Saul was facing a growing threat from the Philistines who were boldly assembling their forces at Micmash, one of Saul’s bases, was bold. Micmash was about 2 miles from Geba which was itself 2 miles from Gibeah of Saul. The terrain was rough and hilly with high peaks and sharp valleys. The forces of Israel and Philistia were separated by these deep ravines, but could visually see each other’s camps on the high hill tops. Saul’s troops had assembled with him at Gilgal and were waiting for Samuel to arrive to offer the sacrifices and call on the Lord before the battle.

Samuel’s arrival was delayed and served as a test for Saul. Would Saul follow the lead of the Lord’s prophet? Would Saul resort to the theological ignorance from the period of the judges? Would Saul foolishly treat the Lord’s sacrifice as a good luck charm like Hophni and Phinehas has done with the Ark of the Covenant? Whatever Saul’s thinking and theology were that day, it is clear he acted out of fear in an attempt to manipulate his troops. Saul put himself in the place of Samuel, and, instead of acting in obedience, Saul treated the sacrifice to the Lord as a ritual that would obligate the Lord to serve Israel in the battle.

Samuel arrived immediately and called Saul’s theology and his application foolish. Saul’s failure in this area cost him his kingship, his dynasty and his relationship with Samuel, the prophet of the Lord.