Sa 13:4

Perhaps contrary to some treaty.

Wesley: 1Sa 13:5

_Most of them, we may suppose, carriages for their baggage, not chariots of war, tho' all their allies were joined with them.

Wesley: 1Sa 13:6

Notwithstanding their former presumption that if they had a king, they should be free from all such straits. And hereby God intended to teach them the vanity of confidence in men; and that they did not one jot less need the help of God now, than they did when they had no king. And probably they were the more discouraged, because they did not find Samuel with Saul. Sooner or later men will be made to see, that God and his prophets are their best friends.

Wesley: 1Sa 13:7

That is, all that were left.

Wesley: 1Sa 13:8

Not seven compleat days; for the last day was not finished.

Wesley: 1Sa 13:11

That is, when the seventh day was come, and a good part of it past, whence I concluded thou wouldst not come that day.

Wesley: 1Sa 13:12

Thence it appears, that sacrifices were accompanied with solemn prayers.

Wesley: 1Sa 13:12

I did it against my own mind and inclination.

Wesley: 1Sa 13:13

The phrase, for ever, in scripture often signifies only a long time. So this had been abundantly verified, if the kingdom had been enjoyed by Saul, and by his son, and by his son's son; after whom the kingdom might have come to Judah.

Wesley: 1Sa 13:14

That is, such a man as will fulfil all the desires of his heart, and not oppose them, as thou dost.

Wesley: 1Sa 13:14

That is, hath appointed, as the word command is sometimes used: but though God threatened but Saul with the loss of his kingdom for his sin; yet it is not improbable, there was a tacit condition implied, to wit, if he did not repent of this; and of all his sins; for the full, and final, and peremptory sentence of Saul's rejection, is plainly ascribed to another cause, 1Sa 15:11, 1Sa 15:23, 1Sa 15:26, 1Sa 15:28-29, and 'till that second offence, neither the spirit of the Lord departed from him, nor was David anointed in his stead. "But was it not hard, to punish so little a sin so severely?" It was not little: disobedience to an express command, tho' in a small matter, is a great provocation. And indeed, there is no little sin, because there is no little god to sin against. In general, what to men seems a small offence, to him who knows the heart may appear a heinous crime. We are taught hereby, how necessary it is, that we wait on our God continually. For Saul is sentenced to lose his kingdom for want of two or three hours patience.

Wesley: 1Sa 13:20

Not to the land of the Philistines, but to the stations and garrisons which the Philistines retained in several parts of Israel's land, though Samuel's authority had so far over - awed them, that they durst not give the Israelites much disturbance. In these, therefore, the Philistines kept all the smiths; and here they allowed them the exercise of their art for the uses following.

Wesley: 1Sa 13:22

It seems restrained to the six hundred that were with Saul and Jonathan; for there were no doubt a considerable number of swords and spears among the Israelites, but they generally hid them, as now they did their persons, from the Philistines. And the Philistines had not yet attained to so great a power over them, as wholly to disarm them, but thought it sufficient to prevent the making of new arms; knowing that the old ones would shortly be decayed, and useless. There were likewise other arms more common in those times and places, than swords and spears; to wit, bows and arrows, and slings and stones.

JFB: 1Sa 13:1

(see Margin). The transactions recorded in the eleventh and twelfth chapters were the principal incidents comprising the first year of Saul's reign; and the events about to be described in this happened in the second year.

JFB: 1Sa 13:2

This band of picked men was a bodyguard, who were kept constantly on duty, while the rest of the people were dismissed till their services might be needed. It seems to have been his tactics to attack the Philistine garrisons in the country by different detachments, rather than by risking a general engagement; and his first operations were directed to rid his native territory of Benjamin of these enemies.

JFB: 1Sa 13:3-4

That is, "God-given."

JFB: 1Sa 13:3-4

Geba and Gibeah were towns in Benjamin, very close to each other (Jos 18:24, Jos 18:28). The word rendered "garrison" is different from that of 1Sa 13:23; 1Sa 14:1, and signifies, literally, something erected; probably a pillar or flagstaff, indicative of Philistine ascendency. That the secret demolition of this standard, so obnoxious to a young and noble-hearted patriot, was the feat of Jonathan referred to, is evident from the words, "the Philistines heard of it," which is not the way we should expect an attack on a fortress to be noticed.

JFB: 1Sa 13:3-4

This, a well-known sound, was the usual Hebrew war-summons; the first blast was answered by the beacon fire in the neighboring places. A second blast was blown--then answered by a fire in a more distant locality, whence the proclamation was speedily diffused over the whole country. As the Philistines resented what Jonathan had done as an overt attempt to throw off their yoke, a levy, en masse, of the people was immediately ordered, the rendezvous to be the old camping-ground at Gilgal.

JFB: 1Sa 13:5

Either this number must include chariots of every kind--or the word "chariots" must mean the men fighting in them (2Sa 10:18; 1Ki 20:21; 1Ch 19:18); or, as some eminent critics maintain, Sheloshim ("thirty"), has crept into the text, instead of Shelosh ("three"). The gathering of the chariots and horsemen must be understood to be on the Philistine plain, before they ascended the western passes and pitched in the heart of the Benjamite hills, in "Michmash," (now Mukmas), a "steep precipitous valley" [ROBINSON], eastward from Beth-aven (Beth-el).

JFB: 1Sa 13:6

Though Saul's gallantry was unabated, his subjects displayed no degree of zeal and energy. Instead of venturing an encounter, they fled in all directions. Some, in their panic, left the country (1Sa 13:7), but most took refuge in the hiding-places which the broken ridges of the neighborhood abundantly afford. The rocks are perforated in every direction with "caves," and "holes," and "pits"--crevices and fissures sunk deep in the rocky soil, subterranean granaries or dry wells in the adjoining fields. The name of Michmash ("hidden treasure") seems to be derived from this natural peculiarity [STANLEY].

JFB: 1Sa 13:8

That is, Saul.

JFB: 1Sa 13:8

He was still in the eastern borders of his kingdom, in the valley of Jordan. Some bolder spirits had ventured to join the camp at Gilgal; but even the courage of those stout-hearted men gave way in prospect of this terrible visitation; and as many of them were stealing away, he thought some immediate and decided step must be taken.

JFB: 1Sa 13:9-14

Saul, though patriotic enough in his own way, was more ambitious of gaining the glory of a triumph to himself than ascribing it to God. He did not understand his proper position as king of Israel; and although aware of the restrictions under which he held the sovereignty, he wished to rule as an autocrat, who possessed absolute power both in civil and sacred things. This occasion was his first trial. Samuel waited till the last day of the seven, in order to put the constitutional character of the king to the test; and, as Saul, in his impatient and passionate haste knowingly transgressed (1Sa 13:12) by invading the priest's office and thus showing his unfitness for his high office (as he showed nothing of the faith of Gideon and other Hebrew generals), he incurred a threat of the rejection which his subsequent waywardness confirmed.

JFB: 1Sa 13:15-16

Saul removed his camp thither, either in the hope that, it being his native town, he would gain an increase of followers or that he might enjoy the counsels and influence of the prophet.

JFB: 1Sa 13:17-18

Ravaging through the three valleys which radiate from the uplands of Michmash to Ophrah on the north, through the pass of Beth-horon on the west, and down the ravines of Zeboim ("the hyænas"), towards the Ghor or Jordan valley on the east.

JFB: 1Sa 13:19-20

The country was in the lowest state of depression and degradation. The Philistines, after the great victory over the sons of Eli, had become the virtual masters of the land. Their policy in disarming the natives has been often followed in the East. For repairing any serious damage to their agricultural implements, they had to apply to the neighboring forts.

JFB: 1Sa 13:21

As a kind of privilege, for the purpose of sharpening sundry smaller utensils of husbandry.

Clarke: 1Sa 13:1

Saul reigned one year - A great deal of learned labor has been employed and lost on this verse, to reconcile it with propriety and common sense. I shall not recount the meanings put on it. I think this clause belongs to the preceding chapter, either as a part of the whole, or a chronological note added afterwards; as if the writer had said, These things (related in 1 Samuel 12:1-25) took place in the first year of Saul’ s reign: and then he proceeds in the next place to tell us what took place in the second year, the two most remarkable years of Saul’ s reign. In the first he is appointed, anointed, and twice confirmed, viz., at Mizpeh and at Gilgal; in the second, Israel is brought into the lowest state of degradation by the Philistines, Saul acts unconstitutionally, and is rejected from being king. These things were worthy of an especial chronological note

Clarke: 1Sa 13:1

And when he had reigned - This should begin the chapter, and be read thus: "And when Saul had reigned two years over Israel, he chose him three thousand,"etc. The Septuagint has left the clause out of the text entirely, and begins the chapter thus: "And Saul chose to himself three thousand men out of the men of Israel."

Clarke: 1Sa 13:2

Two thousand were with Saul - Saul, no doubt, meditated the redemption of his country from the Philistines; and having chosen three thousand men, he thought best to divide them into companies, and send one against the Philistine garrison at Michmash, another against that at Beth-el, and the third against that at Gibeah: he perhaps hoped, by surprising these garrisons, to get swords and spears for his men, of which we find, (1Sa 13:22), they were entirely destitute.

Clarke: 1Sa 13:3

Jonathan smote - He appears to have taken this garrison by surprise, for his men had no arms for a regular battle, or taking the place by storm. This is the first place in which this brave and excellent man appears; a man who bears one of the most amiable characters in the Bible

Clarke: 1Sa 13:3

Let the Hebrews hear - Probably this means the people who dwelt beyond Jordan, who might very naturally be termed here העברים haibrim , from עבר abar , he passed over; those who are beyond the river Jordan: as Abraham was called עברי Ibri because he dwelt beyond the river Euphrates.

Clarke: 1Sa 13:4

The people were called together - The smiting of this garrison was the commencement of a war, and in effect the shaking off of the Philistine yoke; and now the people found that they must stand together, and fight for their lives.

Clarke: 1Sa 13:5

Thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen - There is no proportion here between the chariots and the cavalry. The largest armies ever brought into the field, even by mighty emperors, never were furnished with thirty thousand chariots

I think שלשים sheloshim , Thirty, is a false reading for שלש shalosh , Three. The Syriac has telotho alpin , and the Arabic thalathato alf , both signifying Three thousand; and this was a fair proportion to the horsemen. This is most likely to be the true reading.

Clarke: 1Sa 13:6

The people did hide themselves - They, being few in number, and totally unarmed as to swords and spears, were terrified at the very numerous and well-appointed army of the Philistines. Judea was full of rocks, caves, thickets, etc., where people might shelter themselves from their enemies. While some hid themselves, others fled beyond Jordan: and those who did cleave to Saul followed him trembling.

Clarke: 1Sa 13:8

He tarried seven days according to the set time - Samuel in the beginning had told Saul to wait seven days, and he would come to him, and show him what to do, 1Sa 10:8. What is here said cannot be understood of that appointment, but of a different one. Samuel had at this time promised to come to him within seven days, and he kept his word, for we find him there before the day was ended; but as Saul found he did not come at the beginning of the seventh day, he became impatient, took the whole business into his own hand, and acted the parts of prophet, priest, and king; and thus he attempted a most essential change in the Israelitish constitution. In it the king, the prophet, and the priest, are in their nature perfectly distinct. What such a rash person might have done, if he had not been deprived of his authority, who can tell? But his conduct on this occasion sufficiently justifies that deprivation. That he was a rash and headstrong man is also proved by his senseless adjuration of the people about food, 1Sa 14:24, and his unfeeling resolution to put the brave Jonathan, his own son, to death, because he had unwittingly acted contrary to this adjuration, 1Sa 14:44. Saul appears to have been a brave and honest man, but he had few of those qualities which are proper for a king, or the governor of a people.

Clarke: 1Sa 13:9

And he offered the burnt-offering - This was most perfectly unconstitutional; he had no authority to offer, or cause to be offered, any of the Lord’ s sacrifices.

Clarke: 1Sa 13:10

Behold, Samuel came - Samuel was punctual to his appointment; one hour longer of delay would have prevented every evil, and by it no good would have been lost. How often are the effects of precipitation fatal!

Clarke: 1Sa 13:11

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.

Clarke: 1Sa 13:12

I forced myself - It was with great reluctance that I did what I did. In all this Saul was sincere, but he was rash, and regardless of the precept of the Lord, which precept or command he most evidently had received, 1Sa 13:13. And one part of this precept was, that the Lord should tell him what he should do. Without this information, in an affair under the immediate cognizance of God, he should have taken no step.

Clarke: 1Sa 13:14

The Lord hath sought him a man after his own heart - That this man was David is sufficiently clear from the sequel. But in what sense was he a man after God’ s own heart? Answer

1.    In his strict attention to the law and worship of God

2.    In his admitting, in the whole of his conduct, that God was King in Israel, and that he himself was but his vicegerent

3.    In never attempting to alter any of those laws, or in the least change the Israelitish constitution

4.    In all his public official conduct he acted according to the Divine mind, and fulfilled the will of his Maker: thus was he a man after God’ s own heart. In reference to his private or personal moral conduct, the word is never used. This is the sense alone in which the word is used here and elsewhere; and it is unfair and wicked to put another meaning on it in order to ridicule the revelation of God, as certain infidels have done.

Clarke: 1Sa 13:15

And Samuel arose - Though David, in the Divine purpose, is appointed to be captain over the people, yet Saul is not to be removed from the government during his life; Samuel therefore accompanies him to Gibeah, to give him the requisite help in this conjuncture

Clarke: 1Sa 13:15

About six hundred men - The whole of the Israelitish army at this time, and not one sword or spear among them!

Clarke: 1Sa 13:17

The spoilers came out - The Philistines, finding that the Israelites durst not hazard a battle, divided their army into three bands, and sent them in three different directions to pillage and destroy the country. Jonathan profited by this circumstance, and attacked the remains of the army at Michmash, as we shall see in the succeeding chapter, 1 Samuel 14 (note).

Clarke: 1Sa 13:19

Now there was no smith found - It is very likely that in the former wars the Philistines carried away all the smiths from Israel, as Porsenna did in the peace which he granted to the Romans, not permitting any iron to be forged except for the purposes of agriculture: " Ne ferro, nisi in agricultura, uterentur ."The Chaldeans did the same to the Jews in the time of Nebuchadnezzar; they carried away all the artificers, 2Ki 24:14; Jer 24:1; Jer 29:2. And in the same manner did Cyrus treat the Lydians, Herod. lib. i., c. 145. See several examples in Calmet.

Clarke: 1Sa 13:20

But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines - We find from this that they did not grant them as much as Porsenna did to the Romans; he permitted the people to manufacture the implements of husbandry.

Clarke: 1Sa 13:21

Yet they had a file - The Hebrew פצירה petsirah , from פצר patsar , to rub hard, is translated very differently by the versions and by critics. Our translation may be as likely as any: they permitted them the use of files, (I believe the word means grindstone), to restore the blunted edges of their tridents, axes, and goads.

Clarke: 1Sa 13:22

In the day of battle - these was neither sword nor spear - But if the Israelites enjoyed such profound peace and undisturbed dominion under Samuel, how is it that they were totally destitute of arms, a state which argues the lowest circumstances of oppression and vassalage? In answer to this we may observe, that the bow and the sling were the principal arms of the Israelites; for these they needed no smith: the most barbarous nations, who have never seen iron, have nevertheless bows and arrows; the arrow heads generally made of flint. Arrows of this kind are found among the inhabitants of the South Sea islands; and even axes, and different implements of war, all made of stone, cut and polished by stone, are frequent among them. The arms of the aboriginal Irish have been of this kind. I have frequently seen heads of axes and arrows of stone, which have been dug up out of the ground, formed with considerable taste and elegance. The former the common people term thunderbolts; the latter, elf-stones. Several of these from Ireland, from Zetland, and from the South Sea islands, are now before me

Now it is possible that the Israelites had still bows and arrows: these they could have without the smith; and it is as likely that they had slings, and for these they needed none. But then these were missiles; if they came into close fight, they would avail them nothing: for attacks of this kind they would require swords and spears; of these none were found but with Saul and Jonathan

We see, in this chapter, Israel brought to as low a state as they were under Eli; when they were totally discomfited, their priests slain, their ark taken, and the judge dead. After that, they rose by the strong hand of God; and in this way they are now to rise, principally by means of David, whose history will soon commence.

Defender: 1Sa 13:1

Contrast Act 13:21, which indicates that Saul reigned forty years. Actually the Hebrew text in this verse is defective, possibly because of some ancient copyist error. The Septuagint omits it altogether. The Hebrew text as it now stands actually reads: "Saul was - years old when he began to reign, and he reigned - and two years over Israel." Consequently various translators have used various ways of supplying the lost numbers. If it is rendered approximately as follows: "Saul was thirty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty and two years over Israel;" then the subsequent narratives, along with Act 13:21, will be found to fit well together, and it is so interpreted by many modern scholars. The fact is, however, that the actual numbers are unknown, so the best chronological constraint for this period must come from Paul's summary in Act 13:21."

Defender: 1Sa 13:5

The ancient Syriac translation, as well as some Septuagint and Arabic Bible manuscripts, read "three thousand chariots." This latter figure seems more correct, in view of the terrain, the Philistine population and the general comparative data regarding chariots and horsemen."

Defender: 1Sa 13:14

Samuel had warned Saul that if he were to be king, he must obey God's commandments. Now Saul had arrogated to himself the function of God's priest as well as king, and God had to reject him. The Lord would find what He was seeking - "a man after mine own heart" - in David (Act 13:22)."

TSK: 1Sa 13:1

am 2911, bc 1093, An, Ex, Is, 398

reigned one year : Heb. the son of one year in his reigning, This verse is variously interpreted; but probably it only means, according to the Hebrew idiom, that, during the first year nothing remarkable occurred; but after two years (or in the second year of his reign), the subsequent events took place. Exo 12:5; Mic 6:6 *marg.

TSK: 1Sa 13:2

chose : 1Sa 8:11, 1Sa 14:52

Michmash : Michmash was situated east of Bethaven, or Bethel; and Eusebius says it was in his time a considerable place, about nine miles from Jerusalem, towards Rama. 1Sa 13:5, 1Sa 13:23, 1Sa 14:5, 1Sa 14:31; Isa 10:28

in Gibeah : 1Sa 10:26, 1Sa 15:34; Jos 18:28; Jdg 19:12; 2Sa 21:6; Isa 10:29

TSK: 1Sa 13:3

the garrison : 1Sa 10:5, 1Sa 14:1-6; 2Sa 23:14

Geba : or, the hill, Jos 18:24, Gaba, Jos 21:17; Isa 10:29; Zec 14:10

blew : Jdg 3:27, Jdg 6:34; 2Sa 2:28, 2Sa 20:1

TSK: 1Sa 13:4

was had in abomination : Heb. did stink, Gen 34:30, Gen 46:34; Exo 5:21; Zec 11:8

to Gilgal : 1Sa 10:8, 1Sa 11:14, 1Sa 11:15; Jos 5:9

TSK: 1Sa 13:5

thirty thousand chariots : The Philistines had no doubt collected troops in this emergency, from all the surrounding nation; but the number of chariots is immensely large beyond any example, and wholly disproportioned to the number of their cavalry. It is probable, therefore, that for sheloshim aileph , ""thirty thousand,""we should read shelosh aileph , ""three thousand,""with the Syriac and Arabic.

as the sand : Gen 22:17; Jos 11:4; Jdg 7:12; 2Ch 1:9; Isa 48:19; Jer 15:8; Rom 9:27

Bethaven : 1Sa 14:23; Jos 7:2, Jos 18:12; Hos 4:15, Hos 5:8, Hos 10:5

TSK: 1Sa 13:6

in a strait : Exo 14:10-12; Jos 8:20; Jdg 10:9, Jdg 20:41; 2Sa 24:14; Phi 1:23

in caves : 1Sa 14:11, 1Sa 23:19, 1Sa 24:3; Jdg 6:2; Isa 42:22; Heb 11:38

TSK: 1Sa 13:7

the Hebrews : Lev 26:17, Lev 26:36, Lev 26:37; Deu 28:25

Gad : Num 32:1-5, Num 32:33-42; Deu 3:12; Jos 13:24-31

followed him trembling : Heb. trembled after him, Deu 20:8; Jdg 7:3; Hos 11:10, Hos 11:11

TSK: 1Sa 13:8

tarried : 1Sa 10:8

TSK: 1Sa 13:9

he offered : 1Sa 13:12, 1Sa 13:13, 1Sa 14:18, 1Sa 15:21, 1Sa 15:22; Deu 12:6; 1Ki 3:4; Psa 37:7; Pro 15:8; Pro 20:22, Pro 21:3, Pro 21:27; Isa 66:3

TSK: 1Sa 13:10

Saul : 1Sa 15:13

salute him : Heb. bless him, 1Sa 15:13; Rth 2:4; Psa 129:8

TSK: 1Sa 13:11

What hast : Gen 3:13, Gen 4:10; Jos 7:19; 2Sa 3:24; 2Ki 5:25

Michmash : 1Sa 13:2, 1Sa 13:5, 1Sa 13:16, 1Sa 13:23, 1Sa 14:5; Isa 10:28

TSK: 1Sa 13:12

said I : 1Ki 12:26, 1Ki 12:27

made supplication unto : Heb. intreated the face of, etc

I forced : 1Sa 21:7; Psa 66:3; Amo 8:5; 2Co 9:7

TSK: 1Sa 13:13

Thou hast done : 2Sa 12:7-9; 1Ki 18:18, 1Ki 21:20; 2Ch 16:9, 2Ch 19:2, 2Ch 25:15, 2Ch 25:16; Job 34:18; Pro 19:3; Mat 14:3, Mat 14:4

hast not kept : 1Sa 15:11, 1Sa 15:22, 1Sa 15:28; Psa 50:8-15

TSK: 1Sa 13:14

But now : 1Sa 2:30, 1Sa 15:28

the Lord : 1Sa 16:1, 1Sa 16:12; 2Sa 7:15, 2Sa 7:16; Psa 78:70, Psa 89:19, 20-37; Act 13:22

captain over : 1Sa 9:16; 2Sa 5:2; 2Ki 20:5; Heb 2:10

TSK: 1Sa 13:15

Samuel : The LXX have, ""Samuel arose and went away from Gilgal, and the remainder of the people went up along with the men of war after Samuel from Gilgal to Gibeah of Benjamin.""This is probably the true reading; for it does not appear that Samuel went to Gibeah, which was Saul’ s usual residence; and the Hebrew copyist, as Dr. Wall observes, seems to have missed a line, and added to the sentence concerning Samuel, that which ended the sentence concerning Saul. One manuscript instead of Samuel, in the beginning of the sentence, reads Saul.

present : Heb. found

about six : 1Sa 13:2, 1Sa 13:6, 1Sa 13:7, 1Sa 14:2

TSK: 1Sa 13:16

Gibeah : Heb. Gebah, 1Sa 13:3

TSK: 1Sa 13:17

in three companies : 1Sa 11:11

Ophrah : Jos 18:23

Shual : Jos 19:3

TSK: 1Sa 13:18

Bethhoron : Jos 10:11, Jos 16:3, Jos 16:5, Jos 18:13, Jos 18:14; 1Ch 6:68; 2Ch 8:5

Zeboim : Gen 14:2; Neh 11:34; Hos 11:8

TSK: 1Sa 13:19

there was no : It is probable that the Philistines in the former wars had carried away all the smiths from Israel. Jdg 5:8; 2Ki 24:14; Isa 54:16; Jer 24:1

TSK: 1Sa 13:21

a file : Heb. a file with mouths

sharpen : Heb. set, 1Sa 13:21

TSK: 1Sa 13:22

there was neither : 1Sa 17:47, 1Sa 17:50; Jdg 5:8; Zec 4:6; 1Co 1:27-29; 2Co 4:7

TSK: 1Sa 13:23

garrison : or, standing camp, 1Sa 13:3, 1Sa 14:4

passage : 1Sa 13:2, 1Sa 13:5, 1Sa 14:1, 1Sa 14:4, 1Sa 14:5; Isa 10:28

Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: 1Sa 13:1

The text of this verse, omitted by the Septuagint, is held to be corrupt, and the numerals denoting Saul’ s age at his accession as well as the duration of his reign, are thought to be omitted or faulty. Saul may have been about 30 at his accession, and have reigned some 32 years, since we know that his grandson Mephibosheth was five years old at Saul’ s death 2Sa 4:4; and 32 added to the seven and a half years between the death of Saul and that of Ishbosheth, makes up the 40 years assigned to Saul’ s dynasty in Act 13:21. Neither is there any clue to the interval of time between the events recorded in the preceding chapter, and those which follow in this and succeeding chapters. But the appearance of Jonathan as a warrior 1Sa 13:2 compared with the mention of Saul as "a young man"1Sa 9:2, implies an interval of not less than ten or fifteen years, perhaps more. The object of the historian is to prepare the way for the history of David’ s reign. He therefore passes at once to that incident in Saul’ s reign, which led to his rejection by God, as recorded in 1Sa 13:13-14.

Barnes: 1Sa 13:2

The state of things which preceded the events described in this chapter seems to have been a comparative peace between Israel and the Philistines, since Saul had only 3,000 men under arms. At the same time Philistine garrisons continued to occupy the country of the Israelites in certain strong places, whereof one was at Geba (Jeba), in the immediate neighborhood of Gibeah 1Sa 10:5; 1Sa 13:3, and exactly opposite Michmash (Mukhmas), which was on the northern edge of the great Wady Suweinit.

Barnes: 1Sa 13:3

This was the first act in the war of independence, and probably the first feat in arms of the young hero Jonathan.

Barnes: 1Sa 13:4

To Gilgal - The Wady Suweinit de-bouches into the plain of the Jordan in which Gilgal was situated. For the sanctity of Gilgal, see above, 1Sa 11:14 note.

