College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
1 Samuel 13 - Introduction
PART TWO
THE REIGN OF SAUL
1 Samuel 13:1 to 1 Samuel 31:13
A DIGEST OF CHAPTER 13
Saul's campaign against the Philistines. The initial victory over the Ammonites at Jabesh-gilead must have given the Israelites courage to go against their chief oppressors, the Philistines. Jonathan won the first battle, and the Philistines were infuriated.
The counter-attack of the Philistines. The weapons of war used by the Philistines indicate that they enjoyed a rather highly developed civilization. To this point in history, we know of Israel having only weapons for foot soldiers, there being no references of their use of chariots and other military equipment. At this particular time, they were largely subjugated by the Philistines and had hardly any weapons at all.
Saul's presumptuous sacrifice. Samuel had made arrangements to meet Saul at Gilgal and to lead the people in a sacrifice to God. Saul tarried a minimum amount of time and then took things into his own hand. He had no right to do this. He was not a priest in any sense of the word. He committed a grave sin.
Samuel's rebuke of Saul. Once again it was Samuel's task to pronounce judgment against Israel's leader. As he had received a message of doom to pronounce against Eli, he now pronounces God's judgment against Saul, Israel's first king.
The battle pitched. The Philistine policy was to divide their host and attack the two companies of Israelites. Their superiority in equipment is brought out in the fact.. 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 (1 Samuel 13:22).
SAUL'S FIRST PHILISTINE WAR
1 Samuel 13:1 to 1 Samuel 14:36
1.
Saul gathers 2000 men at Michmash, and Jonathan 1000 at Gibeah. (1 Samuel 13:1-2)
2.
Jonathan smites Geba. (1 Samuel 13:3)
3.
Saul goes to Gilgal and makes a foolish sacreifice. (1 Samuel 13:4-14)
4.
Saul goes to Geba with 600. (1 Samuel 13:15-16)
5.
Philistines camp at Michmash, and send out raiders toward Beth-horon, Ophrah, and Valley of Beboim. (1 Samuel 13:17-23)
6.
Jonathan and armorbearer climb the pass between Geba and Michmash, and smite Philistines. (1 Samuel 13:23 to 1 Samuel 14:15)
7.
Saul's troops join in and smite Philistines from Michmash to Aijalon. (1 Samuel 14:16-31)
8.
Jonathan is saved from Saul's curse about eating. (1 Samuel 14:24-30; 1 Samuel 14:32-46)
LESSONS FOR LEARNING
1.
A minimum is not enough in God's service. It is evident from the text that Saul waited until the seventh day for the arrival of Samuel. He did not wait until the seventh day was completed. He was not patient in waiting for God's servant to perform his part of the covenant. His failure to be thorough brought the announcement that his dynasty would not be long-lived.
2.
The folly of trusting in man's strength. The history of Israel is filled with examples of God's people going out to battle against their enemies with overwhelming odds in favor of their foes. In many of these instances they were nonetheless victorious. When they trusted in God, they found that they had nothing to fear.
CHAPTER 13 IN REVIEW
1.
How old was Saul when he began to reign?
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2.
How many men did Saul take into battle?
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3.
How many were with Jonathan?
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4.
Where were Saul and his men?
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5.
Where were Jonathan and his men?
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6.
Where were the Philistines whom Jonathan attacked?
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7.
How many chariots did the Philistines have?
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8.
Where did Saul go to make a sacrifice?
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9.
How long did he wait for Samuel?
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10.
Who were the only two men who had spears in Israel?
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