King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 13:9 Mean?

1 Samuel 13:9 in the King James Version says “And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering.” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Samuel 13:9 · KJV

Peace

Context

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

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;

Read 1 Samuel 13 full chapter

Commentary

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

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 · 8 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 8

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שָׁא֔וּל2 of 8

“And Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

הַגִּ֣שׁוּ3 of 8

“Bring hither”

H5066

to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati

אֵלַ֔י4 of 8
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָֽעֹלָֽה׃5 of 8

“a burnt offering”

H5930

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

וְהַשְּׁלָמִ֑ים6 of 8

“to me and peace offerings”

H8002

properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks

וַיַּ֖עַל7 of 8

“And he offered”

H5927

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

הָֽעֹלָֽה׃8 of 8

“a burnt offering”

H5930

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

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 13:9 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 13:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 3:4Proverbs 21:27Proverbs 15:8Proverbs 21:3Deuteronomy 12:61 Samuel 15:21-22

Test Your Knowledge

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

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