Barnes: 1Sa 13:5

Thirty thousand chariots - Probably a copyist’ s mistake for 300. (Compare, for a similar numerical variation, 1Ch 18:4 with 2Sa 8:4.)

Eastward from Bethaven - Or more simply "to the east of Bethaven,"which Jos 7:2 lay "on the east side of Bethel."Bethaven (thought to be the same as Deir Diwan) lay between Bethel and Michmash, which had been evacuated by Saul.

Barnes: 1Sa 13:6

In thickets - literally, "among thorns."

High places - Not the high places for worship, but holds or towers Jdg 9:46, Jdg 9:49; that particular kind of tower which was the work of the old Canaanite inhabitants, and which remained as ruins in the time of Saul.

Barnes: 1Sa 13:7

The words "some of,"which are the emphatic words in the King James Version, as distinguishing those who crossed the Jordan from those who hid themselves, are not in the Hebrew at all. The "Hebrews"seem to be distinguished from the "men of Israel"in 1Sa 13:6. (Compare 1Sa 14:21.)

Barnes: 1Sa 13:8

Had appointed - This appointment has of course nothing whatever to do with that made years before 1Sa 10:8, the keeping of which is expressly mentioned at the natural time 1Sa 11:15. But Samuel had again, on this later occasion, made an appointment at the end of seven days. It seems to have been as a trial of faith and obedience, under which, this time, Saul unhappily broke down.

Barnes: 1Sa 13:9

There is a difference of opinion among commentators whether Saul himself offered the sacrifices prepared for Samuel, thus entrenching upon the priest’ s office; or whether he ordered the priests to sacrifice, as Solomon did. In the latter case his sin consisted in disobeying the word of God, who had bidden him wait until Samuel came. And this is, on the whole, the more probable; since Samuel’ s rebuke says nothing of any assumption of priesthood, such as we read in the case of Uzziah 2Ch 26:18.

Barnes: 1Sa 13:11

Saul had come from Michmash to Gilgal, expecting to gather the force of the whole nation around him. Instead of that, the people fled, leaving him in the exposed plain with only 600 men 1Sa 13:15. The Philistines occupied Michmash, and might at any moment pour down the valley upon Gilgal. Saul’ s situation was obviously one of extreme peril. A few hours’ delay might prove fatal to him and his little army. Hence, he "forced"himself, etc.

Barnes: 1Sa 13:13

Thou hast done foolishly ... - Motives of worldly expediency were not to be weighed against the express commandment of God. All the circumstances and all the dangers were as well known to God as they were to Saul, and God had bidden him wait until Samuel came. Here was exactly the same sin of willful disobedience which broke out again, and was so severely reproved 1Sa 15:17-23.

Barnes: 1Sa 13:15

Samuel arose - Saul could not return to his own station at Michmash, seeing it was occupied by the Philistines; so, perhaps by Samuel’ s advice (since, according to the text, he preceded him there), he effected a junction with Jonathan at Gibeah. Some would read "Saul"instead of "Samuel."

Barnes: 1Sa 13:17

The spoilers - " The devastator:"the same word is used of the destroying Angel Exo 12:23. The verse describes the system adopted by the Philistines by which for a time they subjugated the Israelites. From their central camp at Michmash they sent out three bands to kill and lay waste and destroy. One took a northerly direction toward Ophrah - five miles east of Bethel, identified with "Ephrain"2Ch 13:19 and the modern "Taiyibeh,"- and toward the land of Shual, possibly the same as Shalim 1Sa 9:4; the second westward to Beth-horon; and the third eastward, by the unknown valley of Zeboim, toward the wilderness, i. e., the Jordan valley, toward Jericho.

Barnes: 1Sa 13:19

There was no smith - This was the result of the fierce inroads described in the preceding verses, and the method adopted to make the Philistine conquests permanent.

Barnes: 1Sa 13:20-21

The best rendering of the passage is perhaps as follows: "But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines to sharpen etc. 1Sa 13:21, whenever there was bluntness of edge to their shares and coulters and prong-forks and axes, and to point their goads."Coulters and mattocks were cutting instruments of the type of the share.

Barnes: 1Sa 13:22

This seems to be mentioned here, in anticipation of the narrative in the next chapter, to enhance the victory gained, through God’ s help 1Sa 14:23, by the comparatively unarmed Israelites over their enemies. What with occasional skirmishes with the Philistines, the necessity of using their arms for domestic purposes, accidental losses, and the ordinary wear and tear, coupled with the impossibility of renewing their arms from the want of smiths and forges, the people that were with Saul and Jonathan came to be very imperfectly armed. It has been observed, moreover, that the Benjamites were more famous for the use of the sling than for any other weapon Jdg 20:16, and this would be an additional cause of the paucity of swords and spears.

Barnes: 1Sa 13:23

The passage of Michmash - The steep and precipitous path from Michmash to Geba, over the valley of Suweinit. The same term is used in Isa 10:28-29, where the march of the Assyrian army is described.

Poole: 1Sa 13:1

Reigned one year i.e. had now reigned one year, from his first election at Mizpeh, in which time these things were done, which are recorded 1Sa 11 1Sa 12 , to wit, peaceably, or righteously. Compare 2Sa 2:10 .

Poole: 1Sa 13:2

Saul chose Heb. and (i.e. then, as that adverb is oft used, as Gen 3:5 18:10 , &c.)

Saul chose. Three thousand men of Israel which he thought sufficient for constant attendance and service, intending to summon the rest when need should be.

Michmash a tract of ground near Ramah and Beth-el, in the border of Benjamin, and near to the Philistines.

Poole: 1Sa 13:3

The first design of Saul and Jonathan was to free then land from the garrisons which the Philistines had in it; and they first begin to clear their own country of Benjamin.

Geba not the same place called Gibeah, 1Sa 13:2 , (for if the place were the same, why should he vary the name of it in the same story, and in the next verse? nor is it likely that Jonathan would choose that place for his camp where the Philistines had a garrison,) but another place in the same tribe, in which there were two distinct places, Geba and Gibeah, Jos 18:24,28 .

Let the Hebrews hear i.e. he sent messengers to tell them all what Jonathan had done, and how the Philistines were enraged at it, and made great preparations for war; and therefore what necessity there was of gathering themselves together, and coming to him, for his and their own defence.

Poole: 1Sa 13:4

Saul had smitten i.e. Jonathan by Saul’ s direction and encouragement. The actions of an army are commonly ascribed to their general.

Gilgal the place before appointed b Samuel, 1Sa 10:8 .

Poole: 1Sa 13:5

Thirty thousand chariots: this number seems incredible to infidels; to whom it may be sufficient to reply, that it is far more rational to acknowledge a mistake in him that copied out the sacred text in such numeral or historical passages, wherein the doctrine of faith and good life is not directly concerned, than upon such a pretence to question the truth and divinity of the Holy Scriptures, which are so fully attested, and evidently demonstrated. And the mistake is not great in the Hebrew, schalosh for schellshim ; and so indeed those two ancient translators, the Syriac and Arabic, translate it, and are supposed to have read in their Hebrew copies, three thousand . Nor is it necessary that all these should be military chariots, but many of them might be for carriages of things belonging to so great an army; for such a distinction of chariots we find Exo 14:7 . But there is no need of this reply.

Chariots here may very well be put for the men that rode upon them, and fought out of them, by a figure called a metonymy of the subject for the adjunct, or the thing containing for the thing contained in it, than which none more frequent. In the very same manner, and in the very same figure, the basket is put for the meat in it, Deu 28:5,17 ; the wilderness , for the wild beasts of the wilderness, Psa 29:8 ; the nest , for the birds in it, Deu 32:11 ; the cup , for the drink in it, Jer 49:12 1Co 10:21 . And, to come more closely to the point, a horse is put for a horse-load of wares laid upon it, 1Ki 10:28 ; and an ass of bread is put for an ass-load of bread , both in the Hebrew text of 1Sa 16:20 , and in an ancient Greek poet. And, yet nearer, the word chariots is manifestly put either for the horses belonging to them, or rather for the men that fought out of them; as 2Sa 10:18 , where it is said in the Hebrew that David slew seven hundred chariots ; that is, seven thousand men which fought in chariots , as it is explained, 1Ch 19:18 ; and 1Ki 20:21 , where Ahab is said to smite horses and chariots ; and 1Ch 18:4 Psa 76:6 , where the chariot and horse (i.e. the men that ride and fight in chariots, or upon horses) are said to be cast into a dead sleep ; and Eze 39:20 , where it is said, Ye shall be filled at my table with horses and chariots , (i.e. with men belonging to the chariots; for surely the chariots of iron had been very improper food,) with mighty men , &c. And let any cavilling infidel produce a wise reason why it may not, and ought not, to be so understood here also. Add to all this, that the Philistines were not alone in this expedition, but had the help of the Canaanites and the Tyrians, as is very credible, both from /APC Sir 40:20 , and from the nature of the thing. If it be further inquired, Why the Philistines should raise so great an army at this time? the answer is obvious, That not only their old and formidable enemy Samuel was yet alive, but a new enemy was risen, even king Saul, who was lately confirmed in his kingdom, and had been flushed with his good success against the Ammonites, and was likely to grow more and more potent, if not timely prevented; and they thought that now the Israelitish affairs were come to some consistency, being put into the hands of a king; and therefore they thought fit, once for all, to put forth all their strength to suppress the Israelites, and to prevent that ruin which otherwise threatened them.

Poole: 1Sa 13:6

They were in a strait notwithstanding their former presumption, that if they had a king they should be free from all such straits. And hereby God intended to teach them the vanity of all carnal confidence in men; and that they did not one jot less need the help and favour of God now than they did before, when they had no king.

The people were distressed they were not mistaken in their apprehensions of danger, as men oft are, for they were really in great danger, their enemy’ s host far exceeding theirs, both in number, and order, and courage, and arms.

The people did hide themselves in caves whereof there were divers in those parts for this very use, as we read in Josephus, and in the Holy Scripture.

Poole: 1Sa 13:7

All the people to wit, his whole army, opposed to the common people, 1Sa 13:6 .

Poole: 1Sa 13:8

Seven days not seven complete days; for that the last day was not finished plainly appears from Samuel’ s reproof, which had then been groundless and absurd, and he had falsely charged Saul with breaking God’ s command therein, 1Sa 13:13 . And as Samuel came on the seventh day, and that with intent to sacrifice; so doubtless he came in due time for that work, which was to be done before sun-setting, Exo 29:38,39 . So Saul waited only six complete days, and part of the seventh, which is here called seven days; for the word day is oft used for a part of the day, as among lawyers, so also in sacred Scripture; as Mat 12:40 , where Christ is said to be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights , i.e. one whole day, and part of the other two days. Moreover this place may be thus rendered: He tarried until the seventh day , (as this same phrase is used, Gen 7:10 , Heb. until the seventh of the days ,) (as the Hebrew lamed is oft taken,) the set time that Samuel had appointed.

Poole: 1Sa 13:9

Either himself; or rather by the priest, as Solomon is said to offer, 1Ki 3:4 . Compare 1Sa 1:3 .

Poole: 1Sa 13:10

Behold, Samuel came i.e. it was told Saul, Behold, Samuel is coming.

Salute him i.e. congratulate his coming. This he did, partly out of custom; and partly, that by this testimony of his affection and respect to Samuel, he might prevent that rebuke which his guilty conscience made him expect.

Poole: 1Sa 13:11

What hast thou done? he suspected that Saul had transgressed, either by his dejected countenance, or some words uttered by him, though not here expressed; but he asks him, that he might be more fitly and certainly informed, and that Saul might be brought to an ingenuous confession of his sin, and true repentance for it.

within the days appointed i.e. when the seventh day was come, and a good part of it past; whence I concluded thou wouldst not come that day, and that thou hadst forgotten thy appointment, or been hindered by some extraordinary occasion.

Poole: 1Sa 13:12

I have not made supplication to the Lord hence it appears that sacrifices were accompanied with solemn prayers.

I forced myself I did it against my own mind and inclination. My conscience told me I should forbear it, and punctually obey God’ s command delivered to me by Samuel, but my necessity urged me to make haste.

Poole: 1Sa 13:13

Thou hast done foolishly in that very thing wherein thou thinkest thou hast done wisely and politicly, in disobeying my express command upon a pretended necessity, or reason of state.

The Lord thy God not only upon common grounds, as thou art his creature, and one of his people; but in a special manner, who hath conferred peculiar favours and honours upon thee; which is an aggravation of thy sin.

Now would the Lord have established thy kingdom on Israel for ever

Quest. How could this be true, when the kingdom was promised to Judah, Gen 49:10 , and consequently must necessarily be taken away from Saul, and from his tribe?

Answ First, The phrase for ever , in Scripture use, ofttimes signifies only a long time, as Gen 43:9 Exo 21:6 1Sa 28:2 . So this had been abundantly verified, if the kingdom had been enjoyed by Saul, and by his son, and by his son’ s son; after whom the kingdom might have come to Judah. Secondly, Though the kingdom had been promised to Saul and to his posterity for ever in a larger sense, yet that was upon condition of his obedience. And therefore God might well promise the kingdom to Judah, because at that time, and before, he foresaw that Saul would by his disobedience forfeit that promise, and that he would take the forfeiture, and transfer the kingdom to Judah.

Poole: 1Sa 13:14

Hath sought i.e. hath found or discovered, as men do by seeking, an anthropopathy.

A man after his own heart i.e. such a man as he desires, one who will fulfil all the desires of his heart, and not oppose them, as thou dost.

Hath commanded i.e. hath appointed or decreed, as the word command is sometimes used; for it was not yet actually done.

Because thou hast not kept that which the Lord commanded thee

Quest. First, What was Saul’ s sin?

Answ Either, first, That Saul invaded the priest’ s office, and offered the sacrifice himself; which is not probable, both because he had priests with him, and among others an eminent one, Ahiah, 1Sa 14:3 , and therefore had no occasion nor pretence for that presumption. Or rather, secondly, That Saul did not wait the full time for Samuel’ s coming; for that is the thing which God commanded, 1Sa 10:8 , and the breach of this command is the only thing for which Saul makes an apology, 1Sa 13:11,12 .

Quest. Secondly, Why did God so severely punish Saul for so small an offence, and that occasioned by great necessity, and done with an honest intention?

Answ First, Men are very incompetent judges of God’ s judgments, because they see but very little, either of the majesty of the offended God, or of the heinous nature and aggravations of the offence. For instance, men see nothing but Saul’ s outward act, which seems small; but God saw with how wicked a mind and heart he did this; with what rebellion against the light of his own conscience, as his own words imply; with what gross infidelity and distrust of God’ s providence; with what contempt of God’ s authority, and justice, and many other wicked principles and motions of his heart, unknown to men. Besides, God clearly saw all that wickedness that yet lay hid in his heart, and foresaw all his other crimes; and therefore had far more grounds for his sentence against him than we can imagine. Secondly, God doth sometimes punish small sins severely, and that for divers weighty reasons, as that all men may see what the least sin deserves, and how much they owe to God’ s free and rich mercy for passing by their great offences; and what need they have not to indulge themselves in any small sin, as men are very prone to do, upon vain presumptions of God’ s mercy, whereby they are easily and commonly drawn on to heinous crimes; and for many other reasons: so that some such instances of God’ s severity are necessary discipline and caution to all mankind in the present and future ages; and therefore there is far more of mercy and kindness in such actions, than of rigour and harshness, since this is but particular to one person, and the other is a universal good. Thirdly, It must be remembered that the kingdom of Saul and of Israel was now in its infancy, and that this was the first command which he received from God. And it hath been ever held a piece of wisdom in all lawgivers, severely to punish the first violations of their laws, to secure their honour and obedience, and to affright and caution offenders for the future. And accordingly God dealt with Cain the first murderer; with Israel, for their first idolatry with the calf; with the first miscarriage of the priests, Lev 10:1 ; with the first profaner of the sabbath, Num 15:35 ; with the first gross hypocrites in the Christian church, Act 5:5,10 . And therefore it is neither strange nor unjust if he deal with Saul after the same manner, and upon the same grounds. Fourthly, Though God threaten Saul with the loss of his kingdom for this sin, yet it is not improbable that there was a tacit condition implied, as is usual in such cases, as Jon 3:4 , to wit, if he did not heartily repent of this and of all his sins; for the full, and final, and peremptory sentence of Saul’ s rejection is plainly ascribed to another cause, 1Sa 15:11,23,26,28,29 ; and till that second offence neither the Spirit of the Lord departed from him, nor was David anointed in his stead, 1Sa 16:13,14 .

Poole: 1Sa 13:15

Unto Gibeah of Benjamin whither Saul also followed him, as appears from the next verse; either because it was better fortified than Gilgal; or because he expected a greater increase of his army there, it being in his own tribe, and nearer the heart of his kingdom; or because he hoped for Samuel’ s assistance there.

Poole: 1Sa 13:17

In three companies that they might march several ways, and so waste several parts of the country.

Ophrah a city of Benjamin, Jos 18:23 , south-west from Michmash.

Poole: 1Sa 13:18

Beth-boron a city of Ephraim, Jos 16:3 . north-west from Michmash.

The wilderness i.e. the wilderness of Jordan, eastward.

Poole: 1Sa 13:19

This was a politic course of the Philistines, which also other nations have used. So the Chaldeans took away their smiths, 2Ki 24:14 Jer 24:1 30:2 ; and Porsenna obliged the Romans by covenant, that they should use no iron but in the tillage of their lands.

Poole: 1Sa 13:20

To the Philistines not to the land of the Philistines, for it is not said so, and that was too remote; but to the stations and garrisons which the Philistines yet retained in several parts of Israel’ s land, though Samuel’ s authority had so far overawed them, that they durst not give the Israelites much disturbance. In these, therefore, the Philistines kept all the smiths, and here they allowed them the exercise of their art for the uses here following.

Poole: 1Sa 13:21

So the sense is, They allowed them some small helps to make their mattocks, and in some sort to serve their present use. But these words may be otherwise translated, and are so by some learned, both ancient and modern, translators: thus, Therefore the mouths or edges of the mattocks a coulters , &. were dull or blunt . Or rather thus, When (Heb. and put for when , as the particle and is sometimes rendered, as Mar 15:25 ) the mouths or edges of the mattocks , &c. were blunt . So this passage very well agrees both with the foregoing and following words; and the whole sense of the place is entirely thus, They went to the Philistines to sharpen their shares, and mattocks, and coulters, and axes, when they were blunt , and (which was more strange, they were forced to go to them even)

to sharpen their goads

Poole: 1Sa 13:22

Quest How could the Israelites smite either the garrison of the Philistines, above, 1Sa 13:3 , or the host of the Ammonites, 1Sa 11:11 , without arms? And when they had conquered them, why did they not take away their arms, and reserve them to their own use?

Answ 1. This want of swords and spears is not affirmed concerning all Israel, but is restrained unto those six hundred who were with Saul and Jonathan, whom God by his providence might suffer to be without those arms, that the glory of the following victory might be wholly ascribed to God; as for the very same reason God would have but three hundred men left with Gideon, and those armed only with trumpets, and pitchers, and lamps Jud 7 . There were no doubt a considerable number of swords and spears among the Israelites, but they generally hid them, as now they did their persons, from the Philistines. And the Philistines had not yet attained to so great a power over them, as wholly to disarm them, but thought it sufficient to prevent the making of new arms, knowing that the old ones would shortly be decayed and useless.

2. There were other arms more common in those times and places than swords and spears, to wit, bows and arrows, and slings and stones; as appears from Jud 20:16 2Sa 1:18,22 2Ki 3:25 1Ch 12:1,2 ; besides clubs, and instruments of agriculture, which might easily be turned into weapons of war.

3. God so governed the affairs of the Israelites, that they had no great number of swords or spears, Jud 5:8 , that so they might be kept in more dependence upon and subjection unto God, wherein their safety and happiness consisted. And therefore that famous victory obtained against the Philistines in Samuel’ s days, was not got by the sword of men, but only by thunder from heaven, 1Sa 7:10 .

Poole: 1Sa 13:23

A place so called, because it was near to Michmash, and led towards Gibeah, which, it seems, they designed to besiege, and in the mean time to waste the adjoining country.

Haydock: 1Sa 13:1

Of one year. That is, he was good, and like an innocent child, and for two years continued in that innocency. (Challoner) (St. Gregory) (Worthington) ---

Israel. This verse is omitted in some copies of the Septuagint. It is extremely difficult to explain. Some translate Hebrew, "Saul was a son of one year old," &c. (Symmachus) Others, "Saul begot a son the first year of his reign, (Raban) Isboseth, who was 40 years old when his father died, after governing all that while. (Serarius) ---

Syriac and Arabic, "In the first or second year of the reign of Saul....he chose," &c. Hardouin supposes that the people dated their years by his reign only so long. Some think that the Hebrew is imperfect; and an ancient interpreter has, "Saul was 30 years old, when he began," &c. (Calmet) ---

The Rabbins and may commentators assert, that the reign of Saul lasted only two years. (Tirinus) ---

But some of them explain this, as if he reigned alone only that term before he was rejected, when he could only be regarded as an usurper. Others, that he obtained the whole power for two years, after the death of Samuel. Usher concludes that, during the incursions of the Philistines, he could hardly be said to reign, and these commenced after he had been king two years. We might also translate, "Saul was the son of the year of his reign, (when he was confirmed at Galgal) and in the second year....he chose," &c. (Calmet) ---

Perhaps the first translation, though somewhat mystical, may be the most literal, shewing that for one year Saul continued to act with the most engaging affability and moderation. But in the second he threw off the yoke, and was, in his turn, rejected by the Lord, as we shall soon behold. (Haydock) ---

Scaliger seems to prefer allowing that the numeral letters have been omitted by some transcriber, and that we should read, Saul was 30 years old. This, and similar variations, he attributes to the compendious method of using numeral letters; (Kennicott) an inconvenience very frequently attending all manuscripts, both sacred and profane. (Taylor)

Haydock: 1Sa 13:2

Dwellings, from Galgal (Salien) or from some other general assembly. (Calmet) ---

These 3000 were to be the king's guards, supported at the expense of the nation, that the people might begin to feel one part of the royal prerogative. (Salien, the year before Christ 1089)

Haydock: 1Sa 13:3

Land. As soon as the next cities had heard the alarm, they sounded the trumpet, and so the news was conveyed to the most distant parts, in a short time, Judges iii. 27. ---

Hebrews. Probably those "on the other side" of the Jordan, who presently came to the assistance of their brethren, ver. 7. (Osiander) ---

It might also be the usual beginning of a proclamation. See Daniel iii. 4. (Menochius) ---

Septuagint and Aquila have a instead of r , in hibrim. "Let the servants (subjects) attend." (Aquila) The slaves have rebelled," (Septuagint) meaning the Philistines, who ought to have been subject to Israel. (Haydock)

Haydock: 1Sa 13:4

Courage. Hebrew, "and Israel was in abomination (stinking) with the Philistines." See Exodus vi. 21. (Calmet) ---

Septuagint, "despised as nothing the strangers." ---

Were should be omitted, as the verb is active, clamavit, in the Vulgate and Septuagint, though the Protestants have "were called," &c. They shouted with alacrity, that Saul would lead them on to battle. (Haydock) ---

Osiander thinks that they "exclaimed against him," for engaging them in this new war.

Haydock: 1Sa 13:5

Chariots. This number seems almost incredible, as the Philistines were but a contemptible nation, compared with various others which never brought so many chariots into the field. Zara, king of Ethiopia, in his army of a million men, had only 300, 2 Paralipomenon xiv. 9. Adarezer had 1000, and Sesac 12000 chariots, while Solomon could only boast of 1400. Hence the Syriac and Arabic read "3000;" and it is supposed that the Hebrew has im, at the end of shelosh, redundant. (Bochart, Capel, &c.) The number of horsemen would otherwise bear no proportion with the chariots. We must also observe, that under this name the Scripture denotes those who upon the chariots. They were drawn by two horses, and one man guided the horses, while another stood on the chariot; and in battle, eight other soldiers attended it. These remarks will tend to explain many difficult passages, in which we read of chariots being slain and hamstrung, which may be understood of the men and horses, 2 Kings viii. 4., and x. 18. In one place we read 700, and in another 7000 chariot were slain, (1 Paralipomenon xix. 18,) the latter number comprising the 10 attendants; so here, the Philistines might have 3000 chariots, which being each accompanied with ten men, might be counted as 30,000. (Calmet) ---

Others think that there were 30,000 men fighting on chariots. (Lyranus; Salien) ---

The Tyrians might have come to the assistance of their old friends, as chap. vii. 10. See 3 Kings iv. 26. (Menochius) ---

Number. Josephus specifies "300,000 infantry." (Haydock) ---

Bethaven. Many copies of the Septuagint read, "Bethoron," more probably, as Bethel must have been on the east of Machmas, which lay north of Gabaa, chap xiv. 5. (Calmet) "over-against Bethoron on the south." (Grabe) (Haydock) ---

Hebrew also, "having Bethaven on the east." Bethel was called Bethaven after the schism of Jeroboam, so that this name seems to have been substituted by a later writer, (Calmet) unless it might have had both names long before, Josue xviii. 12. (Haydock) ---

this is not contrary to chap. vii. 13, as the Philistines had been quiet for a long time. Hebrew alom, properly denotes the term of a jubilee or 50 years. (Du Hamel)

Haydock: 1Sa 13:6

Straitened, the people form the northern provinces, and provisions being cut off, by the immense army of the Philistines. (Calmet) ---

Providence was pleased to convince the people that, though they had been able to muster so large a force against the Ammonites, at so short a warning, they must not depend on the efforts of their new king. (Haydock) ---

He suffered any of the army to retire, as he sent away most of Gedeon's soldiers, that the whole glory of the victory might be attributed to him. (Salien) ---

Dens. So the Chaldean. Some explain the Hebrew, "high places (Haydock) or towers." (Calmet) ---

Septuagint, "ditches or holes." (Menochius) ---

Greek: Bothrois. In that country there are many spacious caverns, chap. xxiv., and Josue x. (Haydock)

Haydock: 1Sa 13:7

Hebrews. Septuagint, "the people, who came over, (the river) crossed the Jordan." (Haydock) ---

The title of Hebrews, "passengers," seems to be applied to those who lived on the east side of the river, (Calmet) though probably some others would seek for a retreat in that country, or even hide themselves in the regions of the Ammonites, out of which they had lately driven the inhabitants. (Haydock) ---

Hebrew, "the Hebrews passed over the Jordan, the land of," &c. (Calmet) ---

Afraid. Septuagint in a sort of "ecstasy" of fear.

