Partial Obedience Is Disobedience

I Samuel 15:1-13

“Samuel also said unto Saul, The LORD sent me to anoint thee to be king over his people, over Israel: now therefore hearken thou unto the voice of the words of the LORD.  Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt.  Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.” (I Samuel 15:1-3)

Almost seven hundred years before, in Exodus 17, the Amalekites had attacked Israel, when they first came out of Egypt.  Though they are descendants of Esau, and thus of Abraham, God has not forgotten that first attack.  In the intervening period, they had attacked Israel repeatedly, even during Saul’s reign.  Each time they have seen God’s power in their defeat.   They had refused to acknowledge God since the time of Esau, over twelve hundred years before.  Now God said they had been given more than a fair chance.  It is time to destroy them.  There is a limit to God’s patience.  Genesis 6:3 declares, “And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man…”

For the first time Israel had a standing army, and central government.  Saul had been designated by God to be king, and now God wants him to take the leadership in punishing Amalek for centuries of rebellion.  He was directed to go and kill every living thing,  Nothing was to be saved, not even their gold or silver.  Such and attack should provide a powerful warning to other bands and tribes of the consequences of attacking Israel.

“And Saul gathered the people together, and numbered them in Telaim, two hundred thousand footmen, and ten thousand men of Judah.  And Saul came to a city of Amalek, and laid wait in the valley. 

And Saul said unto the Kenites, Go, depart, get you down from among the Amalekites, lest I destroy you with them: for ye showed kindness to all the children of Israel, when they came up out of Egypt. So the Kenites departed from among the Amalekites.” (I Samuel 15:4-6)

With an army of two hundred ten thousand, Saul approached one of the Amalekite cities.  Among the Amalakites were a group known as the Kenites, descendants of Moses’ father-in-law, who had helped Israel when they first came out of Egypt.  They had maintained good relations with Israel throughout the period, and it was a Kenite woman who killed Sisera in Judges 4.  Their kindness was not forgotten seven hundred years later, and they were advised to leave while the Amalekites were destroyed.

“And Saul smote the Amalekites from Havilah until thou comest to Shur, that is over against Egypt.  And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. 

But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.” (I Samuel 15:7-9)

Closely related to the Edomites, the Amalekites had moved freely through Edom, from the Arab Peninsula, conquering much of Simeon and southern Judah and occupying a lot of the Sinai Peninsula.  Saul destroyed the Amalekites throughout the Sinai peninsula and southern Israel, killing all the people.

Unfortunately, he did not follow all the instructions.  It was a custom to make conquered kings into slaves to show off one’s superiority, and Saul apparently was following the custom, saving the king, Agag, alive.   Both Saul, and the people saved the best of the livestock and property, destroying everything they didn’t want.  After all, they had earned it, and the Amalekites didn’t need their stuff anymore.

“Then came the word of the LORD unto Samuel, saying, It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.” (I Samuel 15:10-11)

The Lord told Samuel he was sorry he had made Saul king because he would not obey God’s command, but had turned his back on God.  Samuel was broken hearted that Israel had taken a king and then turned away from God.

“And when Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning, it was told Samuel, saying, Saul came to Carmel, and, behold, he set him up a place, and is gone about, and passed on, and gone down to Gilgal. 

And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD.” (I Samuel 15:12-13)

The next morning, Samuel set out to confront Saul.  When he met him, Saul bragged about how he had done what God sent him to do.  “I have performed the commandment of the LORD.”

The Great Commission, of Matthew 28:18-20 describes the mission of the church.  “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

We are to go, and teach(mathatno-enroll as a disciple) all nations.   Job one is to win them to Christ.  Secondly, we are to baptize them.  Finally, we are to teach(didasko-to teach) them to keep all the things Christ has commanded us to do.  Unfortunately many Christians are like Saul, bragging about having the job God gave them, while only doing one part, whether winning souls, or baptizing them, or teaching them.  Partial obedience is still disobedience.   It doesn’t matter that we won ten thousand to Christ, if we haven’t taught them to do what God expects, we haven’t done our job.  If we haven’t won them to Christ, nothing else matters.

Samuel asked, “What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?”  If they had done the Job, there would have been no sheep to bleat or oxen to low.  If we have done our job, there will be no Church members who don’t understand what God expects.  The fact that many we have won are unknowingly living in disobedience makes it clear we have not fulfilled the Great Commission.  II Corinthians 10:18 declares, “For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.”

