We have noticed how God established Saul in the kingdom, and gave him victory over the first enemy who appeared (chapter 11). Now the king is to be put to the test.
After reigning two years he chose three thousand men to form, a standing army; there had been no need of such thing before in Israel; no army was needed while God was their only resource. Two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in Mount Bethel; and the others were with Jonathan in Gibeah, or Geha, as it is called in verse 3. Jonathan was a man of faith, very unlike his father, and he attacked the Philistine garrison in the place where he was. Saul thereupon "blew the trumpet" throughout all the land, evidently taking credit for the attack himself (verse 4), though he and his two thousand were in another place.
Further, Saul's boastful proclamation was "Let the Hebrews hear!" To the nations around them, this people were indeed "the Hebrews," but to one of themselves who knew God they should have been called "the children of Israel," or "the people of God."
It was certain that Jonathan's attack on the enemy would arouse them to counterattack, and the people were therefore called together after Saul to Gilgal,—the place where the camp of Israel had been in Joshua's day. As to this place, Samuel had given Saul directions in chapter 10:8. The Philistines presently gathered in Michmash, where Saul had established himself as king, with a great company, and when the men of Israel saw how serious was their own situation, the people hid in caves, in thickets, in rocks, in high places, and in pits, and some went over the Jordan, to the land Gad and Gilead. Those who clung to Saul in Gilgal did so trembling; evidently the much wished for king was not any more worthy of confidence than themselves. No human remedy is equal to our God.
The king waited seven days, according to Samuel's word, but as the prophet did not arrive, and more of the people were leaving him, Saul offered a burnt offering and evidently intended to offer a peace offering. This was religion, but it was not obedience; religion in itself is of no value, and disobedience, especially in one to whom responsibility has been committed, is most serious, as Saul presently learned to his sorrow, and was to have again impressed on him (see chapter 15:22-23).
It will be seen that there is no mention of Saul's having, in his extremity, prayed to God for direction or help. This man of religion and pride, without the true knowledge of God, stands in the divine record for an example and a warning to those who might be tempted,—and there are many such today, — to approach God with forms and ceremonies and work which outwardly recognize Him, but which are the fruit of their own minds. There is only one true way of approach to God,— obedience to His Word; and faith is the link which. He provides.
Samuel came, and reproved Saul because of His disobedience, told him that another would succeed him,—a man after God's own heart to be captain over His people. The prophet then went from Gilgal to Gibeah, the scene of Jonathan's attack on the Philistines, and after him went Saul and the remnant of his army, six hundred men.
Surely Israel's case was a pitiful one; the Philistines sent out three bands to rob the country, and Saul and his followers were utterly helpless without weapons. Now the standing camp of the enemy came towards Israel's camp, confident no doubt, of crushing the feeble Hebrews. The next chapter will show how simple, childlike faith was rewarded.