Articles
Saul's First Disobedience
Saul's First Disobedience
In 1 Samuel 13 the Philistines were gathering for war. Saul wanted to offer sacrifice unto God "to seek the favor of the LORD" (vs. 12). . He had apparently been instructed by Samuel the prophet of God, to wait in Gilgal with the promise that he would meet him there in 7 days. So "he waited seven days, the time appointed by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the people were scattering from him" (1 Sam. 13:8). Saul took it upon himself to offer the sacrifice. He no sooner finished this when Samuel shows up. Samuel immediately questions Saul's action. Saul has an excuse but an excuse is NOT a reason for disobedience!
- The Word of the prophet of God is the word of God. The time appointed by Samuel (vs.8) was the "commandment of the LORD" (vs. 13).
- God expected compliance with His word, even if you were the king of Israel! Having done other than God commanded was to "have done foolishly" (vs. 13).
- Obedience to God would have allowed Saul's kingdom to be established forever.
- Disobedience to God's word has consequences. Here the consequence for Saul was that 'his kingdom would not continue' (vs. 14).
It is a sad comment that Saul "forced himself" (vs. 12) to "do foolishly" (vs. 13). It is foolish to not obey the commandments of God.