Haydock: 1Sa 13:8

Of Samuel. Yet the prophet condemns his proceedings, either because he did not wait till the expiration of the seventh day, (Calmet; St. Ignatius, &c.; Salien) or because he ventured to offer sacrifice himself. (Lyra after Sulp. Serverus, &c.) (Haydock) (Worthington) ---

He had however the high priest with him; (chap. xiv. 3,) so that he might have performed this sacred function, at the request of Saul: and we do not find that the latter is accused of sacrilege. (Salien) ---

The magnitude of the punishment is no proof of the nature of the transgression, as God often punishes, with great severity, sins which to us might appear venial. (Haydock) ---

This is true, particularly with respect to those who first dare to transgress a positive command; (Numbers xv. 32.; Menochius) as Saul seems to have done the injunction of the prophet, chap. x. 8. The regal dignity was a gratuitous gift. (Salien) ---

With a trembling heart, we must consider how he was rejected for neglecting to wait so short a time," (St. Gregory) when the circumstances seems to plead so strongly in his favour. How impenetrable are the judgments of God! and how punctually does he require his orders to be obeyed! (Calmet)

Haydock: 1Sa 13:12

Lord, by sacrifices. ---

Holocaust. Hebrew, "I forced myself therefore," &c. It is asked whether Saul offered sacrifice, or caused it to be offered by the priests. The text seems to assert that he did it himself. Samuel and David did the like; and we read that Solomon ascended to the brazen altar, at Gabaon, for the same purpose, 2 Paralipomenon i. 5. If it was lawful to erect altars out of the tabernacle, notwithstanding the divine prohibition, why might not individuals also offer sacrifice on certain solemn occasions? The Hebrew kings seem to have exercised some of the sacerdotal functions, particularly before the building of the temple; for afterwards we find one of their kings severely punished for presuming to offer incense, 4 Kings xv. 5. (Calmet) ---

Yet the proofs that they ever lawfully offered sacrifice, are not very satisfactory, as, in the Scripture language, a person is often said to do what he enjoins another to perform on his account; and if some prophets have acted in the character of priests, by divine dispensation, we need not extend the privilege to all who have dared to assume the like prerogative. The law is clear. It is the duty of all who do not regulate their conduct by it, to know that they have God's approbation. Their expressing no scruple on the occasion, proves nothing, no more than the sacred writer's omitting to stigmatize their proceedings. But here, if Saul really offered the holocaust, the words of Samuel, Thou hast done foolishly, convey a sufficient reproach: but if he did not, we must suppose that he blames the neglect of waiting the full term of days. (Haydock)

Haydock: 1Sa 13:13

Ever. He foresaw this want of obedience, and therefore promised the sceptre to Juda, Genesis xlix. (Menochius) ---

God's foresight of sin, and preordination to punish it, does not take away free-will nor the possibility of a reward. (St. Augustine) (Worthington)

Haydock: 1Sa 13:14

Continue long. This seems to have been a threat, which Saul might still have escaped, if he had not proved disobedient again. St. Gregory says, "he might have been loosed from the bonds of his former disobedience;" prioris inobedientiæ nexus enodaret. The second rebellion caused him to be entirely rejected, and the prophet was ordered to go and anoint David, chap. xv. (Salien)

Haydock: 1Sa 13:15

Samuel. Piscator suspects that we ought to read Saul, as no mention is made of the prophet in the sequel of this war, and he is never consulted. (Calmet) ---

Josephus says he returned home. (Haydock) ---

But all the versions are conformable to the text: and Samuel went with the king and his 600 soldiers, to Gabaa, (Calmet) that he might not appear to retain any ill-will towards Saul, and that his followers might not be quite dispirited, as they knew that he had the thunderbolts of heaven in his hand; and if he was with them, they had nothing to fear from the myriads of their opponents. His presence was very seasonable, for they had to cut their way through the enemy. (Salien) ---

And the....Benjamin. All this is omitted in Hebrew, Chaldean, and in many Greek and Latin copies. (Calmet) ---

It is found in the Alexandrian and Vatican Septuagint. ---

In the hill, is a translation of Gabaa, which alone occurs in those editions. (Haydock)

Haydock: 1Sa 13:17

Plunder, seeing that the Israelites durst not come to an engagement. Jonathan took advantage of their absence, chap. xiv. ---

Land of Sual, "foxes," not far from the birth-place of Gedeon, Judges vi. 11.

Haydock: 1Sa 13:18

Bethoron, the lower, to the north-west of Gabaa. ---

Seboim was one of the cities which perished along with Sodom. (Calmet)

Haydock: 1Sa 13:19

Smith. The Philistines had taken these precautions before Samuel gained the victory over them, and he consented that the people should employ the Philistines as before, when he made peace with them; (Salien) or they had again begun to get the upper hand at the beginning of Saul's reign, as the Israelites had been long in the enjoyment of peace, and negligent. (Tirinus) ---

Josephus extends this species of servitude only to the neighbourhood of Gabaa, and says the major part of Saul's 600 men "was destitute of arms, because that country had neither iron nor people to make arms." The immense army which had so lately discomfited the Ammonites, was surely not without weapons. But most of them had retired, (Haydock) and those who accompanied the king might rely chiefly on their expertness in using the sling, Judges xx. 16. (Menochius) ---

The brave men who came to join David, are praised on this account, as well as for shooting with bow and arrow, 1 Paralipomenon xii. 2. Furious battles have been also fought with sharpened stakes, burnt at the end, (Virgil, Æneid vii.) and with various implements of husbandry, of which the Hebrews were not deprived. In the defeat of Sisara, they had not a buckler nor a lance among 40,000 (Judges v. 8.; Calmet) as the Philistines had already begun to deprive the Israelites of such weapons. (Haydock) -- Other nations have since imitated their policy, 4 Kings xxiv. 14. (Justin. i. 7.)

Haydock: 1Sa 13:20

All Israel, whom the Philistines had conquered, particularly the neighbouring tribes. (Calmet) ---

They were obliged to go to the places where the enemy kept garrisons, (Menochius) as they did at Gabaa, Bethel, &c. ---

Share. Septuagint, Syriac, &c., "scythe," or "sickle for corn;" Greek: theristerion. (Haydock) ---

The original term, macharesha, may signify all sorts of implements. ---

Spade. Hebrew is supposed to mean, "a coulter." Septuagint, "instrument," which the prophets often say will be turned into a sword, in times of war, Joel iii. 15., and Micheas iv. 3. ---

Rake. The same generical term is used in Hebrew as was before translated a plough-share. Septuagint have "scythe;" Greek: drepanon . (Calmet)

Haydock: 1Sa 13:21

Mended, by the Philistines. (Haydock) ---

The Hebrew is variously translated. "Their implements were like saws; or, they had a file to sharpen the," &c. (Calmet) ---

Septuagint, "and the fruits were ready to be gathered. But the vessels (instruments for labour) were three sicles for a tooth, and the same price (or station, Greek: upostasis, a word used [in] ver. 23, in the latter sense) for an axe or a scythe;" as if the Philistines required three sicles for doing the smallest thing, when the harvest was at hand. (Haydock)

Haydock: 1Sa 13:23

Further. Hebrew, "went out to the passage (Haydock) or defile of Machmas," leading to Gabaa. (Calmet) ---

Septuagint, "and there came out of the station of the strangers, to the other side (or beyond) Machmas," where they have been fixed, chap. vi. 11, 16. (Haydock)

Gill: 1Sa 13:1

Saul reigned one year,.... "Or the son of a year in his reigning" ^s; various are the senses given of these words: some interpret them, Saul had a son of a year old when he began to reign, Ishbosheth, and who was forty years of age when his father died, 2Sa 2:10, others, who understand the words of Saul himself, think there is an "ellipsis" or defect of the number, and that it may be supplied, that Saul was the son of thirty or forty years, or whatsoever age he may be supposed to be at when he began his reign; others take the words in a figurative sense, that he was like a child of a year old, for purity and innocence; so the Targum,"as the son of a year, in whom there are no faults, so was Saul when he reigned;''or he was but a year old, reckoning from the time he was turned into another man, and had another heart, which was immediately after he was anointed king at Ramah by Samuel; or he was but a year old with respect to his kingdom: the inauguration of a king is "natalis imperil", the birthday of his kingdom, and therefore the words are well enough rendered by us, "Saul reigned one year"; which is to be reckoned either from his unction at Ramah, or rather from his election at Mizpeh, to the renewal of the kingdom at Gilgal:

and when he had reigned two years over Israel; which the Jewish chronologers ^t make to be the whole of his reign, which is not probable, considering the many things done in his reign, the many battles he fought with all his enemies on every side of him, and his long persecution of David; and there were no less than three high priests in his reign; Josephus says ^q he reigned eighteen years in the lifetime of Samuel, and twenty two years after his death, in all forty; which agrees with Act 13:21. Some interpret it he reigned two years well, and the rest in a tyrannical way; or that at the end of two years, when David was anointed, the kingdom was not reckoned to him, but to David; and to this purpose Dr. Lightfoot writes, that he had been king one year from his first anointing by Samuel at Ramah, to his second anointing by him at Gibeah (Gilgal I suppose he means); and he reigned after this two years more, before the Lord cast him off, and anointed David; and the time he ruled after that was not a rule, but a tyranny and persecution ^r; but the sense Ben Gersom gives is best of all, that one year had passed from the time of his being anointed, to the time of the renewal of the kingdom at Gilgal; and when he had reigned two years over Israel, then he did what follows, chose 3000 men, &c. In the first year of his reign was done all that is recorded in the preceding chapter; and when he had reigned two years, not two years more, but two years in all, then he did what is related in this chapter.

Gill: 1Sa 13:2

Saul chose him three thousand men of Israel,.... Out of the 300,000 that went with him to fight the Ammonites, and returned with him to Gilgal, where he now was, and had stayed as may be supposed about a year, since now he had reigned two years. These 3000 men some of them doubtless were appointed as a guard about his person, and the rest were a standing army to preserve the peace of the nation, to protect them from their enemies, to watch the motions of the Philistines, and to be ready on any sudden invasion:

whereof two thousand were with Saul in Michmash, and in Mount Bethel; "Michmash", according to Bunting, ^s was four miles from Gilgal. Jerom ^t says, in his time it was shown a large village on the borders of Aella, or Jerusalem, retaining its ancient name, nine miles distant from it, near the village Rama. Adrichomius ^u says it is now called Byra, and Mr. Maundrell ^w observes that it is supposed by some to be the same with Beer, whither Jotham fled after he had delivered his parable, Jdg 9:21. Michmash is in the Misnah ^x celebrated for the best wheat being brought from it; and near to it, as appears from hence, was Bethel, and the mount of that name; and so Jerom ^y speaks of Bethel as over against Michmash; and this mount very probably is the same said to be on the east of Bethel, where Abraham built an altar, Gen 12:8 for Michmash lay to the east of Bethel:

and one thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin; the native place of Saul, and this Jonathan was the son of Saul, 1Sa 13:16. According to Bunting ^z, Gibeah, where Jonathan was stationed, was eight miles from Michmash:

and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent; to their own houses; or, as the Targum, to their cities; these were they that came at his summons, and were numbered at Bezek, and went with him to the relief of Jabeshgilead, and had been with him ever since, and now dismissed.

Gill: 1Sa 13:3

And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba,.... Not the same with Gibeah of Benjamin, as Jarchi; for it can hardly be thought that Jonathan should place himself with his thousand men where the Philistines had a garrison; or that if this was the same with that in the preceding verse, that it should be called by another name in this; but Gibeah and Geba were two places, as Kimchi observes, both indeed in the tribe of Benjamin, and it is very probable not far from one another; see Jos 18:24. This seems to be the same with the hill of God, where was a garrison of the Philistines, 1Sa 10:5, who after their defeat by Samuel contented themselves with some strong holds and garrisons in some parts of the land to keep Israel in awe; the Targum understands this of a single person, a governor of the Philistines in this place, whom Jonathan slew, and so Jarchi; and according to R. Isaiah he was one that was appointed to gather the tax for them:

and the Philistines heard of it, which alarmed them, and made them prepare for war:

and Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land; not he in person, for he was at Gilgal, as the next verse shows; but he ordered it to be blown, being aware of the preparations the Philistines were making to attack him:

saying, let the Hebrews hear; both what his son had done, and what the Philistines were doing.

Gill: 1Sa 13:4

And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines,.... For though it was smitten by Jonathan, yet it was by the order of Saul, and so ascribed to him; it seems to be a concerted thing to fall upon the garrisons of the Philistines, and get them out of their hands, and so deliver Israel entirely from them; but it was not wise for Saul, if he had such a scheme in his head, to disband his large army, as he had lately done:

and that Israel also was had in abomination with the Philistines; who were highly incensed against them by this action, and vowed revenge; the name of an Israelite was abhorred by them; and perhaps this action might be attended with much craft and cruelty; and if these garrisons were held by agreement, they might charge them with perfidy, with breach of articles, and so their name was made to stink among them, as the word signifies:

and the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal; by sound of trumpet.

Gill: 1Sa 13:5

And the Philistines gathered themselves together to fight with Israel,.... To prevent their further encroachments on them, and designs against them; for they perceived they intended to cast off their yoke, and free themselves entirely from them:

thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen; it may seem incredible that so small a people as the Philistines were, who only were possessed of five cities, or lordships, with the villages belonging to them, except what they had taken from Israel; and even if assisted by the Tyrians, the author of Sirach in the Apocrypha says:"And he destroyed the rulers of the Tyrians, and all the princes of the Philistines.'' (Sirach 46:18)though he seems to have respect not to this time, but when Samuel discomfited them, 1Sa 7:10. I say it may seem incredible that they should bring such a number of chariots into the field; wherefore this must either be understood of 30,000 men that fought in chariots, as Lyra interprets it, and in which sense it is plain and certain the word chariots is sometimes used, as in 2Sa 10:18, or else of some sort of carriages, not chariots of war, at least not all of them; but what were brought to carry the baggage of their infantry, which was very large, and to carry away the goods and substance of the Israelites; some have thought that there is a mistake of the copier, who instead of שלש, "three", read שלשים, "thirty": so Capellus; and the rather because in the Arabic and Syriac versions it is only "three thousand"; but even this is too great a number, understood of chariots of war; for never any people in the world was known to have so many chariots of war; Pharaoh in his large host had but six hundred, Exo 14:7 Jabin king of Canaan had indeed nine hundred, Jdg 4:3 and David took from the king of Zobah one thousand chariots; but whether they were all chariots of war is not certain, 2Sa 8:4. Solomon indeed had one thousand and four hundred chariots, but they do not appear to be chariots of war, but some for use, and some for state and grandeur. Wherefore, if a mistake in the copy is admitted of, and this can be confirmed by some MSS, yet we must recur to one or other of the above senses; some of them must be understood of other sort of carriages, or of men that fought in these chariots; and allowing ten men to a chariot, which seems to be the usual number by comparing 2Sa 10:18 with 1Ch 19:18 then 3000 men would fill three hundred chariots, which are as many as it can well be thought the Philistines had Zerah the Ethiopian, who brought into the field an army of million men, had no more than three hundred chariots, 2Ch 14:9, and no more had Antiochus Eupator in his army,"And with him Lysias his protector, and ruler of his affairs, having either of them a Grecian power of footmen, an hundred and ten thousand, and horsemen five thousand and three hundred, and elephants two and twenty, and three hundred chariots armed with hooks.'' (2 Maccabees 13:2)Darius in his vast army had but two hundred ^a, and in the very large one which Mithridates brought against the Romans there was but one hundred; and now 3000 men in three hundred chariots were but a proportion to 6000 horsemen, which in those times and countries was a large cavalry:

and the people as the sand which is on the sea shore in multitude; the infantry was so large as not to be numbered; however, the phrase denotes a great multitude of them; Josephus says ^b there were 300,000 footmen:

and they came up, and pitched in Michmash, eastward from Bethaven; where Saul, before he went to Gilgal, had his quarters, 1Sa 13:2. Bethaven was a place near Bethel, on the east of it, Jos 7:2 though Bethel itself was afterwards so called when Jeroboam had set up the worship of the calves there, Hos 4:15 it signifying the house of vanity or iniquity.

Gill: 1Sa 13:6

When the men of Israel saw they were in a strait, for the people were distressed,.... By reason of the vast army that the Philistines brought into the field, greatly superior to theirs, and were likely to be encompassed by them on every side; so that nothing but destruction was expected, which gave them the utmost anxiety and uneasiness; though Abarbinel refers this last clause, not to the people of Israel, but to the people of the Philistines, and takes it in this sense:

for the people drew nigh; the army of the Philistines was approaching, and got near to them; and so they were in great danger of being quickly attacked by them, and destroyed, their numbers being so great:

then the people did hide themselves in caves; of which there were many in the land of Judea, capable of receiving a large number, as the cave of Adullam, the cave of Engedi, &c. and such as the Israelites made to hide themselves when oppressed by the Midianites, Jdg 6:2.

and in thickets; woods and forests, or among thorns, as Jarchi; where there was a very great number of brambles and thorn bushes; some, as Kimchi, interpret the word of munitions, garrisons, and fortified places, to which they betook themselves:

in rocks, and in high places, and in pits; in the holes of rocks and mountains, particularly in Mount Ephraim; see 1Sa 14:22 and where there were any pits or ditches, high or deep places, where they might be out of sight, and be sheltered from their enemies.

Gill: 1Sa 13:7

And some of the Hebrews went over Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead,.... As far off as they could from the Philistines, who lay on the west of the land of Israel, and these countries were to the east. Kimchi observes, that the land of Reuben is not mentioned, which was on the other side Jordan also; because that was nearer to it than what was inhabited by Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh; and therefore they chose to go further, thinking themselves there safer:

as for Saul, he was yet in Gilgal; where he stayed till Samuel should come to him, as directed, 1Sa 10:8 to have his advice and counsel:

and all the people followed him trembling; all that were with him, the army as distinct from the common people; they abode by him, and were at his command, and were ready to go where he should direct them; but with trembling hearts when they saw the pain of the people, fleeing into holes and corners, and considered what a huge host the Philistines were coming upon them with, and Samuel their prophet not with them to encourage and counsel them.

Gill: 1Sa 13:8

And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel had appointed,.... He tarried to the seventh day, but not to the end of it, or towards the close of it, as he should have done:

but Samuel came not to Gilgal; so soon as Saul expected:

and the people were scattered from him; many deserted him, the Philistines drawing nigh, and Samuel not coming, as Saul expected, and had given the people reason to expect.

Gill: 1Sa 13:9

And Saul said,.... Being impatient, and seeing the people deserting him apace, and unwilling to engage in a battle without first sacrificing to God, and imploring his help and assistance:

bring hither a burnt offering to me; that is, a creature for a burnt offering, a bullock, sheep, goat, or lamb:

and peace offerings; which also were either of the herd, or of the flock:

and he offered the burnt offering; either he himself, or by a priest. In this unsettled time, while the tabernacle, altar, and ark, were at different places, and not yet fixed, it is thought that such who were not priests might offer, and that in high places, and where the tabernacle and altar were not.

Gill: 1Sa 13:10

And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burn offering,.... And before he could offer the peace offerings:

behold, Samuel came; and it was told Saul that he was come:

and Saul went out to meet him; left off sacrificing, and would proceed no further, leaving the rest for Samuel and out of respect to him, and to prevent a chiding of him, he went forth to meet him:

that he might salute him, or "bless him" ^c; congratulate him on his coming, ask of his health and welfare, and wish him all peace and prosperity.

Gill: 1Sa 13:11

And Samuel said, what hast thou done? This question he put to bring him to a confession of what he had done, otherwise he guessed at it by his countenance; or rather, by the prophetic spirit he was endowed with, he knew it certainly that he had offered the sacrifices without waiting for him:

and Saul said because I saw the people were scattered from me; they were deserting, and he feared, if he stayed any longer, they would all leave him; this was one reason of doing what he did:

and that thou camest not within the days appointed; seven days were appointed, and because the seventh day was come, though it was not gone, he concluded Samuel would not come at all; and that was another reason why he did what he did; and by this would have laid the blame on Samuel, as if he did not keep his time; whereas it was Saul's impatience that hurried him to this action:

and that the Philistines gathered themselves together to Michmash; where his station before was, and from thence he might quickly expect them at Gilgal; and this was another reason why he hastened the sacrifice.

Gill: 1Sa 13:12

Therefore said I..... That is, within himself:

the Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal; on a sudden, unprepared for them, especially in a religious way:

and I have not made supplication to the Lord; for his direction and assistance, and for success in the war; which it seems went along with sacrifices, or was implied in them:

I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering; it was reluctant to him, it was against his will as well as the command of Samuel, to offer before he came, he suggests; but such were the circumstances he was in, that he was obliged to it; these are the reasons or excuses he made, and some of them have a specious appearance in them.

Gill: 1Sa 13:13

And Samuel said to Saul, thou hast done foolishly,.... Not by intruding himself into the priest's office, with that he is not charged, but not waiting the full time till Samuel came; which showed his impatience, disregard to Samuel, and distrust of God; and though he thought he had acted wisely, and taken the proper precautions in his circumstances, yet he acted foolishly; and though a king, Samuel being a prophet of the Lord, and in his name, spared not to tell him so:

thou hast not kept the commandment of the Lord thy God, which he commanded thee; by his prophet, that he should wait seven days for his coming, who would then offer sacrifices, and tell him what he should do; and not to keep the commandment of God was acting a foolish part:

for now would the Lord have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever; that is, for a long time, on his son, and son's son; and then, according to promise and prophecy, it would come to one of the tribe of Judah; but now seeing he had acted such a part, it should not continue long in his family, no longer than his own life, and quickly come into other hands.

Gill: 1Sa 13:14

But now thy kingdom shall not continue,.... That is, in his family, nor in his tribe, but be removed to another:

the Lord hath sought him a man after his own heart: who was David; though as yet Samuel knew him not, he knew by divine revelation that there was another one chosen, to whom the kingdom would be given; a man every way agreeable to the will of God, and who would fulfil his will, though he knew not particularly who he was:

and the Lord hath commanded him to be captain over his people; that is, had appointed him to be king over Israel. God's decrees have the force of a law in them, and must be fulfilled; and cannot be resisted so as to be frustrated:

because thou hast not kept that which the Lord hath commanded thee; it matters not whether the thing commanded is greater or less, it is disobedience to the command that is the sin, and is resented: this might seem a small thing, since to offer the sacrifice was not criminal; but doing it before the time, a little before it should have been done, not waiting long enough for the prophet; yet it being against the command of God, or in neglect of it, it was sinful, and severely chastised; and the rather, that it might be an example to all succeeding kings how they offended, or broke the least of God's commandments; and this being the first king of Israel, he was made an example of to the rest.

Gill: 1Sa 13:15

And Samuel arose,.... Seemingly in wrath and displeasure, not staying to offer up the peace offerings which remained; and though no mention is made of Saul's going with him, yet it seems as if he did, or at least quickly followed him, as appears from the next verse:

and got him up from Gilgal unto Gibeah of Benjamin; the native place of Saul, thereby directing Saul where he should go, and which might be a stronger place than Gilgal; or however where he might expect to be joined by more persons of his own tribe, as well as in the first place protect and defend that; and it looks by Samuel's going thither, though he was displeased with Saul, yet that he did not intend to forsake him directly and entirely:

and Saul numbered the people that were present with him, about six hundred men: which was done either before he left Gilgal, or as soon as he came to Gibeah; so great a desertion was there from him, that of the 3000 first chosen by him, and of the people after called and gathered to him at Gilgal, only six hundred remained with him; a small number indeed to encounter so large an army the Philistines had brought into the field, and which therefore Saul could not face.

Gill: 1Sa 13:16

And Saul, and Jonathan his son,.... Who were now joined to their men, on Saul's coming to Gibeah:

and the people that were present with them; the six hundred men before numbered: abode in Gibeah of Benjamin; being perhaps a strong fortified place, not choosing to go forth to meet the army of the Philistines, so vastly superior to them:

but the Philistines encamped at Michmash; the old quarters of Saul before he went to Gilgal, 1Sa 13:2.

Gill: 1Sa 13:17

And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies,.... Saul not daring to come out to fight them, and there being none throughout the land to oppose them, they sent out three companies of soldiers to ravage and spoil the country; of so little use and service was a king to Israel, they were so extremely desirous of; and this was suffered, to convince them of their vain confidence in him, and that their trust ought to be in the Lord their God; never was their country more exposed to rapine and violence than now:

one company turned unto the way that leadeth to Ophrah; a city in the land of Benjamin, of which see Jos 18:23 and lay southwest from Michmash, where the army of the Philistines were:

unto the land of Shual: which the Targum paraphrases,"the land of the south;''it seems to have had its name from the multitude of foxes in it, Shual signifying a fox.

