Samuel: Saul Beginning to Lose the Kingdom
Minister: |
Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: |
10/12/2014 PM
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Text:
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I Samuel 13:10-15
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Psalters: |
404, 253, 86, 253 |
- Saul?s weakness as king.
- Jonathan (not Saul) was victorious over a garrison of Philistines (3), but Saul attributed the victory to himself (4).
- The Philistines gathered a powerful force and moved into Israel?s territory (5).
- Israel as a whole trembled (6), for they and Saul knew that his 3,000 army could expect only defeat.
- Saul searched out Samuel to find out what to do (Samuel had helped with his father?s lost asses).
- For Saul the matter of sacrifice and prayer was a superstitious activity to drive away the Philistines.
- Saul had no sooner offered a sacrifice (9), than Samuel appeared.
- Samuel?s righteous response.
- Samuel pushes aside all the shallow excuses: ?done foolishly,? not kept the commandment of Jehovah thy God.?
- Samuel makes clear that it was Jehovah his God who commanded that Saul wait seven days.
- Twice Samuel charged Saul with disobedience to Jehovah (13a, 14b).
- Samuel adds the terrifying words to Saul that the kingdom would not continue in his generations (13b,14).
- The rest of the chapter describes how the Philistines raided (spoiled) non-defended portions of Israel (17ff).
- While this chapter highlights Israel?s helplessness, there is yet reason for hope.