1 Samuel 13:13

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And Samuel {H8050} said {H559} to Saul {H7586}, Thou hast done foolishly {H5528}: thou hast not kept {H8104} the commandment {H4687} of the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}, which he commanded {H6680} thee: for now would the LORD {H3068} have established {H3559} thy kingdom {H4467} upon Israel {H3478} for {H5704} ever {H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sh'mu'el said to Sha'ul, "You did a foolish thing. You didn't observe the mitzvah of ADONAI, which he gave you. If you had, ADONAI would have set up your kingship over Isra'el forever.

Berean Standard Bible

“You have acted foolishly,” Samuel declared. “You have not kept the command that the LORD your God gave you; if you had, the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time.

American Standard Version

And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly; thou hast not kept the commandment of Jehovah thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would Jehovah have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Samuel 13:13, the prophet Samuel delivers a scathing rebuke to King Saul, condemning his profound act of disobedience in offering a burnt sacrifice prematurely and without divine authorization. This pivotal moment not only exposes a critical flaw in Saul's character—his impatience, presumption, and lack of trust in God's timing—but also pronounces the severe consequence: the forfeiture of an enduring, dynastic kingdom for his descendants, which would otherwise have been divinely established forever. This verse marks a turning point, signaling the beginning of the end for Saul's reign and setting the stage for God to seek a new king.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a tense military narrative in 1 Samuel 13. King Saul, newly anointed, faces the formidable Philistine army. Samuel had previously instructed Saul to wait seven days at Gilgal for him to arrive and offer sacrifices, which would precede any military engagement and secure divine favor ([1 Samuel 10:8](/1_samuel/10-8 "1 Samuel 10:8 - Samuel's Instruction to Saul")). As the seventh day drew to a close, Saul's army was dwindling, disheartened by the Philistine threat and Samuel's apparent delay. Faced with mounting pressure and fear, Saul, rather than trusting God's timing and Samuel's prophetic authority, took it upon himself to offer the burnt offering, an act reserved for priests. Immediately after Saul completed this unauthorized sacrifice, Samuel arrived, leading directly to the sharp condemnation found in [1 Samuel 13:13](/1_samuel/13-13 "1 Samuel 13:13 - Samuel Rebukes Saul"). This event foreshadows Saul's later, more egregious disobedience regarding the Amalekites in [1 Samuel 15](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Disobedience Regarding Amalek"), solidifying his unsuitability for lasting kingship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the early monarchy in Israel was a time of significant transition from a tribal confederacy led by judges to a centralized kingdom. The Philistines were a dominant military power, constantly threatening Israel's borders and independence. Sacrifices, particularly burnt offerings, were central to Israelite worship, serving as acts of atonement, dedication, and seeking divine favor. These rituals were strictly regulated by Mosaic Law, with specific roles assigned to priests from the tribe of Levi. Kings, while holding political and military authority, were not permitted to perform priestly functions. Saul's act was therefore not merely an administrative error but a profound violation of established religious protocol and a challenge to the divinely ordained roles within Israel. His actions reflect a common temptation for ancient Near Eastern kings to consolidate all forms of power—political, military, and religious—under their own authority, rather than submitting to the distinct spheres of divine appointment.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Samuel 13:13](/1_samuel/13-13 "1 Samuel 13:13 - Samuel Rebukes Saul") powerfully underscores several overarching themes within the book of Samuel and the broader Old Testament. The primary theme is **obedience to God's command**, highlighting that God values faithful adherence to His word above human initiative or ritualistic performance. Saul's failure to "keep the commandment" directly contrasts with the ideal of a king who would diligently observe God's laws ([Deuteronomy 17:18-20](/deuteronomy/17-18 "Deuteronomy 17:18-20 - Laws for the King")). This incident also explores the theme of **divine authority versus human presumption**, demonstrating the danger of overstepping divinely established boundaries. Saul's intrusion into the priestly sphere reveals a lack of trust in God's sovereign timing and a reliance on his own judgment, which is a recurring flaw in his character. Finally, the verse introduces the critical theme of **consequences of disobedience**, revealing that Saul's act of defiance results in the forfeiture of his dynastic future. This sets the stage for the search for "a man after his own heart" ([1 Samuel 13:14](/1_samuel/13-14 "1 Samuel 13:14 - God Seeks a New King")), ultimately leading to the anointing of David and the establishment of an enduring kingdom through his lineage.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Foolishly (Hebrew, _sakal'_):** This word (סָכַל, _sakal_) carries a strong connotation of acting senselessly, stupidly, or even wickedly, leading to ruin or disaster. It's not merely a minor error or a lack of wisdom, but a profound moral and spiritual failing that results in self-inflicted harm and divine displeasure. In this context, it implies a deliberate, ill-conceived choice that demonstrated a fundamental misunderstanding of God's authority and Saul's own limited role, leading to severe consequences for his reign and dynasty.