Gill: 1Sa 13:18

And another company turned the way to Bethhoron,.... Of which name there were two cities, the upper and nether, and both in the tribe of Ephraim, of which see Jos 16:3 this lay northwest from the camp of the Philistines at Michmash; eight miles from it, according to Bunting ^d:

and another company turned to the way of the border, that looketh towards the valley of Zeboim, toward the wilderness; some take this to be the Zeboim which was destroyed with Sodom and Gomorrah; and the wilderness, the wilderness of Jordan; but as that, so the valley in which it stood, was turned into a bituminous lake; this seems to be a city in the land of Benjamin, Neh 11:34 near to which was a valley, and this towards the wilderness of Jericho, and so lay eastward; the Targum calls it the valley of vipers, perhaps from its being infested with many; and so David de Pomis ^e says it is the name of a place where plenty of serpents were found, and which he says were called so because of the variety of colours in them; with which agrees Kimchi's note on the place; they seem to mean serpents spotted ^f, as if they were painted and dyed of various colours, as the Hebrew word which is thus paraphrased signifies: according to Bunting ^g, it was eight miles from Michmash.

Gill: 1Sa 13:19

Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel,.... The Philistines, when they ruled over them, having removed them into their own country, and forbid any to learn or exercise that trade in Israel:

for the Philistines said, lest the Hebrews make swords or spears: this they did to prevent their having arms, and the use of them, that they might not rebel against them, and fight with them, and overcome them; it was a piece of policy to keep them subject to them; so Nebuchadnezzar, when he conquered the Jews and carried them captive, took care particularly to carry away their smiths, and left none but the poorest sort of people in the land, 2Ki 24:14 and Porsena, king of the Etrusci, when he made a covenant with the Romans, upon the expulsion of their kings, made this a condition of peace with them, that they should use no iron but in husbandry ^h. When this course was taken by the Philistines with the Israelites, and how long it had continued is not certain; it is probable it might be in the space of forty years they ruled over Israel, in which Samson was born, for we never read of any sword or spear that he made use of; and though there were two battles in the times of Eli, in both which Israel were beaten, they might make use only of bows and arrows, slings, and stones, clubs, &c, as also in the battle of Saul with the Ammonites; and as for the defeat of the Philistines in the time of Samuel, it was by thunder; and though the Philistines were then subdued, yet, as Samuel grew old, they regained their power in a good measure, and the Israelites had not spirit enough to oppose them, nor diligence and industry to learn and revive the trade of smiths among them; not even for what was necessary to husbandry, as the following verse shows.

Gill: 1Sa 13:20

But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines,.... Were obliged to go into Palestine, into some one or other of the cities of the Philistines, or to their garrisons, where the trade of a smith was exercised:

to sharpen every man his share, and his coulter; which are the parts of the plough made of iron, with which the earth is cut and thrown up:

and his axe and his mattock; or pick axe; with the one wood is felled and cut, and with the other stones are dug; and each of these for their several uses needed sharpening; and when they did, they were obliged to go to the Philistines to have them done, they having no smiths among them.

Gill: 1Sa 13:21

Yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks, and for the axes,.... Those that would not go to the Philistines, or were not able, or thought it too much trouble, these kept files by them to sharpen those several instruments with upon occasion; though the words are by some rendered in connection with the preceding, to this sense, that they went to the Philistines to sharpen them, when the mouths, or edges, of the mattocks, coulters, &c. were dull; or "blunt" ⁱ; and so needed sharpening; and even

to sharpen the goads; with which they pricked and pushed on the oxen in ploughing, when sluggish and remiss. (The word for "file" in the verse is פים "pim", and occurs only here in the Hebrew scriptures. It is not used elsewhere in other Hebrew writings. Therefore the translators of the 1611 Authorised Version had only the root derivation to deduce what the word meant. Literally, it means "a file with mouths". However, recently archaeologists have found a stone inscribed with this word. Also they found a stone inscribed with the word "shekel". Hence they deduced that the word was really a weight of measure equal to about one third of a shekel. Newer translations usually translate this as "the charge was a third of a shekel ...", hence removing the obvious contradiction between this verse and the preceding one. Editor.)

Gill: 1Sa 13:22

So it came to pass in the day of battle,.... When that drew near, and they were called to it, and obliged to fight or flee, or surrender:

that there were neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people that were with Saul and Jonathan: which was not owing to their leaving them behind in the camp, or casting them away from them through fear, as they followed Saul with trembling, but to the cause now mentioned. In what manner some preceding battles were fought with the Philistines and Ammonites, notwithstanding, have been accounted for on 1Sa 13:19, but it is strange that the Israelites did not furnish themselves with the arms of the Philistines at the defeat of them in Ebenezer, 1Sa 7:10 and with the arms of the Ammonites at Jabeshgilead, 1Sa 11:11 and that such a warlike prince as Saul appeared at his first setting out to be should not in the first place take care to provide armour for his men by some means or another; for that those that left him should have arms, and not those that abode with him, does not seem reasonable. It may be the Benjamites, being expert in slinging, were indifferent to and neglected the use of any other weapon, or method of fighting:

but with Saul and with Jonathan his son was there found; swords and spears, and with them only.

Gill: 1Sa 13:23

And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the passage of Michmash. According to Jarchi, these two places, Michmash where the Philistines were, and Gibeah where Saul and Jonathan were, lay on two hills over against each other, and there was a valley between them; and the garrison of the Philistines drew nigh to the passage of Michmash, which led to the side of Gibeah, to the valley between them, either with an intention to besiege Gibeah, or to dare Israel to come out and fight them: but rather it seems to be some strong pass between the rocks near Michmash, where the garrison placed themselves to guard and keep against any sudden surprise; see 1Sa 14:4. The Targum is,"the governor of the Philistines went out to the ford or passage of Michmash;''and Kimchi interprets it of the princes or generals of the army; these might go to mark out a camp, and pitch upon a proper place to draw up in a line of battle.

Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: 1Sa 13:1

¹ tc The MT does not have “thirty.” A number appears to have dropped out of the Hebrew text here, since as it stands the MT (literally, “a son of a year”) must mean that Saul was only one year old when he began to reign! The KJV, attempting to resolve this, reads “Saul reigned one year,” but that is not the normal meaning of the Hebrew text represented by the MT. Although most LXX mss lack the entire verse, some Greek mss have “thirty years” here (while others have “one year” like the MT). The Syriac Peshitta has Saul’s age as twenty-one. But this seems impossible to harmonize with the implied age of Saul’s son Jonathan in the following verse. Taking into account the fact that in v. 2 Jonathan was old enough to be a military leader, some scholars prefer to supply in v. 1 the number forty (cf. ASV, NASB). The present translation (“thirty”) is a possible but admittedly uncertain proposal based on a few Greek mss and followed by a number of English versions (e.g., NIV, NCV, NLT). Other English versions simply supply ellipsis marks for the missing number (e.g., NAB, NRSV).

² tc The MT has “two years” here. If this number is to be accepted as correct, the meaning apparently would be that after a lapse of two years at the beginning of Saul’s reign, he then went about the task of consolidating an army as described in what follows (cf. KJV, ASV, CEV). But if the statement in v. 1 is intended to be a comprehensive report on the length of Saul’s reign, the number is too small. According to Acts 13:21 Saul reigned for forty years. Some English versions (e.g., NIV, NCV, NLT), taking this forty to be a round number, add it to the “two years” of the MT and translate the number in 2 Sam 13:1 as “forty-two years.” While this is an acceptable option, the present translation instead replaces the MT’s “two” with the figure “forty.” Admittedly the textual evidence for this decision is weak, but the same can be said of any attempt to restore sense to this difficult text (note the ellipsis marks at this point in NAB, NRSV). The Syriac Peshitta lacks this part of v. 1.

NET Notes: 1Sa 13:2

¹ map For location see Map4 G4; Map5 C1; Map6 E3; Map7 D1; Map8 G3.

² tn Heb “at Gibeah of Benjamin.” The words “in the territory” are supplied in the translation for clarity.

³ tn Heb “each one to his tents.”

NET Notes: 1Sa 13:3

¹ tn Or perhaps “struck down the Philistine official.” See the note at 1 Sam 10:5. Cf. TEV “killed the Philistine commander.”

² tn Heb “blew the ram’s horn in.”

NET Notes: 1Sa 13:4

¹ tn The words “this message” are supplied in the translation for stylistic reasons.

² tn Heb “stinks.” The figurative language indicates that Israel had become repulsive to the Philistines.

³ tn Heb “were summoned after.”

NET Notes: 1Sa 13:5

¹ tn Many English versions (e.g., KJV, NASB, NRSV, TEV) read “30,000” here.

NET Notes: 1Sa 13:6

¹ tn Or perhaps “vaults.” This rare term also occurs in Judg 9:46, 49. Cf. KJV “high places”; ASV “coverts”; NAB “caverns”; NASB “cellars”; NIV, NCV, TEV “pits”; NRSV, NLT “tombs.”

NET Notes: 1Sa 13:7

¹ tn The word “River” is not in the Hebrew text, but has been supplied in the translation for clarity.

NET Notes: 1Sa 13:8

¹ tn This apparently refers to the instructions given by Samuel in 1 Sam 10:8. If so, several years had passed. On the relationship between chs. 10 and 13, see V. P. Long, The Art of Biblical History (FCI), 201-23.

² tn Heb “dispersed from upon him”; NAB, NRSV “began to slip away.”

NET Notes: 1Sa 13:10

¹ tn Heb “to bless him.”

NET Notes: 1Sa 13:11

¹ tn Heb “dispersed from upon me.”

NET Notes: 1Sa 13:12

¹ tn Heb “said.”

² tn Or “I forced myself” (so KJV, NASB, NRSV, CEV); NAB “So in my anxiety I offered”; NIV “I felt compelled.”

NET Notes: 1Sa 13:13

¹ tn Or “kept.”

² tn Heb “commanded.”

NET Notes: 1Sa 13:14

¹ tn This verb form, as well as the one that follows (“appointed”), indicates completed action from the standpoint of the speaker. This does not necessarily mean that the Lord had already conducted his search and made his choice, however. The forms may be used for rhetorical effect to emphasize the certainty of the action. The divine search for a new king is as good as done, emphasizing that the days of Saul’s dynasty are numbered.

² tn Heb “according to his heart.” The idiomatic expression means to be like-minded with another, as its use in 1 Sam 14:7 indicates.

³ tn Heb “commanded.”

NET Notes: 1Sa 13:15

¹ tc The LXX and two Old Latin mss include the following words here: “on his way. And the rest of the people went up after Saul to meet the warring army. When they arrived from Gilgal….”

² tn Heb “at Gibeah of Benjamin.” The words “in the territory” are supplied in the translation for clarity (likewise in the following verse).

NET Notes: 1Sa 13:16

¹ tn The juxtaposition of disjunctive clauses in v.16 indicates synchronic action.

NET Notes: 1Sa 13:20

¹ tc The translation follows the LXX (“their sickle”) here, rather than the MT “plowshares,” which is due to dittography from the word earlier in the verse.

NET Notes: 1Sa 13:21

¹ tn Heb “the price was.” The meaning of the Hebrew word פְּצִירָה (pÿtsirah) is uncertain. This is the only place it occurs in the OT. Some propose the meaning “sharpening,” but “price” is a more likely meaning if the following term refers to a weight (see the following note on the word “shekel”). See P. K. McCarter, I Samuel (AB), 238.

² tn This word, which appears only here in the OT, probably refers to a stone weight. Stones marked פִּים (pim) have been found in excavations of Palestinian sites. The average weight of such stones is 0.268 ounces, which is equivalent to about two-thirds of a shekel. This probably refers to the price charged by the Philistines for the services listed. See P. K. McCarter, I Samuel (AB), 238; DNWSI 2:910; and G. I. Davies, Ancient Hebrew Inscriptions, 259.

³ tc Heb “and for a third, a pick.” The Hebrew text suffers from haplography at this point. The translation follows the textual reconstruction offered by P. K. McCarter, I Samuel (AB), 235.

Geneva Bible: 1Sa 13:1

Saul reigned ^{( a )} one year; and when he had reigned ^{( b )} two years over Israel,

^{( a )} While these things were done.

^{( b )} Before he took upon himself the state of a king.

Geneva Bible: 1Sa 13:3

And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that [was] in ^{( c )} Geba, and the Philistines heard [of it]. And Saul blew the ^{( d )} trumpet throughout all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear.

^{( c )} Of Kirjath-jearim, where the ark was, (1Sa 10:5).

^{( d )} That everyone should prepare themselves to fight.

Geneva Bible: 1Sa 13:5

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 ^{( e )} Bethaven.

^{( e )} Which was also called Beth-el, in the tribe of Benjamin.

Geneva Bible: 1Sa 13:7

And [some of] the Hebrews went over Jordan to the land of ^{( f )} Gad and Gilead. As for Saul, he [was] yet in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling.

^{( f )} Where the two tribes and the half remained.

Geneva Bible: 1Sa 13:8

And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel [had appointed]: but Samuel came not to Gilgal; and the people were ^{( g )} scattered from him.

^{( g )} Thinking that the absence of the prophet was a sign, that they would lose the victory.

Geneva Bible: 1Sa 13:11

And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were ^{( h )} scattered from me, and [that] thou camest not within the days appointed, and [that] the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash;

^{( h )} Though these causes seem sufficient in man's judgment: yet because they had not the word of God, they turned to his destruction.

Geneva Bible: 1Sa 13:13

And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy ^{( i )} God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.

^{( i )} Who willed you to obey him, and rest on the words spoken by his prophet.

Geneva Bible: 1Sa 13:14

But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a ^{( k )} 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.

^{( k )} That is, David.

Geneva Bible: 1Sa 13:15

And Samuel arose, and gat him up from Gilgal unto ^{( l )} Gibeah of Benjamin. And Saul numbered the people [that were] present with him, about six hundred men.

^{( l )} And went to his city Ramah.

Geneva Bible: 1Sa 13:18

And another company turned the way [to] Bethhoron: and ^{( m )} another company turned [to] the way of the border that looketh to the valley of Zeboim toward the wilderness.

^{( m )} So that to man's judgment these three armies would have overrun the whole country.

Geneva Bible: 1Sa 13:22

So it came to pass in the day of battle, that there was neither ^{( n )} 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.

^{( n )} To declare that the victory only came from God, and not by their force.

Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: 1Sa 13:1-23

1 Saul's select band.

3 He calls the Hebrews to Gilgal against the Philistines, whose garrison Jonathan had smitten.

5 The Philistines' great host.

6 The distress of the Israelites.

8 Saul, weary of staying for Samuel, sacrifices.

11 Samuel reproves him.

17 The three spoiling bands of the Philistines.

19 The policy of the Philistines, to suffer no smith in Israel.

MHCC: 1Sa 13:1-7

Saul reigned one year, and nothing particular happened; but in his second year the events recorded in this chapter took place. For above a year he gave the Philistine time to prepare for war, and to weaken and to disarm the Israelites. When men are lifted up in self-sufficiency, they are often led into folly. The chief advantages of the enemies of the church are derived from the misconduct of its professed friends. When Saul at length sounded an alarm, the people, dissatisfied with his management, or terrified by the power of the enemy, did not come to him, or speedily deserted him.

MHCC: 1Sa 13:8-14

Saul broke the order expressly given by Samuel, see 1Sa 10:8, as to what should be done in cases of extremity. Saul offered sacrifice without Samuel, and did it himself, though he was neither priest nor prophet. When charged with disobedience, he justified himself in what he had done, and gave no sign of repentance for it. He would have this act of disobedience pass for an instance of his prudence, and as a proof of his piety. Men destitute of inward piety, often lay great stress on the outward performances of religion. Samuel charges Saul with being an enemy to himself. Those that disobey the commandments of God, do foolishly for themselves. Sin is folly, and the greatest sinners are the greatest fools. Our disposition to obey or disobey God, will often be proved by our behaviour in things which appear small. Men see nothing but Saul's outward act, which seems small; but God saw that he did this with unbelief and distrust of his providence, with contempt of his authority and justice, and with rebellion against the light of his own conscience. Blessed Saviour, may we never, like Saul, bring our poor offerings, or fancied peace-offerings, without looking to thy precious, thy all-sufficient sacrifice! Thou only, O Lord, canst make, or hast made, our peace in the blood of the cross.

MHCC: 1Sa 13:15-23

See how politic the Philistines were when they had power; they not only prevented the people of Israel from making weapons of war, but obliged them to depend upon their enemies, even for instruments of husbandry. How impolitic Saul was, who did not, in the beginning of his reign, set himself to redress this. Want of true sense always accompanies want of grace. Sins which appear to us very little, have dangerous consequences. Miserable is a guilty, defenceless nation; much more those who are destitute of the whole armour of God.

Matthew Henry: 1Sa 13:1-7

We are not told wherein it was that the people of Israel offended God, so as to forfeit his presence and turn his hand against them, as Samuel had threatened (1Sa 12:15); but doubtless they left God, else he would not have left them, as here it appears he did; for,

I. Saul was very weak and impolitic, and did not order his affairs with discretion. Saul was the son of one year (so the first words are in the original), a phrase which we make to signify the date of his reign, but ordinarily it signifies the date of one's birth, and therefore some understand it figuratively - he was as innocent and good as a child of a year old; so the Chaldee paraphrase: he was without fault, like the son of a year. But, if we admit a figurative sense, it may as well intimate that he was ignorant and imprudent, and as unfit for business as a child of a year old: and the subsequent particulars make this more accordant with his character than the former. But we take it rather, as our own translation has it, Saul reigned one year, and nothing happened that was considerable, it was a year of no action; but in his second year he did as follows: - 1. he chose a band of 3000 men, of whom he himself commanded 2000, and his son Jonathan 1000, 1Sa 13:2. The rest of the people he dismissed to their tents. If he intended these only for the guard of his person and his honorary attendants, it was impolitic to have so many, if for a standing army, in apprehension of danger from the Philistines, it was no less impolitic to have so few; and perhaps the confidence he put in this select number, and his disbanding the rest of that brave army with which he had lately beaten the Ammonites (1Sa 11:8-11), was looked upon as an affront to the kingdom, excited general disgust, and was the reason he had so few at his call when he had occasion for them. The prince that relies on a particular party weakens his own interest in the whole community. 2. He ordered his son Jonathan to surprise and destroy the garrison of the Philistines that lay near him in Geba, 1Sa 13:3. I wish there were no ground for supposing that this was a violation or infraction of some articles with the Philistines, and that it was done treacherously and perfidiously. The reason why I suspect it is because it is said that, for doing it, Israel was had in abomination, or, as the word is, did stink with the Philistines (1Sa 13:4), as men void of common honesty and whose word could not be relied on. If it was so, we will lay the blame, not on Jonathan who did it, but on Saul, his prince and father, who ordered him to do it, and perhaps kept him in ignorance of the truth of the matter. Nothing makes the name of Israel odious to those that are without so much as the fraud and dishonesty of those that are called by that worthy name. If professors of religion cheat and over-reach, break their word and betray their trust, religion suffers by it, and is had in abomination with the Philistines. Whom may one trust if not an Israelite, one that, it is expected, should be without guile? 3. When he had thus exasperated the Philistines, then he began to raise forces, which, if he had acted wisely, he would have done before. When the Philistines had a vast army ready to pour in upon him, to avenge the wrong he had done them, then was he blowing the trumpet through the land, among a careless, if not a disaffected people, saying, Let the Hebrews hear (1Sa 13:3), and so as many as thought fit came to Saul to Gilgal, 1Sa 13:4. But now the generality, we may suppose, drew back (either in dislike of Saul's politics or in dread of the Philistines' power), who, if he had summoned them sooner, would have been as ready at his beck as they were when he marched against the Ammonites. We often find that after-wit would have done much better before and have prevented much inconvenience.

II. Never did the Philistines appear in such a formidable body as they did now, upon this provocation which Saul gave them. We may suppose they had great assistance from their allies, for (1Sa 13:5), besides 6000 horse, which in those times, when horses were not so much used in war as they are now, was a great body, they had an incredible number of chariots, 30,000 in all: most of them, we may suppose, were carriages for the bag and baggage of so vast an army, not chariots of war. But their foot was innumerable as the sand of the sea-shore, so jealous were they for the honour of their nation and so much enraged at the baseness of the Israelites in destroying their garrison. If Saul had asked counsel of God before he had given the Philistines this provocation, he and his people might the better have borne this threatening trouble which they had now brought on themselves by their own folly.

III. Never were the people of Israel so faint-hearted, so sneaking, so very cowardly, as they were now. Some considerable numbers, it may be, came to Saul to Gilgal; but, hearing of the Philistines' numbers and preparations, their spirits sunk within them, some think because they did not find Samuel there with Saul. Those that, awhile ago, were weary of him, and wished for a king, now had small joy of their king unless they could see him under Samuel's direction. Sooner or later, men will be made to see that God and his prophets are their best friends. Now that they saw the Philistines making war upon them, and Samuel not coming in to help them, they knew not what to do; men's hearts failed them for fear. And. 1. Some absconded. Rather than run upon death among the Philistines, they buried themselves alive in caves and thickets, 1Sa 13:6. See what work sin makes; it exposes men to perils, and then robs them of their courage and dispirits them. A single person, by faith, can say, I will not be afraid of 10,000 (Psa 3:6); but here thousands of degenerate Israelites tremble at the approach of a great crowd of Philistines. Guilt makes men cowards. 2. Others fled (1Sa 13:7): They went over Jordan to the land of Gilead, as far as they could from the danger, and to a place where they had lately been victorious over the Ammonites. Where they had triumphed they hoped to be sheltered. 3. Those that staid with Saul followed him trembling, expecting no other than to be cut off, and having their hands and hearts very much weakened by the desertion of so many of their troops. And perhaps Saul himself, though he had so much honour as to stand his ground, yet had no courage to spare wherewith to inspire his trembling soldiers.

Matthew Henry: 1Sa 13:8-14

Here is, I. Saul's offence in offering sacrifice before Samuel came. Samuel, when he anointed him, had ordered him to tarry for him seven days in Gilgal, promising that, at the end of those days, he would be sure to come to him, and both offer sacrifices for him and direct him what he should do. This we had 1Sa 10:8. Perhaps that order, though inserted there, was given him afterwards, or was given him as a general rule to be observed in every public congress at Gilgal, or, as is most probable, though not mentioned again, was lately repeated with reference to this particular occasion; for it is plain that Saul himself understood it as obliging him from God now to stay till Samuel came, else he would not have made so many excuses as he did for not staying, 1Sa 13:11. This order Saul broke. He staid till the seventh day, yet had not patience to wait till the end of the seventh day. Perhaps he began to reproach Samuel as false to his word, careless of his country, and disrespectful of his prince, and thought it more fit that Samuel should wait for him than he for Samuel. However, 1. He presumed to offer sacrifice without Samuel, and nothing appears to the contrary but that he did it himself, though he was neither priest nor prophet, as if, because he was a king, he might do any thing, a piece of presumption which king Uzziah paid dearly for, 2Ch 26:16, etc. 2. He determined to engage the Philistines without Samuel's directions, though he had promised to show him what he should do. So self-sufficient Saul was that he thought it not worth while to stay for a prophet of the Lord, either to pray for him or to advise him. This was Saul's offence, and that which aggravated it was, (1.) That for aught that appears, he did not send any messenger to Samuel, to know his mind, to represent the case to him, and to receive fresh directions from him, though he had enough about him that were swift enough of foot at this time. (2.) That when Samuel came he rather seemed to boast of what he had done than to repent of it; for he went forth to salute him, as his brother-sacrificer, and seemed pleased with the opportunity he had of letting Samuel know that he needed him not, but could do well enough without him. He went out to bless him, so the word is, as if he now thought himself a complete priest, empowered to bless as well as sacrifice, whereas he should have gone out to be blessed by him. (3.) That he charged Samuel with breach of promise: Thou camest not within the days appointed (1Sa 13:11), and therefore if any thing was amiss Samuel must bear the blame, who was God's minister; whereas he did come according to his word, before the seven days had expired. Thus the scoffers of the latter days think the promise of Christ's coming is broken, because he does not come in their time, though it is certain he will come at the set time. (4.) That when he was charged with disobedience he justified himself in what he had done, and gave no sign at all of repentance for it. It is not sinning that ruins men, but sinning and not repenting, falling and not getting up again. See what excuses he made, 1Sa 13:11, 1Sa 13:12. He would have this act of disobedience pass, [1.] For an instance of his prudence. The people were most of them scattered from him, and he had no other way than this to keep those with him that remained and to prevent their deserting too. If Samuel neglected the public concerns, he would not. [2.] For an instance of his piety. He would be thought very devout, and in great care not to engage the Philistines till he had by prayer and sacrifice engaged God on his side: " The Philistines, "said he, " will come down upon me, before I have made my supplication to the Lord, and then I am undone. What! go to war before I have said my prayers!"Thus he covered his disobedience to God's command with a pretence of concern for God's favour. Hypocrites lay a great stress upon the external performances of religion, thinking thereby to excuse their neglect of the weightier matters of the law. And yet, lastly, He owns it went against his conscience to do it: I forced myself and offered a burnt-offering, perhaps boasting that he had broken through his convictions and got the better of them, or at least thinking this extenuated his fault, that he knew he should not have done as he did, but did it with reluctancy. Foolish man! to think that God would be well pleased with sacrifices offered in direct opposition both to his general and particular command.

