1 Samuel 13:11

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;

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};

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.

“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,

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

Context of 1 Samuel 13:11

This verse captures the pivotal confrontation between the prophet Samuel and King Saul after Saul's act of disobedience. Prior to this, Samuel had instructed Saul to wait seven days for his arrival at Gilgal, where Samuel would offer sacrifices (1 Samuel 10:8). However, facing mounting pressure from the Philistine army gathered at Michmash and seeing his own Israelite soldiers scattering, Saul took matters into his own hands. In an act of impatience and presumption, Saul offered the burnt offering and peace offerings himself, a duty reserved for priests like Samuel (1 Samuel 13:9-10). Samuel arrives precisely as Saul finishes, leading to this direct question: "What hast thou done?"

Key Themes and Messages

  • Disobedience to God's Command: Saul's primary transgression was not waiting for Samuel as commanded, demonstrating a lack of trust and patience in God's timing and appointed authority. This act foreshadows his later, more significant failures of obedience.
  • Fear and Impatience: Saul's excuses reveal his fear of the Philistines and the desertion of his troops. This fear led him to act rashly rather than relying on God's promised intervention through Samuel.
  • Usurping Authority: By offering the sacrifice, Saul overstepped his kingly role, intruding into the priestly function. This highlights the distinct boundaries God established between civil and religious authority in Israel.
  • Consequences of Sin: This moment marks a turning point in Saul's reign. Samuel's subsequent rebuke (1 Samuel 13:13-14) declares that his kingdom would not endure, setting the stage for the eventual rise of David.

Linguistic Insights

Samuel's question, "What hast thou done?" (Hebrew: Mah asita?), is a powerful interrogative that carries a tone of rebuke and disappointment. It's not merely a request for information, but an accusation implying a serious breach of conduct. Saul's reply, beginning with "Because I saw...", emphasizes his reliance on his own perception and fear of immediate circumstances ("people were scattered," "Philistines gathered") rather than faith in God's promises or the divine appointment of Samuel.

Practical Application

The account of Saul's failure at Michmash offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  1. Wait on God's Timing: Just as Saul struggled with impatience, we are often tempted to take matters into our own hands when faced with pressure or perceived delays. This verse reminds us of the importance of waiting patiently for the Lord, trusting His perfect timing and plan.
  2. Obedience Over Expediency: Saul prioritized what seemed expedient (performing the sacrifice to rally his troops) over strict obedience to God's command. We are called to prioritize obedience to God's Word, even when circumstances seem dire or a shortcut appears attractive.
  3. Trust in God's Sovereignty: Saul's fear stemmed from focusing on the overwhelming Philistine threat. The narrative encourages us to trust in God's sovereign control over all situations, no matter how intimidating they appear.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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?
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