Unintended Consequences

I Samuel 14:31-52

“And they smote the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon: and the people were very faint.  And the people flew upon the spoil, and took sheep, and oxen, and calves, and slew them on the ground: and the people did eat them with the blood.” (I Samuel 14:31-32) 

In an effort to motivate the people, Saul had pronounced a curse on anyone who ate before evening.  Fighting required extra energy and their reserves were depleted.  By nightfall, the people were desperate for something to eat.  In their desperation, they didn’t take the time to fully drain the blood from the animals bodies before cooking them, violating God’s command.

“Then they told Saul, saying, Behold, the people sin against the LORD, in that they eat with the blood. 

And he said, Ye have transgressed: roll a great stone unto me this day.  And Saul said, Disperse yourselves among the people, and say unto them, Bring me hither every man his ox, and every man his sheep, and slay them here, and eat; and sin not against the LORD in eating with the blood. And all the people brought every man his ox with him that night, and slew them there.  And Saul built an altar unto the LORD: the same was the first altar that he built unto the LORD.” (I Samuel 14:33-35) 

Hearing what was happening, Saul demanded that the people bring their animals to a central place to be slaughtered so he could be sure they were doing it the right way, than telling them and trusting them to follow instructions.  He had to be in control and couldn’t trust anyone including God.  

“And Saul said, Let us go down after the Philistines by night, and spoil them until the morning light, and let us not leave a man of them. 

And they said, Do whatsoever seemeth good unto thee.” (I Samuel 14:36-37a) 

Saul had forbidden his men to eat to satisfy his own ego according to I Samuel 14:24.  “Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies.”  They had fought until they were fainting for lack of food, but now Saul  wants them fight all night in an effort to totally annihilate their enemies.  Clearly, he has little concern for his men, but is focused on his own agenda.  His attitude is typical of those who want to have control.   Fortunately, the priest was not as focused on his desires as Saul was.

Then said the priest, Let us draw near hither unto God. 

And Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him not that day. 

And Saul said, Draw ye near hither, all the chief of the people: and know and see wherein this sin hath been this day.  For, as the LORD liveth, which saveth Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die. But there was not a man among all the people that answered him.” (I Samuel 14:37b-39)

When Saul asked the Lord whether they should go on, and if he’d give them victory, the Lord didn’t answer.  Saul’s purpose was entirely selfish, “…that I may be avenged on mine enemies.”  James 4:3 declares, “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” It really isn’t surprising God didn’t answer.

When Saul didn’t get an answer, he jumped to the conclusion it was someone had disobeyed him.  He would kill whoever had done so, even if it involved own son, Jonathan.  Even the people who knew that Jonathan had broken Saul’s command refused to tell.

“Then said he unto all Israel, Be ye on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side. 

And the people said unto Saul, Do what seemeth good unto thee. 

Therefore Saul said unto the LORD God of Israel, Give a perfect lot. And Saul and Jonathan were taken: but the people escaped. 

And Saul said, Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken. 

Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done. 

And Jonathan told him, and said, I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in mine hand, and, lo, I must die. 

And Saul answered, God do so and more also: for thou shalt surely die, Jonathan.” (I Samuel 14:40-44) 

A thorough investigation revealed that Jonathan had violated Saul’s command.  He had not broken any of God’s commands or committed any crime, nor had he known that the command had been made, yet a death sentence had been imposed.  Saul wasn’t concerned at all about the injustice of his decision.  He wasn’t about to admit he had been wrong in or change his mind.  He was going to carry out the threat to prove he meant what he said, right or wrong.

Though Saul called Jonathan’s action sin, the real sin was Saul’s failure to believe God that impelled him to give the command.  It had several unintended consequences.  The warriors were weakened by lack of food, Jonathan’s life was placed in jeopardy for nothing, and the warriors were tempted to sin because of Saul’s lack of faith.  Self-centered  people rarely consider the side effects of their actions.

“And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid: as the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not.” (I Samuel 14:45) 

The people recognized that the victory they had won had been because Jonathan was obeying God.  It would not be right to punish him for doing God laid on his heart because Saul didn’t trust God.  Even a king cannot stand against a united populace for long, so Saul capitulated.

