King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 13:8 Mean?

1 Samuel 13:8 in the King James Version says “And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel had appointed: but Samuel came not to Gilgal; and the p...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Samuel 13:8 · KJV

Context

6

When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait, (for the people were distressed,) then the people did hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits.

7

And some of the Hebrews went over Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. As for Saul, he was yet in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling. followed: Heb. trembled after him

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 13 words
וַיּ֣יוֹחֶל׀1 of 13

“And he tarried”

H3176

to wait; by implication, to be patient, hope

שִׁבְעַ֣ת2 of 13

“seven”

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

יָמִ֗ים3 of 13

“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

לַמּוֹעֵד֙4 of 13

“according to the set time”

H4150

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר5 of 13
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

שְׁמוּאֵ֖ל6 of 13

“had appointed but Samuel”

H8050

shemuel, the name of three israelites

וְלֹא7 of 13
H3808

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

בָ֥א8 of 13

“came”

H935

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

שְׁמוּאֵ֖ל9 of 13

“had appointed but Samuel”

H8050

shemuel, the name of three israelites

הַגִּלְגָּ֑ל10 of 13

“not to Gilgal”

H1537

gilgal, the name of three places in palestine

וַיָּ֥פֶץ11 of 13

“were scattered”

H6327

to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse)

הָעָ֖ם12 of 13

“and the people”

H5971

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

מֵֽעָלָֽיו׃13 of 13
H5921

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

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 13:8 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 13:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 10:8

Places in This Verse

Gilgal 1Settlement · Modern: Khirbet el Mefjir · 31.88°N, 35.46°E33 verses across 7 books
View all places in 1 Samuel 13 →

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