1 Samuel 13:1 says, Saul reigned one year; and when he had reigned two years over Israel, Verse two adds, 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. After Saul had reigned over Israel for two years, he chose three thousand men from Israel to be his army. Two thousand who were with him at Michmash and a thousand were with Jonathan, his son, at Gibeah. The rest he sent home. Matthew Henry says the reference to the one year might have referred to Saul’s maturity level, though this isn't specified, and if these forces were simply to serve him, there were too many, and if for an army there were too few. Verse three continues, And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear. Jonathan and his forces, under Saul's direction, killed a garrison of Philistines at Geba, for no apparent reason. and the Philistines heard about it. This brought dishonor to the Israelites. Then, Saul sounded the trumpet and called on all the people of Israel to hear it. We cannot just destroy the people of the world today because we don't like them and they don't follow God's laws. To even act out of hatred towards them brings dishonor to Christ, Who died for their sins as well as ours. Verse four concludes, And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines, and that Israel also was had in abomination with the Philistines. And the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal. The people of Israel heard that Saul had killed the garrison of Philistines, and that the Philistines then considered the word of the people of Israel to be worthless, though we aren't told if there was a particular treaty that Jonathan acting under Saul's direction had broken. All the people of Israel rallied to. Saul's call and gathered with him at Gilgal. When we see fellow Christians in need today, for whatever reason, we needed to rally to the call if they call out for help. Verse five states, 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. The Philistines also rallied to fight against Israel, with much greater and very well equipped army. We as Christians are still up against a formidable army who are fighting against us today. Verse six adds, When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait, (for the people were distressed,) then the people did hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits. When the people of Israel saw this great force that was ready to go to war with them, they went and hid. They did not pray and ask God's guidance, but they had sort of given up that right when they demanded a king. Verse seven continues, And some of the Hebrews went over Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. As for Saul, he was yet in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling. Some of the people went back across the Jordan to Gad and Gilead, but Saul remained in Gilgal, and the people followed him with trembling. He was the king that they demanded, but they didn't seem to have great faith in him. When danger comes today, will we as followers of Christ remain faithful to Him, or will we scatter looking for our own safety? We are to be a beacon on the hill, and not a candle hidden under a bushel basket. Verse eight continues, And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel had appointed: but Samuel came not to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him. Saul remained at Gilgal for seven days, and even though some of the people of Israel were with him, Samuel was not. Samuel had told Saul at one point to wait seven days and he would come to him. Matthew Henry points out that Saul did not send anyone to inquire of Samuel, but that before the end of the seventh day, he took matters into his own hands. We cannot allow our impatience to cause us to run ahead of God. Verse nine declares, And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering. Though Saul was not a priest, who were the ones who could offer burnt and peace offerings to God, Saul by his own authorization offered these offerings. We can never just authorize ourselves to do specific things in the name of God, but must do them in accordance with His word and calling. Verse ten adds, And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him. As soon as Saul offered up these offerings, Samuel came as he had said he would. We today have an even greater One than a priest or prophet, and that is the Holy Spirit that indwells us, but we still sometimes act out of our own atrengh and knowledge instead of relying on Him for guidance in all that we do.
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