The people of Israel asked for a king and God granted them Saul. He did everything that He could to ensure that Saul would be an effective king. At that point, Samuel “retired” as a judge, but continued to be a religious leader, preaching and teaching and serving as prophet to the king. Saul’s career began with a military victory, but almost immediately his troubles began.

The chapter begins with a defect in the text. The numbers are missing and are supplied in all versions. For the first time, the Israelites have a standing army. Three thousand soldiers are stationed in two garrisons, with 2,000 at Micmash and 1,000 at Gibeah under Jonathan, Saul’s son. Saul’s fortress at Gibeah is a known archaeological site, and has been shown to be a rectangle with a tower at one corner.

From this garrison, Jonathan raided against the Philistines and won a battle. This called for a pitched war and Saul summoned all the fighting men of Israel to Gilgal. Meanwhile, the Philistines assembled at Micmash. In the account of the Philistines, there is another textual dispute about the numbers, but it is plain that in both number and quality, the Philistines overshadowed the Israelites.

The Israelite warriors began to hide. Some of the “Hebrews” even crossed over the Jordan to the eastern side to avoid danger. The word “Hebrews” was often used in the ancient world (especially by Egyptians) to label poor and rustic nomads who were not respected as fighters, thinkers or particularly honest. In this situation, Saul waited for Samuel for seven days, then took it upon himself to offer sacrifices to God in order to secure His favor for the upcoming battle. As soon as he was finished, Samuel arrived.

Saul immediately began offering excuses, but Samuel cut to the heart of the matter in his rebuke, “You have not kept the command.” No battle ensues here, and the fighting force is reduced from 3,000 to only about 600. They split into three raiding bands, harassing the encamped Philistines. The chapter ends with a brief discussion about the iron superiority of the Philistines. The prices noted for blacksmith work are very high. All versions since the ASV (1901) have eliminated the reference to a “file” since the text is very obscure here. The only iron weapons in Israel were in the possession of Saul and Jonathan.

Jonathan and his armor-bearer trust God and attack a Philistine outpost. They kill about 20 men and that starts a panic among the Philistines. From a hillside, the Israelites see their enemies quitting the field and, at first, the priests want to consult God. Saul stops them, confident he can tell what God’s will is in this! Saul and his army charge against the Philistines and immediately some turncoat Hebrews revert to Saul’s side. The Philistines run westward, to Beth Aven (“house of wickedness”).

Saul had forced a foolish oath of fasting upon his men, but Jonathan knew nothing of it. In the pursuit, he enjoyed some wild honey and gained renewed energy. The Israelites chased the Philistines about 15 miles, then fell upon the plunder and violated God’s law in how they slaughtered and ate the meat. Saul tried to remedy that situation, then seeks to inquire of God for guidance for the rest of the campaign. God refuses to answer, and Saul knows there is sin in the camp.

He seeks the source of the sin and discovers that it’s Jonathan who violated Saul’s fasting order, but the people refuse to allow him to harm their hero. The Philistines were allowed to escape to their territory. This was the beginning of Saul’s military successes.

Saul was sent to execute God’s judgment against the Amalekites. He called out the fighters and set an ambush against these dwellers in the southern area of Judah. He then warned the Kenites to leave, and they moved away from the Amalekites. Saul attacked to the south and won a great victory, but violated his orders again and kept the king, Agag, alive along with the best of the livestock. God announced to Samuel Saul’s failure and his rejection. Samuel catches up to Saul at Gilgal-after Saul had paraded Agag and the plunder some 40 miles from the battle site.

Samuel confronted Saul and again Saul tried to shift the blame to others. Samuel refused to hear it and related God’s judgment and His reasons. Saul finally admitted guilt but asked Samuel to keep up appearances. Samuel returned with him and killed Agag. Then he left, never to see Saul again in this life.

God quelled Samuel’s grief over Saul and sent him to Bethlehem on the pretext of a sacrifice. By God’s direction, Samuel came to the house of Jesse where he was directed by God to anoint the youngest son, David, as king. In God’s providence, David was drafted to serve as an armor-bearer and as a harpist for Saul who was tormented by an evil spirit. In this way, David was able to serve an apprenticeship in royal government and military tactics while he waited for God’s pleasure to set him on the throne.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why did Saul blame the soldiers for his failure? Why did he have so much trouble obeying simple commands? How can someone who cannot obey hope to rule others?

2. Why did Saul demand his fighters refuse to eat while pursuing the Philistines? What was the result of their fast? How could Jonathan be guilty when he had not heard Saul’s charge to the army?

3. Why did Saul allow Agag to live? Why did he salvage the best livestock? What was his excuse? What is the result when people blame their failure on the actions and attitudes of others?

4. God looked at David’s heart in selecting him as the next king of Israel. Why didn’t He see the condition of Saul’s heart in selecting him? What is significant about David being the youngest son of Jesse?

5. What happened when the Spirit of the Lord left Saul? Why did music give Saul some relief? What spirit will we have if the Lord leaves us? What will give us relief in that situation?