1 Samuel 10:8

And you shall go before me to Gilgal, and surely I will come to you to offer burnt offerings and to sacrifice peace offerings. Wait seven days until I come to you and show you what you are to do."

Study Bible

Then you are to go down before me to Gilgal
The phrase "go down before me to Gilgal" indicates a specific directive given by the prophet Samuel to Saul. The Hebrew root for "go down" is "yarad," which often implies a movement from a higher place to a lower one, both physically and spiritually. Gilgal holds significant historical and spiritual importance as it was the first campsite of the Israelites after crossing the Jordan River (Joshua 4:19-20). It symbolizes a place of new beginnings and covenant renewal. In this context, Saul's journey to Gilgal represents a step of obedience and preparation for his role as king.

and behold, I will come down to you
The word "behold" is translated from the Hebrew "hinneh," which serves as an attention-grabbing term, emphasizing the importance of what follows. Samuel's promise "I will come down to you" reassures Saul of divine guidance and prophetic support. The act of coming down signifies Samuel's role as God's representative, bringing divine instruction and blessing. This highlights the importance of prophetic leadership in guiding the newly anointed king.

to offer burnt offerings and to sacrifice peace offerings
The "burnt offerings" and "peace offerings" are integral parts of Israelite worship, with deep spiritual significance. The Hebrew term for "burnt offering" is "olah," which means "that which goes up," symbolizing the offering's ascent to God as a pleasing aroma. "Peace offerings," or "shelamim," are sacrifices that signify fellowship and thanksgiving, emphasizing reconciliation and communion with God. These offerings underscore the necessity of worship and obedience in Saul's kingship, reminding him that his rule must be grounded in faithfulness to God.

You are to wait seven days
The instruction to "wait seven days" is a test of Saul's patience and obedience. The number seven in Hebrew culture often represents completeness and divine perfection, as seen in the creation narrative (Genesis 1). This waiting period is a divine mandate, emphasizing the importance of God's timing and the need for Saul to rely on divine guidance rather than his own understanding. It serves as a reminder that true leadership requires submission to God's will.

until I come to you and show you what you are to do
The phrase "until I come to you and show you what you are to do" highlights the necessity of prophetic instruction and divine revelation in decision-making. The Hebrew root for "show" is "yada," which means to know or to make known, indicating that Saul's actions must be informed by God's wisdom through Samuel. This underscores the theme of dependence on God for guidance and the importance of waiting for His direction before taking action. It is a call for humility and recognition of God's sovereignty in the affairs of His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Samuel
The prophet and last judge of Israel, who anointed Saul as the first king of Israel. He is a key figure in guiding Saul in his early reign.

2. Saul
The first king of Israel, chosen by God and anointed by Samuel. At this point, he is receiving instructions from Samuel on how to proceed as king.

3. Gilgal
A significant location in Israel's history, often associated with important religious and military events. It is where Saul is instructed to wait for Samuel.

4. Burnt Offerings and Peace Offerings
These are types of sacrifices in the Old Testament. Burnt offerings signify atonement and dedication to God, while peace offerings symbolize fellowship and thanksgiving.

5. Seven Days
A period of waiting that signifies completeness and divine timing, often used in the Bible to test obedience and patience.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Instructions
Saul's command to wait for Samuel underscores the importance of obedience to God's appointed leaders and His timing. Disobedience can lead to severe consequences.

The Significance of Waiting
Waiting on God is a recurring theme in Scripture. It teaches patience, trust, and reliance on God's perfect timing rather than our own understanding.

The Role of Sacrifices
Understanding the purpose of burnt and peace offerings helps us appreciate the depth of worship and dedication required in our relationship with God.

Leadership and Accountability
Saul's instructions from Samuel highlight the responsibility of leaders to follow divine guidance and the accountability they have before God.

Faithfulness in Small Things
Saul's test at Gilgal reminds us that faithfulness in seemingly small acts of obedience can have significant implications for our spiritual journey.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Saul's instruction to wait at Gilgal challenge our understanding of obedience and patience in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of waiting on God's timing in our daily decisions and spiritual walk?

3. How do the burnt offerings and peace offerings in the Old Testament relate to our worship and dedication to God today?

4. What lessons can we learn from Saul's eventual failure to wait for Samuel, and how can we avoid similar pitfalls in our spiritual journey?

5. How does the theme of leadership and accountability in 1 Samuel 10:8 apply to our roles within our families, churches, and communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 13:8-14
This passage describes Saul's failure to wait for Samuel at Gilgal, leading to his disobedience and eventual rejection by God as king. It highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands.

Exodus 24:12-18
Moses waits on the mountain for six days before God calls him on the seventh day, illustrating the theme of waiting on God's timing.

Leviticus 1 and 3
These chapters provide detailed instructions on burnt offerings and peace offerings, giving context to the types of sacrifices Samuel mentions.