* **Kept (Hebrew, _shamar'_):** The Hebrew verb (שָׁמַר, _shamar_) means "to keep, watch, guard, observe, preserve." When applied to a commandment, it signifies active and diligent obedience, not just passive awareness. Samuel's accusation that Saul "hast not kept" implies a failure to guard, observe, and faithfully execute the specific instruction given by God through His prophet. It highlights a deliberate deviation from a clear divine directive, underscoring the gravity of Saul's disobedience.
* **Established (Hebrew, _kun'_):** This verb (כּוּן, _kun_) means "to be firm, fixed, prepared, established, secure." In the context of a kingdom, it denotes stability, permanence, and divine endorsement. Samuel's statement that the LORD "would have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever" indicates that God's intention was to grant Saul's dynasty an enduring, perpetual reign, akin to the later Davidic covenant. Saul's disobedience directly thwarted this divine intention, demonstrating that human action can impede God's conditional blessings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Samuel said to Saul,"**: This opening clause sets the scene for a direct, authoritative confrontation. Samuel, as God's prophet, acts as the divine messenger, delivering a verdict from the LORD to the king. This highlights the prophetic office's supremacy over the monarchy in matters of divine law and will.
* **"Thou hast done foolishly:"**: This is Samuel's immediate, blunt assessment of Saul's action. As analyzed above, "foolishly" (סָכַל, _sakal_) signifies a profound error in judgment, a senseless and destructive act that goes beyond a simple mistake to reveal a deeper spiritual failing—a lack of trust and a presumptuous disregard for divine protocol.
* **"thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee:"**: This clause specifies the nature of Saul's foolishness: a direct violation of a clear divine instruction. The emphasis on "the LORD thy God" underscores the covenantal relationship and the personal nature of the command, making Saul's disobedience a betrayal of trust. The repetition of "commanded" stresses the clarity and specificity of the instruction, leaving no room for excuses or misunderstanding.
* **"for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever."**: This is the devastating consequence of Saul's disobedience, presented as a lost opportunity. The conditional "would have established" reveals God's prior intention to grant Saul's dynasty a perpetual reign, a promise of stability and permanence. Saul's failure to obey directly annulled this potential blessing, demonstrating that divine promises can be contingent upon human faithfulness, particularly in the context of covenant leadership.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Direct address** is prominent, with Samuel speaking directly and pointedly to Saul, emphasizing the personal nature of the rebuke and the king's direct accountability. The statement "Thou hast done foolishly" functions as a **pronouncement of judgment**, delivered with prophetic authority. The latter part of the verse, "for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever," utilizes a **conditional statement** or **counterfactual**, implicitly contrasting what *would* have been (an eternal dynasty) with what *will* now be (a truncated reign). This creates a sense of **tragic irony**, as Saul's attempt to secure his position through disobedience actually leads to its undoing. Furthermore, the verse serves as a moment of **foreshadowing**, hinting at the eventual rejection of Saul's line and the establishment of a new, enduring dynasty, which will later be fulfilled in David.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 13:13 stands as a foundational text for understanding the paramount importance of obedience in the life of faith and leadership. It powerfully illustrates that God's favor and the stability of His purposes are contingent upon faithful adherence to His commands, rather than human ingenuity, expediency, or religious ritual performed outside of divine parameters. Saul's failure reveals a profound theological truth: God prioritizes humble submission and trust over human presumption and self-reliance. This incident sets a precedent for the nature of kingship in Israel, establishing that even the king is under the authority of God and His word, mediated through His prophets. It underscores God's sovereignty in choosing and rejecting leaders, demonstrating His commitment to His own standards of righteousness and faithfulness, even if it means altering established plans.

