Presumption of Saul
559
himself as one whom God could trust in trying places as the ruler of
His people, or whether he would be vacillating and unworthy of the
sacred responsibility that had devolved upon him. Would the king
whom Israel had chosen, 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 confusion and distress and desertion of his army to
the absence of the prophet. The appointed time came, but the man
of God did not immediately appear. God’s providence had detained
His servant. But Saul’s restless, impulsive spirit would no longer be
restrained. Feeling that something must be done to calm the fears
of the people, he determined to summon an assembly for religious
service, and by sacrifice entreat the divine aid. God had directed that
only those consecrated to the office should present sacrifices before
Him. But Saul commanded, “Bring hither a burnt offering;” and,
equipped as he was with armor and weapons of war, he approached
the altar and offered sacrifice before God.
“And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering
the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet
him, that he might salute him.” Samuel saw at once that Saul had gone
contrary to the express directions that had been given him. The Lord
had spoken by His prophet that at this time He would reveal what Israel
must do in this crisis. If Saul had fulfilled the conditions upon which
divine help was promised, the Lord would have wrought a marvelous
deliverance for Israel, with the few who were loyal to the king. But
Saul was so well satisfied with himself and his work that he went out
to meet the prophet as one who should be commended rather than
disapproved.
[619]
[620]
[621]
Samuel’s countenance was full of anxiety and trouble; but to his
inquiry, “What hast thou done?” Saul offered excuses for his pre-
sumptuous act. He said: “I saw that the people were scattered from
me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the
Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash; therefore said
I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have
not made supplication unto the Lord: I forced myself therefore, and
offered a burnt offering.