1 SAMUEL 13

SAMUEL PREDICTS A FUTURE KING WHO FOLLOWS GOD

Saul gathers an army and kills one of the Philistine leaders. Despite their victory, the Israelites are afraid of the Philistines' retaliation. The Israelites realize they are outnumbered and run away in fear.

Saul takes matters into his own hands and makes an unlawful sacrifice. Samuel tells Saul that he has made a huge mistake and that Saul should have waited for God’s instructions. God will no longer bless Saul as king. Samuel tells Saul that God is going to build up a replacement king, one who follows God and listens to His word.

The Philistines make sure that the Israelites cannot sharpen their swords and weapons, since there is not a single blacksmith to be found in Israel. Because of this, only Saul and his son Jonathan are armed.