II. The sentence passed upon Saul for this offence. Samuel found him standing by his burnt-offering, but, instead of an answer of peace, was sent to him with heavy tidings, and let him know that the sacrifice of the wicked is abomination to the Lord, much more when he brings it, as Saul did, with a wicked mind. 1. He shows him the aggravations of his crime, and says to this king, Thou art wicked, which it is not for any but a prophet of the Lord to say, Job 34:18. He charges him with being an enemy to himself and his interest - Thou hast done foolishly, and a rebel to God and his government - " Thou hast not kept the commandment of the Lord thy God, that commandment wherewith he intended to try thy obedience."Note, Those that disobey the commandments of God do foolishly for themselves. Sin is folly, and sinners are the greatest fools. 2. He reads his doom (1Sa 13:14): " Thy kingdom shall not continue long to thee or thy family; God has his eye upon another, a man after his own heart, and not like thee, that will have thy own will and way."The sentence is in effect the same with Mene tekel , only now there seems room left for Saul's repentance, upon which this sentence would have been reversed; but, upon the next act of disobedience, it was made irreversible, 1Sa 15:29. And now, better a thousand times he had continued in obscurity tending his asses than to be enthroned and so soon dethroned. But was not this hard, to pass so severe a sentence upon him and his house for a single error, an error that seemed so small, and in excuse for which he had so much to say? No, The Lord is righteous in all his ways and does no man any wrong, will be justified when he speaks and clear when he judges. By this, (1.) He shows that there is no sin little, because no little god to sin against; but that every sin is a forfeiture of the heavenly kingdom, for which we stood fair. (2.) He shows that disobedience to an express command, though in a small matter, is a great provocation, as in the case of our first parents. (3.) He warns us to take heed of our spirits, for that which to men may seem but a small offence, yet to him that knows from what principle and with what disposition of mind it is done, may appear a heinous crime. (4.) God, in rejecting Saul for an error seemingly little, sets off, as by a foil, the lustre of his mercy in forgiving such great sins as those of David, Manasseh, and others. (5.) We are taught hereby how necessary it is that we wait on our God continually. Saul lost his kingdom for want of two or three hours' patience.

Matthew Henry: 1Sa 13:15-23

Here, 1. Samuel departs in displeasure. Saul has set up for himself, and now he is left to himself: Samuel gat him from Gilgal (1Sa 13:15), and it does not appear that he either prayed with Saul or directed him. Yet in going up to Gibeah of Benjamin, which was Saul's city, he intimated that he had not quite abandoned him, but waited to do him a kindness another time. Or he went to the college of the prophets there, to pray for Saul when he did not think fit to pray with him. 2. Saul goes after him to Gibeah, and there musters his army, and finds his whole number to be but 600 men, 1Sa 13:15, 1Sa 13:16. Thus were they for their sin diminished and brought low. 3. The Philistines ravage the country, and put all the adjacent parts under contribution. The body of their army, or standing camp (as it is called in the margin, 1Sa 13:23), lay in an advantageous pass at Michmash, but thence they sent out three separate parties or detachments that took several ways, to plunder the country, and bring in provisions for the army, 1Sa 13:17, 1Sa 13:18. By these the land of Israel was both terrified and impoverished, and the Philistines were animated and enriched. This the sin of Israel brought upon them, Isa 42:24. 4. The Israelites that take the field with Saul are unarmed, having only slings and clubs, not a sword or spear among them all, except what Saul and Jonathan themselves have, 1Sa 13:19, 1Sa 13:22. See here, (1.) How politic the Philistines were, when they had power in their hands, and did what they pleased in Israel. They put down all the smiths' shops, transplanted the smiths into their own country, and forbade any Israelite, under severe penalties, to exercise the trade or mystery of working in brass or iron, though they had rich mines of both (Deu 8:9) in such plenty that it was said of Asher, his shoes shall be iron and brass, Deu 33:25. This was subtilely done of the Philistines, for hereby they not only prevented the people of Israel from making themselves weapons of war (by which they would be both disused to military exercises and unfurnished when there was occasion), but obliged them to a dependence upon them even for the instruments of husbandry; they must go to them, that is, to some or other of their garrisons, which were dispersed in the country, to have all their iron-work done, and no more might an Israelite do than use a file (1Sa 13:20, 1Sa 13:21), and no doubt the Philistines' smiths brought the Israelites long bills for work done. (2.) How impolitic Saul was, that did not, in the beginning of his reign, set himself to redress this grievance. Samuel's not doing it was very excusable; he fought with other artillery; thunder and lightning, in answer to his prayer, were to him instead of sword and spear; but for Saul, that pretended to be a king like the kings of the nations, to leave his soldiers without swords and spears, and take no care to provide them, especially when he might have done it out of the spoils of the Ammonites whom he conquered in the beginning of his reign, was such a piece of negligence as could by no means be excused. (3.) How slothful and mean-spirited the Israelites were, that suffered the Philistines thus to impose upon them and had no thought nor spirit to help themselves. It was reckoned very bad with them when there was not a shield or spear found among 40,000 in Israel (Jdg 5:8), and it was not better now, when there was never an Israelite with a sword by his side but the king and his son, never a soldier, never a gentleman; surely they were reduced to this, or began to be so, in Samuel's time, for we never find him with sword or spear in his hand. If they had not been dispirited, they could not have been disarmed, but it was sin that made them naked to their shame.

Keil-Delitzsch: 1Sa 13:1

The history of the reign of Saul commences with this chapter;

(Note: The connection of 1Sa 13:8-11 of this chapter with 1Sa 10:8 isadduced in support of the hypothesis that 1 Samuel 13 forms a directcontinuation of the account that was broken off in 1Sa 10:16. Thisconnection must be admitted; but it by no means follows that in thesource from which the books before us were derived, 1 Samuel 13 wasdirectly attached to 1Sa 8:16, and that Samuel intended tointroduce Saul publicly as king here in Gilgal immediately before theattack upon the Philistines, to consecrate him by the solemnpresentation of sacrifices, and to connect with this the religiousconsecration of the approaching campaign. For there is not a wordabout any such intention in the chapter before us or in 1Sa 10:8,nor even the slightest hint at it. Thenius has founded this view of hisupon his erroneous interpretation of ירדתּ in 1Sa 10:8as an imperative, as if Samuel intended to command Saul to go toGilgal immediately after the occurrence of the signs mentioned in 1Sa 10:2.: a view which is at variance with the instructions given tohim, to do what his hand should find after the occurrence of thosesigns. To this we may also add the following objections: How is it conceivable that Saul, who concealed his anointing even from his own family after his return from Samuel to Gibeah (1Sa 10:16), should have immediately after chosen 3000 men of Israel to begin the war against the Philistines? How did Saul attain to any such distinction, that at his summons all Israel gathered round him as their king, even before he had been publicly proclaimed king in the presence of the people, and before he had secured the confidence of the people by any kingly heroic deed? The fact of his having met with a band of prophets, and even prophesied in his native town of Gibeah after his departure from Samuel, and that this had become a proverb, is by no means enough to explain the enterprises described in 1Sa 8:1-7, which so absolutely demand the incidents that occurred in the meantime as recorded in 1 Samuel 10:17-12:25 even to make them intelligible, that any writing in which 1Sa 13:2. following directly upon 1Sa 10:16 would necessarily be regarded as utterly faulty. This fact, which I have already adduced in my examination of the hypothesis defended by Thenius in my Introduction to the Old Testament (p. 168), retains its force undiminished, even though, after a renewed investigation of the question, I have given up the supposed connection between 1Sa 10:8 and the proclamation mentioned in 1Sa 11:14., which I defended there.)

and according to the standing custom in the history ofthe kings, it opens with a statement of the age of the king when he beganto reign, and the number of years that his reign lasted. If, for example, wecompare the form and contents of this verse with 2Sa 2:10; 2Sa 5:4; 1Ki 14:21; 1Ki 22:42; 2Ki 8:26, and other passages, where the age is given atwhich Ishbosheth, David, and many of the kings of Judah began to reign,and also the number of years that their reign lasted, there can be no doubtthat our verse was also intended to give the same account concerning Saul,and therefore that every attempt to connect this verse with the one whichfollows is opposed to the uniform historical usage. Moreover, even if, as a matter of necessity, the second clause of _1Sa 13:1 couldbe combined with 1Sa 13:2 in the following manner: He was two years kingover Israel, then Saul chose 3000 men, etc.; the first half of the versewould give no reasonable sense, according to the Masoretic text that hascome down to us. בּמלכו שׁאוּל בּן־שׁנה cannot possibly berendered "jam per annum regnaverat Saul ," "Saul had been king for a year,"or "Saul reigned one year,"but can only mean "Saul was a year old whenhe became king." This is the way in which the words have been correctlyrendered by the Sept. and Jerome ; and so also in the Chaldee paraphrase("Saul was an innocent child when he began to reign") this is the way inwhich the text has been understood.

It is true that this statement as to his age is obviously false; but all thatfollows from that is, that there is an error in the text, namely, that between בּן and שׁנה the age has fallen out, - a thing which couldeasily take place, as there are many traces to show that originally thenumbers were not written in words, but only in letters that were used asnumerals. This gap in the text is older than the Septuagint version, as ourpresent text is given there. There is, it is true, an anonymus in the hexapla ,in which we find the reading υἱὸς τριάκοντα ἐτῶν Σαούλ ; but this is certainly not according to ancient MSS, but simplyaccording to a private conjecture, and that an incorrect one. For since Saulalready had a son, Jonathan, who commanded a division of the army in thevery first years of his reign, and therefore must have been at least twentyyears of age, if not older, Saul himself cannot have been less than fortyyears old when he began to reign. Moreover, in the second half of the verse also, the number given isevidently a wrong one, and the text therefore equally corrupt; for therendering " when he had reigned two years over Israel "is opposed both bythe parallel passages already quoted, and also by the introduction of thename Saul as the subject in 1Sa 13:2 , which shows very clearly that 1Sa 13:2commences a fresh sentence, and is not merely the apodosis to 1Sa 13:1 . ButSaul's reign must have lasted longer than two years, even if, in oppositionto all analogies to be found elsewhere, we should understand the two yearsas merely denoting the length of his reign up to the time of his rejection(1 Samuel 15), and not till the time of his death. Even then he reigned longer thanthat; for he could not possibly have carried on all the wars mentioned in 1Sa 14:47, with Moab, Ammon, Edom, the kings of Zobah and thePhilistines, in the space of two years. Consequently a numeral, say כ , twenty, must also have dropped out before שׁנים שׁתּי (two years); since there are cogent reasons for assuming that hisreign lasted as long as twenty or twenty-two years, reckoning to the timeof his death. We have given the reasons themselves in connection with thechronology of the period of the judges (pp. 206f.).

(Note: The traditional account that Saul reigned forty years (Act 13:24, and Josephus, Ant . vi. 14, 9) is supposed to have arisen,according to the conjecture of Thenius (on 2Sa 2:10), from thefact that his son Ishbosheth was forty years old when he began toreign, and the notion that as he is not mentioned among the sons ofSaul in 1Sa 14:49, he must have been born after thecommencement of Saul's own reign. This conjecture is certainly aprobable one; but it is much more natural to assume that as David andSolomon reigned forty years, it arose from the desire to make Saul'sreign equal to theirs.)

Keil-Delitzsch: 1Sa 13:2-7

The war with the Philistines (1 Samuel 13-14) certainly falls, at least so far asthe commencement is concerned, in the very earliest part of Saul's reign. This we must infer partly from the fact, that at the very time when Saulwas seeking for his father's asses, there was a military post of thePhilistines at Gibeah (1Sa 10:5), and therefore the Philistines hadalready occupied certain places in the land; and partly also from the fact,that according to this chapter Saul selected an army of 3000 men out of thewhole nation, took up his post at Michmash with 2000 of them, placingthe other thousand at Gibeah under his son Jonathan, and sent the rest ofthe people home (1Sa 13:2), because his first intention was simply to check thefurther advance of the Philistines. The dismission of the rest of the peopleto their own homes presupposes that the whole of the fighting men of thenation were assembled together. But as no other summoning together of the people has been mentionedbefore, except to the war upon the Ammonites at Jabesh (1Sa 11:6-7),where all Israel gathered together, and at the close of which Samuel hadcalled the people and their king to Gilgal (1Sa 11:14), the assumption isa very probable one, that it was there at Gilgal, after the renewal of themonarchy, that Saul formed the resolution at once to make war upon thePhilistines, and selected 3000 fighting men for the purpose out of thewhole number that were collected together, and then dismissed theremainder to their homes. In all probability Saul did not consider thateither he or the Israelites were sufficiently prepared as yet to undertake awar upon the Philistines generally, and therefore resolved, in the firstplace, only to attack the outpost of the Philistines, which was advanced asfar as Gibeah, with a small number of picked soldiers. According to thissimple view of affairs, the war here described took place at the verycommencement of Saul's reign; and the chapter before us is closelyconnected with the preceding one.

1Sa 13:2

Saul posted himself at Michmash and on the mount of Bethelwith his two thousand men. Michmash , the present Mukhmas , a village inruins upon the northern ridge of the Wady Suweinit , according to the Onom . ( s. v. Machmas ), was only nine Roman miles to the north ofJerusalem, whereas it took Robinson three hours and a half to go from oneto the other ( Pal . ii. p. 117). Bethel ( Beitin ; see at Jos 7:2) is to the north-west of this, at a distance of two hours' journey, if you take the road pastDeir-Diwan. The mountain ( הר ) of Bethel cannot be preciselydetermined. Bethel itself was situated upon very high ground; and theruins of Beitin are completely surrounded by heights (Rob. ii. p. 126; andv. Raumer, Pal . pp. 178-9). Jonathan stationed himself with his thousandmen at (by) Gibeah of Benjamin, the native place and capital of Saul,which was situated upon Tell el Phul (see at Jos 18:28), about an hourand a half form Michmas.

1Sa 13:3-4

"And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that was atGeba," probably the military post mentioned in 1Sa 10:5, which hadbeen advanced in the meantime as far as Geba. For Geba is not to beconfounded with Gibeah , from which it is clearly distinguished in 1Sa 13:16 ascompared with 1Sa 13:15, but is the modern Jeba , between the Wady Suweinit and Wady Fara , to the north-west of Ramah (er-Râm; see at Jos 18:24). "The Philistines heard this. And Saul had the trumpet blown throughoutthe whole land, and proclamation made: let the Hebrews hear it." לאמר after בּשּׁופר תּקע points out the proclamationthat was made after the alarm given by the shophar (see 2Sa 20:1; 1Ki 1:34, 1Ki 1:39, etc.). The object to "let them hear"may be easily suppliedfrom the context, viz., Jonathan's feat of arms. Saul had this trumpeted inthe whole land, not only as a joyful message for the Hebrews, but also asan indirect summons to the whole nation to rise and make war upon thePhilistines. In the word שׁמע (hear), there is often involved theidea of observing, laying to heart that which is heard. If we understand ישׁמעוּ in this sense here, and the next versedecidedly hints at it, there is no ground whatever for the objection whichThenius, who follows the lxx, has raised to העברים ישׁמעוּ . He proposes this emendation, העברים ישׁמעוּ ,"let the Hebrews fall away,"according to the Alex. text ἠθετήκασιν οἱ δοῦλοι , without reflecting that the very expression οἱδοῦλοι is sufficientto render the Alex. reading suspicious, and that Saul could not havesummoned the people in all the land to fall away from the Philistines,since they had not yet conquered and taken possession of the whole. Moreover, the correctness of ישׁמעוּ is confirmed by ישׁמעוּ ישׂראל וכל in 1Sa 13:4. "All Israel heard," not the call to fallaway, but the news, "Saul has smitten a garrison of the Philistines, andIsrael has also made itself stinking with the Philistines," i.e., hated inconsequence of the bold and successful attack made by Jonathan, whichproved that the Israelites would no longer allow themselves to beoppressed by the Philistines. "And the people let themselves be calledtogether after Saul to Gilgal." הצּעק , to permit to summon to war (asin Jdg 7:23-24). The words are incorrectly rendered by the Vulgate,"clamavit ergo populus post Saul ," and by Luther, "Then the people criedafter Saul to Gilgal."Saul drew back to Gilgal, when the Philistinesadvanced with a large army, to make preparations for the further conflict(see at 1Sa 13:13).

1Sa 13:5

The Philistines also did not delay to avenge the defeat at Geba. They collected an innumerable army: 30,000 chariots, 6000 horsemen, andpeople, i.e., foot-soldiers, without number (as the sand by the sea-shore;cf. Jdg 7:12; Jos 11:4, etc.). רכב by the side of פּרשׁים can only mean war chariots. 30,000 war chariots, however, bear noproportion whatever to 6000 horsemen, not only because the number ofwar chariots is invariably smaller than that of the horsemen (cf. 2Sa 10:18; 1Ki 10:26; 2Ch 12:3), but also, as Bochart observes in his Hieroz . p. i. lib. ii. c. 9, because such a number of war chariots is never metwith either in sacred or profane history, not even in the case of nationsthat were much more powerful than the Philistines. The number istherefore certainly corrupt, and we must either read 3000 ( אל שׁלשׁת instead of אל שׁלשׁים ), according to the Syriac and Arabic,or else simply 1000; and in the latter case the origin of the number thirtymust be attributed to the fact, that through the oversight of a copyist the ל of the word ישׂראל was written twice, and consequently thesecond ל was taken for the numeral thirty. This army was encamped " atMichmash , before (i.e., in the front, or on the western side of) Bethaven :"for, according to Jos 7:2, Bethaven was to the east of Michmash; and קדמת when it occurs in geographical accounts, does not "alwaysmean to the east,"as Thenius erroneously maintains, but invariably meanssimply "in front"(see at Gen 2:14).

(Note: Consequently there is no ground whatever for altering the textaccording to the confused rendering of the lxx, ἐν Μαχμὰς ἐξ ἐναντὶας Βαιθωρὼν κατὰ νότου , for the purpose of substituting forthe correct statement in the text a description which would begeographically wrong, viz., to the south-east of Beth-horon, sinceMichmash was neither to the south nor to the south-east, but to theeast of Beth-horon.)

1Sa 13:6-7

When the Israelites saw that they had come into a strait ( צר־לו ), for the people were oppressed (by the Philistines), they hidthemselves in the caves, thorn-bushes, rocks (i.e., clefts of the rocks),fortresses ( צרחים : see at Jdg 9:46), and pits (which were to be foundin the land); and Hebrews also went over the Jordan into the land of Gadand Gilead, whilst Saul was still at Gilgal; and all the people (the people ofwar who had been called together, v. 4) trembled behind him, i.e., weregathered together in his train, or assembled round him as leader, tremblingor in despair.

The Gilgal mentioned here cannot be Jiljilia, which is situated upon thehigh ground, as assumed in the Comm. on Joshua , pp. 68f., but must bethe Gilgal in the valley of the Jordan. This is not only favoured by theexpression ירדוּ (the Philistines will come down fromMichmash to Gilgal, 1Sa 13:12), but also by ויּעל (Samuel went up from Gilgal to Gibeah, 1Sa 13:15), and by the general attitude of Saul and hisarmy towards the Philistines. As the Philistines advanced with a powerfularmy, after Jonathan's victory over their garrison at Geba (to the south ofMichmash), and encamped at Michmash (1Sa 13:5); and Saul, afterwithdrawing from Gilgal, where he had gathered the Israelites together (1Sa 13:4, 1Sa 13:8, 1Sa 13:12), with Jonathan and the six hundred men who were with him whenthe muster took place, took up his position at Geba (1Sa 13:15, 1Sa 13:16), fromwhich point Jonathan attacked the Philistine post in the pass ofMichmash (1Sa 13:23, and 1Sa 14:1.): Saul must have drawn back from theadvancing army of the Philistines to the Gilgal in the Jordan valley, tomake ready for the battle by collecting soldiers and presenting sacrifices,and then, after this had been done, must have advanced once more toGibeah and Geba to commence the war with the army of the Philistinesthat was encamped at Michmash. If, on the other hand, he had gonenorthwards to Jiljilia from Michmash, where he was first stationed, toescape the advancing army of the Philistines; he would have had to attackthe Philistines from the north when they were encamped at Michmash,and could not possibly have returned to Geba without coming into conflictwith the Philistines, since Michmash was situated between Jiljilia andGeba.

Keil-Delitzsch: 1Sa 13:8-15

Saul's untimely sacrifice . - 1Sa 13:8, 1Sa 13:9. Saul waited seven days for Samuel'scoming, according to the time appointed by Samuel (see at 1Sa 10:8),before proceeding to offer the sacrifices through which the help of theLord was to be secured for the approaching campaign (see 1Sa 13:12); and asSamuel did not come, the people began to disperse and leave him. The Kethib וייחל is either the Niphal ויּיּחל , as in Gen 8:12, or Piel וייחל ; and the Keri ויּוחל ( Hiphil ) isunnecessary. The verb יעד may easily be supplied to שׁמוּאל אשׁר from the word למּועד (see Ges. Lehrgeb . p. 851).

1Sa 13:9

Saul then resolved, in his anxiety lest the people should lose allheart and forsake him altogether if there were any further delay, that hewould offer the sacrifice without Samuel. העולה ויּעל does not imply that Saul offered the sacrifice with his own hand,i.e., that he performed the priestly function upon this occasion. The co-operation of the priests in performing the duties belonging to them on suchan occasion is taken for granted, just as in the case of the sacrifices offeredby David and Solomon (2Sa 24:25; 1Ki 3:4; 1Ki 8:63).

1Sa 13:10-12

The offering of the sacrifice was hardly finished when Samuelcame and said to Saul, as he came to meet him and salute him, " What hastthou done? "Saul replied, " When I saw that the people were scatteredaway from me, and thou camest not at the time appointed, and thePhilistines were assembled at Michmash, I thought the Philistines willcome down to me to Gilgal now (to attack me), before I have entreated theface of Jehovah; and I overcame myself, and offered the burnt-offering ." יי פּני חלּה : see Exo 32:11.

1Sa 13:13-14

Samuel replied, " Thou hast acted foolishly , (and) not keptthe commandment of Jehovah thy God, which He commanded thee: fornow (sc., if thou hadst obeyed His commandment) Jehovah would haveestablished thy sovereignty over Israel for ever; but now (sc., since thouhast acted thus) thy sovereignty shall not continue ."The antithesis of הכין עתּה and תקוּם לא ועתּה requires that we should understand these two clauses conditionally. The conditional clauses are omitted, simply because they are at oncesuggested by the tenor of the address (see Ewald , §358, a.). The כּי (for) assigns the reason, and refers to נסכּלתּ ("thou hast donefoolishly"), the וגו שׁמרתּ לא being merely added asexplanatory. The non-continuance of the sovereignty is not to be regardedas a rejection, or as signifying that Saul had actually lost the throne so faras he himself was concerned; but תקוּם לא (shall notcontinue) forms the antithesis to עד־עולם הכין (established forever), and refers to the fact that it was not established in perpetuity bybeing transmitted to his descendants. It was not till his second transgression that Saul was rejected, or declaredunworthy of being king over the people of God (1 Samuel 15). We are notcompelled to assume an immediate rejection of Saul even by the furtherannouncement made by Samuel, "Jehovah hath sought him a man after hisown heart; him hath Jehovah appointed prince over His people;"for thesewords merely announce the purpose of God, without defining the time ofits actual realization. Whether it would take place during Saul's reign, ornot till after his death, was known only to God, and was made contingentupon Saul's further behaviour. But if Saul's sin did not consist, as we haveobserved above, in his having interfered with the prerogatives of thepriests by offering the sacrifice himself, but simply in the fact that he hadtransgressed the commandment of God as revealed to him by Samuel, topostpone the sacrifice until Samuel arrived, the punishment which theprophet announced that God would inflict upon him in consequenceappears a very severe one, since Saul had not come to the resolution eitherfrivolously or presumptuously, but had been impelled and almost forcedto act as he did by the difficulties in which he was placed in consequenceof the prophet delaying his coming. But wherever, as in the present instance, there is a definite command givenby the Lord, a man has no right to allow himself to be induced totransgress it, by fixing his attention upon the earthly circumstances inwhich he is placed. As Samuel had instructed Saul, as a direct commandfrom Jehovah, to wait for his arrival before offering sacrifice, Saul mighthave trusted in the Lord that he would send His prophet at the right timeand cause His command to be fulfilled, and ought not to have allowed hisconfidence to be shaken by the pressing danger of delay. The interval ofseven days and the delay in Samuel's arrival were intended as a test of hisfaith, which he ought not to have lightly disregarded. Moreover, the matterin hand was the commencement of the war against the principal enemies ofIsrael, and Samuel was to tell him what he was to do (1Sa 10:8). So thatwhen Saul proceeded with the consecrating sacrifice for that very conflict,without the presence of Samuel, he showed clearly enough that he thoughthe could make war upon the enemies of his kingdom without the counseland assistance of God. This was an act of rebellion against the sovereigntyof Jehovah, for which the punishment announced was by no means toosevere.

1Sa 13:15

After this occurrence Samuel went up to Gibeah, and Saulmustered the people who were with him, about six hundred men. Consequently Saul had not even accomplished the object of hisunseasonable sacrifice, namely, to prevent the dispersion of the people. With this remark the account of the occurrence that decided the fate ofSaul's monarchy is brought to a close.

Keil-Delitzsch: 1Sa 13:16-23

Disarming of Israel by the Philistines . - The following account is no doubtconnected with the foregoing, so far as the facts are concerned, inasmuchas Jonathan's brave heroic deed, which brought the Israelites a splendidvictory over the Philistines, terminated the war for which Saul hadentreated the help of God by his sacrifice at Gilgal; but it is not formallyconnected with it, so as to form a compact and complete account of thesuccessive stages of the war. On the contrary, the 16th verse, where wehave an account of the Israelitish warriors and their enemies, commences anew section of the history, in which the devastating march of thePhilistines through the land, and the disarming of the Israelites by thesetheir enemies, are first of all depicted (1Sa 13:17-23); and then the victory ofthe Israelites through Jonathan's daring and heroic courage,notwithstanding their utter prostration, is recorded (1 Samuel 14:1-46), forthe purpose of showing how the Lord had miraculously helped Hispeople.

