Saul had earlier assembled three hundred thousand men to fight the Ammonites (11:8) but when chapter 13 opens, he has only three thousand. He sent the rest home. We do not know why but God would use this to test Saul’s faith. With a thousand men, Saul’s son, Jonathan, attacked a Philistine outpost. In retaliation, the Philistines assembled a vast, innumerable, fighting force. The Israelites saw the Philistines. Many hid or ran away.

Samuel told Saul to wait seven days at Gilgal. Then Samuel would come and make all the offerings. Saul needed faith in God. But when Saul’s men panicked, he, too, panicked. Saul made the burnt offering. He justified his act by saying that he was seeking God. In fact, Saul’s action was disobedience borne out of fear and pride. Samuel rebuked him. Saul would eventually lose the kingdom. Moreover, Saul’s offering had no effect. He had only six hundred men, the Philistines continued to attack, and his men had no weapons.

In a critical moment, do you panic or give up or take matters into your own hands? The LORD desires that we surrender our fear and pride to him and express our faith in him with deep trust and obedience to his word.
Application: Father, I repent my fear and pride that lead me to be foolish. Give me faith to obey your word.
One Word: Keep the LORD’s commands