In this passage Saul has an army of 3,000 men (v2). Jonathan leads the men to defeat the Philistine garrison at Geba (v3).

The Philistines respond to this defeat by raising a powerful army with 30,000 chariots, 6,000 horsemen and more troops than can be numbered (v5). The impact upon the people was to create great fear, many hid in caves or they ran for their lives crossing the Jordan to the land of the Gad and Gilead (v6-7). Saul is in a very difficult situation: the Philistines have raised a very powerful army (v5) and Saul’s men are frightened and beginning to dessert (v8).

Saul is waiting for Samuel to come to intercede on their behalf and offer sacrifices and although the day for Samuel to come has arrived, still there is no sign of Samuel (v8). Saul believes he needs to act and although it was forbidden, he offers the sacrifices himself in order to encourage the people (v9). He has just finished when Samuel arrives (v10). If he had waited just a little longer he wouldn’t have had to do these sacrifices.

God’s judgment on Saul was just but severe (v13-14). We might have sympathy for Saul but we see here there is no excuse of acting contrary to God’s will and there is no excuse of changing worship to just please people. The worship and commands of God must be obeyed with total reverence.