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1 Samuel 13 · Grade 5

The Seventh Day

Name Date

Read and Think

Saul's reign quickly faced a crisis. After Jonathan struck the garrison at Geba, the Philistines assembled chariots, horsemen, and people as many as the sand on the seashore. Israel's soldiers hid in caves, thickets, rocks, cellars, and pits, and many fled across the Jordan. The Philistines also prevented any smith in Israel, so only Saul and Jonathan had sword or spear.

Samuel had appointed seven days for Saul to wait at Gilgal, as he had said in 10:8. The command tested whether Israel's king would rule under God's word. As the deadline neared and his army melted away, Saul ordered the burnt offering and offered it himself. He saw the sacrifice as a way to secure God's favor before battle, rather than as an act of obedience.

Samuel arrived as the offering ended. Saul greeted him and listed his reasons, ending with the claim that he forced himself. Samuel's verdict was stark: you have done foolishly. Had Saul obeyed, the Lord would have established his kingdom forever. Now Yahweh had sought for himself a man after his own heart. The problem was not merely timing but a heart that trusted circumstances over God's word.

Show What You Know

  1. What did the command to wait test?

  2. How did Saul see the sacrifice?

  3. What would the Lord have done had Saul obeyed?

  4. What was the deeper problem?

Crossword

23145

Across

  1. Saul's ____ would not continue (13:14).
  2. Yahweh sought a man after his own ____ (13:14).
  3. Saul waited ____ days (13:8).

Down

  1. Where Saul waited for Samuel (13:8)
  2. Saul offered the burnt ____ (13:9).

Think About It

  1. How can religious activity become a way to try to control God?

  2. What does it mean to be a person after God's own heart?

Memory Verse

But now your kingdom will not continue. Yahweh has sought for himself a man after his own heart, and Yahweh has appointed him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept that which Yahweh commanded you.”

1 Samuel 13:14 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for helping me wait. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

  • Why was Saul's act more than a timing problem?
  • How can you trust God's word when circumstances look bad?
  • What is one way you could live out this chapter this week?

Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.