“Then Saul went up from following the Philistines: and the Philistines went to their own place. 

So Saul took the kingdom over Israel, and fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines: and whithersoever he turned himself, he vexed them.  And he gathered an host, and smote the Amalekites, and delivered Israel out of the hands of them that spoiled them. 

Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, and Ishui, and Melchishua: and the names of his two daughters were these; the name of the firstborn Merab, and the name of the younger Michal: And the name of Saul's wife was Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz: and the name of the captain of his host was Abner, the son of Ner, Saul's uncle.  And Kish was the father of Saul; and Ner the father of Abner was the son of Abiel. 

And there was sore war against the Philistines all the days of Saul: and when Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he took him unto him.(I Samuel 14:46-52)

Saul spent his entire reign fighting against the neighboring countries, fighting numerous battles with all them.  To do so, required a constantly growing military force.  He was constantly on the lookout for the strongest and bravest soldiers and leaders, drafting them for military duty.   In the six hundred years before they made Saul king, they had never needed a standing army.  After Saul became king, they were constantly at war.  

Where’s The Faith?

I Samuel 14:16-31

“And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and, behold, the multitude melted away, and they went on beating down one another. 

Then said Saul unto the people that were with him, Number now, and see who is gone from us. And when they had numbered, behold, Jonathan and his armourbearer were not there.” (I Samuel 14:16-17) 

Saul’s observers noticed the commotion in the Philistine camp and that it looked like they were fighting among themselves and running away.  When they reported it, Saul demanded to know who could be causing he commotion.  The only two that were missing were Jonathan and his armor bearer.

“And Saul said unto Ahiah, Bring hither the ark of God. For the ark of God was at that time with the children of Israel.  And it came to pass, while Saul talked unto the priest, that the noise that was in the host of the Philistines went on and increased: and Saul said unto the priest, Withdraw thine hand.” (I Samuel 14:18-19)

Even with the Philistine army running away, Saul was afraid to attack without a special sign from God.  What a contrast between his lack of faith and his son’s faith.   Jonathan said “there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few,” and went ahead,  while Saul said I don’t think we have enough and waited for more.  Finally it became so obvious what was happening, he decided he didn’t need to pray about it any more.   According to James 1:5-8, it was probably his lack of faith to commit that prevented his getting an answer.  

“And Saul and all the people that were with him assembled themselves, and they came to the battle: and, behold, every man's sword was against his fellow, and there was a very great discomfiture.  Moreover the Hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time, which went up with them into the camp from the country round about, even they also turned to be with the Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan. 

Likewise all the men of Israel which had hid themselves in mount Ephraim, when they heard that the Philistines fled, even they also followed hard after them in the battle.  So the LORD saved Israel that day: and the battle passed over unto Bethaven.” (I Samuel 14:20-23)

When Saul committed to fighting, the people who had surrendered to the Philistines and those who were hiding out came out to help him.  Had he simply trusted God enough to go fight without waiting for some special sign by Samuel, he probably would have already had the victory.  God gave a great victory.

“And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food. 

And all they of the land came to a wood; and there was honey upon the ground.  And when the people were come into the wood, behold, the honey dropped; but no man put his hand to his mouth: for the people feared the oath.” ( I Samuel 14:4-26)

When Saul attempted to motivate Israel by threatening to kill their oxen if they didn’t come help fight the Ammonites, only about half as many showed up as had been available when they came into the land.  When he offered the sacrifice in an effort to rally their support they deserted him, leaving only six hundred.  In another effort to motivate them, Saul pronounced a curse on anyone who ate anything before victory was complete.  Once again, his efforts to motivate them were counterproductive.

They were severely weakened by their lack of food, and when they found a place where there was a ready supply of quick energy, no one dared eat any because of Saul’s curse.  It didn’t matter that God had supplied it for them.

“But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath: wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that was in his hand, and dipped it in an honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened.” (I Samuel 14:27)

Jonathan had been busy doing what the Lord led him to do.  As a result he didn’t know about the curse, so when he saw the honey God supplied, he took some, and recovered his energy.

“Then answered one of the people, and said, Thy father straitly charged the people with an oath, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food this day. And the people were faint. 

