Saul's Unlawful Sacrifice at Gilgal

Saul chose three thousand men of Israel, keeping two thousand with him in Michmash and the mount of Bethel, while one thousand remained with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin (1 Samuel 13:2). Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines in Geba, causing the Philistines to gather for war with thirty thousand chariots, six thousand horsemen, and people as numerous as the sand on the seashore (1 Samuel 13:3-5). The Israelites hid in caves, thickets, rocks, high places, and pits because they were in distress. Saul remained in Gilgal, where the people followed him trembling (1 Samuel 13:6-7).

Saul tarried seven days according to the set time appointed by Samuel, but Samuel did not come to Gilgal (1 Samuel 13:8). Observing that the people were scattered from him and the Philistines were assembled at Michmash, Saul commanded that a burnt offering and peace offerings be brought to him. Saul then offered the burnt offering himself (1 Samuel 13:9). As soon as he finished offering the sacrifice, Samuel arrived. Saul went out to meet him that he might salute him, but Samuel asked what Saul had done (1 Samuel 13:10-11).

Saul explained that he forced himself to offer the sacrifice because he feared the Philistines would come down to Gilgal before he had made supplication to the Lord (1 Samuel 13:12). Samuel told Saul that he had done foolishly and had not kept the commandment of the Lord. Samuel stated that the Lord would have established Saul's kingdom over Israel forever, but now his kingdom would not continue (1 Samuel 13:13-14). During this time, the text states there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel to prevent the Hebrews from making swords or spears (1 Samuel 13:19).