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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 Samuel 13:8–14. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
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 Sa1 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, Sa1 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, Ch2 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 (Sa1 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, Sa1 13:11, Sa1 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 (Sa1 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, Sa1 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.
Historical interpretation
Four Centuries of Reception
3 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
As, therefore, it was not lawful for one of another tribe, that was not a Levite, to offer anything or to approach the altar without the priest, so also do you do nothing without the bishop; for if any one does anything without the bishop, he does it to no purpose. For it will not be esteemed as of any avail to him. For as Saul, when he had offered without Samuel, was told, “It will not avail for you,” so every person among the laity, doing anything without the priest, labors in vain.
But if you had not done this, the Lord would have now prepared your kingdom, etc. This should not be understood as if God had established an eternal kingdom for Saul and later did not want to preserve it because he sinned, whom He had foreseen would sin; but He had prepared his kingdom in which there would be a figure of the eternal kingdom. But also every scribe instructed in the kingdom of heaven, bringing forth from his treasure new things and old, reigns over Israel forever (Matthew 11). Namely that Israel, which he made to be spiritual by teaching and ruling; to such people the apostle says, "For what is my crown or joy? Is it not you in the presence of our Lord Jesus?" (1 Thess. 2). Hence, to the servant who, trading well, that is, acquiring many through his teaching, it is said as he enters into the joy of his Lord: "You shall have authority over ten cities" (Luke 9); that is, from the merits and knowledge of those whom you have instructed spiritually from the law, you will shine more gloriously in the kingdom. But if some teacher has preferred his own understanding to the words of Scripture, and through those doctrines which he himself has composed, has led his listeners to carnal things rather than spiritual things; which is as Saul offering sacrifices without Samuel, sanctifying his army for battle, the foolish one will lose the kingdom. But if he had not done this, he could have had an eternal kingdom over Israel. About such people, the Savior in the Gospel: "Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5). For such a person is the least in the present kingdom of the Church, entirely foreign to the future one.
And Samuel said to Saul: You have acted foolishly, etc. And the Lord Himself in the Gospel, and the prophets, in their respective times, rebuke those who, as though sacrificing without Samuel, neglecting the help of the divine word, worship God in vain, teaching doctrines and commandments of men.
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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, as recorded in 1 Samuel 10:8. 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. This event foreshadows Saul's later, more egregious disobedience regarding the Amalekites in 1 Samuel 15, 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 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, as outlined in Deuteronomy 17:18-20. 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," as mentioned in 1 Samuel 13:14, ultimately leading to the anointing of David and the establishment of an enduring kingdom through his lineage.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word (סָכַל, çâkal') signifies 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.
The Hebrew verb (שָׁמַר, shâmar') means "to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.; beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man)." 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.
This verb (כּוּן, kûwn') means "to be erect (i.e. stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix, prepare, apply), or figurative (appoint, render sure, proper or prosperous); certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, [idiom] very deed." 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, establishing Samuel's divine mandate to speak truth to power.
"Thou hast done foolishly:"
This is Samuel's immediate, blunt assessment of Saul's action. As analyzed above, "foolishly" (סָכַל, çâkal') 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. It implies a moral and intellectual deficiency in discerning and adhering to God's will.
"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 and a breach of his kingly responsibility. The repetition of "commanded" stresses the clarity and specificity of the instruction, leaving no room for excuses or misunderstanding on Saul's part.
"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 that would have secured his lineage on the throne. 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 and the king's role as God's representative.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message and underscore the gravity of Saul's actions. 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 before God. The statement "Thou hast done foolishly" functions as a pronouncement of judgment, delivered with prophetic authority, immediately condemning Saul's behavior. 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 profound sense of tragic irony, as Saul's attempt to secure his position through impatient and disobedient action actually leads to its undoing and the forfeiture of his dynastic future. 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 and seeking a new vessel for His purposes.
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
FAQ
What exactly was Saul's "foolish" act, and why was it so serious?
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, as recorded in 1 Samuel 10:8. 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 and a failure to recognize his own limitations as king under God.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Saul's failure in 1 Samuel 13:13 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, as described in Philippians 2:8. 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, as highlighted in Hebrews 4:14-16. 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," a truth proclaimed in Luke 1:32-33 and Daniel 7:13-14. 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.