When the Israelites saw that they were way outnumbered and in deep trouble, they ran for cover, hiding in caves and pits, ravines and brambles and cisterns—wherever. They retreated across the Jordan River, refugees fleeing to the country of Gad and Gilead. But Saul held his ground in Gilgal, his soldiers still with him but scared to death. He waited seven days, the time set by Samuel. Samuel failed to show up at Gilgal, and the soldiers were slipping away, right and left. So Saul took charge: “Bring me the burnt offering and the peace offerings!” He went ahead and sacrificed the burnt offering. No sooner had he done it than Samuel showed up! Saul greeted him. Samuel said, “What on earth are you doing?” Saul answered, “When I saw I was losing my army from under me, and that you hadn’t come when you said you would, and that the Philistines were poised at Micmash, I said, ‘The Philistines are about to come down on me in Gilgal, and I haven’t yet come before GOD asking for his help.’ So I took things into my own hands, and sacrificed the burnt offering.” “That was a fool thing to do,” Samuel said to Saul. “If you had kept the appointment that your GOD commanded, by now GOD would have set a firm and lasting foundation under your kingly rule over Israel. As it is, your kingly rule is already falling to pieces. GOD is out looking for your replacement right now. This time he’ll do the choosing. When he finds him, he’ll appoint him leader of his people. And all because you didn’t keep your appointment with GOD!”
Read 1 Samuel 13
Listen to 1 Samuel 13
Share
Compare All Versions: 1 Samuel 13:6-14
3 Days
Spiritual maturity is not automatic; it takes work. This plan explores what that work looks like and the starting steps in becoming spiritually mature. This three-day devotional emphasizes that spiritual maturity is developed by obedience to God.
5 Days
When you honor others, you honor God. In this 5-day devotional, Rich Wilkerson Sr. helps you appreciate the people around you as you learn to create a culture of honor in your life, family, and ministry.
Do you remember nagging your parents for something until they eventually gave in? How many times did you end up disappointed with the result? The same thing happened to the Israelites when they demanded a king. In this Plan, we will explore why God became so angry at their insistence and whether some of our prayer requests may still offend God in the same way today.
Embrace a 5-day study to help you align your leadership with biblical principles, exploring God's call on your life with honesty, humility, and a Christ-like character. Each day offers practical insights and reflections to help you grow into the leader you’re meant to be.
Save verses, read offline, watch teaching clips, and more!
Home
Bible
Plans
Videos