Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
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1 Samuel
Book: 1 Samuel
Chapter: 13
Overview:
The invasion of the
Philistines.
(1-7) Saul sacrifices, He is
reproved
By Samuel.
(8-14) The policy of the
Philistines.
(15-23)
1-7 Saul reigned one
Year, and nothing particular happened; but
in his second
Year the events recorded in this
Chapter took
place. For above a
Year he gave the Philistine time to prepare
for
War, and to weaken and to disarm the Israelites. When men
are lifted up in self-sufficiency, they are often led into
folly. The chief advantages of the enemies of the
Church are
derived from the misconduct of its professed friends. When
Saul
at length sounded an
Alarm, the people, dissatisfied with his
management, or terrified
By the power of the enemy, did not come
to him, or speedily deserted him.
8-14 Saul broke the order expressly given
By Samuel, see ch.
1Sa 10:8, as to what should be done in cases of extremity.
Saul offered
Sacrifice without
Samuel, and did it himself,
though he was neither
Priest nor
Prophet. When charged with
disobedience, he justified himself in what he had done, and gave
No sign of
Repentance for it. He would have this act of
disobedience pass for an instance of his prudence, and as a
proof of his
Piety. Men destitute of inward
Piety, often lay
great stress
On the outward performances of religion.
Samuel
charges
Saul with being an enemy to himself. Those that disobey
the
Commandments of
God, do foolishly for themselves.
Sin is
folly, and the greatest sinners are the greatest fools. Our
disposition to obey or disobey
God, will often be proved
By our
behaviour in things which appear small. Men see nothing but
Saul's outward act, which seems small; but
God saw that he did
this with unbelief and distrust of his
Providence, with contempt
of his authority and
Justice, and with rebellion against the
Light of his own
Conscience. Blessed
Saviour, may we never, like
Saul, bring our
Poor offerings, or fancied peace-offerings,
without looking to thy precious, thy all-sufficient
Sacrifice!
Thou only, O
Lord, canst make, or hast made, our peace in the
Blood of the
Cross.
15-23 See how politic the
Philistines were when they had power;
they not only prevented the people of
Israel from making weapons
of
War, but obliged them to depend upon their enemies, even for
instruments of husbandry. How impolitic
Saul was, who did not,
in the beginning of his reign, set himself to redress this. Want
of true sense always accompanies want of
Grace. Sins which
appear to us very little, have dangerous consequences. Miserable
is a guilty, defenceless nation; much more those who are
destitute of the whole
Armour of
God.