Day 101- The Bible Recap

Today's reading is I Samuel 13-14. Here's what stood out to me:

In chapter 13, we began to see a different side of Saul. His son, Jonathan, defeated a garrison of Philistines, but Saul blew the trumpet and took credit for it. It seemed Saul's biggest weakness was his lack of humility.

In 13:9, Saul unlawfully offered a burnt offering. Maybe his pride told him that since he was king, he had the authority to do so, but that was not the case; only the Levite priests were authorized to do so.

And then, when Samuel confronted Saul's sin, Saul blamed everyone else for it...the people were scattering, and Samuel hadn't come back yet. Saul said he "forced himself" to do it. All this sounded very reminiscent of when Aaron was impatient in the waiting while Moses was on the mountain and a golden calf just "popped out."

Samuel told Saul his kingdom would not come because he didn't seek after the LORD's desires but rather his own heart.

I came upon an interesting side note from J. Vernon McGee's Thru the Bible..."It is said that this is the chapter (chapter 14) which British General Allenby read the night before he made his successful attack upon the Turks in World War One." General Allenby was a Christian who knew the Bible and used Jonathan's military tactics to win a victory as well. I thought that was fascinating!

Jonathan again went up against the Philistines with only one sword (his own), while his father, Saul, was unaware of his conquest. And again, Jonathan defeated more Philistines. Saul, not happy with his son's conquest, made a foolish vow that any soldier who ate food before the evening would be cursed to die. Jonathan did not hear the vow and ate some honey.

The Israelites together defeated the Philistines, but now famished, they ate animals they slaughtered without removing their blood, which is strictly forbidden. Saul had a brief change of heart and built an altar for the LORD so they could prepare all the food properly.

In the next breath, it seemed, Saul was asking the LORD if he should continue fighting the Philistines. The priest said they should draw near to God, but Saul grew impatient and felt the LORD wasn't answering due to Jonathan's unintentional sin. Jonathan was willing to lay down his life, but the people saw through Saul's wicked ways and stopped it from happening. God still used Saul to defeat Israel's enemies, despite his wickedness.