Waiting is not everyone’s strong suit. Throughout the Bible, we see that many people had difficulties with waiting for God’s promises. Despite God’s words and promises, many didn’t have the patience to wait. One of these people, who couldn’t wait either was Saul. Because of his impatience, he became disobedient to God and lost his kingship.
Obedience to the words of God
And thou (Saul) shalt go down before me (Samuel) to Gilgal; and, behold, I will come down unto thee, to offer burnt offerings, and to sacrifice sacrifices of peace offerings: seven days shalt thou tarry, till I come to thee, and shew thee what thou shalt do (1 Samuel 10:8)
In 1 Sam 10:1-8 we read about Saul, and how Samuel anointed him to become king. Samuel prophesied to Saul, about the things to come. He gave Saul a detailed prophecy and commandments. There was only one thing, that Saul had to do, and that was to stay obedient to the words of Samuel.
Every detail of the prophecy came to pass until Saul became disobedient to the words of God.
Saul became disobedient
Saul became disobedient, because he couldn’t wait. He couldn’t wait, because of the fear for people. He looked at the people and was influenced by them, instead of trusting in God, and His Word.
Let us have look at the first book of Samuel, chapter 13:
Saul had reigned in Israel, for more than two years and the Lord was always with him, just like Samuel told him. Jonathan smote, together with 1000 men, the Philistines at Geba. At the same time, when the Philistines heard the news, Saul blew the trumpet in all the land and wanted all the people of Israel to hear this great news.
The people of Israel were called together to go after Saul to Gilgal, meanwhile, the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash, to fight against Israel.
When Israel noticed that they were in a strait, they hid themselves in caves, thickets, rocks, in high places, and in pits. Some of the people of Israel, went through Jordan, to the land of Gad and Gilead. Saul was in Gilgal, and the people followed him trembling.
Let’s have a look at the scriptures starting from verse 8:
He tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel had appointed: but Samuel came not to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him. And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering.
‘As soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came’
And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him.
Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou came not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash; Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the LORD: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering. And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.
But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee. (1 Samuel 13:8-14 (KJV)
Saul couldn’t wait
Saul couldn’t wait. Despite the many prophecies, that were all fulfilled. Saul should have known, that God was with him. He should have put his trust in Him. Instead of looking at the circumstances and being afraid that people would leave him. Saul should have kept and obeyed the commandments of God. He should have waited for Samuel instead of taking matters into his own hands.
If Saul would have waited for another two or three hours, then everything would be fine.
But Saul couldn’t wait. He was not able to withstand the pressure of the situation and got nervous.
Saul’s fear for man was greater than his fear for God. Saul did not trust God completely. Because if he did, he would have been waiting for Samuel. He would have known, that God always fulfills His promises and never lie.
If Saul knew God, he wouldn’t have been afraid, because he would know, that God was his Protector, no matter what situation he would be facing. If Saul trusted God with all his heart, he would have been waiting for Samuel to arrive.
But no, Saul got intimidated by the people and by the situation. Therefore the situation got hold of him and took control of him. He saw, that the people scattered from him and therefore he panicked and did something he shouldn’t have done: he disobeyed God and took over Samuel’s task.
Waiting for God’s words to come to pass
Maybe you might think: “but Saul meant it all well. He wanted to make supplication to the Lord, that’s good isn’t it?”
The answer is no, it isn’t good. This is just a cover-up of his disobedience to God. He should have waited for Samuel, he should have rested in the knowledge that he would come. God’s Word never lies.
But Saul couldn’t wait, because he was ruled by his emotions; by his fear, and therefore he became disobedient to God.
Because of the fact, that Saul didn’t obey the Word of God, and couldn’t wait, Saul’s kingdom was taken away from him.
Saul’s kingdom wouldn’t be given to his son, because rebellion was present. But God gave Saul’s kingdom to a man, whom He had already chosen; David, a man after God’s heart.
What can you learn from the story of Saul?
What can you learn from this story? The lesson learned is, that you should always be patient, and wait, no matter what you are facing, or what situation you are in, or what people might say to you.
Sometimes you may become intimidated by people, or by the situation, and you are forced to say something or do something, that you afterward regret. Maybe you even do something, that is against the Word of God.
But let me tell you. Let no one intimidate you, but rely completely on the Lord. Stay true to His commandments, stay true to His will. Even if this means, that you have to wait a little bit longer.
Remember; there is nothing wrong with waiting.
Never make a decision in times of turmoil….. But wait.
‘Be the salt of the earth’
