1Samuel:13

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* Verse 1-7 - Saul reigned one year , and nothing particular happened ; but in his second year the events recorded in this chapter took place . For above a year he gave the Philistine time to prepare for war , and to weaken and to disarm the Israelites . When men are lifted up in self-sufficiency , they are often led into folly . The chief advantages of the enemies of the church are derived from the misconduct of its professed friends . When Saul at length sounded an alarm , the people , dissatisfied with his management , or terrified by the power of the enemy , did not come to him , or speedily deserted him . * Verse 8-14 - Saul broke the order expressly given by Samuel , see ch . * Verse 1st Samuel - strkjv @10:8 ,. as to what should be done in cases of extremity . Saul offered sacrifice without Samuel , and did it himself , though he was neither priest nor prophet . When charged with disobedience , he justified himself in what he had done , and gave no sign of repentance for it . He would have this act of disobedience pass for an instance of his prudence , and as a proof of his piety . Men destitute of inward piety , often lay great stress on the outward performances of religion . Samuel charges Saul with being an enemy to himself . Those that disobey the commandments of God , do foolishly for themselves . Sin is folly , and the greatest sinners are the greatest fools . Our disposition to obey or disobey God , will often be proved by our behaviour in things which appear small . Men see nothing but Saul 's outward act , which seems small ; but God saw that he did this with unbelief and distrust of his providence , with contempt of his authority and justice , and with rebellion against the light of his own conscience . Blessed Saviour , may we never , like Saul , bring our poor offerings , or fancied peace-offerings , without looking to thy precious , thy all-sufficient sacrifice ! Thou only , O Lord , canst make , or hast made , our peace in the blood of the cross . * Verse 15-23 - See how politic the Philistines were when they had power ; they not only prevented the people of Israel from making weapons of war , but obliged them to depend upon their enemies , even for instruments of husbandry . How impolitic Saul was , who did not , in the beginning of his reign , set himself to redress this . Want of true sense always accompanies want of grace . Sins which appear to us very little , have dangerous consequences . Miserable is a guilty , defenceless nation ; much more those who are destitute of the whole armour of God . Henry ' _1__14 **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary **** _

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