(Note: From this arrangement of the history, according to which theonly two points that are minutely described in connection with thewar with the Philistines are those which bring out the attitude of theking, whom the nation had desired to deliver it from its foes, towardsJehovah, and the way in which Jehovah acted towards His people,whilst all the rest is passed over, we may explain the absence of anycloser connection between 1Sa 13:15 and 1Sa 13:16, and not from a gap in thetext. The lxx, however, adopted the latter supposition, andaccording to the usual fashion filled up the gap by expanding 1Sa 13:15 inthe following thoughtless manner: καὶ ἀνέστη Σαμουὴλ καὶ ἀπῆλθεν ἐκ Γαλγάλων· καὶ τὸ κατάλειμμα τοῦ λαοῦ ἀνεβη ὀπίσω Σαοὺλ εἰς ἀπάντησιν ὀπίσω τοῦ λαοῦ τοῦ πολεμιστοῦ· αὐτῶν παραγενομένων ἐκ Γαλγάλων εἰς Γαβαὰ Βενιαμὶν καὶ ἐπεσκέψατο Σαοὺλ, κ.τ.λ. For there is no sense in εἰς ἀπάντησιν ὀπίσω ,and the whole thought, that the people who were left went upafter Saul to meet the people of war, is unintelligible, since it is notstated whence the people of war had come, who are said to have metwith those who had remained behind with Saul, and to have gone upwith him from Gilgal to Gibeah. If, however, we overlook this, andassume that when Saul returned from Gilgal to Gibeah a furthernumber of fighting men came to him from different parts of the land,how does this assumption agree with the account which follows, viz.,that when Saul mustered the people he found only six hundred men, - astatement which is repeated again in 1Sa 14:2?The discrepancy remains even if we adopt Ewald 's conjecture ( Gesch. iii. 43), that εἰς ἀπάντησιν is a false rendering of לקּרב , "to the conflict."Moreover, even with the Alexandrian fillingup, no natural connection is secured between 1Sa 13:15 and 1Sa 13:16, unless weidentify Geba of Benjamin with Gibeah , as the Septuagint and its latestdefenders have done, and not only change the participle ישׁבים (1Sa 13:16) into the aorist ἐκάθισαν , but interpolate καὶ ἔκλαιον after " at Geba of Benjamin;"whereas the statement ofthe text "at Geba in Benjamin"is proved to be correct by the simplefact that Jonathan could only attempt or carry out the heroic deedrecorded in 1 Samuel 14 from Geba and not from Gibeah ; and the alterationof the participle into the aorist is just as arbitrary as the interpolationof καὶ ἔκλαιον . From all this it follows that the Septuagint version has not preservedthe original reading, as Ewald and Thenius suppose, but containsnothing more than a mistaken attempt to restore the missing link. Itis true the Vulgate contains the same filling up as the Septuagint, butwith one alteration, which upsets the assertion made by Thenius, thatthe repetition of the expression הגּלגּל מן , ἐκ Γαλγάλων , caused the reading contained in the Septuagint to bedropped out of the Hebrew text. For the text of the Vulgate runs asfollows: Surrexit autem Samuêl et ascendit de Galgalis in Gabaa Benjamin. Et reliqui populi ascenderunt post Saul obviam populo, qui expugnabant eos venientes de Galgala in Gabaa in colle Benjamin. Et recensuit Saul, etc. Jerome has therefore rendered the first two clausesof 1Sa 13:15 in perfect accordance with the Hebrew text; and the additionwhich follows is nothing more than a gloss that has found its way intohis translation from the Itala, and in which de Galgala in colle Benjamin is still retained, whereas Jerome himself rendered הגּלגּל מן de Galgalis .)

1Sa 13:16

The two clauses of this verse are circumstantial clauses: " ButSaul, and Jonathan his son, and the people that were with him, weresitting , i.e., tarrying, in Geba of Benjamin (the present Jeba; see at 1Sa 13:3); and the Philistines had encamped at Michmash ."Just as in 1Sa 13:2-4 it is notstated when or why Saul went from Michmash or Geba to Gilgal, but thischange in his position is merely hinted at indirectly at the close of 1Sa 13:4; sohere Saul's return from Gilgal to Geba with the fighting men who remainedwith him is not distinctly mentioned, but simply taken for granted ashaving already occurred.

1Sa 13:17-18

Then the spoiler went out of the camp of the Philistines inthree companies. ראשׁים שׁלשׁה is made subject to theverb to define the mode of action (see Ewald , §279, c .); and rashim is usedhere, as in 1Sa 11:11. המּשׁחית , according to the context, is ahostile band that went out to devastate the land. The definite article pointsit out as well known. One company took the road to Ophrah into the landof Shual , i.e., went in a north-easterly direction, as, according to the Onom ., Ophrah of Benjamin was five Roman miles to the east of Bethel(see at Jos 18:23). Robinson supposes it to have been on the site of Tayibeh . The land of Shual (fox-land) is unknown; it may possibly havebeen identical with the land of Saalim (1Sa 9:5). The other companyturned on the road to Beth-horon (Beit-ur: see at Jos 10:11), that is tosay, towards the west; the third, "the way to the territory that rises abovethe valley of Zeboim towards the desert."These descriptions are obscure;and the valley of Zeboim altogether unknown. There is a town of thisname ( צבעים , different from צביים , Deu 29:22; Gen 14:2, Gen 14:8; or צבאים , Hos 11:8, in the vale of Siddim) mentioned inNeh 11:34, which was inhabited by Benjaminites, and was apparentlysituated in the south-eastern portion of the land of Benjamin, to the north-east of Jerusalem, from which it follows that the third company pursuedits devastating course in a south-easterly direction from Michmashtowards Jericho. " The wilderness "is probably the desert of Judah. Theintention of the Philistines in carrying out these devastating expeditions,was no doubt to entice the men who were gathered round Saul andJonathan out of their secure positions at Gibeah and Geba, and force themto fight.

1Sa 13:19-21

The Israelites could not offer a successful resistance to thesedevastating raids, as there was no smith to be found in the whole land:" For the Philistines thought the Hebrews might make themselves sword orspear "( אמר followed by פּן , "to say, or think, that not,"equivalent to being unwilling that it should be done). Consequently (as thewords clearly imply) when they proceeded to occupy the land of Israel asdescribed in 1Sa 13:5, they disarmed the people throughout, i.e., as far as theypenetrated, and carried off the smiths, who might have been able to forgeweapons; so that, as is still further related in 1Sa 13:20, all Israel was obliged togo to the Philistines, every one to sharpen his edge-tool, and hisploughshare, and his axe, and his chopper. According to Isa 2:4; Mic 4:3,and Joe 3:10, את is an iron instrument used in agriculture; themajority of the ancient versions render it ploughshare . The word מחרשׁתו is striking after the previous מחרשׁתּו (from מחרשׁת ); and the meaning of both words is uncertain. According to the etymology, מחרשׁת might denote any kind of edge-tool, even the ploughshare. The second מחרשׁתו isrendered τὸ δρέπανον αὐτοῦ (his sickle) by the lxx, and sarculum by Jerome , a small garden hoe for loosening and weeding the soil. The fact that the word is connected with קרדּם , the axe orhatchet, favours the idea that it signifies a hoe or spade rather than a sickle. Some of the words in 1Sa 13:21 are still more obscure. והיתה ,which is the reading adopted by all the earlier translators, indicates that theresult is about to be given of the facts mentioned before: "And there cameto pass," i.e., so that there came to pass (or arose), פּים הפּצירה , "a blunting of the edges." פּצירה , bluntness,from פּצר , to tear, hence to make blunt, is confirmed by theArabic futâr , gladius fissuras habens , obtusus ensis , whereas the meaningto hammer, i.e., to sharpen by hammering, cannot be established. The insertion of the article before פּצירה is as striking as theomission of it before פּים ; also the stat. abs . instead of theconstruct פּצירת . These anomalies render it a very probable conjecturethat the reading may have been הפּים הפציר ( inf. Hiph. nomin .). Accordingly the rendering would be, "so that bluntness of the edgesoccurred in the edge-tools, and the ploughshares, and the trident, and theaxes, and the setting of the goad." קלּשׁון שׁלשׁ is to beregarded as a nom. comp . like our trident, denoting an instrument withthree prongs, according to the Chaldee and the Rabbins (see Ges. Thes . p. 1219). דּרבן , stimulus , is probably a pointed instrumentgenerally, since the meaning goad is fully established in the case of דּרבון in Ecc 12:11.

(Note: 1Sa 13:21 runs very differently in the lxx, namely, καὶ ἦν ὁ τρυγητὸς ἕτοιμος τοῦ θερίζειν, τὰ δὲ σκεύη ἦν τρεῖς σίκλοι εἰς τὸν ὀδόντα, καὶ τῇ ἀξίνῃ καὶ τῷ δρεπάνῳ ὑτόστασις ἦν ἡ αὐτή; and Thenius and Böttcher propose an emendation of theHebrew text accordingly, so as to obtain the following meaning: "Andthe sharpening of the edges in the case of the spades and ploughshareswas done at three shekels a tooth (i.e., three shekels each), and forthe axe and sickle it was the same"(Thenius); or, "and the same forthe sickles, and for the axes, and for setting the prong"(Böttcher). But here also it is easy enough to discover that the lxx had notanother text before them that was different from the Masoretic text,but merely confounded הפציר with הבציר , τρυγητός , and took קלּשׁון שׁלשׁ , which was unintelligible to them, e conjectura for השּׁן שׁק שׁלשׁ , altogether regardless of the senseor nonsense of their own translation. The latest supporters of thissenseless rendering, however, have neither undertaken to prove thepossibility of translating ὀδόντα ( ὀδούς ), "each singlepiece"(i.e., each), or inquired into the value of money at that time,so as to see whether three shekels would be an unexampled charge forthe sharpening of an axe or sickle.)

1Sa 13:22

On the day of battle, therefore, the people with Saul andJonathan were without either sword or spear; Saul and Jonathan were theonly persons provided with them. The account of the expedition of theIsraelites, and their victory over the Ammonites, given in 1Sa 13:11, isapparently at variance with this description of the situation of theIsraelites, since the war in question not only presupposes the possessionof weapons by the Israelites, but must also have resulted in their capturinga considerable quantity. The discrepancy is very easily removed, however,when we look carefully at all the circumstances. For instance, we canhardly picture the Israelites to ourselves as amply provided with ordinaryweapons in this expedition against the Ammonites. Moreover, thedisarming of the Israelites by the Philistines took place for the most part ifnot entirely after this expedition, viz., at the time when the Philistinesswept over the land with an innumerable army after Jonathan had smittentheir garrison at Geba (1Sa 13:3, 1Sa 13:5), so that the fighting men who gatheredround Saul and Jonathan after that could hardly bring many arms withthem. Lastly, the words "there was neither sword nor spear found in thehands of all the people with Saul and Jonathan"must not be too closelypressed, but simply affirm that the 600 fighting men of Saul and Jonathanwere not provided with the necessary arms, because the Philistines hadprevented the possibility of their arming themselves in the ordinary wayby depriving the people of all their smiths.

1Sa 13:23

1Sa 13:23 forms the transition to the heroic act of Jonathan described in 1 Samuel 14.: "An outpost of the Philistines went out to the pass of Michmash;" i.e., the Philistines pushed forward a company of soldiers to the pass( מעבר , the crossing place) of Michmash, to prevent an attackbeing made by the Israelites upon their camp. Between Geba and Michmash there runs the great deep Wady es Suweinit , which goes downfrom Beitin and Bireh (Bethel and Beeroth) to the valley of the Jordan, andintersects the ridge upon which the two places are situated, so that thesides of the wady form very precipitous walls. When Robinson wastravelling from Jeba to Mukhmas he had to go down a very steep andrugged path into this deep wady ( Pal . ii. p. 116). "The way,"he says inhis Biblical Researches , p. 289, "was so steep, and the rocky steps sohigh, that we were compelled to dismount; while the baggage mules gotalong with great difficulty. Here, where we crossed, several short sidewadys came in from the south-west and north-west. The ridges betweenthese terminate in elevating points projecting into the great wady; and themost easterly of these bluffs on each side were probably the outposts ofthe two garrisons of Israel and the Philistines. The road passes around theeastern side of the southern hill, the post of Israel, and then strikes upover the western part of the northern one, the post of the Philistines, andthe scene of Jonathan's adventure."

Constable: 1Sa 13:1--15:35

C. Kingship Removed from Saul chs. 13-15

This section documents Saul's disobedience to the revealed will of God that resulted in his disqualification as Israel's king. Saul's failure proved to be God's instrument of discipline on the people as a whole for their demand for a king. Failure followed disregard for God's Word.

Baldwin expressed well the situation Saul faced as he began to reign.

"In relation to Samuel, it is obvious that Saul had a problem. On the one hand he owed his appointment to Samuel, but on the other hand he was taking over Samuel's position as Israel's leader. Samuel spoke frequently of the wickedness of the people in requesting a king, apparently implying that he, Saul, should not really be in office. Yet Saul had not sought to be king, and would have preferred, at least at first, to have been left in obscurity, but he had not been offered any option. Too many signs had been given that he was the person of God's appointment, and prayers for deliverance from the Ammonites had been marvelously answered. He was king by divine anointing, by God's overruling of the sacred lot, and by united popular demand. He had caught the imagination of the people, who wanted a hero, and against all odds he was expected to pass muster.

"Had he realized it, Saul could have gained much by the presence of a seasoned prophet like Samuel alongside him, ready to give guidance, instruction and, if necessary, rebuke. Above all, Samuel was an intercessor who knew the Lord's mind, and saw prayer answered. Samuel would indicate the right way, and all Saul had to do was follow. He could have leant [sic] hard on Samuel and he would have found reassurance. In the event, this was exactly what Saul could not bring himself to do."¹³¹

Saul's improper response to his predecessor, Samuel, should be a warning to all ministers whose predecessors remain on the scene after they replace them.

Constable: 1Sa 13:1-15

1. Saul's disobedience at Gilgal 13:1-15

The writer introduced the history of Saul's reign by referring to the king's age and possibly the length of his reign. Verse one contains a textual corruption in the Hebrew text.¹³² There the verse reads, "Saul was . . . years old when he began to reign, and he reigned . . . two years over Israel."

The first problem is Saul's age when he began to reign. No other text of Scripture gives us his age at this time. The NASB translators have supplied "40" and the NIV translators "30." The AV translators wrote, "Saul [was . . . years old]," leaving the number undefined.

Saul reigned about 40 years (Acts 13:21). If he was about 40 years old when he began to reign, he would have been about 80 when he died in battle on Mt. Gilboa (ch. 31). This seems very old in view of the account in chapter 31. Even if Saul was 70 he would have been quite old, hardly the age we would assume as we read chapter 31. The account of his anointing by Samuel pictures a young adult with a measure of maturity. I would suggest that 40 may be the first number that the copyists lost in 13:1. My reasons follow below.

The second problem is, what was the second number in 13:1 that is absent in the Hebrew text? The NASB has "32, " the NIV "42, " and the AV "2." If the last part of verse 1 gives us the length of Saul's reign, as is customary in similar summaries of kings' reigns (cf. 1 Kings 14:21; 22:42; 2 Kings 8:17, 26; et al.), the missing number probably should be 42.¹³³ If the last part of verse 1 gives the year of Saul's reign in which the events of chapter 13 happened, the number probably should be 2. I think probably the total length of Saul's reign is in view in verse 1. I prefer the NIV's 42 years here.

When did the events of this chapter happen if the last number in verse 1 indicates the length of Saul's reign? In 10:8 Samuel commanded Saul to go to Gilgal and to wait seven days for him there. In 13:8 we read that Saul went to Gilgal and waited seven days for Samuel there. Therefore the events of chapter 13 appear to have followed those in chapter 10 soon.¹³⁴

However in 13:3 Jonathan is old enough to lead an invasion against a Philistine garrison. Jonathan must have been at least about 20 to do that. If he was about 20 and this was the beginning of Saul's reign, we have two problems. First, Saul must have been somewhat older than 30 when he began ruling. Yet this would make him quite old when he died in battle, as explained above. I think he was probably about 40 even though this would make him about 80 when he died. Second, if Jonathan was about 20 at the beginning of Saul's reign, he would have been about 60 when he died with Saul since Saul reigned about 40 years (Acts 13:21). If David was a contemporary of Jonathan, as 1 Samuel implies, David began reigning when Jonathan was about 60. Yet 2 Samuel 5:4 says David was 30 when he began to reign.

Some of the evidence (10:8 and 13:8) seems to support the view that the events of chapter 13 happened early in Saul's reign. Other evidence (the ages of David and Jonathan) suggests that they may have happened much later. I favor the view that the events in chapter 13 follow those in chapter 10 closely.¹³⁵

Gibeah was Saul's hometown and his capital. Michmash was five miles northeast of Gibeah, and Geba was four. Evidently Saul wanted to clear the area around Gibeah--and the central Benjamin plateau on which it stood--of Philistines to make this center of Israelite life more secure. Jonathan's initial victory at Geba provoked the Philistines who massed their forces across the steep valley between Geba and Michmash.¹³⁶ Saul mustered the Israelite forces in the Jordan Valley at Gilgal, about 12 miles east of Michmash.¹³⁷ In doing so, he was following orders that Samuel had given him earlier (10:8). Apparently Saul was to meet Samuel to offer sacrifices of worship before he engaged the Philistines in battle. Because of the superior Philistine army the Israelite soldiers were afraid and some even fled (cf. Judg. 6:2). The enemy must have been strong to threaten Israel's eastern territory since Philistia was Israel's neighbor to the west.

"Since Hebrew' was commonly used by non-Israelites as a synonym for Israelite' (cf. 4:5-10), it is understandable that the two terms should alternate throughout the narratives of the Philistine wars in chapters 13-14."¹³⁸

Fearful lest the mass desertion of his soldiers continue Saul decided to slay the sacrificial animals before engaging the enemy and to attack rather than to wait for Samuel to come and offer the sacrifices. This was a violation of the prophet's orders (10:8).¹³⁹ Saul could have asked for the Lord's help in prayer, of course, as Hannah did. Evidently ritual was very important to him so he offered the sacrifice and disobeyed Samuel. His choice suggests that he had a rather superficial relationship with Yahweh. Contrast Gideon who also faced overwhelming odds fearfully yet trusted and obeyed Yahweh nonetheless (Judg. 6).

Saul's punishment may appear excessively severe at first. However the king of Israel was the Lord's lieutenant. Any disobedience to his Commander-in-Chief was an act of insubordination that threatened the whole administrative organization of God's kingdom on earth. Saul failed to perceive his place and responsibility under God.¹⁴⁰ He assumed more authority than was his. For this reason God would not establish a dynasty for him (cf. 24:21). Had he obeyed on this occasion God would have placed Saul's descendants on his throne for at least one generation if not more (v. 13; cf. 1 Kings 11:38). Perhaps Saul's descendants would have reigned in a parallel kingdom with the king from Judah.¹⁴¹ Now Saul's son would not succeed him. Eventually God would have raised up a king from the tribe of Judah even if Saul had followed the Lord faithfully (Gen. 49:10). That king probably would have been David.

Samuel's departure from the battlefield (v. 15) was symbolic of the breach that now opened up between Samuel and Saul. Saul's presumptuous plan also failed to bring his departing soldiers back to him.

Constable: 1Sa 13:16-23

The results of Saul's disobedience 13:16-23

The writer explained the military disaster that resulted from Saul's disobedience in verses 16-18. Saul's army dwindled and the enemy continued to move around his capital city freely.

Saul evidently led his troops from Gilgal to Geba where some of the Israelite soldiers camped. Saul himself proceeded back to Gibeah (14:2). The Philistines had posted a larger camp of their soldiers just north of the Wadi Suweinit ravine from Geba near Michmash. The Philistines used their camp (garrison, v. 23) at Michmash as a base for raiding parties. >From Michmash these raiders went north toward Ophrah, west toward Beth-horon, and probably southeast toward the wilderness, specifically the valley of Zeboim (exact site unknown).

The main physical advantage the Philistines enjoyed was their ability to smelt iron. This advanced technology gave them a strong military edge over the Israelites.¹⁴² As in the days of Deborah and Barak (Judg. 5:8), the Philistines still had the advantage of superior weapons and the power to restrict the Israelites' use of iron implements.

Guzik: 1Sa 13:1-23

1 Samuel 13 - Saul's Disobedience

A. The Philistine threat.

1. (1-2) Saul assembles Israel's first standing army.

Saul reigned one year; and when he had reigned two years over Israel, Saul chose for himself three thousand men of Israel. Two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in the mountains of Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin. The rest of the people he sent away, every man to his tent.

a. Saul chose for himself three thousand men of Israel: This was the first "regular" army for Israel. Previously, Israel only had a militia that assembled in times of national threat. Now, for the first time, Israel has a professional army.

b. A thousand were with Jonathan: This is the first mention of Saul's son Jonathan. He will be become a prominent, and wonderful, part of this book of 1 Samuel.

i. "This is the first place in which this brave and excellent man appears; a man who bears one of the most amiable characters in the Bible." (Clarke)

2. (3-4) Jonathan initiates conflict with the Philistines.

And Jonathan attacked the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. Then Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, "Let the Hebrews hear!" Now all Israel heard it said that Saul had attacked a garrison of the Philistines, and that Israel had also become an abomination to the Philistines. And the people were called together to Saul at Gilgal.

a. Jonathan attacked the garrison of the Philistines: Jonathan was a remarkable military leader. He repeatedly demonstrated the ability to lead a successful attack. Yet this attack merely wakened the Philistines. Israel had enjoyed the "peace" of subjected people: everything will be fine as long as you take your place of subjugation. Through this attack, Jonathan proclaimed, "We won't take our place any longer."

i. It clearly says, Israel had become an abomination to the Philistines. As long as the Israelites stayed in their weak, defeated "place," the Philistines thought they were great guys. But as soon as the Israelites show some boldness in the LORD, and are willing to battle against the LORD's enemies, the Philistines consider the Israelites an abomination!

ii. The same principle is true spiritually in our lives. We don't war against armies of Philistines; our enemies are principalities . . . powers . . . the rulers of the darkness of this age . . . spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12). But our spiritual enemies have the same attitude as the Philistines. As long as we are weak and subjected to our spiritual enemies, they don't mind us at all. They may even kind of like us. But as soon as we show some boldness in the LORD, and are willing to battle against the LORD's enemies, our spiritual foes consider us an abomination! If peace with devil is more important to you than victory in the LORD, you will often be defeated and subjected.

b. In Geba: Archaeologists have found this Philistine fortress at Geba (also known as Gibeah). The archaeological evidence shows that it was destroyed but then later rebuilt by Saul, and then became his palace and fortress.

c. All Israel heard it said that Saul had attacked a garrison of the Philistines: Plainly, Saul is taking the credit for Jonathan's bold attack on the garrison of the Philistines. This is a bad sign in the heart and character of Saul. His own sense of insecurity will not allow any of his associates (even his own son!) receive credit. He needs to drink in the praise like a thirsty man drinks water.

d. And the people were called together to Saul at Gilgal: King Saul gathers the nation together at Gilgal to prepare for battle against the Philistines.

3. (5-7) The Philistines prepare their army.

Then the Philistines gathered together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the seashore in multitude. And they came up and encamped in Michmash, to the east of Beth Aven. When the men of Israel saw that they were in danger (for the people were distressed), then the people hid in caves, in thickets, in rocks, in holes, and in pits. And some of the Hebrews crossed over the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. As for Saul, he was still in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling.

a. Thirty thousand chariots and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the seashore in multitude: The Philistines, angered by the Israelites, gather a huge army to crush their rebellious servants.

i. Thirty thousand chariots is a huge number, and many people have doubted the accuracy of this number. "This number seems incredible to infidels; to whom it may be sufficient to reply, that it is far more rational to acknowledged a mistake in him that copied out the sacred text in such numeral or historical passages, wherein the doctrine of faith and good life in not directly concerned, than upon such a pretense to question the truth and divinity of the Holy Scriptures, which are so fully attested, and evidently demonstrated. And the mistake is not great in the Hebrew, schalosh for shelishim; and so indeed those two ancient translators, the Syriac and Arabic, translate it, and are supposed to have read in their Hebrew copies, three thousand." (Poole)

b. When the men of Israel saw that they were in danger: Jonathan had been bold enough to launch the initial attack against the Philistines. But the men of Israel are not bold enough to now stand strong against their enemy. In great fear (the people were distressed) they hide anywhere they can (in caves, in thickets, in rocks, in holes, and in pits) or they flee across the Jordan River (to the land of Gad and Gilead). This is a low point for Israel!

i. Probably, many of them had thought "What we really need is a king. A king would solve our problems." Now they have a king and the problems are still there. We often think things will "fix" problems when they won't at all. "And hereby God intended to teach them the vanity of all carnal confidence in men; and that they did not one jot less need the help and favour of God now than they did before, when they had no king." (Poole)

c. As for Saul, he was still in Gilgal: Saul's position as king had been confirmed at Gilgal (1 Samuel 11:15). He is still there, many months later (1 Samuel 13:1). It may be that Saul wanted to keep living the glorious day when Samuel recognized and confirmed him as king before the entire nation. But now, since he is king, the men of Israel are expecting greater things from him.

d. The people followed him trembling: They still honored Saul as king, but they are really frightened! It must be better to have trembling followers than no followers at all, but how much better if Israel would have really trusted the LORD here!

B. Saul's unlawful sacrifice.

1. (8-9) Saul offers the burnt offering.

