Matthew Henry Commentary 1 Samuel 13:8-14

"And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel [had appointed]: but Samuel came not to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him. And Saul said, Bring hither the burnt-offering to me, and the peace-offerings. And he offered the burnt-offering. And it came to pass that, as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt-offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him. And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines assembled themselves together at Michmash; therefore said I, Now will the Philistines come down upon me to Gilgal, and I have not entreated the favor of Jehovah: I forced myself therefore, and offered the burnt-offering. And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly; thou hast not kept the commandment of Jehovah thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would Jehovah have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever. But now thy kingdom shall not continue: Jehovah hath sought him a man after his own heart, and Jehovah hath appointed him to be prince over his people, because thou hast not kept that which Jehovah commanded thee." — 1 Samuel 13:8-14 (ASV)

Saul broke the order explicitly given by Samuel (see 1 Samuel 10:8) regarding what should be done in extreme situations. Saul offered sacrifice without Samuel, and did it himself, even though he was neither priest nor prophet. When charged with disobedience, he justified himself in what he had done and showed no sign of repentance for it.

He wanted this act of disobedience to be seen as an instance of his prudence and as a proof of his piety. People lacking inward piety often lay great stress on the outward performances of religion. Samuel charges Saul with being an enemy to himself. Those who disobey the commandments of God act foolishly for themselves.

Sin is folly, and the greatest sinners are the greatest fools. Our disposition to obey or disobey God will often be proven by our behavior in things that appear small. People see nothing but Saul's outward act, which seems small; but God saw that he did this with unbelief and distrust of his providence, with contempt of his authority and justice, and with rebellion against the light of his own conscience.

Blessed Saviour, may we never, like Saul, bring our poor offerings, or fancied peace-offerings, without looking to Your precious, Your all-sufficient sacrifice! You alone, O Lord, can make, or have made, our peace in the blood of the cross.