1 Samuel 13:9

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

1 Samuel 13:9 records a pivotal moment in the reign of King Saul, illustrating his impatience and direct disobedience to God's command through the prophet Samuel.

Historical and Cultural Context

At this point, King Saul and the Israelite army were at Gilgal, facing a formidable Philistine force. Samuel had previously instructed Saul to wait seven days for him to arrive and offer sacrifices (1 Samuel 10:8). This waiting period was a test of Saul's faith and obedience. As the seven days drew to a close, Saul's army began to scatter due to fear of the Philistines and Samuel's apparent delay. In a moment of panic and presumption, Saul took matters into his own hands, commanding the offerings himself.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Disobedience and Impatience: Saul's primary failing here is his refusal to wait for God's appointed time and messenger. Instead of trusting God to deliver them, he acted out of fear and expediency, prioritizing immediate action over divine instruction.
  • Usurpation of Priestly Authority: Offering burnt offerings and peace offerings was a sacred duty reserved for priests, not kings. By performing this sacrifice himself, Saul overstepped his God-given boundaries and usurped the priestly role, which was a grave offense in the Old Testament. This act revealed a deeper issue of spiritual rebellion and a disregard for divine order.
  • Lack of Faith: Saul's actions demonstrate a fundamental lack of faith in God's ability to fulfill His promises and deliver Israel. His fear of the Philistines and the desertion of his troops overshadowed his trust in the Lord.

Linguistic Insights

The term "burnt offering" (Hebrew: 'olah) signifies a sacrifice entirely consumed by fire, symbolizing complete devotion and atonement. "Peace offerings" (Hebrew: shelamim) were typically offered for fellowship, thanksgiving, or to fulfill a vow. The fact that Saul commanded these specific sacrifices highlights his attempt to appease God or secure victory through his own means, rather than in humble obedience.

Strategic Cross-References

This act of disobedience leads directly to severe consequences for Saul. Samuel's subsequent rebuke in 1 Samuel 13:13-14 pronounces that his kingdom would not endure, setting the stage for David's eventual anointing. This event also foreshadows Saul's later, more grievous act of disobedience concerning the Amalekites, where Samuel famously declares that "to obey is better than sacrifice" (1 Samuel 15:22).

Practical Application

Saul's error serves as a powerful reminder for believers today. It underscores the importance of:

  • Waiting on God's Timing: Even when circumstances are dire or seem to demand immediate action, trusting God's perfect timing and method is crucial. Impatience can lead to spiritual missteps and unintended consequences.
  • Respecting God-Given Authority: While we may not be kings, recognizing and respecting the roles and boundaries God establishes, whether in the church, family, or society, is vital for maintaining divine order and harmony.
  • Faith Over Fear: In moments of pressure, it's easy to succumb to fear and try to control outcomes ourselves. This verse encourages us to cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even when the path is unclear or challenging.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 3:4 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • 1 Samuel 15:21 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • 1 Samuel 14:18 (2 votes)

    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.