1 Samuel 13:11

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And Samuel {H8050} said {H559}, What hast thou done {H6213}? And Saul {H7586} said {H559}, Because I saw {H7200} that the people {H5971} were scattered {H5310} from me, and that thou camest {H935} not within the days {H3117} appointed {H4150}, and that the Philistines {H6430} gathered themselves together {H622} at Michmash {H4363};

Complete Jewish Bible

Sh'mu'el said, "What have you done?" Sha'ul answered, "I saw that the army was drifting away from me, that you hadn't come during the time appointed The Hebrew text lacks the number. and that the P'lishtim had assembled at Mikhmas.

Berean Standard Bible

“What have you done?” Samuel asked. And Saul replied, “When I saw that the troops were deserting me, and that you did not come at the appointed time and the Philistines were gathering at Michmash,

American Standard Version

And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines assembled themselves together at Michmash;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 13:11 captures the tense confrontation between the prophet Samuel and King Saul immediately following Saul's presumptuous act of offering a burnt offering, a duty reserved for the priesthood. Samuel's direct question, "What hast thou done?", is met with Saul's threefold justification: his observation that the Israelite forces were scattering, Samuel's perceived delay beyond the appointed seven days, and the formidable gathering of the Philistine army at Michmash. This verse is pivotal, revealing Saul's character flaws of impatience, fear, and a tendency to prioritize expediency over strict obedience to divine command, setting the stage for the unraveling of his kingship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of a critical narrative sequence that began with Samuel's explicit instruction to Saul in [1 Samuel 10:8](/1-samuel/10-8 "Samuel's Instruction to Saul at Gilgal"), where the newly anointed king was commanded to wait seven days for Samuel at Gilgal, after which Samuel would come to offer sacrifices and provide further direction. The immediate context in [1 Samuel 13](/1-samuel/13 "1 Samuel 13 - Saul's Disobedience and Rejection") details the escalating pressure on Saul: the Philistines had assembled a vast army at Michmash ([1 Samuel 13:5](/1-samuel/13-5 "Philistine Army at Michmash")), Israelite soldiers were deserting out of fear ([1 Samuel 13:6-7](/1-samuel/13-6 "Israelites Hiding and Scattering")), and the appointed seven days were drawing to a close. Faced with this dire situation, and with Samuel not yet appearing, Saul took it upon himself to offer the burnt offering and peace offerings ([1 Samuel 13:9-10](/1-samuel/13-9 "Saul's Unauthorized Sacrifice")), usurping a priestly role. Samuel arrives precisely as Saul finishes, leading directly to the sharp interrogation of [1 Samuel 13:11](/1-samuel/13-11 "Samuel Confronts Saul"). This moment is a turning point, initiating the process of Saul's rejection as king, as detailed in [1 Samuel 13:13-14](/1-samuel/13-13 "Samuel's Rebuke and Prophecy of Saul's Rejection").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Saul's reign marked a significant transition for Israel from a tribal confederacy led by judges to a centralized monarchy. This transition was fraught with challenges, particularly the ongoing military threat from the Philistines, a powerful and technologically superior people (possessing iron weaponry, unlike Israel, as noted in [1 Samuel 13:19-22](/1-samuel/13-19 "Philistine Control of Iron Technology")). Gilgal, where this event occurred, was a historically significant site, serving as a primary encampment for Israel after crossing the Jordan ([Joshua 4:19-20](/joshua/4-19 "Israelite Encampment at Gilgal")) and a place of covenant renewal and sacrifice. Culturally, the offering of sacrifices was a highly regulated act, strictly reserved for the Levitical priesthood, particularly the descendants of Aaron. Kings, though divinely appointed, did not possess priestly authority. Saul's act was therefore not merely an administrative error but a profound violation of the divinely established order, a blurring of the distinct lines between civil and religious authority that God had ordained for Israel. The gathering of the Philistines at Michmash, a strategic pass, underscored the immediate military crisis that fueled Saul's impatience.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme illuminated by this verse is **Obedience versus Disobedience**. Saul's failure to wait for Samuel, despite explicit instructions, demonstrates a profound lack of trust in God's timing and a preference for human expediency over divine command. This act foreshadows his later, more egregious acts of disobedience, particularly in the Amalekite campaign ([1 Samuel 15](/1-samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Disobedience Regarding the Amalekites")). Related to this is the theme of **Trust versus Fear**. Saul's excuses reveal that his actions were driven by fear—fear of the Philistines and fear of his diminishing army. This fear led him to act rashly rather than relying on God's sovereign power and faithfulness. Another crucial theme is the **Usurpation of Authority**. By performing the sacrifice, Saul overstepped his kingly boundaries, intruding into the priestly function, highlighting the distinct spheres of authority God had established. Finally, the verse introduces the **Consequences of Sin and Disobedience**. This moment marks the beginning of the end for Saul's kingdom, as Samuel's subsequent pronouncements in [1 Samuel 13:13-14](/1-samuel/13-13 "Samuel's Rebuke and Prophecy of Saul's Rejection") declare that his dynasty would not endure, paving the way for the anointing of David.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **What hast thou done? (Hebrew, _mah asita'_):** This interrogative phrase, uttered by Samuel, is far more than a simple question seeking information. It carries a profound tone of rebuke, disappointment, and accusation. In biblical narrative, such direct questions from a prophet often imply a serious breach of covenant or divine command, signaling God's displeasure and the gravity of the transgression. It immediately places Saul on the defensive, demanding an account for an action that is clearly perceived as wrong.
* **scattered (Hebrew, _pûṣ_):** This verb describes the dispersion or breaking up of the Israelite forces. It conveys a sense of disarray, fear, and loss of cohesion among the troops. Saul's use of this word highlights his immediate concern for the morale and numerical strength of his army, emphasizing the perceived crisis that drove his decision to act prematurely. It underscores the human-centric perspective that overshadowed his obligation to wait on God.
* **Michmash (Hebrew, _mikhmāš_):** This geographical location is significant as the site where the Philistines had gathered their formidable army. Michmash was a strategic pass, indicating the Philistine's intent to engage in a decisive battle. Its mention by Saul serves to underscore the perceived overwhelming threat and the urgency of the situation from his perspective, attempting to justify his actions as a necessary response to an immediate and severe military danger.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Samuel said, What hast thou done?":** This opening clause immediately establishes the confrontational tone. Samuel's question is sharp, direct, and laden with an implicit accusation. It signifies that Samuel, acting as God's representative, is fully aware of Saul's unauthorized sacrifice and views it as a serious transgression, not merely a tactical decision. This question forces Saul to account for his actions, laying bare his motivations and revealing his character.
* **"And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me":** Saul begins his defense by appealing to his visual observation and the dire military situation. His focus is on the human element: the desertion of his troops. This reveals a king who is primarily concerned with maintaining control and morale, and who allows the visible circumstances to dictate his actions rather than unwavering faith in God's promised intervention. It highlights a reliance on human sight over divine promise.
* **"and [that] thou camest not within the days appointed":** Saul's second justification attempts to shift blame onto Samuel, implying that the prophet's perceived delay forced his hand. While Samuel had commanded Saul to wait seven days, the text in [1 Samuel 13:10](/1-samuel/13-10 "Samuel Arrives") explicitly states that Samuel arrived "as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering," implying Samuel arrived precisely on time or at the very last moment of the appointed period. Saul's statement here reveals his impatience and a tendency to rationalize his disobedience by finding fault elsewhere, rather than acknowledging his own failure to trust God's precise timing.
* **"and [that] the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash;":** Saul's final excuse emphasizes the overwhelming external threat. The formidable Philistine army at a strategic location presented a clear and present danger. This justification underscores Saul's fear and his desire to take immediate action to avert disaster. He prioritizes the perceived military necessity over the specific divine command, demonstrating a lack of faith that God could deliver Israel even in the face of such a powerful enemy, or that God's timing is perfect regardless of the circumstances.

