The First 3 Kings Of Israel Series

It’s interesting to note that Samuel the prophet seizes the opportunity to reconfirm Saul’s kingship: “Then Samuel said to the people, ‘Come, let us go to Gilgal and there renew the kingdom.’ So all the people went to Gilgal, and there they made Saul king before the LORD in Gilgal. There they sacrificed peace offerings before the LORD, and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly” (1 Samuel 11:14-15).

The brilliant and decisive defeat of the Ammonites convinced everyone that Saul indeed was the right choice for king. Samuel’s role as judge is gone and he will fade to background of the story. But keep an eye out for Samuel to appear again because every time he shows up in the story up, it’s because Saul is in trouble. Now, Saul’s reign wouldn’t have had the regal nature that David’s or Solomon’s reign would have after him. His throne and his regal home would have been more Cracker Barrel than Windsor Castle.

This reminds me of accounts from Lincoln’s days at the White House when there was an open door policy. There was no security to shield him during these days and it’s said that people climbed through windows to see the President. They camped outside his door and could be found on every stairway and corridor. In fact, the white house was so accessible during the summer of Gettysburg that Lincoln entertained Fredrick Douglass, the former slave. Douglass was about to introduce himself when Lincoln cut him off saying something to the effect, “Mr. Douglass, I know you. I have read about you,” he said. “Sit down. I am glad to see you.” Douglass later recalled how he was amazed at Lincoln’s candor and his speaking to a black man as an equal. The two men discussed the possibility of black soldiers during the Civil War. Now, that kind of access to the White House is unheard of today and I think Saul’s reign is seen in similar vein. He was introducing the nation to royalty that would reach its heights under David and Solomon.

1.3 Saul at Gilgal

You have understand a crucial aspect about Saul that happens at a little place called Gilgal. The reason we celebrate Christmas in the “City of David” and not the “City of Saul” is because of the battle here at Gilgal. Saul was probably between 30 and 40 years of ag at the time he was anointed king. Saul gathers his troops at Gilgal before the battle ensues and it’s there he waits seven days for Samuel to appear. Like waiting on a preacher to marry you when he’s late! Each day more of his troops were deserting until he was around just 600 mean (1 Samuel 14:2). Saul and his troops were very much at risk with the largest recorded Philistine army camped less than two miles away and all hope of assistance from the northern tribes being denied them. Plus, the Philistines had metal weapons when Israel’s weapons were made of wood and stone.

Tired of waiting, Saul officiates at the sacrifice which would have the priests’ sole responsibility. Just as Saul finished offering the burnt offering, Samuel appears. Remember when I said that every time Samuel shows up it means that Saul’s in trouble? Saul goes out to greet Samuel as though nothing were wrong. Saul says in effect, “I waited as long as I could but you weren’t here but the enemy was coming. I wanted to worship the Lord before the battle commenced.” Samuel says to him, “You’ve played the part of a fool today because you didn’t obey the Lord. Had you obeyed the Lord then ‘the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. 14 But now your kingdom shall not continue’” (1 Samuel 13:13b-14a).