Tyndale Open Study Notes1 Samuel 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).

• For the kings of Israel and Judah, Scripture usually records their age when they became king and how long they ruled (for example, 2 Samuel 5:4–5; 1 Kings 14:21).

• thirty years old: This age is likely when Saul became king. The Hebrew text and most Greek manuscripts leave out the number, making the original wording unclear.

• reigned over Israel forty-two years: See the textual note in the Berean Standard Bible. The Masoretic Text reads "over Israel two years." Most scholars think something is missing from the original manuscript, probably due to a copying mistake. Most English translations use forty-two based on the approximate number in Acts 13:21.

• Earlier, Saul had used 330,000 troops to fight a weaker enemy (1 Samuel 11:8). Choosing 3,000 special troops here likely does not show overconfidence (compare Joshua 7:3–4). Instead, Saul probably saw the need for a smaller, highly trained elite force to handle the troublesome Philistines (see 1 Samuel 14:52).

• Michmash was in Benjamin, about 3.2 kilometers (2 miles) northwest of Saul’s home in Gibeah.

• Geba was situated between Jonathan’s forces at Gibeah and Saul’s forces at Michmash. A deep gorge (a steep, narrow valley) separated Geba and Michmash (see 1 Samuel 13:23; 14:5).

• The ram’s horn (shofar in Hebrew) was used to send signals, such as gathering an army (Judges 3:27). For other uses, see Leviticus 25:9; 2 Samuel 6:15; 15:10; 18:16; 20:1; Hosea 5:8; Joel 2:15.

• Non-Israelites often used the term Hebrews in a disrespectful way (see 1 Samuel 14:11; 29:3; see also Genesis 39:14; 43:32). Saul might have used it to bring pride to their identity.

• Saul has attacked: The leader often received credit for his soldiers' achievements.

• Saul's kingship was confirmed at Gilgal (1 Samuel 11:15). Now, because of his disobedience, the Lord would reject his kingship there (1 Samuel 13:7–14).

• The Israelites were greatly outnumbered, which made them afraid.

• The Philistine army had 3,000 chariots and 6,000 charioteers, showing Israel's weaker position. In 1 Samuel, it never mentions Israel having any chariots (see study note on 1 Samuel 13:19–22).

The land of Gad and Gilead stretched along Transjordan, which is the area just east of the Jordan River.

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).

the burnt offering and the peace offerings: These offerings (see Exodus 24:5; 32:6; Numbers 10:10; 15:8; Deuteronomy 27:6–7) were given during important events, whether dangerous or joyful. Usually, only priests made these sacrifices (but see study note on 1 Samuel 13:13).

went out to greet him: Saul did not seem to know he had done anything wrong.

What have you done?: Samuel’s question was a rebuke, not a request for information (compare Genesis 3:13).

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.

the command that the LORD your God gave you: Other kings offered sacrifices without criticism:

• David (2 Samuel 6:13, 17–18)

• Solomon (1 Kings 3:15; 8:64)

• Ahaz 2 Kings 16:12–13)

Judges like Gideon (Judges 6:26) did the same. This shows that sometimes non-priests could perform sacrifices that pleased the Lord. However, Samuel, God's prophet, had instructed Saul to wait (see study note on 1 Samuel 13:8).

A man after His own heart: This prophecy refers to David (see also Acts 13:22) and not to Saul's son Jonathan. Rejecting Saul also meant rejecting his family's rule.

about six hundred men Most of the 3,000 troops (1 Samuel 13:2) had left Saul (1 Samuel 13:6–7).

Armies sent raiding groups to loot and spread fear among their enemies. These raiders went north to Ophrah, west to Beth-horon, and east to Zeboim. They avoided the south because the Israelites were strong there, and the terrain made it hard for forces to move easily (see study note on 1 Samuel 13:23).

no blacksmith: The Philistines prevented the Israelites from having weapons by controlling all the iron needed to make them. Iron technology was new in Canaan. It likely developed in the Aegean region and was brought to Canaan by seafaring people, like the Philistines.

The pass at Michmash was a key route through the canyon, separating Michmash from Geba, Gibeah, and other towns to the south.