Saul’s First Sacrifice
Overview
- Testament: Old
- Book: 1 Samuel
- Chapters: 1 Samuel 13
- Summary: Saul impatiently offers the burnt offering at Gilgal instead of waiting for Samuel.
Details
With the Philistine threat mounting and the people scattering, Saul takes priestly action into his own hands and offers sacrifice before Samuel arrives. Samuel immediately confronts him, declaring that Saul has acted foolishly and that his kingdom will not endure.
Key People Involved
Key Places
- Gilgal - Site of the unauthorized sacrifice
Important Verses
“Thou hast done foolishly…” - 1 Samuel 13:13
Cross-References
- Related events: Saul Anointed, Saul Spares Agag
- Related books: 1 Samuel
Notes
Saul’s downfall is progressive. The seeds of his later rejection are already visible when pressure exposes his unwillingness to wait on the word of God.