Then he waited seven days, according to the time set by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him. So Saul said, "Bring a burnt offering and peace offerings here to me." And he offered the burnt offering.

a. He waited seven days: Saul had been in Gilgal for many months. In the press of the current crisis, every day now took on much more importance. He knew the Philistines were assembling a huge army against him, and that once they were organized they would be much harder to beat. Saul probably felt that a quick response gave them the best chance to win the battle.

b. According to the time set by Samuel: Samuel had told Saul to wait for him at Gilgal. Then Samuel would preside over sacrifices, and Israel would be spiritually prepared for battle.

c. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him: This added to Saul's anxiety. First, the waiting for Samuel was stressful, because he felt time was his enemy. Second, the people were scattered from him, feeling that the battle wouldn't be fought and that the plan wasn't working out.

i. We might just imagine that in the early part of the week, Saul explained his thinking in a pep talk to the troops: "Men, we're going into battle against the Philistines. They have more men, more chariots, more horses, and better swords and spears than we have." So we have to trust God and make a quick attack before they can get organized. Soon Samuel will come and lead us in sacrifice before God. Then we'll go out and whip the Philistines!" But it didn't happen like that. The days dragged on, and Samuel hadn't come yet. The troops were losing confidence in Saul as a leader, and beginning to scatter. Saul felt he was in a lot of trouble!

d. And he offered the burnt offering: This was plainly sinful. First, Saul plainly disobeyed Samuel. Second, Saul was a king, not a priest, and only priests were to offer sacrifices. Saul had no business doing what only a priest should do.

i. History shows how dangerous it is to combine religious and civic authority and God would not allow the kings of Israel to be priests and the priests to be kings. In 2 Chronicles 26, king Uzziah tried to do the work of priest and God struck him with leprosy.

ii. Clearly, out of fear, out of panic, out of not knowing what else to do, Saul does something sinful. "If Saul was among the prophets before, will he now be among the priests? Can there be any devotion in disobedience? O vain man! What can it avail to sacrifice to God, against God?" (Trapp)

2. (10-12) Samuel arrives and Saul tries to explain what he has done.

Now it happened, as soon as he had finished presenting the burnt offering, that Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might greet him. And Samuel said, "What have you done?" And Saul said, "When I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that you did not come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered together at Michmash, then I said, 'The Philistines will now come down on me at Gilgal, and I have not made supplication to the LORD.' Therefore I felt compelled, and offered a burnt offering."

a. As soon as he finished offering the burnt offering: Saul decided to perform the sacrifice not more than an hour before Samuel arrived! If he would have trusted God and waited one more hour, how different things could have been! The last moments of waiting are usually the most difficult, and tempt us most to take matters into our own hands.

b. Saul went out to meet him, that he might greet him: Saul is really overstepping his bounds now. Literally, the Hebrew says that Saul wanted to bless Samuel - perhaps as a priest blesses someone! Now Saul really sees himself as a priest!

i. In wanting to bless Samuel, Saul may also be trying to show Samuel how spiritual he is. He is like a child who gets caught with his hand in the cookie jar, and then says to mom, "Let's pray!"

c. Samuel said, "What have you done?" Samuel knew Saul had done something wrong. He could probably smell the sacrifice in the air! But Samuel was not looking for reasons or excuses. There were no valid reasons or excuses. All Samuel wanted to hear was confession and repentance.

d. And Saul said: Saul's response is a classic example of excuse making and failure to trust God.

i. I saw that the people were scattered from me: "I had to do something to impress the people, and gain their support back." But if Saul would have obeyed and trusted God, God would have seen him to victory over the Philistines with or without the people. It is true, that many of the Israelites may have admired Saul for offering the sacrifice. "My, there's a man of action! He gets things done! I never understood why the priests were so special anyway." But Saul could have great numbers in all the polling data, and if God were not with him, it would all crumble. He should have been more concerned with pleasing God instead of pleasing the people.

ii. You did not come within the days appointed: "You see Samuel, it was really your fault. If you would have come earlier, I wouldn't have needed to do this." But if Saul would have obeyed and trusted God, God would take care of Samuel and the timing. Even if Samuel was totally in the wrong, it didn't justify Saul's sin. We often try to blame our sin on someone else.

iii. The Philistines will now come down on me at Gilgal, and I have not made supplication to the LORD: "We really needed God's help against the Philistines, and we needed it now, so I had to do it." But if Saul would have obeyed and trusted God, the LORD would take care of the Philistines. Saul could have made supplication to the LORD in any number of ways. He could have cried out the LORD for the whole nation with a humble heart, but instead he did the one thing he must not do: offer a sacrifice.

iv. Therefore I felt compelled: "I had to. It just seemed like the right thing to do. I couldn't wait any longer." Even though Saul felt compelled, he was not supposed to be ruled by his feelings. He didn't have to sin, though he felt like it.

d. The whole manner of Saul's explanation makes it clear that this was no misunderstanding. He didn't say to Samuel, "Did I do something wrong?" He knew exactly what he was doing, and probably had thought of the excuses ahead of time.

3. (13-14) Samuel proclaims God's judgment upon Saul's household.

And Samuel said to Saul, "You have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of the LORD your God, which He commanded you. For now the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not continue. The LORD has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you."

a. You have done foolishly: This is a stronger phrase than we might think. Samuel is not saying that Saul is unintelligent or silly; the Bible speaks of the fool as someone morally and spiritually lacking.

b. You have not kept the commandment of the LORD your God, which He commanded you: Despite all the excuses, all the reasons, all the blaming of someone else, the bottom line is still the bottom line. Samuel puts it plainly: you have not kept the commandment of the LORD your God. God commanded you to do something, and you did the opposite.

i. Can not the same be said of all us? You have not kept the commandment of the LORD your God, which He commanded you. Yet there is forgiveness with God, but it is given to the humble heart. It has yet to be seen if Saul will humble himself before God and seek forgiveness and restoration.

c. For now the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever: The whole point in being a king was to establish a dynasty, where one's sons would sit on the throne afterwards. God tells Saul that his descendants will not reign after him. Though he is a king, he will not establish the monarchy in Israel.

d. But now your kingdom shall not continue: We might have expected that Saul would be "impeached" as king right then and there. After all, Samuel uses the word "now." But Saul will actually reign another 20 years. He will still be on the throne as a king, but it will never be the same, because the end of his kingdom is certain.

i. Was this an over-reaction to what some might think was a rather small sin? "To disobey God in the smallest matter is sin enough: there can be no sin little, because there is no little God to sin against." (Trapp)

ii. "Men see nothing but Saul's outward act, which seems small; but God saw with how wicked a mind and heart he did this; with what rebellion against the light of his own conscience, as his own words imply; with what gross infidelity and distrust of God's providence; with what contempt of God's authority, and justice, and many other wicked principles and motions of his heart, unknown to men. Besides, God clearly saw all that wickedness that yet lay hid in his heart, and foresaw al his other crimes; and there had far more grounds for his sentence against him than we can imagine." (Poole)

iii. Because the actual judgment for this sin was so far off, we should regard Samuel's pronouncement of judgment as an invitation to repentance. Many times, when God announces judgment, He will relent if His people repent. "Though God threaten Saul with the loss of his kingdom for this sin, yet it is not improbable that there was a tacit condition implied, as is usual in such cases . . . to wit, if he did not heartily repent of this and of all his sins." (Poole)

e. The LORD has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be commander over His people: Though God has rejected Saul, He has not rejected Israel. Because God loves Israel, he will raise up a king, a man after His own heart.

i. Saul was a man after Israel's heart. He was all about image and prestige and the things men look at. But God will now give Israel a man after His own heart, and raise that man up to be king.

ii. It would be easy to say that the kingdom was taken from Saul because of his sin. And on one level, that was certainly the case. But it was more than that. After all, didn't David sin also? Yet God never took the kingdom from David and his descendants. Because the issue was bigger than an incident of sin, the issue was being a man after God's own heart.

iii. "As for David, though he was not without his failings, - and those foul ones too, some of them, - yet for the main, his heart was upright, not rotten, as Saul's was." (Trapp)

f. What then does it mean to be a man after His own heart? We can discover this by looking at the man who was not a man after His own heart and comparing him to the man who was a man after His own heart.

i. A man after God's heart honors the LORD. Saul was more concerned with his will than God's will. David was a man after God's heart in the way that he knew God's will was most important. Even when David didn't do God's will, he still knew God's will was more important than his own was. All sin is a disregard of God, but David sinned more out of weakness and Saul more out of a disregard for God.

ii. A man after God's heart enthrones God as king. For Saul, Saul was king. For David, the LORD God was king. Both David and Saul would have thought sacrifice important before the battle. But David thought it was important because it pleased and honored God. Saul thought it was important because it might help him win a battle. For Saul, God would help him achieve his goals. For David, God Himself was the goal.

iii. A man after God's heart has a soft, repentant heart. When Saul was confronted with his sin, he offered excuses. When David was confronted with his sin, he simply said I have sinned against the LORD (2 Samuel 12:13).

iv. A man after God's heart loves other people. Saul became increasingly bitter against people and lived more and more unto himself. David was a man after God's own heart in the way that he loved people. When David was down and out, he still loved and served those who were even more down and out than himself (1 Samuel 22:1-2).

g. The LORD has sought for Himself a man after His own heart: God was looking for this kind of man, and God found this man in an unlikely place. In fact, at this time, he wasn't a man at all! God is still looking for men and women after His own heart.

i. When we think of a man after His own heart, many of us think that this is a title reserved for a few "super-spiritual" folks. It isn't for us. We want these kinds of people around us, but we never think we can be one of them. We aren't spiritual enough. But look at David: a warrior who killed hundreds of men with his own hands, a fugitive, a traitor, a man who had seasons of backsliding, an adulterer, a murderer. Yet he could be called a man after His own heart. If David can have our sins, then we can have his heart. We can love God and pursue Him with the kind of focus and heart David had.

C. The Philistine threat.

1. (15-18) The Philistines begin their raids.

Then Samuel arose and went up from Gilgal to Gibeah of Benjamin. And Saul numbered the people present with him, about six hundred men. Saul, Jonathan his son, and the people present with them remained in Gibeah of Benjamin. But the Philistines encamped in Michmash. Then raiders came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies. One company turned to the road to Ophrah, to the land of Shual, another company turned to the road to Beth Horon, and another company turned to the road of the border that overlooks the Valley of Zeboim toward the wilderness.

a. Then Samuel arose: Samuel had just announced God's judgment to Saul, because Saul's heart was not after God's heart. Samuel left, probably knowing that the announcement of judgment was an invitation to repentance, and probably knowing that Saul would not repent.

b. About six hundred men: Earlier, Saul had about 3,000 in his regular army (1 Samuel 13:2). Now, he is down to six hundred, because many of the people scattered while Saul waited for Samuel (1 Samuel 13:8). The loss of so many men was probably the reason why Saul offered the sacrifice without Samuel, and it displayed a heart of distrust and disobedience to God.

i. For a commander, it would be terrible to see an already mismatched force (the Philistines had a huge army, according to 1 Samuel 13:5) shrink to one-fifth of its previous size (from 3,000 to 600). Why would God allow this? Simply to test Saul's faith. Would Saul trust in a God great enough to deliver from so many with so few?

c. Then raiders came out of the camp of the Philistines: With so many troops, the Philistines could raid at will. They were a fearless, and fearsome army set against Saul and Israel.

2. (19-23) The technological superiority of the Philistines.

Now there was no blacksmith to be found throughout all the land of Israel, for the Philistines said, "Lest the Hebrews make swords or spears." But all the Israelites would go down to the Philistines to sharpen each man's plowshare, his mattock, his ax, and his sickle; and the charge for a sharpening was a pim for the plowshares, the mattocks, the forks, and the axes, and to set the points of the goads. So it came about, on the day of battle, that there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people who were with Saul and Jonathan. But they were found with Saul and Jonathan his son. And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the pass of Michmash.

a. There was no blacksmith to be found throughout all the land of Israel: The Philistines had superior military technology, and they wanted to keep it that way. Since they were a seafaring people, the Philistines traded with the technologically sophisticated cultures to the west, especially the Greeks. They imported weapons and know-how from those distant lands.

i. "It is very likely that in the former wars the Philistines carried away all the smiths from Israel, as Porsenna did in the peace which he granted to the Romans, not permitting any iron to be forged except for the purposes of agriculture . . . The Chaldeans did the same to the Jews in the time of Nebuchadnezzar; they carried away all the artificers, 2 Kings 24:14; Jeremiah 24:1, 29:2. And in the same manner did Cyrus treat the Lydians." (Clarke)

ii. "For decades archaeologists working at many different sites have unearthed iron artifacts in bewildering number and variety dating from the period of greatest Philistine power and leading to the general consensus that the metal was introduced into Canaan - at least for weapons, agricultural tools, and jewelry - by the Philistines." (Youngblood)

b. Lest the Hebrews make swords or spears: Because the Philistines were the first people in Canaan to process iron, they made the most of it and kept the Israelites from using the technology to make better weapons.

c. All the Israelites would go down to the Philistines to sharpen each man's plowshare: By carefully guarding their military technology, the Philistines kept the Israelites in a subservient place.

i. We might imagine that the Philistine blacksmiths, even though they charged each Israelite a pim for sharpening, would never put too fine an edge on anything. First, this was because these farm tools were the only weapons the Israelites had, so why make them so sharp? Secondly, if you make it really sharp, it will be longer before they come back with another pim to get their ax sharpened!

d. There was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people . . . they were found with Saul and Jonathan: There were so few iron weapons available that only the royal family could be properly equipped! The rest of Israel fought with whatever they could.

i. "The Hebrews say that the angels brought them these arms; but that is not likely." (Trapp)

ii. It was bad enough to be outnumbered so badly. Now, we see God allowed the Philistines to have a huge technological advantage over the Israelites. The only way the Israelites could ever win was to trust in God for everything!

© 2001 David Guzik - No distribution beyond personal use without permission

Commentary -- Other

Critics Ask: 1Sa 13:1

1 SAMUEL 13:1 —What is the correct number in this verse?

PROBLEM: Among the several translations of the OT, 1 Samuel 13:1 is rendered as “one year” in the NKJV , by “forty” in the NASB , by “thirty” for the first number and “[forty-]two” for the second number in the ___. Which of these is the right number or numbers for this verse?

SOLUTION: The problem arises from the fact that the number is missing in the manuscripts of the Masoretic text. The verse simply reads, “Saul was the son of … years when he became king, and he reigned two years over Israel.” The verse does not include the word “reigned” in the first part. It literally says that “Saul was the son of … years.” Consequently, the renderings of the various translations are simply the attempts of translators to fill in the missing information based on other data.   

Critics Ask: 1Sa 13:5

1 SAMUEL 13:5 —How could the Philistines have an army of 30,000 chariots?

PROBLEM: According to this passage, the Philistines gathered together 30,000 chariots and 6,000 horsemen. However, an army of 30,000 chariots has never been recorded in all of ancient history, even among the most powerful empires. How could the Philistines have amassed such a large group of chariots?

SOLUTION: It is probably an error that has crept into the manuscripts during transmission. It is very unlikely that there would be such a ratio of chariots to horsemen. It is much more likely that the original manuscripts recorded the number of chariots at 3,000. This would give a better ratio of chariots to horsemen. Because the Hebrew numbers are very similar, it is quite probable that some copyist simply miscopied the 3,000 as 30,000. The accurate recording of numerical designations is very difficult, leading to this kind of problem.   

Critics Ask: 1Sa 13:12

1 SAMUEL 13:12-13 —Was Saul rejected by God for offering an unlawful sacrifice ( 1 Sam. 13:12-13 ), for disobedience ( 1 Sam. 28:18 ), or for consulting the Witch of Endor ( 1 Chron. 10:13 )?    All of the above. (See comments on Gen. 27:42-44 .)   

Critics Ask: 1Sa 13:13

1 SAMUEL 13:12-13 —Was Saul rejected by God for offering an unlawful sacrifice ( 1 Sam. 13:12-13 ), for disobedience ( 1 Sam. 28:18 ), or for consulting the Witch of Endor ( 1 Chron. 10:13 )?    All of the above. (See comments on Gen. 27:42-44 .)   

1 SAMUEL 13:13 —How could God have promised Saul a perpetual dynasty over Israel when that had already been prophesied of David?

PROBLEM: After Saul profaned the sacrifice, Samuel rebuked him and told him that, had he not sinned, God would have established him on the throne of Israel forever. However, in Genesis 49:10 we find the promise that the throne would be given to the tribe of Judah forever. How could God promise Saul an eternal kingdom when this was already promised to Judah?

SOLUTION: The statement of Samuel did not amount to a promise. Rather, Samuel is telling Saul what he had forfeited by his act of impiety. God knew from the beginning that Saul would show himself to be unworthy of sitting on the throne of Israel. However, as a free moral agent, Saul had to actually commit the acts of impiety which God had foreknown. The statement that God would have established Saul upon the throne was sincere and legitimate, although hypothetical. For God also knew that Saul would disqualify himself, so God prophesied that ultimately the throne would fall to the tribe of Judah, and David’s line would be established in Israel forever.   

Introduction / Outline

JFB: 1 Samuel (Book Introduction)

THE FIRST AND SECOND BOOKS OF SAMUEL. The two were, by the ancient Jews, conjoined so as to make one book, and in that form could be called the Book of Samuel with more propriety than now, the second being wholly occupied with the relation of transactions that did not take place till after the death of that eminent judge. Accordingly, in the Septuagint and the Vulgate, it is called the First and Second Books of Kings. The early portion of the First Book, down to the end of the twenty-fourth chapter, was probably written by Samuel; while the rest of it and the whole of the Second, are commonly ascribed to Nathan and Gad, founding the opinion on 1Ch 29:29. Commentators, however, are divided about this, some supposing that the statements in 1Sa 2:26; 1Sa 3:1, indicate the hand of the judge himself, or a contemporary; while some think, from 1Sa 6:18; 1Sa 12:5; 1Sa 27:6, that its composition must be referred to a later age. It is probable, however, that these supposed marks of an after-period were interpolations of Ezra. This uncertainty, however, as to the authorship does not affect the inspired authority of the book, which is indisputable, being quoted in the New Testament (1Sa 13:14 in Act 13:22, and 2Sa 7:14 in Heb 1:5), as well as in many of the Psalms.

JFB: 1 Samuel (Outline)

• OF ELKANAH AND HIS TWO WIVES. (1Sa 1:1-8)
• HANNAH'S PRAYER. (1Sa 1:9-18)
• SAMUEL BORN. (1Sa 1:20)
• HANNAH'S SONG IN THANKFULNESS TO GOD. (1Sa 2:1-11)
• THE SIN OF ELI'S SONS. (1Sa 2:12-17)
• SAMUEL'S MINISTRY. (1Sa 2:18-26)
• A PROPHECY AGAINST ELI'S HOUSE. (1Sa 2:27-35)
• THE LORD APPEARS TO SAMUEL IN A VISION. (1Sa 3:1-10)
• ISRAEL OVERCOME BY THE PHILISTINES. (1Sa 4:1-11)
• ELI HEARING THE TIDINGS. (1Sa 4:12-22)
• THE PHILISTINES BRING THE ARK INTO THE HOUSE OF DAGON. (1Sa 5:1-2)
• DAGON FALLS DOWN. (1Sa 5:3-5)
• THE PHILISTINES ARE SMITTEN WITH EMERODS. (1Sa 5:6-12)
• THE PHILISTINES COUNSEL HOW TO SEND BACK THE ARK. (1Sa 6:1-9)
• THE ARK AT KIRJATH-JEARIM. (1Sa 7:1-2)
• THE ISRAELITES, THROUGH SAMUEL'S INFLUENCE, SOLEMNLY REPENT AT MIZPEH. (1Sa 7:3-6)
• WHILE SAMUEL PRAYS, THE PHILISTINES ARE DISCOMFITED. (1Sa 7:7-14)
• OCCASIONED BY THE ILL-GOVERNMENT OF SAMUEL'S SONS, THE ISRAELITES ASK A KING. (1Sa. 8:1-18)
• SAUL, DESPAIRING TO FIND HIS FATHER'S ASSES, COMES TO SAMUEL. (1Sa 9:1-14)
• GOD REVEALS TO SAMUEL SAUL'S COMING, AND HIS APPOINTMENT TO THE KINGDOM. (1Sa 9:15-27)
• SAMUEL ANOINTS SAUL, AND CONFIRMS HIM BY THE PREDICTION OF THREE SIGNS. (1Sa. 10:1-27)
• NAHASH OFFERS THEM OF JABESH-GILEAD A REPROACHFUL CONDITION. (1Sa 11:1-4)
• THEY SEND TO SAUL, AND ARE DELIVERED. (1Sa 11:5-11)
• SAUL CONFIRMED KING. (1Sa 11:12-15)
• SAMUEL TESTIFIES HIS INTEGRITY. (1Sa 12:1-5)
• HE TERRIFIES THEM WITH THUNDER IN HARVEST-TIME. (1Sa 12:17-25)
• SAUL'S SELECTED BAND. (1Sa 13:1-2)
• HE CALLS THE HEBREWS TO GILGAL AGAINST THE PHILISTINES. (1Sa 13:3-4)
• THE PHILISTINES' GREAT HOST. (1Sa 13:5)
• THE ISRAELITES' DISTRESS. (1Sa 13:6-8)
• SAUL, WEARY OF WAITING FOR SAMUEL, SACRIFICES. (1Sa 13:9-16)
• JONATHAN MIRACULOUSLY SMITES THE PHILISTINES' GARRISON. (1Sa 14:1-14)
• SAUL SENT TO DESTROY AMALEK. (1Sa 15:1-6)
• HE SPARES AGAG AND THE BEST OF THE SPOIL. (1Sa 15:7-9)
• GOD REJECTS HIS FOR DISOBEDIENCE. (1Sa 15:10-11)
• SAMUEL SENT BY GOD TO BETHLEHEM. (1Sa 16:1-10)
• HE ANOINTS DAVID. (1Sa 16:11-14)
• THE ISRAELITES AND PHILISTINES BEING READY TO BATTLE. (1Sa 17:1-3)
• GOLIATH CHALLENGES A COMBAT. (1Sa 17:4-11)
• DAVID ACCEPTS THE CHALLENGE, AND SLAYS HIM. (1Sa. 17:12-58)
• JONATHAN LOVES DAVID. (1Sa 18:1-4)
• SAUL ENVIES HIS PRAISE. (1Sa 18:5-9)
• SEEKS TO KILL HIM. (1Sa 18:10-12)
• FEARS HIM FOR HIS GOOD SUCCESS. (1Sa 18:13-16)
• HE OFFERS HIM HIS DAUGHTER FOR A SNARE. (1Sa 18:17-21)
• JONATHAN DISCLOSES HIS FATHER'S PURPOSE TO KILL DAVID. (1Sa 19:1-7)
• SAUL'S MALICIOUS RAGE BREAKS OUT AGAINST DAVID. (1Sa 19:8-17)
• DAVID FLEES TO SAMUEL. (1Sa 19:18-23)
• SAUL PROPHESIES. (1Sa 19:24)
• DAVID CONSULTS WITH JONATHAN FOR HIS SAFETY. (1Sa 20:1-10)
• THEIR COVENANT RENEWED BY OATH. (1Sa 20:11-23)
• SAUL, MISSING DAVID, SEEKS TO KILL JONAHAN. (1Sa. 20:24-40)
• JONATHAN AND DAVID LOVINGLY PART. (1Sa 20:41-42)
• DAVID, AT NOB, OBTAINS OF AHIMELECH HALLOWED BREAD. (1Sa 21:1-7)
• HE TAKES GOLIATH'S SWORD. (1Sa 21:9)
• AT GATH HE FEIGNS HIMSELF MAD. (1Sa 21:10-15)
• DAVID'S KINDRED AND OTHERS RESORT TO HIM AT ADULLAM. (1Sa 22:1-8)
• DOEG ACCUSES AHIMELECH. (1Sa 22:9-16)
• SAUL COMMANDS TO KILL THE PRIESTS. (1Sa 22:17-19)
• ABIATHAR ESCAPES AND FLEES AFTER DAVID. (1Sa 22:20-23)
• DAVID RESCUES KEILAH. (1Sa 23:1-6)
• SAUL'S COMING, AND TREACHERY OF THE KEILITES. (1Sa 23:7-13)
• DAVID ESCAPES TO ZIPH. (1Sa 23:14-18)
• SAUL PURSUES HIM. (1Sa 23:19-29)
• DAVID IN A CAVE AT ENGEDI CUTS OFF SAUL'S SKIRT, BUT SPARES HIS LIFE. (1Sa 24:1-7)
• HE URGES THEREBY HIS INNOCENCY. (1Sa 24:8-15)
• SAMUEL DIES. (1Sa 25:1-9)
• THE CHURLISH ANSWER PROVOKES HIM. (1Sa 25:10-13)
• ABIGAIL PACIFIES HIM. (1Sa. 25:14-35)
• NABAL'S DEATH. (1Sa 25:36-44)
• SAUL COMES TO THE HILL OF HACHILAH AGAINST DAVID. (1Sa 26:1-4)
• DAVID STAYS ABISHAI FROM KILLING SAUL, BUT TAKES HIS SPEAR AND CRUSE. (1Sa. 26:5-25)
• SAUL HEARING THAT DAVID WAS FLED TO GATH, SEEKS NO MORE FOR HIM. (1Sa 27:1-4)
• DAVID BEGS ZIKLAG OF ACHISH. (1Sa 27:5-12)
• ACHISH'S CONFIDENCE IN DAVID. (1Sa 28:1-6)
• SAUL SEEKS A WITCH, WHO, BEING ENCOURAGED BY HIM, RAISES UP SAMUEL. (1Sa. 28:7-25)
• DAVID MARCHING WITH THE PHILISTINES TO FIGHT WITH ISRAEL. (1Sa 29:1-5)
• THE AMALEKITES SPOIL ZIKLAG. (1Sa 30:1-5)
• BUT DAVID, ENCOURAGED BY GOD, PURSUES THEM. (1Sa 30:6-15)
• AND RECOVERS HIS TWO WIVES AND ALL THE SPOIL. (1Sa. 30:16-31)
• SAUL HAVING LOST HIS ARMY AT GILBOA, AND HIS SONS BEING SLAIN, HE AND HIS ARMOR-BEARER KILL THEMSELVES. (1Sa 31:1-7)
• THE PHILISTINES TRIUMPH OVER THEIR DEAD BODIES. (1Sa 31:8-10)
• THE MEN OF JABESH-GILEAD RECOVER THE BODIES AND BURY THEM AT JABESH. (1Sa 31:11-13)

TSK: 1 Samuel (Book Introduction)

The First Book of SAMUEL, otherwise called " The First Book of the KINGS."

