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1 Samuel 13

1 Samuel 13:12

Saul’s Unlawful Sacrifice · 1 Samuel 13:8–15
Read 1 Samuel 13

Translations

Modern
I thought, ‘Now the Philistines will descend upon me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the favor of the LORD.’ So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering.”
Traditional
Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the Lord: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering.
Literal
…then I said, ‘Now the Philistines will come down upon me at Gilgal, and to YHWH I have not made supplication.’ And I forced myself and I offered the burnt offering.”
Latin
…dixi: Nunc descendent Philisthiim ad me in Galgala, et faciem Domini non placavi. Necessitate compulsus, obtuli holocaustum.

Original

Hebrew
English
I thought, ‘Now the Philistines will descend upon me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the favor of the LORD.’ So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering.”

Notes

1 Samuel 13:12

sought the favor of the LORD: The burnt offering aimed to ask God for victory in battle. Samuel had offered a similar sacrifice, which led to victory (see 1 Samuel 7:7–11). But Samuel, unlike Saul, served in a priestly role.

1 Samuel 13:1–16:13

Saul lost power through three key events, similar to how he gained it (see study note on 1 Samuel 9:1–11:15):

  1. He offered the sacrifices himself instead of waiting for Samuel (1 Samuel 13:1–14);

  2. he made a hasty oath that endangered Jonathan's life (1 Samuel 14:1–46); and

  3. he disobeyed God by not destroying the Amalekites and their possessions (1 Samuel 15:1–35).

Theme notes and profiles

Jonathan Samuel Saul The Spirit’s Presence

Events

Places

Gilgal: A significant site during Israel's early history in Canaan Philistia: An ancient people and region in Canaan

Glossary

Bethel (Place), Bethelite Gilgal History of Israel Michmash Samuel (Person) Samuel, Books of First and Second Saul

Topics

Armies: March in Ranks: Sacrifices Christian Minister: Expostulate with Rulers: Samuel with Saul Church and State: Attempted Usurpation of Ecclesiastical Functions by Civil Authorities, Reproved Confidence: Saul Gilgal: An Altar Built At, and Sacrifice offered Presumption: Saul, in Sacrificing Samuel: Reproves Saul; Foretells That his Kingdom Will be Established Saul: King of Israel is Reproved by Samuel for Usurping the Priestly Functions Sin: The Wicked: Plead Necessity For The Burnt offering: Guilt of Unauthorised Persons offering Usurpation in Religious Affairs by King Saul, in Assuming Priestly Functions