1 Chronicles 9:35-39
1 Samuel
1 Samuel
Saul “secured his grasp on Israel’s throne by fighting against his
enemies in every direction... and wherever he turned, he was victorious. He did
great deeds... saving Israel from all those who had plundered them” (14:47, 48).
Saul’s military exploits and bold leadership on the battlefield were
well-known throughout the land, and they helped to establish his reign over the
people. However, it became apparent that King Saul was flawed in his
leadership, for he made several costly mistakes, even openly sinning against
the Lord.
First, Saul sacrificed the burnt offering himself, which was a major
violation of the ceremonial laws. Only the Levitical priests were given that
authority. Sacrifices were not part of the king’s duties. We see here our first
glimpse at a divine separation between the civil and the sacred spheres. Today
we might call it the separation of Church and State. While God instituted both spheres, they each
have their own responsibilities, and neither is to rule over the other. For this sin, Saul’s
descendants would not reign over Israel. The throne would be given to another
one, “a man after God’s own heart.”
Second, in the midst of battle, Saul made a foolish oath, forcing his
men not to eat anything until the enemy had been defeated. His decision had
three harmful consequences. It hurt his men in that they had no nourishment;
after fighting all day, they grew tired and weak and were, therefore, at a
disadvantage. The oath also hurt his son, unknowingly; Jonathan, who did not
know about the oath, ate some honey, and, thus, was placed under a curse and
would die (though not today). Finally, once the King’s oath was fulfilled, the
men were so hungry that when they killed cattle to eat, they did not take the
time to cook the meat; instead, they ate the meat raw (with the blood in it), which was in
violation of the Mosaic law.
Daily Reflection
When Samuel confronted Saul about his sin, the King replied, “I saw my
men scattering from me, and you didn’t arrive when you said you would, and the
Philistines were ready for battle! So I said, ‘The Philistines are ready to
march against me and I haven’t even asked for the Lord’s help!’ So I felt
obliged to offer the burnt offering myself” (13:11, 12).
Can you determine the catalyst for Saul’s sin? What did he exhibit or
lack in his decision?
The key words in Saul’s statement to Samuel, who represented the
Lord’s presence, was “I saw,” “myself,” and “before you came.” When Saul
assessed the chaotic situation, he felt the overwhelming pressure to do
something immediately. Though he was supposed to wait on Samuel, wait on the
Lord, Saul grew impatient, took matters into his own hands, and acted
without God’s guidance or blessing.
Have you ever acted in this way? Have you ever given into the “need”
to take immediate action, to run ahead of God and act on your own? In truth, impatience
is a selfish quality, one that exhibits a lack of faith in God and leads you to
act in His place. Waiting on the Lord is one of the most difficult activities, because it denies
your sinful selfish pride the opportunity to dethrone God and act in His stead.
BiAY.org | Day 102 — 263 Days to Go
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