Then said Jonathan, My father hath troubled the land: see, I pray you, how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey.  How much more, if haply the people had eaten freely to day of the spoil of their enemies which they found? for had there not been now a much greater slaughter among the Philistines?” (I Samuel 14:28-30)

When they saw Jonathan eating the honey, the people warned him about Saul’s curse.  Jonathan pointed out that Saul’s  efforts to motivate them had been counterproductive, leaving them weakened and famished just when they needed the most strength.  Had they been at full strength, they would have been better able to finish the battle.  This is frequently the result when we set our own standards in an effort to produce better results.

“And they smote the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon: and the people were very faint.” (I Samuel 14:31)

Just Trusting God

I Samuel 13:15b-14:15

“And Saul numbered the people that were present with him, about six hundred men.  And Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people that were present with them, abode in Gibeah of Benjamin: but the Philistines encamped in Michmash.” (I Samuel 13:15b-16)

Saul had a standing army of three thousand.  When the Philistines invaded, he had called for all Israel to come help.   Delaying while he waited for Samuel to come give his blessing had resulted in his army shrinking to only about six hundred men,  camped in Gibeah.

“And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned unto the way that leadeth to Ophrah, unto the land of Shual: And another company turned the way to Bethhoron: and another company turned to the way of the border that looketh to the valley of Zeboim toward the wilderness.” (I Samuel 13:17-18) 

The Philistines maintained a large army to keep Saul busy while they sent three raiding parties out to pillage the unprotected cities and farms.  With almost all the men in hiding, the land was easy pickings.

“Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel: for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears: But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his share, and his coulter, and his ax, and his mattock.  Yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads. 

So it came to pass in the day of battle, that there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people that were with Saul and Jonathan: but with Saul and with Jonathan his son was there found.  And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the passage of Michmash.” (I Samuel 13:19-23)

The Philistines had successfully disarmed the Israelites, by banning them from doing their own blacksmithing for fear they would build their own weapons and overthrow the Philistines forces. To have their tools repaired, they had to go to a Philistine blacksmith, although they were allowed files for sharpening them.  Only Saul and Jonathan had been allowed to keep their swords and spears.    Armed only with farm tools, it is not hard to understand Israel’s fear of a well armed army with thirty thousand iron chariots.

“Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines' garrison, that is on the other side. But he told not his father.

“And Saul tarried in the uttermost part of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree which is in Migron: and the people that were with him were about six hundred men; 1sa And Ahiah, the son of Ahitub, Ichabod's brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the LORD'S priest in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. And the people knew not that Jonathan was gone.” (I Samuel 14:1-3) 


Like the others, Jonathan got restless and decided to go over and spy on the Philistine army.  Knowing that Saul had no plans to attack, he didn’t bother to tell him where he was going.  He just went trusting God to lead and protect him.  Neither Saul nor the others even noticed that he was gone.  Saul and the priests were probably waiting for some miraculous sign from God to tell them it was time to attack.

“And between the passages, by which Jonathan sought to go over unto the Philistines' garrison, there was a sharp rock on the one side, and a sharp rock on the other side: and the name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh.  The forefront of the one was situate northward over against Michmash, and the other southward over against Gibeah.

And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.

And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart.” (I Samuel 14:4-7)

There was a large canyon between Micmash and Gibeah.  Jonathan had suggested that they go down and look over the situation and see what God wanted because He was able to give the victory regardless how small the army was.  It was totally and act of faith, as was his armor bearer’s response.

“Then said Jonathan, Behold, we will pass over unto these men, and we will discover ourselves unto them.  If they say thus unto us, Tarry until we come to you; then we will stand still in our place, and will not go up unto them.  But if they say thus, Come up unto us; then we will go up: for the LORD hath delivered them into our hand: and this shall be a sign unto us. 

And both of them discovered themselves unto the garrison of the Philistines: and the Philistines said, Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of the holes where they had hid themselves.  And the men of the garrison answered Jonathan and his armourbearer, and said, Come up to us, and we will show you a thing.” (I Samuel 14:8-12a) 

After looking and praying about it, Jonathan suggested the expose themselves to the Philistines.  If they ordered them to halt they’d just wait and see what happened.  If they dared them to come up, on the  other hand, they would take it as a sign that God wanted the two of them to attack the camp.  When they showed themselves, the Philistines made fun of them and dared them to come up where they could show them something.

