QT 11/15/2022 1 Sam 13:1-7, Getting ready for the big decisions

1 Samuel 13:1 (ESV) —

1 Saul lived for one year and then became king, and when he had reigned for two years over Israel,

 

NOTE: Most commentators believe this text is corrupted, and that may well be. One possibility is that Saul lived for about one year after his official anointing without a general agreement from the people. We find him farming after that event. Then after the battle over the Ammonites, he is truly king (by all the people) and rules for two years until the next incident occurs (which actually removes his anointed position).

 

1 Samuel 13:5–7 (ESV) —

5 And the Philistines mustered to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots and six thousand horsemen and troops like the sand on the seashore in multitude. They came up and encamped in Michmash, to the east of Beth-aven. 6 When the men of Israel saw that they were in trouble (for the people were hard pressed), the people hid themselves in caves and in holes and in rocks and in tombs and in cisterns, 7 and some Hebrews crossed the fords of the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. Saul was still at Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling.

 

NOTE: Until now, Saul had been very successful in his battles. But the whole Philistine army was now opposing him. It seems unlikely that there were 30k chariots. In Isaiah, the word is clearly translated riders in pairs, although that would not explain the additional 6k horseman. Most likely, there were 3k chariots and 6k horseman. Another possibility is - this is as the story was told - and explains the fear of Israel. The area is mountainous and very difficult to see far. In any case, everyone was frightened and people were beginning to flee. It is a seemingly impossible situation, not unlike many other situations in the history of Israel. Gideon probably had less spiritual maturity than Saul (if that is possible), but he still trusted God. This is Saul's moment that will determine his destiny. Sometimes you only get one chance when the issue is large and public. A fall from grace (in the eyes of people) is usually permanent. It seems unfair, but leaders, pastors, elders, and rulers (even celebrities) are held to a higher standard.

 

PONDER:

1. It is important to be ready for those big moments, and it starts in the little things. How am I doing in the little acts of obedience?

 

PRAYER: Father protect me from the schemes of the evil one. I need to obey in the little things as well as the big themes. I want to be a witness for Jesus that draws people to Jesus.