1 Samuel 13:9

KJV

And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Saul {H7586} said {H559}, Bring hither {H5066} a burnt offering {H5930} to me, and peace offerings {H8002}. And he offered {H5927} the burnt offering {H5930}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sha'ul said, "Bring me the burnt offering and the peace offerings," and he offered the burnt offering.

Berean Standard Bible

So he said, “Bring me the burnt offering and the peace offerings.” And he offered up the burnt offering.

American Standard Version

And Saul said, Bring hither the burnt-offering to me, and the peace-offerings. And he offered the burnt-offering.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 13:9 captures a critical turning point in the early reign of King Saul, revealing his profound impatience and direct disobedience to God's explicit command delivered through the prophet Samuel. Faced with the daunting Philistine threat and the dwindling morale of his own army, Saul presumptuously overstepped his divinely appointed boundaries by offering the burnt offering and peace offerings himself, an act reserved exclusively for the priesthood. This act of spiritual rebellion, driven by fear and a lack of trust in God's timing and provision, proved to be the foundational error that ultimately led to the rejection of his dynasty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of Saul's early kingship, immediately following his initial military successes against the Ammonites and Philistines, which solidified his position as king. Samuel had previously established a clear protocol in [1 Samuel 10:8](/1_samuel/10-8 "1 Samuel 10:8 - Samuel's Instruction to Saul"), instructing Saul to wait seven days at Gilgal for Samuel to arrive and offer sacrifices before battle. This waiting period was not merely a logistical arrangement but a divine test of Saul's obedience and faith. The narrative builds tension by describing the Philistine army's overwhelming size and the resulting fear and desertion among Israelite troops, creating the desperate circumstances that precede Saul's fateful decision. The verse directly sets the stage for Samuel's arrival and the pronouncement of divine judgment in the subsequent verses of [1 Samuel 13](/1_samuel/13 "1 Samuel 13 - Saul's Disobedience and Rejection").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Gilgal, a significant historical and religious site for Israel, where Joshua had led the people across the Jordan and where the covenant was renewed. At this time, Israel faced a formidable and technologically superior Philistine empire, renowned for its iron weaponry, which Israel lacked. The Philistines' military dominance often put Israel at a disadvantage, fostering an atmosphere of fear and insecurity. Culturally, the offering of sacrifices was a highly regulated and sacred act, central to Israelite worship and covenant relationship with Yahweh. Only designated priests from the lineage of Aaron were authorized to perform these rituals, acting as mediators between God and the people. A king, though divinely appointed, held a distinct role separate from the priesthood. Saul's act was therefore not merely a logistical shortcut but a profound violation of established divine order and a usurpation of sacred authority.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Samuel 13:9](/1_samuel/13-9 "1 Samuel 13:9 - Saul's Presumptuous Sacrifice") powerfully illustrates several core themes prevalent in the book of Samuel and throughout the Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights the paramount importance of **obedience over sacrifice**, a principle famously articulated later in [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - To Obey is Better than Sacrifice"). Saul's actions demonstrate that outward religious acts are meaningless, or even offensive, if they are not rooted in a heart of humble obedience to God's specific commands. Secondly, it underscores the danger of **impatience and presumption**, revealing how human fear and a desire for immediate control can lead to spiritual rebellion and disastrous consequences. Saul's failure to wait on God's timing reflects a fundamental lack of **faith** in God's sovereignty and His ability to deliver His people. Finally, the verse emphasizes the sanctity of **divine order and authority**, particularly the distinct roles of king and priest, foreshadowing the eventual rejection of Saul's kingship due to his consistent disregard for God's established boundaries.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Burnt Offering (Hebrew, _‘ōlāh_):** Derived from the root עָלָה (_‘ālāh_), meaning "to ascend" or "to go up," this sacrifice was entirely consumed by fire on the altar, its smoke ascending to God. It symbolized complete devotion, atonement for sin, and the worshiper's total surrender to God. By offering this, Saul was attempting to secure divine favor and forgiveness through his own unauthorized means, rather than through humble obedience.
* **Peace Offerings (Hebrew, _shĕlāmîm_):** From the root שָׁלֵם (_shālēm_), meaning "to be complete" or "to be at peace," these offerings were typically made as an act of thanksgiving, to fulfill a vow, or to establish fellowship with God. A portion was consumed by fire, a portion given to the priests, and the remainder eaten by the worshiper and his family. Saul's inclusion of this offering suggests an attempt to restore or establish peace with God and secure well-being for his kingdom, again, through an act of disobedience.
* **Offered (Hebrew, _wayya‘al_):** This verb, a Hiphil form of עָלָה (_‘ālāh_), literally means "he caused to ascend" or "he brought up." It is the technical term for performing a burnt offering. The use of this specific verb emphasizes that Saul personally carried out the priestly function, confirming his direct usurpation of authority rather than merely commanding others to do so.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings."**: This clause reveals Saul's direct command and initiative. The phrase "to me" is crucial, indicating his assertion of personal authority over a sacred act that was not his to perform. It underscores his impatience and his decision to take matters into his own hands, prioritizing immediate action over the prophet Samuel's explicit instruction to wait.
* **"And he offered the burnt offering."**: This concise statement confirms the completion of Saul's forbidden act. It highlights the presumption of his action, as he personally performed a ritual reserved for the Levitical priesthood. The immediate consequence of this act, Samuel's arrival, is implied by the swift narrative progression, underscoring the gravity of Saul's disobedience and its immediate divine repercussions.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of [1 Samuel 13:9](/1_samuel/13-9 "1 Samuel 13:9 - Saul's Disobedience") is rich with **Irony**, as Saul's attempt to secure divine blessing and military success through a religious act ultimately leads to God's rejection of his kingdom. He performs a sacrifice meant to bring peace and favor, yet it results in divine displeasure and the loss of his dynasty. This event also serves as powerful **Foreshadowing**, hinting at Saul's deeper character flaws—his impulsiveness, lack of faith, and tendency to prioritize human expediency over divine command—which will repeatedly surface and ultimately lead to his tragic downfall. The narrative employs **Contrast** between Saul's frantic impatience and God's sovereign timing, as well as between Saul's self-reliance and the required humble dependence on God. Furthermore, the **Symbolism** of the sacrifices themselves is subverted; meant to represent devotion and fellowship, they instead become symbols of rebellion and presumption when offered outside of God's prescribed order.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Saul's act in 1 Samuel 13:9 profoundly illustrates the theological principle that obedience to God's specific commands is far more crucial than outward religious performance, no matter how well-intentioned it may seem. This event underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His demand for humble submission to His established order, whether in worship, leadership, or daily life. It reveals that true faith is demonstrated not by frantic self-effort in times of crisis, but by patient trust and adherence to divine instruction, even when circumstances seem dire. Saul's usurpation of priestly authority highlights the sanctity of God's appointed roles and the severe consequences of blurring or violating those boundaries. This foundational error in his reign sets a precedent for his subsequent failures, demonstrating a pattern of prioritizing human logic and fear over divine revelation.

* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience is Better than Sacrifice")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [Hebrews 5:4](/hebrews/5-4 "Hebrews 5:4 - No One Takes This Honor Upon Himself")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Saul's presumptuous sacrifice serves as a timeless warning for all believers, particularly those in positions of leadership. It challenges us to examine our own hearts when faced with pressure, uncertainty, or delay. Do we, like Saul, succumb to impatience and take matters into our own hands, attempting to "help God" or force an outcome through means not sanctioned by Him? Or do we cultivate a deep, abiding trust in His perfect timing and sovereign plan, even when the path is unclear or the wait is agonizing? This passage reminds us that genuine faith is often demonstrated in our willingness to wait, to obey even when it seems illogical or inconvenient, and to respect the boundaries God has established, whether in spiritual authority, ethical conduct, or personal relationships. True spiritual power comes not from our ability to perform religious acts, but from our humble submission to God's will and our unwavering confidence in His ability to fulfill His promises.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to "help God" or take matters into my own hands out of impatience or fear, rather than waiting on His timing?**
* **How do I respond when circumstances are dire or when God's plan seems to be delayed? Does my faith waver, leading me to act presumptuously?**
* **Do I consistently respect God-given authority and divine order in my life, or do I subtly (or overtly) overstep boundaries for personal gain or perceived expediency?**
* **What is the difference between taking initiative and acting in presumption, and how can I discern God's will in moments of pressure?**

