Thursday, February 18, 2010
Trembling
(I Samuel 13:1-7)
Saul had won a decisive battle over the Ammonites, for which he gave the Lord all the glory (11:13). His next challenge would come from Israel’s perennial enemy, the Philistines. Apparently these heathen had heard of Saul’s successes, and they decided to attack before Saul could consolidate his army and fortify the border country.
The text seems to indicate that Saul was doing just that—strengthening his forces. Jonathan, however, had other plans. In a bold stroke he surprised the Philistine garrison at Geba. His courage inspired Saul to action, and the fight was on (3, 4)!
The Philistine army, however, had been secretly amassing a tremendous military force. Saul’s newly enlisted army would be no match against the heathen multitude. In fact, as soon as the Philistine military prowess became apparent, the Israelites literally ran for the hills (6). Saul’s dreams of glory were fading fast.
Saul, still encamped at Gilgal, was able to hold his reluctant army together. The Bible tells us that “all the people followed him [Saul] trembling.” They were fearful, but they followed anyway.
Thus, Saul’s golden opportunity for spiritual and military leadership presented itself. In the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, Saul should have inspired faith in his fearful troops. He should have arisen above the circumstances to demonstrate his unshakable confidence in the Lord. And—most importantly—he should have exercised patience in obeying Samuel’s order to wait.
As we’ll see, pressure pushed Saul to disobey Samuel—with disastrous consequences. Lesson for us: In the moment of trial, pause; and take the opportunity to become a spiritual hero.
