1 Samuel 13-14

Jonathan leads an attack on the Philistines so they gather against Israel, and Israel hides in fear from them.  It is now the 7th day (that Samuel told Saul to wait for in 10:8?).  Saul doesn't wait for Samuel, but offers sacrifice himself.  Samuel arrives in the middle of the service (!) and tells Saul that God will find another king and take Saul's reign away.  Saul musters the army and has only 600 men and 2 sets of metal weapons, for him and Jonathan.

Jonathan leads another attack on the Philistines, unknown to Saul.  He pulls it together and Israel begins to win.  Saul takes a dumb vow that no one may eat until it's over, which wearies the people and lessens the victory.  Jonathan blames Saul.  The people are so hungry they eat meat raw with the blood in it.  Saul blames the people.  He inquires of God who doesn't answer, so he inquires who has sinned.  He is rash again, declaring they will die, not knowing who it is or what they have done.  The people overrule him and spare Jonathan.

Saul fights Philistines his whole life and usually wins.

How this is about Jesus

He leads God's people in battle (Joshua 5:14; Rev. 19:11-16).

He relies on and inquires of God during His battles and temptations.


Application

Leaders need to be decisive but not rash, lest they exasperate their people.

Don't get caught up in a moment (like winning a battle) so that you make dumb decisions that hurt others.

If leaders don't lead, someone else will step up (Jonathan).


"The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be prince over his people" - 1 Samuel 13:14.