Journal Through the Bible: Week 38 Thursday

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I Samuel 13:5-14:14

This passage does not say how much time had passed between Saul's coronation and the sacrifice incident but within a very few chapters we read of Saul's appointment to the throne and the pronouncement that God would not allow him to establish a dynasty. Yet several years had to have transpired.

Does God issue any commands?

• God does not speak directly in this passage but He had previously given the job descriptions for kings and priests. These are not interchangeable for mere men but Saul seems to have mistaken himself to be the Sovereign of the universe and did the tasks of both offices.

Does God make any promises?

• Through Samuel God promises to remove the kingdom from Saul and give it to someone with God's own heart.

Does this passage teach anything about Jesus?

• Even though Saul was a type of Christ as the appointed King of Israel he was not perfect as was Jesus. Saul overstepped his authority and fulfilled duties reserved for the priests. On the other hand, Jesus is both King and Priest who is able to fulfill the duties of each because He was appointed them by His Father, God. Saul was the king but He was not the Sovereign who could do anything he wished as could Jesus, the God-Man who truly is the Sovereign of the universe. .

Does this passage teach anything about yet-future events?

• Jonathan told his armor bearer that God can just as easily win a battle with a few men as well as with many. Jesus told His disciples that straight is the gate and narrow is the way and few there be that find it. One day the few that find the narrow way will comprise the army of God and they will be used of Jesus to finally defeat the wicked.