King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 13:11 Mean?

1 Samuel 13:11 in the King James Version says “And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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;”

1 Samuel 13:11 · KJV

Context

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

13

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.

Read 1 Samuel 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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;

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 · 20 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 20

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שְׁמוּאֵ֖ל2 of 20

“And Samuel”

H8050

shemuel, the name of three israelites

מֶ֣ה3 of 20
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

עָשִׂ֑יתָ4 of 20

“What hast thou done”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר5 of 20

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שָׁא֡וּל6 of 20

“And Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

כִּֽי7 of 20
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

רָאִיתִי֩8 of 20

“Because I saw”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

כִֽי9 of 20
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נָפַ֨ץ10 of 20

“were scattered”

H5310

to dash to pieces, or scatter

הָעָ֜ם11 of 20

“that the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

מֵֽעָלַ֗י12 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

וְאַתָּה֙13 of 20
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

לֹֽא14 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

בָ֙אתָ֙15 of 20

“from me and that thou camest”

H935

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

לְמוֹעֵ֣ד16 of 20

“appointed”

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

הַיָּמִ֔ים17 of 20

“not within the days”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

וּפְלִשְׁתִּ֖ים18 of 20

“and that the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

נֶֽאֱסָפִ֥ים19 of 20

“gathered themselves together”

H622

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

מִכְמָֽשׂ׃20 of 20

“at Michmash”

H4363

mikmas or mikmash, a place in palestine

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 13:11 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 13:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 13:231 Samuel 13:51 Samuel 13:161 Samuel 13:2Isaiah 10:281 Samuel 14:5

Places in This Verse

MichmashSettlement · Modern: Mukhmas · 31.87°N, 35.28°E11 verses across 4 books
View all places in 1 Samuel 13 →

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