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From Eternity Past
When Saul was anointed king, he had received from Samuel ex-
plicit directions concerning the course to be pursued at this time.
“Thou shalt go down before me to Gilgal,” said the prophet; “and,
behold, I will come down unto thee, to offer burnt offerings, and to
sacrifice sacrifices of peace offerings: seven days shalt thou tarry, till I
come to thee, and show thee what thou shalt do.”
1 Samuel 10:8
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Discouraged by Circumstance
Day after day Saul tarried, but without encouraging the people and
inspiring confidence in God. Before the time appointed by the prophet
had fully expired, he allowed himself to be discouraged by the trying
circumstances that surrounded him. Instead of seeking to prepare the
people for the service that Samuel was coming to perform, he indulged
in unbelief. The work of seeking God by sacrifice was a most solemn
work; God required that His people search their hearts and repent of
their sins, that the offering be made with acceptance, and His blessing
attend their efforts to conquer the enemy. But Saul had grown restless;
and the people, instead of trusting in God for help, were looking to the
king to lead and direct them.
Yet the Lord still cared for them and did not give them up to disaster.
He brought them into close places that they might be convicted of the
folly of depending on man and that they might turn to Him as their
only help. The time for proving Saul had come. Would he depend on
God and patiently wait according to His command as one whom God
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could trust in trying places as the ruler of His people? Or would he be
vacillating and unworthy of the sacred responsibility that had devolved
upon him? Would the king listen to the Ruler of all kings? Would he
turn the attention of his fainthearted soldiers to the One in whom is
everlasting strength and deliverance?
With growing impatience he awaited the arrival of Samuel and
attributed the distress and desertion of his army to the absence of the
prophet. The appointed time came, but the man of God did not appear.
God’s providence had detained His servant. Feeling that something
must be done to calm the people, Saul determined to summon an
assembly and by sacrifice entreat divine aid. God had directed that
only those consecrated to the office should present sacrifices before