#### Literary Devices
The passage masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Dialogue**, which immediately plunges the reader into the intense confrontation between Samuel and Saul. Samuel's terse, accusatory question, "What hast thou done?", is met by Saul's lengthy, defensive response, revealing the king's internal state and his attempts at **Rationalization** and **Justification**. Saul's repeated use of "Because I saw" highlights his reliance on empirical observation and fear, rather than faith, as the impetus for his actions. There is a subtle **Irony** in Saul's attempt to secure divine favor and military success through an act of disobedience; his very effort to save the kingdom ultimately leads to its rejection. Furthermore, this scene serves as powerful **Foreshadowing**, signaling the beginning of Saul's downfall and the eventual transfer of the kingdom to a "man after God's own heart" ([1 Samuel 13:14](/1-samuel/13-14 "Samuel's Prophecy of a New King")). The narrative structure builds tension through the description of the Philistine threat and the scattering of Israel's troops, making Saul's impatient act seem understandable from a human perspective, yet condemning it from a divine one.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The confrontation in 1 Samuel 13:11 underscores a foundational biblical principle: obedience to God's specific commands is paramount, superseding human logic, perceived necessity, or fear of circumstances. Saul's failure was not merely a procedural error but a profound act of distrust in God's sovereignty and a presumptuous overstepping of divinely ordained boundaries. He prioritized immediate, visible outcomes—rallying his troops and appearing to take decisive action—over patient, faithful adherence to God's word delivered through His prophet. This moment reveals the danger of self-reliance and fear-driven decision-making, contrasting sharply with the kind of faith that waits on the Lord even when all human hope seems lost. It teaches that true leadership, especially in God's kingdom, is characterized by humble submission to divine authority, not by self-assertive action.

* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1-samuel/15-22 "Obedience is Better than Sacrifice")
* [Proverbs 14:12](/proverbs/14-12 "There is a way that seems right to a man")
* [Hebrews 10:36](/hebrews/10-36 "You need endurance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Saul's failure at Michmash serves as a timeless warning and a profound lesson for believers today. We often find ourselves in situations where circumstances seem dire, pressures mount, and God's timing appears delayed. Like Saul, we are tempted to take matters into our own hands, to devise our own solutions, or to act prematurely out of fear or impatience. This passage calls us to a deeper trust in God's perfect timing and His sovereign control over all events, no matter how chaotic or threatening they appear. It challenges us to prioritize unwavering obedience to God's revealed will above all else, even when such obedience seems counter-intuitive, inconvenient, or costly from a human perspective. Our faith is truly tested not when things are easy, but when the "Philistines gather" and our "people scatter." In those moments, the call is to wait, to trust, and to obey, knowing that God's plan and timing are always superior to our own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I respond when God's timing seems delayed or when circumstances are pressing?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to take matters into my own hands rather than waiting on God?**
* **Am I prioritizing obedience to God's clear commands, even when it feels inconvenient or counter-intuitive?**
* **What "Philistines" or "scattering people" in my life tempt me to act out of fear rather than faith?**

### FAQ
**Why was Saul's act of offering a sacrifice so serious?**

Answer: Saul's act was serious for several reasons. First, it was a direct act of disobedience to Samuel's explicit command in [1 Samuel 10:8](/1-samuel/10-8 "Samuel's Instruction to Saul"), where he was told to wait seven days for Samuel to offer the sacrifices. This demonstrated a lack of trust and patience in God's appointed timing and method. Second, by offering the burnt offering, Saul, as king, usurped the role and authority of the priesthood, a function strictly reserved for the Levitical priests ([Numbers 18:7](/numbers/18-7 "Priestly Duties and Authority")). God had established clear boundaries between the kingly and priestly offices in Israel, and Saul's action was a violation of this divine order, an act of presumption. King Uzziah later suffered leprosy for a similar transgression ([2 Chronicles 26:16-21](/2-chronicles/26-16 "Uzziah's Presumption and Leprosy")). It was not merely a procedural error but a profound theological and spiritual transgression, revealing a heart that prioritized self-reliance and expediency over humble submission to God's will and established order.

**Did Samuel truly delay, or was Saul impatient?**

Answer: The biblical text indicates that Samuel did not delay. [1 Samuel 13:10](/1-samuel/13-10 "Samuel Arrives") explicitly states that Samuel arrived "as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering." This suggests Samuel arrived precisely at the end of the appointed seven days, or even at the very moment Saul finished his unauthorized act. Saul's statement that Samuel "camest not within the days appointed" is therefore a rationalization, a desperate attempt to shift blame. It reveals Saul's impatience and his inability to trust God's timing to the very last moment. His fear of the Philistines and the scattering of his troops led him to act prematurely, demonstrating a profound lack of faith in God's ability to deliver on His promises.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Saul's failure in 1 Samuel 13:11, marked by impatience, fear, and the usurpation of priestly authority, stands in stark contrast to the perfect obedience and priestly ministry of Jesus Christ. Saul, driven by the pressures of a fallen world, presumed to offer a sacrifice he was not authorized to make, leading to his rejection as king. Christ, however, is the true [King of kings](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords") and the [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Our Great High Priest") who perfectly fulfilled all righteousness. Unlike Saul, who acted out of self-preservation and a lack of faith, Jesus consistently submitted to His Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). He declared, "[I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Does the Father's Will")". Furthermore, Christ did not usurp the priesthood but was divinely appointed "a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 5:5-6](/hebrews/5-5 "Hebrews 5:5-6 - Christ as High Priest")). His sacrifice was not an unauthorized act of human impatience, but the ultimate, perfect, and once-for-all offering of Himself, effectively taking away sin and establishing a new covenant ([Hebrews 10:1-10](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1-10 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Thus, where Saul failed in obedience and presumed authority, Christ perfectly succeeded, becoming the only authorized and sufficient sacrifice, and the eternal King whose kingdom will never be taken away.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 13:16

And Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people [that were] present with them, abode in Gibeah of Benjamin: but the Philistines encamped in Michmash.

1 Samuel 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 Bethaven.

1 Samuel 13:23

And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the passage of Michmash.

1 Samuel 13:2

Saul chose him three thousand [men] of Israel; [whereof] two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in mount Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin: and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent.

2 Kings 5:25

But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence [comest thou], Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither.

Joshua 7:19

And Joshua said unto Achan, My son, give, I pray thee, glory to the LORD God of Israel, and make confession unto him; and tell me now what thou hast done; hide [it] not from me.

2 Samuel 3:24

Then Joab came to the king, and said, What hast thou done? behold, Abner came unto thee; why [is] it [that] thou hast sent him away, and he is quite gone?