"And Jonathan said unto his armourbearer, Come up after me: for the LORD hath delivered them into the hand of Israel. 

And Jonathan climbed up upon his hands and upon his feet, and his armourbearer after him: and they fell before Jonathan; and his armourbearer slew after him.  And that first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armourbearer made, was about twenty men, within as it were an half acre of land, which a yoke of oxen might plow.  And there was trembling in the host, in the field, and among all the people: the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled, and the earth quaked: so it was a very great trembling.” (I Samuel 14;12b-15) 

It was exactly the sign Jonathan had asked for, so by faith he said let’s go and started climbing the rock wall using both hands and feet.  There were about twenty Philistines at the top of the cliff in an area about the size of a large city lot.  They had no fear of two Israelites crawling on their hands and knees, especially since a lot had already surrendered.  Since Jonathan had the only sword, he led the attack, knocking them down while the armorbearer made sure they were dead.

For six hundred years, the Philistines had heard how God protected Israel, and had been defeated several times during Samuel’s judgeship.  Already on edge, the noise of fighting caused a ripple of fear throughout the Philistine camp, and especially when it was accompanied by a small earthquake.  

Impatience

I Samuel 13:1-15

“Saul reigned one year; and when he had reigned two years over Israel, Saul chose him three thousand men of Israel; whereof two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in mount Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin: and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent.  And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it.” (I Samuel 13:1-3)

Two years after being anointed king, Saul established Israel’s first standing army, a security force of three thousand men.  Keeping two thousand for his personal guard, he assigned a thousand to his son Jonathan, sending everyone else home.  The Philistines had established several military posts in Israel to prevent uprisings against them.  Jonathan took his thousand men and attacked the outpost in Geba, destroying it.

 “And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear.  And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines, and that Israel also was had in abomination with the Philistines. And the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal.” (I Samuel 13:3b-4)

Saul immediately had the victory publicized, taking credit for it.  Rumors that the Philistines were going to invade began to circulate.  Saul called the people together to Gilgal, where he’d been anointed king to get ready to fight.

“And the Philistines gathered themselves together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the sea shore in multitude: and they came up, and pitched in Michmash, eastward from Bethaven. 

When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait, (for the people were distressed,) then the people did hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits.  And some of the Hebrews went over Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead.” (I Samuel 13:5-7a)

When the Philistine came, they had ten times as many tanks(chariots) as Israel had in their army, and twice as many cavalry men.  They couldn’t even guess how many ther were in the main army.  They came straight to where Saul normally held court, blaming him for the uprising and determined to take him out.  If they did so, they would crush the new government.

The Israelites were terrified when they saw the forces arrayed against them.  Many deserted their homes, hiding out in caves or in the cliffs and forests in hopes of escaping detection.  Some even fled across Jordan to escape.


“As for Saul, he was yet in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling.  And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel had appointed: but Samuel came not to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him. 

And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering.” (I Samuel 13:7b-9)

Gilgal was one of Samuels regular circuit courts and places of worship.  He had promised to be there in seven days, so Saul and his followers waited for him in fear.  When they saw nothing happening, the people began to gradually slip away.   Panicked that he would lose his entire army, Saul decided he had to do something to inspire them.  He decided to offer sacrifices to God as a way of convincing the people God would be on their side.

When he went against the Ammonites, Saul had depended on human motivation rather than the power of God to produce followers.  Here he does the same thing, trying to use psychology to motivate them, rather than depending on the Spirit of God.  Just as he had ignored God’s command about who was required to fight when he fought the Ammonites, he ignored God ‘s command about who should offer the burnt offerings when threatened by the Philistines.

In Numbers 16, Korah and several of the Levites decided they could perform the priest’s office.  In Numbers 16:8-10, Moses rebuked them.  “And Moses said unto Korah, Hear, I pray you, ye sons of Levi: Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?  And he hath brought thee near to him, and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee: and seek ye the priesthood also?”  By taking the priest’s office and offering the offering himself, Saul was doing the same thing.

“And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him. 

And Samuel said, What hast thou done? 