### FAQ
**Why was Saul's act considered such a grave sin, especially if he was trying to secure God's favor for battle?**

Answer: Saul's act was a grave sin for several critical reasons, despite any perceived good intentions. Firstly, it was an act of direct **disobedience** to a clear command from God through Samuel ([1 Samuel 10:8](/1_samuel/10-8 "1 Samuel 10:8 - Samuel's Instruction to Saul")). God had specifically instructed Saul to wait for Samuel to perform the sacrifice, making this a test of his obedience and faith. Secondly, Saul **usurped priestly authority**. In ancient Israel, the offering of sacrifices was a sacred duty reserved exclusively for the Levitical priesthood, appointed by God Himself. Kings had a distinct role, but it did not include priestly functions. By performing the sacrifice, Saul blurred the divinely established lines between kingship and priesthood, demonstrating a disregard for God's holy order. This was not merely a procedural error but an act of spiritual rebellion, akin to the sin of Korah ([Numbers 16](/numbers/16 "Numbers 16 - Korah's Rebellion")) or Nadab and Abihu ([Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - Nadab and Abihu's Unholy Fire")) who offered "unauthorized fire." Finally, Saul's act revealed a fundamental **lack of faith** and trust in God. He acted out of fear and impatience, prioritizing immediate human solutions over patient reliance on God's timing and method of deliverance. God desires obedience and trust more than ritualistic performance ([1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience is Better than Sacrifice")).

**What does this event teach us about God's expectations for leaders, both secular and spiritual?**

Answer: This event provides profound lessons for all leaders. It underscores that God expects leaders to operate within the **boundaries of their God-given authority** and to respect the distinct roles He has established. Saul's failure demonstrates the danger of leaders overstepping their legitimate authority or attempting to assume roles not divinely appointed to them. Furthermore, it highlights the critical importance of **humble obedience** to God's specific commands, even when circumstances are challenging or when human logic suggests an alternative path. True leadership, from God's perspective, is characterized by **faith and dependence** on Him, not by self-reliance, impatience, or the manipulation of religious rituals for perceived advantage. Leaders are called to model trust in God's timing and provision, understanding that genuine success comes from aligning with God's will, not from human expediency or presumption. This principle applies to all forms of leadership, reminding us that authority is always derived from God and must be exercised in submission to Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Saul's tragic failure in 1 Samuel 13:9, marked by his impatience, disobedience, and usurpation of priestly authority, stands in stark contrast to the perfect obedience and ultimate fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. Where Saul acted out of fear and self-preservation, seizing a role not his own, Christ perfectly submitted to the 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")). Saul's attempt to offer a sacrifice was a presumptuous act that condemned his reign; Jesus, however, is the **ultimate High Priest** who perfectly offered Himself as the one, sufficient, and eternal sacrifice for sins, a role He alone was qualified to fulfill ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's One Sacrifice"), [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through One Offering")). Unlike Saul, who failed to secure his kingdom through disobedience, Christ, through His perfect obedience, established an **everlasting kingdom** that will never be overthrown ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - Christ's Eternal Kingdom")). Saul's actions revealed a lack of trust in God's timing; Jesus consistently waited on and perfectly executed the Father's timing, demonstrating ultimate faith and dependence ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus' Will is the Father's Will")). Thus, Saul's sin illuminates the profound need for a Savior who is perfectly obedient, perfectly priestly, and perfectly trusting—a need met comprehensively and eternally in Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God and our Great High Priest.

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 Kings 3:4

And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that [was] the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar.

Deuteronomy 12:6

And thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks:

Proverbs 15:8

¶ The sacrifice of the wicked [is] an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright [is] his delight.

1 Samuel 15:21

But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal.

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.

Proverbs 21:27

¶ The sacrifice of the wicked [is] abomination: how much more, [when] he bringeth it with a wicked mind?

1 Samuel 14:18

And Saul said unto Ahiah, Bring hither the ark of God. For the ark of God was at that time with the children of Israel.