Kingdom Lost (part 1)
1 Samuel 13:1-14:23
Main Idea: True faith in God patiently trusts in his Word, no matter our circumstances.
I. The Folly of the King (13:1-22)
As Saul officially begins his reign over the people of Israel, trouble is immediately brewing:
Jonathan’s action provokes the Philistines to muster up a great show of force that surrounds Israel “like the sand on the seashore” (cf. Gen. 22:17)
The Israelites are “trembling” with fear, and they begin to hide or scatter from Saul
The Israelites are “hard pressed” and left without any weapons to defend themselves
Despite these circumstances, Saul has been instructed to wait for Samuel to arrive at Gilgal (1 Sam. 10:8). However, Saul acts “foolishly” (cf. Ps. 14:1), and makes an unlawful sacrifice before Samuel arrives. When confronted by the prophet, he makes self-justifying excuses and blame shifts (13:11-12), and his kingdom is rejected.
Though his arguments seem sensible and rational, Saul’s sin is (at least) threefold:
He impatiently does not wait upon the Lord with a heart to obey
He superstitiously presumes upon God’s blessing
He pridefully places himself as the ultimate authority.
Saul was to wait for Samuel’s arrival, so that he would receive the prophet’s instructions about the conduct of the battle. God’s prophet would give him God’s guidance for the Philistine war. Samuel was the bearer of Yahweh’s word, and Saul’s task was to wait for it. Instead, he proceeded without it. For Saul sacrificial ritual was essential but prophetic direction dispensable. Saul’s was an act of insubordination, a failure to submit to Yahweh’s word through his prophet. By his action Saul confessed that certain emergencies rendered Yahweh’s word unnecessary. When the chips were down kingship could function on its own.
~ Dale Ralph Davis
II. The Faith of the Son (14:1-15)
Jonathan is ironically one of the only faithful sons throughout 1 & 2 Samuel (vs. the sons of Eli, Samuel, & David), and is set in sharp contrast to his father. He is different because of:
The godly company he keeps (14:1-3)
The bold risk he takes (14:4-5)
The dependent faith he exercises (14:6)
How refreshing to hear Jonathan’s ‘perhaps…’ Many in our own day think otherwise. They think that to say “perhaps” cuts the nerve of faith, that if faith is faith it must always be certain, dogmatic, and absolutely positive. Faith, however, must not be confused with arrogance. Jonathan’s ‘perhaps’ is part of his faith. He both confesses the power of Yahweh and retains the freedom of Yahweh. Faith does not dictate to God, as if the Lord of hosts is its errand boy. Faith recognizes its degree of ignorance and knows it has not read a transcript of the divine decrees for most situations. All this, however, does not cancel but enhances its excitement. Who knows what this omnipotent God may be delighted to do against these uncircumcised Philistines.
~ Dale Ralph Davis
2 Chronicles 20:12: O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.
Mark 14:36: And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
III. The Victory of the Lord (14:16-23)
Despite Jonathan’s faithful actions, the situation in Israel still seems bleak; the Philistines have them surrounded, God’s people have no weapons, and Saul, their king, is unaware of the actions of Jonathan. He tries to consult the Lord by calling for the “ark” (or “ephod”) with the help of the rejected priesthood.
Despite these circumstances and spiritual dullness from their leader, “the Lord saved Israel that day” (14:23), sending earthquakes, turning the Philistines against themselves in fear, confusion, and panic. The Lord’s salvation of Israel on this day is paradigmatic for his greater salvation in Christ, the one who saves us single-handedly from our hopeless situation, and invites us to a life of dependent, patient trust.
