Rebuked
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When Samuel finally arrived in the camp of the Israelites, he was deeply troubled by what he saw. To his inquiry, “What have you done?” Saul offered excuses: “The people were deserting. You did not come within the time you had promised, so I had to improvise.” “I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering” (1 Samuel 13:12; emphasis added).
“Saul endeavored to vindicate his own course, and blamed the prophet, instead of condemning himself. . . . “Had Saul been willing to see and confess his error, this bitter experience would have proved a safeguard for the future. He would afterward have avoided the mistakes which called forth divine reproof. But feeling that he was unjustly condemned, he would, of course, be likely again to commit the same sin. “The Lord would have his people, under all circumstances, manifest implicit trust in him. Although we cannot always understand the workings of his providence, we should wait with patience and humility until he sees fit to enlighten us.” Unfortunately, Saul did what any one of us might have done under similar circumstances.
When rebuked, we often seek to blame others: Samuel was to blame for arriving late; the people were to blame for they were scattering and needed reassurance.
Saul was “forced” to do what he did. Saul was not penitent nor did he ask forgiveness. He should have waited on the Lord. “Saul’s transgression proved him unworthy to be entrusted with sacred responsibilities. . . . Had he patiently endured the divine test, the crown would have been confirmed to him and to his house. In fact, Samuel had come to Gilgal for this very purpose. But Saul had been weighed in the balance, and found wanting. He must be removed to make way for one who would sacredly regard the divine honor and authority.” The Bible is replete with stories of transgressors who failed to accept responsibility and excused their sins.
Excuses only worsen our transgressions.
