Jonathan strikes a Philistine outpost and war breaks out. Israelites across the land rebel against the Philistines. Saul recruits warriors from all of the tribes in Gilgal, but the balance of forces is not favorable. The mighty enemy army has advanced weaponry and chariots at their disposal, while the Israelites depend on the Philistines for the provision of iron. Saul and his armies hide in caves, thickets, and pits, waiting anxiously for Samuel to make his burnt offering. However, the prophet is delayed. When Samuel arrives, he is enraged to see that Saul has performed the sacrifice himself. Saul should not have acted on his own. The Philistines advance in three detachments and Jonathan sets out to attack the contingent in Mikmash. Saul is determined to do whatever he can to alleviate his difficult situation, going as far as overriding the prophet’s instructions. Without a strong sense of faith, nothing can succeed – especially any “shortcut.”
“And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear. 4 And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines, and that Israel also was had in abomination with the Philistines. And the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal.” (1 Samuel 13:34)
“And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the Lord thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the Lord have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.” (1 Samuel 13:13)
Devotion combines self-discovery with love; as we discover our life’s purpose, we devote ourselves to others and to our cause.