* [1 Samuel 15:22-23](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22-23 - Obedience Better Than Sacrifice")
* [Deuteronomy 17:18-20](/deuteronomy/17-18 "Deuteronomy 17:18-20 - Laws for the King")
* [Psalm 89:3-4](/psalms/89-3 "Psalm 89:3-4 - God's Covenant with David")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 13:13 serves as a timeless warning and a profound lesson for all believers, particularly those in positions of leadership. It compels us to examine our own hearts for areas where impatience, fear, or a desire for control might lead us to act outside of God's clear will or timing. Saul's mistake was not merely a procedural error, but a failure of trust—a belief that he knew better than God's appointed prophet, or that his circumstances justified bypassing divine instruction. This verse reminds us that true faith is demonstrated in patient obedience, even when the path is unclear, the wait is long, or the pressure is intense. It calls us to respect the boundaries God has established, whether in spiritual authority, ethical conduct, or our roles within the community, understanding that presumption can lead to severe and lasting consequences. Ultimately, it invites us to cultivate a humble heart that prioritizes God's commands and timing above all else, trusting that His ways are always perfect and His plans always good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel tempted to "take matters into your own hands" rather than waiting on God's timing or His clear direction?**
* **How does Saul's disobedience highlight the importance of trusting God's appointed authorities and processes, even when they seem slow or inconvenient?**
* **What are the potential "eternal kingdoms" (long-term blessings or legacies) that might be forfeited in your life or ministry if you act presumptuously or disobediently?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper sense of humility and dependence on God, rather than relying on your own strength or wisdom, especially in challenging circumstances?**

### FAQ
**What exactly was Saul's "foolish" act, and why was it so serious?**

Answer: Saul's "foolish" act was twofold: his impatience and his presumption. Samuel had commanded him to wait seven days for the prophet to arrive and offer the burnt offering before battle ([1 Samuel 10:8](/1_samuel/10-8 "1 Samuel 10:8 - Samuel's Initial Command")). As the Philistine army gathered and Saul's own troops began to scatter out of fear, Saul, rather than trusting God's timing and Samuel's authority, took it upon himself to offer the sacrifice. This was a grave offense because, under Mosaic Law, offering sacrifices was a duty reserved for priests, not kings. Saul overstepped his divinely appointed authority, intruding into the priestly sphere. This act demonstrated a lack of faith, a disregard for God's clear command, and a dangerous presumption that he could manipulate divine favor through unauthorized ritual. It was a challenge to the distinct spheres of authority God had established, signifying a deeper spiritual rebellion against God's sovereignty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Saul's failure in [1 Samuel 13:13](/1_samuel/13-13 "1 Samuel 13:13 - Samuel Rebukes Saul") profoundly foreshadows the perfect obedience and eternal kingship of Jesus Christ. Saul's attempt to secure his kingdom through disobedience led to its forfeiture, revealing the inherent instability of human rule apart from divine faithfulness. In stark contrast, Jesus, the true King of Israel, perfectly fulfilled every commandment of God. He did not act presumptuously but lived a life of absolute submission 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 Humility and Obedience")). Unlike Saul, who usurped the priestly role, Jesus is the ultimate Priest-King, uniquely qualified to offer the perfect sacrifice—His own life—not through human presumption but through divine appointment ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our Great High Priest")). Because of His perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice, Jesus' kingdom is not temporary or contingent on human performance, but is an everlasting kingdom, established "for ever" ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Eternal Kingdom of Christ"); [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Eternal Dominion")). Saul's lost dynasty points to the necessity of God raising up a new, faithful King, culminating in Christ, whose reign secures eternal blessings for all who trust in His perfect work and obedient life.

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 15:22

And Samuel said, Hath the LORD [as great] delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey [is] better than sacrifice, [and] to hearken than the fat of rams.

2 Chronicles 16:9

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of [them] whose heart [is] perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

1 Samuel 15:28

And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, [that is] better than thou.

1 Samuel 15:11

It repenteth me that I have set up Saul [to be] king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.

Psalms 50:8

I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices or thy burnt offerings, [to have been] continually before me.

Psalms 50:15

And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

1 Kings 18:18

And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim.