Keraia
1 Samuel 13

1 Samuel 13:8

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

Translations

Modern
And Saul waited seven days for the time appointed by Samuel, but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the troops began to desert Saul.
Traditional
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.
Literal
And he waited seven days, for the time appointed by Samuel, and Samuel did not come to Gilgal. And the people were scattered from him.
Latin
Et expectavit septem diebus juxta placitum Samuelis, et non venit Samuel in Galgala, dilapsusque est populus ab eo.

Original

Hebrew
English
And Saul waited seven days for the time appointed by Samuel, but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the troops began to desert Saul.

Notes

1 Samuel 13:8

seven days for the time appointed by Samuel: This was probably a different instruction from the one in 1 Samuel 10:8. It was likely given on another occasion (see study note on 1 Samuel 10:8).

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

People

Samuel: Prophet and last judge of Israel before the kings

Places

Gilgal: A significant site during Israel's early history in Canaan

Glossary

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

Topics

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 Seven: Days: Saul Directed by Samuel to Stay at Gilgal Awaiting the Prophet's Command For Usurpation in Religious Affairs by King Saul, in Assuming Priestly Functions