# 1 Samuel Chapter 13
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## Summary
In the second year of Saul's reign his son Jonathan defeats the Philistines garrisoned at Geba. Saul proclaims this victory and the Philistines respond by mustering 36,000 troops to fight Israel. The men of Israel are afraid and begin to abandon Saul. Saul waits for 7 days for the time appointed for Samuels arrival but Samuel doesn't show. 

Saul takes matters into his own hands and offers a sacrifice to the Lord to seek his favour. Samuel turns up and is horrified telling him he has done foolishly and because he has not kept the Lord's commandments; Samuel is clear Saul's kingdom will not last and he will be replaced.

## Meditatio
Now my first inclination upon reading this passage was sympathy for Saul. He has in what appears to be in good faith acted to seek the Lords favour recognising it as necessary for victory against the Philistines. That the Lord would punish Saul seems a little unreasonable, after all wasn't he just trying to the right thing?

Saul has, after all, waited until Samuel was due to arrive and he is hard pressed on every side; loosing people day by day. It's understandable then that he would feel compelled and under pressure to act to seek the Lords favour. Would I have done anything differently here?

In reality there issue is one of the heart...

Firstly the Philistines have gathered to oppose Israel following Saul's triumphal proclamation about his son's success against them. To some extent then seemingly motivated by Israel's victory, their own humiliation and Saul's brazen boasting; Saul has had a part to play in Israel's present predicament.

Secondly The law of the Lord clearly outlines the responsibilities of the priesthood, setting apart a subset of society for the sacramental observances of sacrificial offerings. Saul's decision to offer sacrifices without waiting for Samuel's arrival was unlawful. He has acted not in accordance with the laws and statutes of the Lord.

Bear in mind that this order is established by the Lord and so challenging this is to challenge the authority of God. We need to remember that `...the pillars of the earth are the Lord's and on them he has set the world.`[^1]. Recall that rebellion against God was the route through which sin entered the world in genesis.

But hang on Saul isn't the only one to break the rules and act unlawfully. David this supposed `man after God's own heart` also acts unlawfully eating the showbread[^2]. If the *unlawful* aspect was the real issue why would David not be cut off as well?

The key difference lies in the motivations and circumstances surrounding their actions. David's actions were driven by immediate physical need, something which Jesus picks up on to emphasise the principle of mercy over ritual[^3]. Saul, on the other hand, acted out of impatience and fear, showing a lack of trust in God's timing and commands. The condition of the heart is more important than the act; mercy is more important than ritual.

[^1]: See [1 Samuel 2:8](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Sam+2%3A8&version=ESV)
[^2]: See [1 Samuel 21:1-6](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Samuel+21%3A1-6&version=ESV)
[^3]: See [Matthew 12:1-8](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+12%3A1-8&version=ESV)