1 Samuel 13:5
Fearing the Philistines
Indeed, the Philistines want revenge for the defeat inflicted upon them. They mobilize a large crowd to fight against Israel. They camp in Michmash, where Saul recently was with his corps of special forces. Saul went to Gilgal to wait for Samuel, as Samuel ordered (1Sam 13:11; 1Sam 10:8). Now it comes down to how Saul will react when trial rises.When the men of Israel see the superiority of the enemy, there is no courage left. On a previous occasion, they went as one man behind Saul against the enemy (1Sam 11:7). There is nothing left of that courage. When they run into difficulties and are threatened, they do not call to the LORD, but a number hide “in caves, in thickets, in cliffs, in cellars, and in pits”. Wherever they think they are safe from the enemy, there they hide (cf. Jdg 6:2). Those who stay with Saul tremble. The confidence in their hero has diminished to such an extent that he can no longer inspire them to fight against the enemy with the assurance of victory. The faith that was still there at Saul’s first action has now disappeared. If there is no faith, previous experiences do not give strength. Everything that happens here is because the hand of God is in it. He puts Saul to the test. That happens at Gilgal.Here the Israelites are called “Hebrews” because they leave the land of God and give up the ground of faith (1Sam 14:21). The situation is completely contrary to God’s purpose. His people leave the land and the Philistines live there.
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