King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 13:10 Mean?

1 Samuel 13:10 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul we...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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. salute: Heb. bless”

1 Samuel 13:10 · KJV

Context

8

And 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.

9

And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering.

10

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. salute: Heb. bless

11

And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash;

12

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. made: Heb. intreated the face

Read 1 Samuel 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

Saul's failure demonstrates that partial obedience is disobedience, and religious activity cannot substitute for heart surrender. His pattern of excuses, blame-shifting, and selective compliance while maintaining outward religious appearance warns against external religion without internal transformation. The pronouncement that 'to obey is better than sacrifice' establishes that God desires humble submission over impressive religious performance. Saul's rejection teaches that prolonged disobedience, even mixed with apparent faithfulness, eventually results in God's withdrawal of calling and blessing.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The establishment of monarchy around 1050-1010 BCE represented a dramatic political and theological shift for Israel. Unlike surrounding nations where kings were considered divine or semi-divine, Israel's kings were supposed to function under God's ultimate authority as laid out in Deuteronomy 17:14-20. The Benjamite tribe occupied strategic territory between Ephraim and Judah, making Saul's selection a politically astute choice to balance tribal rivalries. Archaeological remains from this period show increased fortification and centralization of settlements, confirming the transition to state-level organization. Levitical priests served hereditary roles mediating between God and people through sacrificial system. Corruption among priests was not uncommon in this era, as demonstrated by biblical criticism of Eli's sons and later Jeremiah's condemnations. Proper sacrificial procedure was critical for maintaining covenant relationship, making priestly misconduct particularly heinous.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen our understanding of God's character, purposes, and ways of working in human history?
  2. What specific heart attitudes, thought patterns, or life practices does this passage call you to examine or change?
  3. How does the emphasis on obedience over sacrifice point toward Christ's perfect submission to the Father's will?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַיְהִ֗י1 of 11
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כְּכַלֹּתוֹ֙2 of 11

“And it came to pass that as soon as he had made an end”

H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

לְהַֽעֲל֣וֹת3 of 11

“of offering”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

הָֽעֹלָ֔ה4 of 11

“the burnt offering”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

וְהִנֵּ֥ה5 of 11
H2009

lo!

שְׁמוּאֵ֖ל6 of 11

“behold Samuel”

H8050

shemuel, the name of three israelites

בָּ֑א7 of 11

“came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

וַיֵּצֵ֥א8 of 11

“went out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

שָׁא֛וּל9 of 11

“and Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

לִקְרָאת֖וֹ10 of 11

“to meet”

H7125

an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)

לְבָֽרְכֽוֹ׃11 of 11

“him that he might salute”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 13:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 13:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 15:13Psalms 129:8Ruth 2:4

Test Your Knowledge

1 Samuel 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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