1 Samuel 13: Saul Descends

Well that didn't last long.  The reign of King Saul already appears to be nearing its end.  It didn't take long for the regal power to begin corrupting Saul.  And the defining moment that exemplifies this lamentable shift is in 1 Samuel 13 when Saul offers a sacrifice himself instead of waiting for the prophet Samuel to do so.  It may seem like a trifling matter -- Samuel was, after all, late in arriving, and the people were growing increasingly nervous as the Philistine threat grew -- but it suggests that Saul's new role may be going to his head.  There are also hints in this chapter that suggest the people may be losing confidence already in their new king.  Saul may have been motivated by a fear that he was losing control and he needed to offer the sacrifice both to alleviate everyone's fear and also to demonstrate his absolute power.  It's the latter matter that is more problematic.  Saul demonstrates an audacity and a disregard for God's commands by circumventing the rules to just do the sacred action himself.  It's only a first step, but it's a mode of thinking that, if left unchecked, could lead to terrible tyrannical actions.  Saul doesn't exhibit much humility and pride is the sin most offensive to God.  Which is probably why Samuel's condemnation of Saul is so harsh.  I was surprised to see that even David's future kingship is foreshadowed in this chapter: "...thy kingdom shall not continue.  The Lord hath sought him a man according to his own heart: and him hath the Lord commanded to be prince over his people, because thou hast not observed that which the Lord commanded" (1 Samuel 13:14).  So there we have it.  At this early point in Saul's reign, God has already chosen his replacement!  Samuel already knows about David and foresees Saul's fall. 

Taking into account God's larger plan, it's important to note how limited our own perspective can be.  For those paying attention to Scripture, Saul's ascension to the throne may have been a matter of confusion and doubt.  For in Genesis 49 it pretty clearly indicates that Judah's line will bear the scepter and rule over the other tribes.  But Saul is a Benjamite.  In hindsight, though, we can see that God knew Saul would transgress and lose his royal power.  This opens the way for the scepter to pass to David of the house of Judah.  God's plan, then, continues, and we are called to have faith in it, even at times of great confusion.