And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash; Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the LORD: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering.” (I Samuel 13:10-12) 

Saul had just finished making the offering when Samuel showed up. When Samuel asked him what he’d done. He blamed the people for not being more faithful and Samuel for being late.  He hadn’t spent the time in prayer and he just had to do something, so he forced himself to offer the burnt offering.  He really hadn’t done thing wrong, he just had to do something.

“And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.  But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee.” (I Samuel 13:13-14)

Because Saul didn’t trust the Lord enough to obey him, the kingdom that could have been his and his family’s forever will be taken away and given to someone else, a man who will put God above all.  How many times do we as Christians get worried that something has to be done and forget what God has said?

James 1:2-8 addresses this situation.  “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.  But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.  But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.  For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.  A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”  

A person who isn’t committed to obeying God even when it seems like God doesn’t understand the urgency of the situation is not fully trusting God, and cannot be depended on to obey God in any circumstances, because one never knows when he will get impatient and disobey again.  He shouldn’t expect God’s blessings until he learns to walk by faith.  I’ve spent a lifetime learning this lesson and I still struggle with it.

“And Samuel arose, and gat him up from Gilgal unto Gibeah of Benjamin.” (I Samuel 13:15a)

Past Sins Must Not Prevent Serving God

I Samuel 12:16-25

“Now therefore stand and see this great thing, which the LORD will do before your eyes.  Is it not wheat harvest to day? I will call unto the LORD, and he shall send thunder and rain; that ye may perceive and see that your wickedness is great, which ye have done in the sight of the LORD, in asking you a king.” (I Samuel 12:16-17) 

When wheat is ripe, the seeds can be shaken out of the head very easily, by a wind or a rain.  They are very hard to pick up off the ground.  Farmers plant wheat so it ripens at a time when storms are least likely to avoid losing the crop.  Their celebration was taking place during wheat harvest season, when thunderstorms were almost unheard of and would do the most damage.

Samuel advised the people that God was going send a thunder storm To make them aware how evil their demand for a king was.  Loss of their crop to rain would affect their economy throughout the coming year.

“So Samuel called unto the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. 

And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the LORD thy God, that we die not: for we have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a king.” (I Samuel 12:18-19)

Samuel had warned the people they were doing wrong in demanding a king, but they had refused to listen.  Only when God himself intervened did they realize how sinful their demand was.  They asked Samuel to pray for them that God would not pour out his judgment.

“And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart; And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain.  For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.” (I Samuel 12:20-22) 

Though Israel had sinned terribly in demanding a king, Samuel promised that if they would serve him whole heartedly, God would not hold it against them.  They were God’s people, and he was not going to turn his back on for their sin.  They would need to avoid chasing after the world in other things.

Over the years, I have seen this same pattern in my own life as well as the lives of others.  We commit to a set of actions even though we know we shouldn’t, such as partnering with a non Christian, whether in business or marriage.  God causes things to happen to remind us that while we may not be able to undo the sin that led us to that point, we still have an opportunity and obligation to serve him in the situation we are in.

Paul dealt with a similar situation in I Corinthians 7:18-22.  “Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.  Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.  Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.  Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.  For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.”  

If there is a way of undoing the situation without harm to our testimony, or to others, it would be better, but if not, just realize that God is still in control and he will not turn his back on us.  He is able to forgive to the uttermost according to Hebrews 7:25.

“Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way: Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart; for consider how great things he hath done for you.” (I Samuel 12:23-24) 

Though they had deliberately ignored his warnings and gone against God, Samuel said it would be sin for him to turn his back on them or stop praying for them.   In his teachings in Matthew 18:15-18, Jesus did not authorize shunning the guilty when they were put out of the church.  Instead they were to be treated like other unsaved people.  Matthew 18:17 instructs, “And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican.”  II Thessalonians 3:14 commands, “And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.  Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.”

“But if ye shall still do wickedly, ye shall be consumed, both ye and your king.” (I Samuel 12:25)

The fact that God will forgive sin does not give us license to sin.   As Romans 6:15-16 warns, “What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.  Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?”  To continue in sin is much like a woman messing around with somebody other than her husband, pretending she isn’t already married.  It will cause trouble.

The Permissive Will Of God

I Samuel 12:1-15

“And Samuel said unto all Israel, Behold, I have hearkened unto your voice in all that ye said unto me, and have made a king over you.  And now, behold, the king walketh before you: and I am old and grayheaded; and, behold, my sons are with you: and I have walked before you from my childhood unto this day. 

