Saul-An Impatient King

At one time Saul, who later became king of Israel, was modest. Consider, for example,  what happened in his younger years. When God's prophet Samuel spoke favorably of him, Saul humbly replied:  "Am  I not a Benjaminite of the smallest o the tribes of Israel, and my family the most insignificant of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin?  So why have you spoken to me a thing like this?" -1 Samuel 9:21.

Later, however, Saul's modesty vanished. While at war with the Philistines, he withdrew to Gilgal, where he was expected to wait for Samuel to come and make entreaty to God with sacrifices.  When Samuel did not come at the appointed time, Saul presumptuously offered the burnt sacrifice himself.  Just as he finished, Samuel asked. Saul replied:  "I saw that the people has been dispersed from me, and you-you did not come within the appointed days . . . So I compelled myself and went offering up the burnt sacrifice." -1 Samuel 13:8-12.

At first glance, Saul's actions might seem justifiable. After all, God's people were  "in sore straits,"  "hard pressed," and trembling  because of their desperate situation.  (1 Samuel 13:6, 7) Certainly, it is not wrong to take the initiative  when circumstances warrant it.   Remember, though, that Jehovah can read hearts and perceive our innermost motives. ( 1 Samuel 16:7) Hence, he must have seen some factors about Saul that are not directly stated in the Bible account. For example, Jehovah may have seen that Saul's patience was stirred by pride. Perhaps Saul was deeply irritated that he-the king of all Israel had to wait for someone he viewed as an old, procrastinating prophet!  In any event, Saul felt that Samuel's tardiness gave him the right to take matters into his own hands and to disregard the explicit instructions he had been given.  The result?  Samuel did not praise Saul's initiative.  On the contrary, he chastised Saul, saying:  "Your kingdom will not last . . .because you did not keep what Jehovah commanded you." (1 Samuel  13:13, 14)  Once again, presumptuousness led to dishonor. 

Next time: Guard Against Impatience

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000