TSK: 1 Samuel 13 (Chapter Introduction)

Overview

1Sa 13:1, Saul’s select band; 1Sa 13:3, He calls the Hebrews to Gilgal against the Philistines, whose garrison Jonathan had smitten; 1Sa 13:5, The Philistines’ great host; 1Sa 13:6, The distress of the Israelites; 1Sa 13:8, Saul, weary of staying for Samuel, sacrifices; 1Sa 13:11, Samuel reproves him; 1Sa 13:17, The three spoiling bands of the Philistines; 1Sa 13:19, The policy of the Philistines, to suffer no smith in Israel.

Poole: 1 Samuel (Book Introduction)

FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL OTHERWISE CALLED

THE FIRST BOOK OF THE KINGS.

THE ARGUMENT.

IT is not certainly known who was the penman of this Book, or whether it was written by one or more hands; nor is it or any great importance; for since there are sufficient evidences that God was the chief author of it, it matters not who was the instrument. As when it appears that such a thing was really an act of parliament, or of the council-table, it is not considerable who was the clerk or which was the pen that wrote it. And this is the less material in such historical hooks, wherein there is but little which concerns the foundation of faith and good life, and therefore it was not necessary to name the writer of them. It may abundantly suffice that there were in these times divers prophets and holy men of God; as Samuel, and Nathan, and Gad, and David himself, who might each of them write some part of this and the following book. But if any man will out of perverseness doubt or deny that these wrote it, yet this I suppose no discreet and impartial man will deny, that it is wholly incredible that such books should be written in their times, and recommended to the church as a part of the Holy Scriptures, and so received by the succeeding generation, without their approbation, who had so great a power and authority in the church and commonwealth of Israel.

Poole: 1 Samuel 13 (Chapter Introduction)

SAMUEL CHAPTER 13

Saul and Jonathan’ s select band. Jonathan smiteth the garrison of the Philistines at Gibeah: the people are called together at Gilgal, 1Sa 13:1-4 . The Philistines’ great host: the Israelites run into caves; and tremble, 1Sa 13:5-7 . Saul offereth before Samuel cometh to him; he reproves him for it; foretelleth him that his kingdom should not last long, 1Sa 13:8-14 . Three companies of the Philistines invade the land; they had no smith to make them swords, &c; nor had any of the Israelites, save Saul and Jonathan, sword or spear, 1Sa 13:15-23 .

MHCC: 1 Samuel (Book Introduction)

In this book we have an account of Eli, and the wickedness of his sons; also of Samuel, his character and actions. Then of the advancement of Saul to be the king of Israel, and his ill behaviour, until his death made way for David's succession to the throne, who was an eminent type of Christ. David's patience, modesty, constancy, persecution by open enemies and feigned friends, are a pattern and example to the church, and to every member of it. Many things in this book encourage the faith, hope, and patience of the suffering believer. It contains also many useful cautions and awful warnings.

MHCC: 1 Samuel 13 (Chapter Introduction)

(1Sa 13:1-7) The invasion of the Philistines.

(1Sa 13:8-14) Saul sacrifices, He is reproved by Samuel.

(1Sa 13:15-23) The policy of the Philistines.

Matthew Henry: 1 Samuel (Book Introduction)

An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The First Book of Samuel

This book, and that which follows it, bear the name of Samuel in the title, not because he was the penman of them (except of so much of them as fell within his own time, to the twenty-fifth chapter of the first book, in which we have an account of his death), but because the first book begins with a large account of him, his birth and childhood, his life and government; and the rest of these two volumes that are denominated from him contains the history of the reigns of Saul and David, who were both anointed by him. And, because the history of these two kings takes up the greatest part of these books, the Vulgar latin calls them the First and Second Books of the Kings, and the two that follow the Third and Fourth, which the titles in our English Bibles take notice of with an alias: otherwise called the First Book of the Kings, etc. The Septuagint calls them the first and second Book of the Kingdoms. It is needless to contend about it, but there is no occasion to vary from the Hebrew verity. These two books contain the history of the last two of the judges, Eli and Samuel, who were not, as the rest, men of war, but priests (and so much of them is an appendix to the book of Judges), and of the first two of the kings, Saul and David, and so much of them is an entrance upon the history of the kings. They contain a considerable part of the sacred history, are sometimes referred to in the New Testament, and often in the titles of David's Psalms, which, if placed in their order, would fall in these books. It is uncertain who was the penman of them; it is probable that Samuel wrote the history of his own time, and that, after him, some of the prophets that were with David (Nathan as likely as any) continued it. This first book gives us a full account of Eli's fall and Samuel's rise and good government, ch. 1-8. Of Samuel's resignation of the government and Saul's advancement and mal-administration, ch. 9-15. The choice of David, his struggles with Saul, Saul's ruin at last, and the opening of the way for David to the throne, ch. 16-31. And these things are written for our learning.

Matthew Henry: 1 Samuel 13 (Chapter Introduction)

Those that desired a king like all the nations fancied that, when they had one, they should look very great and considerable; but in this chapter we find it proved much otherwise. While Samuel was joined in commission with Saul things went well (1Sa 11:7). But, now that Saul began to reign alone, all went to decay, and Samuel's words began to be fulfilled: " You shall be consumed, both you and your king;" for never was the state of Israel further gone in a consumption than in this chapter. I. Saul appears here a very silly prince. 1. Infatuated in his counsels (1Sa 13:1-3). 2. Invaded by his neighbours (1Sa 13:4, 1Sa 13:5). 3. Deserted by his soldiers (1Sa 13:6, 1Sa 13:7). 4. Disordered in his own spirit, and sacrificing in confusion (1Sa 13:8-10). 5. Chidden by Samuel (1Sa 13:11-13). 6. Rejected of God from being king (1Sa 13:14). II. The people appear hear a very miserable people. 1. Disheartened and dispersed (1Sa 13:6, 1Sa 13:7). 2. Diminished (1Sa 13:15, 1Sa 13:16). 3. Plundered (1Sa 13:17, 1Sa 13:18). 4. Disarmed (1Sa 13:19-23). This they got by casting off God's government, and making themselves like the nations: all their glory departed from them.

Constable: 1 Samuel (Book Introduction)

Introduction

Title

First and Second Samuel were originally one book called the Book of Samuel in the Hebrew Bible. The Greek Septuagint translation of the Old Testament (made ca. 250 B.C.) was the first to divide it into two books. The Septuagint translators titled these books 1 and 2 Kingdoms. That division has persisted ever since and has even been incorporated into subsequent editions of the Hebrew Bible (since A.D. 1517). The title "Samuel" was given by Jerome in his Latin translation, the Vulgate (ca. A.D. 400).

The Jews gave the name "Samuel" to it because Samuel is the first major character in the book. Samuel anointed both Saul and David, so in this respect he was superior to them both.

Date and Writer

Statements in the Book of Samuel imply that someone who had witnessed at least some of the events recorded wrote it. However the original writer must have written most of it after Samuel's death (i.e., -1 Sam. 25-2 Sam. 24) and some of it even after the division of the kingdom following Solomon's death (e.g., 1 Sam. 27:6). These features have made it difficult to date the book.

"Our guess is that the author was a high state official in frequent attendance at the court, enjoying the full confidence of David and his household, who served David throughout his reign in Jerusalem and also Solomon during the early years of his reign, and whose duties may have been connected with literary work."¹

Most conservative scholars prefer the view that Samuel may have written or been responsible for noting the record of earlier events in the book (chs. 1-24). Then some unidentifiable writer put it in its final form later, perhaps soon after Solomon's death.

Rationalistic critics of the book tend to believe it was the result of much more piecing together, and some of them date its final form as late as 500 B.C.²

Scope

The Book of Samuel covers the period of Israel's history bracketed by Samuel's conception and the end of David's reign. David turned the kingdom over to Solomon in 971 B.C.³ David reigned for 40 and one-half years (2 Sam. 2:11; 5:5). This means he came to power in 1011 B.C. Saul also reigned for 40 years (Acts 13:21) so he became king in 1051 B.C. We can estimate the date of Samuel's birth fairly certainly on the basis of chronological references in the text to have been about 1121 B.C.⁴ Thus the Book of Samuel covers about 1121-971 B.C., or about 150 years of history.

We should note that the first part of 1 Samuel overlaps historically with the end of the judges period that we find in the Book of Judges. Apparently Samson was born just a few years before Samuel. Samson's 20-year judgeship evidently began shortly before the battle of Aphek (1104 B.C.) at which time Eli died (1 Sam. 4:18). It ended not many years before the battle of Mizpah (1084 B.C.) when the Philistine domination of Israel ceased temporarily (1 Sam. 7:13). Samuel's ministry therefore probably ran concurrent with that of Samson until Samson died. Saul began to reign about 35 years after Samson died (i.e., 1051 B.C.). Samuel evidently lived about 30 years after that.⁵

Old Testament History
Events	Biblical References
Creation to Israel's move to Egypt	Genesis 1-50
The Exodus	Exodus 1-18
Israel at Mt. Sinai	Exodus 19--Numbers 10
The Wilderness Wanderings	Numbers 11-21
Israel on the Plains of Moab	Numbers 22--Joshua 2
The Conquest and Division of Canaan	Joshua 3-24
The Amphictyony	-Judges 1-1 Samuel 7
The Reign of Saul	1 Samuel 8-31; 1 Chronicles 10
The Reign of David	2 Samuel 1-24; 1 Chronicles 11-29
The Reign of Solomon	1 Kings 1-11; 2 Chronicles 1-9
The Divided Monarchy	-1 Kings 12-2 Kings 17; 2 Chronicles 10-31
The Surviving Kingdom of Judah	2 Kings 18-25; 2 Chronicles 32-36
The Return under Zerubbabel	Ezra 1-6
The Return under Ezra	Ezra 7-10
The Return under Nehemiah	Nehemiah 1-13

Message⁶

First and 2 Samuel are really one story. The translators divided them into two books for convenience, not because of subject matter.

First Samuel records Israel's transition from amphictyony to monarchy.

The key passage that explains this transition is 8:4-7. Two statements from this passage are especially significant.

The human desire that produced the transition expressed itself in verse 5: "Now appoint a king for us to judge us like all the nations." God had brought Israel into existence as a nation to be unlike all the nations (Exod. 19:5-6). The essence of its uniqueness was Yahweh's rule over it as King. God wanted Israel to be a demonstration for all the world to see how glorious it can be to live under the authority of God.

The real meaning of the people's request comes out in verse 7: ". . . they have rejected me from being king over them." During the period of the judges, religious apostasy spread and characterized Israel. The people refused to obey their King. It is this attitude that finds expression in verse 5. The people wanted to substitute the false for the true. This is the essence of sin, and it results in idolatry. Every idol is a witness to man's need of God. When people reject the true God they must put something in His place to meet that need. Human beings must have a god.

Israel turned from God as her King in 1 Samuel. She desired a king like the other nations. This book shows the immediate effects of that desire.

One of the great revelations of 1 Samuel is how from the human viewpoint God adapts to continue His reign.

This statement appears to contradict 8:7, but it does not. The people rejected Yahweh, but they did not dethrone Him. The first act is possible, the second is not. This is a major lesson of 1 Samuel. The great revelation of this book is not primarily its three central figures: Samuel, Saul, and David. It is Yahweh reigning by adapting to human situations and moving surely and steadily toward the fulfillment of His purposes. In spite of disobedience or obedience, failure or success, rebellious or loyal people, the reign of God moves on. We see this great lesson in the history of 1 Samuel's three central figures: Samuel, Saul, and David.

The writer introduced Samuel's story with his mother Hannah's experience with God. Hannah was a great woman of faith who lived in the judges period. Her faith became God's foothold for advance. Her song reveals a profound appreciation for Yahweh as the God who reigns over all (2:6-8, 10). The similarities between this prayer and Mary's Magnificat in Luke 1 are interesting and noteworthy.

Samuel was a prophet. In one sense he was the first of the prophets (Acts 3:24). Of course, Moses was a prophet and so was Abraham, but Samuel was the first of the order of prophets who mediated between God and the Israelites during the monarchy. The kings of Israel and Judah were never mediators between God and the people in the sense of speaking for God to the people. When the Israelites rejected Yahweh as their king, He withdrew from close communion and intimate fellowship with them. He never recognized their kings as standing between Himself and them to mediate His Word to the people. He chose their kings for them. He allowed their desire for a human king to work itself out in ultimate disaster through the centuries that followed. Yet He never spoke to the people through the king. He always spoke to them through the prophets. Samuel was the first of these. David, of course, was a king and a prophet. The role of the kings was to govern the people. The role of the prophets was to reveal God's will to them.

With Samuel the office of prophet in Israel emerges as that of Yahweh's authoritative representative to His people. Samuel became the king-maker finding and anointing both Saul and David. >From now on when God had a message for the people it normally did not come directly to the king but to the king and the people through the prophet. The prophet's office was always superior to that of Israel's kings. (You have the privilege of speaking for God to your generation. You have a high calling similar to that of Israel's prophets.) When Israel rejected Yahweh as her king, God chose Samuel, the child of a woman's simple faith, trained him in the tabernacle, and called him when he was only a boy. Then He gave him a message to deliver and sent him to anoint Saul as the king after the people's own heart, and David as the king after God's own heart. The prophets became God's mediators, His messengers, and the interpreters of His law. Thus Yahweh reigned though He adapted His methods of ruling by raising up the prophets. He called Samuel as the first of these mediators. During the monarchy God provided guidance through two offices rather than through one as He had done previously. The kings provided political leadership, and the prophets gave the people spiritual leadership. God had previously provided both types of leadership through single individuals namely Moses, Joshua, and the judges.

Saul's story is one of the most tragic in Scripture. It is unusually fascinating and has tremendous power in its appeal to our lives. When God placed Saul on Israel's throne He answered the prayer of His rebellious people in 8:5. God "gave them their request, but sent a wasting disease among them" (Ps. 106:15; NASB).

Saul was a revelation to the Israelites of what the possession of "a king like the nations" really meant. He had unusual physical strength, but he was fitful and he failed the people. He had mental acumen, but he was moody and eventually turned into a madman. He was sluggish and dull spiritually lacking in spiritual insight and power, and eventually he abandoned Yahweh for a witch.

His reign was also a disaster. At the beginning of his reign, Israel was virtually without a leader. At its end it was under the control of an enemy neighbor. Saul was never able to expand the borders of Israel because he never was strong enough to dominate his enemy neighbors. David on the other hand did both of these things. At the end of Saul's reign, Israel had almost destroyed itself through its wars with the Philistines.

David's story is one of the most glorious in Scripture. After Saul, God gave His people another king, but this time he was a man after God's own heart.

God prepared David for the throne by putting him through training as a shepherd in the fields, a courtier in the palace, and an "outlaw" in exile. (By "outlaw" I do not mean David was lawless but that he lived outside Saul's control.) His shepherd training prepared him to care for and protect the Israelites under his charge. His courtier experience prepared him to deal with high governmental leaders. His "outlaw" years perfected the disciplines that enabled him to become a strong ruler. These disciplines included relying on God in every situation, practicing self-restraint, and leading his people.

In all David's training God was reigning, moving forward to the fulfillment of His plans and purposes. God had previously done this by making the child of faith, Samuel, His prophet. He had also done this by making outwardly promising Saul a revelation to the nation of her sins in turning away from God.

The second great revelation of this book is that people cooperate with God by either being loyal or by being disloyal to Him.

In Samuel's case he had opportunity to glorify God because of his parentage, his call by God, and his appointment as God's prophet. He responded obediently, with loyalty to God. Consequently God's messages got delivered, and God's work moved ahead. Samuel was an instrument of blessing.

In Saul's case he had opportunity to glorify God too. His opportunity came in his call by God, his anointing by Samuel, his friendship with Samuel, his popularity with the people, and his personal abilities. He responded disobediently, with disloyalty to God as seen in his vacillating and self-will. Consequently he failed as a king, and he died under the judgment of God. His life was a failure.

In David's case his opportunities were his call, his anointing, his waiting, and his suffering. He responded obediently, with loyalty to God. Consequently he became God's instrument of progress and blessing. He was a success.

Each man had his opportunity, made his response, and experienced the consequences of his response. Two obeyed, one disobeyed. All cooperated with God in fulfilling His ultimate purposes either to his own blessing or to his own blasting.

As a result of these two major revelations I would summarize the message of 1 Samuel as follows. God will accomplish His purposes regardless of man's personal response to Him. However man's response to God's revealed will determines a person's own success or failure in life.

First Samuel teaches us the methods of the sovereign God. All territory is within God's jurisdiction, every person is under His control, and all events are in His hands. All of God's plans and purposes are moving toward accomplishment. He makes use of all antagonistic facts and forces as well as all positive facts and forces. He also makes use of all the agents He has chosen to use regardless of their responses. Paul's comments in 2 Tim. 2:20-21 are very much to the point here.

First Samuel also teaches us that God's ultimate victory is independent of the attitudes and actions of individuals and groups of people (e.g., Israel) toward Him. Nevertheless the ultimate destiny of individuals and groups of people depends on their attitudes and actions toward Him.

Samuel was obedient, was God's instrument, and experienced deliverance. Saul was disobedient, was God's instrument, and experienced destruction. David was obedient, was God's instrument, and experienced deliverance. My attitudes and actions do not determine God's ultimate victory, but they do determine my ultimate destiny. Everything depends on my choices and me regarding my earthly destiny. Nothing depends on me regarding God's ultimate victory. God uses all people, loyal and rebellious, to produce His ultimate purposes. However we determine the outcome of our lives by our attitudes and responses to Him. We see these principles working themselves out around us all the time. Dr. Walvoord is an example of a Samuel or a David in our day. The DTS graduates in prison are examples of the Sauls of our day.

Constable: 1 Samuel (Outline)

Outline

I. Eli and Samuel chs. 1-3

A. The change from barrenness to fertility 1:1-2:10

1. Hannah's condition 1:1-8

2. Hannah's vow 1:9-18

3. Hannah's obedience 1:19-28

4. Hannah's song 2:1-10

B. The contrast between Samuel and Eli's sons 2:11-36

1. Eli's sons' wickedness 2:11-17

2. Hannah's godly influence on Samuel and its effect 2:18-21

3. Eli's lack of influence on his sons and its effect 2:22-26

4. The oracle against Eli's house 2:27-36

C. God's first revelation to Samuel ch. 3

1. Samuel's call 3:1-18

2. Samuel's ministry 3:19-4:1a

II. The history of the ark of the covenant 4:1b-7:1

A. The capture of the ark 4:1b-22

1. The battle of Aphek 4:1b-11

2. The response of Eli 4:12-18

3. The response of Phinehas' wife 4:19-22

B. Pagan fertility foiled by God ch. 5

C. The ark returned to Israel by God 6:1-7:1

1. The plan to terminate God's judgment 6:1-9

2. The return of the ark to Bethshemesh 6:10-18

3. The removal of the ark to Kiriath-jearim 6:19-7:1

III. Samuel and Saul 7:2-15:35

A. Samuel's ministry as Israel's judge 7:2-17

1. Samuel's spiritual leadership 7:2-4

2. National repentance and deliverance 7:5-14

3. Samuel's regular ministry 7:15-17

B. Kingship given to Saul chs. 8-12

1. The demand for a king ch. 8

2. The anointing of Saul 9:1-10:16

3. The choice of Saul by lot 10:17-27

4. Saul's effective leadership in battle 11:1-11

5. The confirmation of Saul as king 11:12-12:25

C. Kingship removed from Saul chs. 13-15

1. Saul's disobedience at Gilgal 13:1-15

2. Saul's struggle against the Philistines 13:16-14:23

3. Saul's cursing of Jonathan 14:24-46

4. Saul's limited effectiveness in battle 14:47-52

5. Yahweh's final rejection of Saul ch. 15

IV. Saul and David 1 Sam. 16-31

A. David's rise as the new anointed 16:1-18:5

1. God's selection of David for kingship ch. 16

2. The reason for God's selection of David ch. 17

3. The results of God's selection of David ch. 18:1-19:17

B. David driven out by Saul 19:18-20:42

1. God's deliverance in Ramah 19:18-24

2. Jonathan's advocacy for David ch. 20

C. David in exile chs. 21-31

1. David's initial movements chs. 21-22

2. Saul's pursuit of David ch. 23

3. David's goodness to two fools ch. 24-26

4. The end of Saul's reign 27-31

(Continued in notes on 2 Samuel)

Constable: 1 Samuel

1 Samuel

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Copyright 2003 by Thomas L. Constable

Haydock: 1 Samuel (Book Introduction)

THE FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL;

otherwise called,

THE FIRST BOOK OF KINGS.

INTRODUCTION.

This and the following Book are called by the Hebrews, the Books of Samuel, because they contain the history of Samuel, and of the two kings, Saul and David, whom he anointed. They are more commonly named by the Fathers, the First and Second Book of Kings. As to the writer of them, it is the common opinion that Samuel composed the first book, as far as the twenty-fifth chapter; and that the prophets Nathan and Gad finished the first and wrote the second book. See 1 Paralipomenon, alias 1 Chronicles, xxix. 19. (Challoner) --- The authors of the Third and Fourth Books of Kings were also prophets, but we know not exactly their names. These works have nevertheless been always esteemed authentic (Haydock) and canonical. (Worthington) --- Ven. Bede takes occasion to observe, from the Books of Kings (or as the Septuagint read, "of kingdoms;" Haydock) being placed after that of Judges, that the everlasting kingdom of Christ will succeed the general judgment. The translation of the priesthood and of the regal dignity, recorded in these books, denote also that Christ would united both in his own person; as the two wives of Eleana intimated, that both Jews and Gentiles would acknowledge the same Lord. (St. Jerome; St. Augustine; &c.) --- The transactions of Heli, Samuel and Saul, and the persecutions which David sustained from the latter, form the subject of the first book, (Haydock) during the space of 100 years. All the four books carry down the sacred history near 600 years, from the year of the world 2849 till the transmigration of Juda, in the year 3420. (Calmet) (Usher)

Gill: 1 Samuel (Book Introduction)

INTRODUCTION TO 1 SAMUEL

This book, in the Hebrew copies, is commonly called Samuel, or the Book of Samuel; in the Syriac version, the Book of Samuel the Prophet; and in the Arabic version, the Book of Samuel the Prophet, which is the First Book of the Kings; and the Septuagint version, the Book of the Kingdom: it has the name of Samuel, because it contains an history of his life and times; and the Jews say ^a it was written by him; and as it may well enough be thought to be, to the end of the twenty fourth chapter; and the rest might be written by Nathan and Gad, as may he gathered from 1Ch 29:29 as also the following book that bears his name; and both may be called the Books of Kings, because they give an account of the rise of the kings in Israel, and of the two first of them; though some think they were written by Jeremiah, as Abarbinel; and others ascribe them to Ezra: however, there is no doubt to be made of it that this book was written by divine inspiration, when we consider the series of its history, its connection and harmony with other parts of Scripture; the several things borrowed from it, or alluded to in the book of Psalms, particularly what is observed in Psa 113:7, seems to be taken out of 1Sa 2:8, and the sanction which the Lord gives to it, by referring to a fact in it, whereby he stopped the mouths of the Scribes and Pharisees cavilling at his disciples, Mat 12:3, compared with 1Sa 21:3, yea, even, as Huetius ^b observes, some Heathen writers have by their testimonies confirmed some passages in these books, which they seem to have been acquainted with, as Nicolaus of Damascus ^c, and Eupolemus ^d; it contains an history of the government of Eli, and of the birth of Samuel, and his education under him; of the succession of Samuel in it, and the resignation of it to Saul, when he was chosen king; of his administration of his office, and of things done in the time of it, both before and after his rejection, and of the persecution of David by Saul, and is concluded with his death.

Gill: 1 Samuel 13 (Chapter Introduction)

INTRODUCTION TO FIRST SAMUEL 13

This chapter relates how Saul disposed of his army, 1Sa 13:1 that Jonathan his son smote a garrison of Philistines, which provoked them to come out with a large army against them, to the great terror of the Israelites, many of whom fled to secret places, and to distant parts, 1Sa 13:3, that Saul tarried at Gilgal waiting for Samuel, but he not coming so soon as expected, offered sacrifice himself, 1Sa 13:8 for which Samuel, when he came, reproved him, and told him the kingdom should not continue with him, but be given to another man, 1Sa 13:11 on which Saul departed to Gibeah, where he continued, the Philistines being encamped at Michmash, 1Sa 13:15 from whence went out spoilers, in three companies, into the land of Israel, where they met with no opposition; for there were no weapons in the hands of any but Saul and Jonathan, the Philistines having taken care that there should be no smith in the land of Israel to make them any, so that they were defenceless, 1Sa 13:17.