Behold, here I am: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you.” (I Samuel 12:1-3)

Samuel was still concerned that Israel had chosen to replace God as their ruler.  Unlike many leaders, he was aware of his responsibility as an example for those he led.  James 3:1-2 advises, “My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.  For in many things we offend all…”  Leaders, more than any other person, influence the attitude of their followers.  Samuel wanted to be sure he had not in some way offended them, causing the m to turn against God.

He questioned whether they felt he had ever abused his position or taken advantage of them.  Had he rendered a judgment they didn’t think was fair?  Had he forced someone out of their home or taken any bribes?   Was their anything he had done that made them think they needed a king?

“And they said, Thou hast not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, neither hast thou taken ought of any man's hand. 

And he said unto them, The LORD is witness against you, and his anointed is witness this day, that ye have not found ought in my hand. 

And they answered, He is witness.” (I Samuel 12:4-5)

The people were definite that their decision was not the result of something Samuel had done.  They had simply decided this was what they wanted.  They were not blaming him for any of it, and they called on God to backup their claim.  While the leader has more influence than almost anyone, he is not personally responsible for people’s decisions, just for the example and teaching he has set before them.  Israel was accepting full responsibility for the decision.

“And Samuel said unto the people, It is the LORD that advanced Moses and Aaron, and that brought your fathers up out of the land of Egypt.  Now therefore stand still, that I may reason with you before the LORD of all the righteous acts of the LORD, which he did to you and to your fathers. 

When Jacob was come into Egypt, and your fathers cried unto the LORD, then the LORD sent Moses and Aaron, which brought forth your fathers out of Egypt, and made them dwell in this place.” (I Samuel 12:6-8)

He reminded them that it was God who had chosen them, had delivered them from Egypt, and had given them the land they lived in.  Along the way he had provided their daily needs and given them victory over superior forces with better weapons and defenses.

“And when they forgat the LORD their God, he sold them into the hand of Sisera, captain of the host of Hazor, and into the hand of the Philistines, and into the hand of the king of Moab, and they fought against them. 

And they cried unto the LORD, and said, We have sinned, because we have forsaken the LORD, and have served Baalim and Ashtaroth: but now deliver us out of the hand of our enemies, and we will serve thee.  And the LORD sent Jerubbaal, and Bedan, and Jephthah, and Samuel, and delivered you out of the hand of your enemies on every side, and ye dwelled safe.” (I Samuel 12:9-11) 

He also reminded them of the various times they had turned away from God, and had wound up oppressed by other peoples.  Each time they turned back and asked the Lord for help, he had provided a leader who enabled them to break free.  Why would they want to change a system that had worked so well for six hundred years?

“And when ye saw that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon came against you, ye said unto me, Nay; but a king shall reign over us: when the LORD your God was your king.  Now therefore behold the king whom ye have chosen, and whom ye have desired! and, behold, the LORD hath set a king over you.” (I Samuel 12:12-13) 

When they saw the possibility of another conflict with the Ammonites, they had chosen to have a king to lead them instead of trusting God to do what he had always done before.  God had acquiesced to their demands, giving them a king as they demanded, even though it was not his will.

Today we sometimes hear about the permissive will of God.  This is a prime example.  Israel was sinning, going against God, but God chose to allow them to do so.   It was an abuse of God’s love, doing what they wanted even though they knew God wanted something else.  That God didn’t punish them immediately demonstrates how much he loved them.  Anytime we insist on “God’s permissive will” rather than simply obeying what he wants we are abusing his love.  We are actually out of his will, but because of his love he chooses to not stop us.

“If ye will fear the LORD, and serve him, and obey his voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall both ye and also the king that reigneth over you continue following the LORD your God: But if ye will not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall the hand of the LORD be against you, as it was against your fathers.” (I Samuel 12:14-15) 

There was a very real danger that they would become more concerned with satisfying the king than with obeying God, effectively putting the king in God’s place.  If they would continue to follow God, the sin of making someone king would be overlooked, and they could still receive God’s blessings.

On the other hand, if they began to ignore God’s commands, even if they were obeying the king’s orders, then God would turn against them the same way he had when their fathers sinned against God.   Since they were already rebelling against God, it would only be a small step over the line.