The most important characteristic for a king is to be good in battle. Saul now tests himself against the Philistines.
Jabesh Gilead delivered
1 Samuel 11:1-11
Saul confirmed as king
1 Samuel 11:12-15
Sail defeats Hagrites
1 Chronicles 5:10, 12-15
Samuel declares his integrity
1 Samuel 12:1-5
Samuel reproves the people
1 Samuel 12:6-25
The Philistines’ invasion
1 Samuel 13:1-7, 16-22
Saul sacrifices and is reproved
1 Samuel 13:8-15
Saul passes his first test. He rouses the people in defence of one town, and his doubters are silenced. Round one to Saul.
Samuel uses his farewell speech to chasten the people. He tells them they have sinned by asking for a king, but that God in his mercy will still look after them of they remain faithful to him. The stern old man obviously feels let down - he has served faithfully and with integrity all his life, but he is not hopeful for the future. “But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will be swept away.” These are his final words.
Saul now decides its time to take on the Philistines once and for all. His son Jonathan attacks an outpost to provoke them, and out they come, a vast army. Then we hear that the Philistines had subjugated Israel to the extent that they had no metal weapons - Israelites had to go cap in hand to the Philistine blacksmiths - so no one but Saul and Jonathan have sword or spear.
Unsurprisingly, the Israelite forces panic, and begin to desert. Saul is waiting for Samuel to come and offer a sacrifice, so that the Lord will fight on their side, but the old man is a long time coming, so Saul takes matters intro his own hands. He offers the sacrifice himself. Is this good leadership, or panic? It’s hard to tell. When Samuel comes, he blames Saul for not waiting, but this seems harsh. Samuel, apparently, never much liked Saul, and can’t wait for him to fail.
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