Further Reflection on 1 Samuel 13:6-14

[The following is influenced by the "Issues in Biblical and Systematic Theology" class I've been taking this past week from Dr. Steve Wellum.]

In Genesis 1:26-31 God makes Man in His image. Man is commanded to procreate and to rule and subdue the earth. By His rule over the earth, Man is thus a type of King over the rest of creation. Man is placed in the garden of Eden and is given a word that he should not eat of a particular tree within the garden on penalty of death (Genesis 2:16-17). Man subsequently eats of the tree and loses his privileged position before God, receiving a curse. Yet in Genesis 3:15 a promise is given: that another one- the seed of the Woman- would come, and whereas Man had been defeated by the serpent, the Seed would defeat the seed of the serpent, though the Seed would Himself be wounded.

The original pattern, outlined above, is repeated in the kings of Israel. In 1 Samuel 13:6-14 Saul has been established as King over God's people: Israel. On the basis of verse 13, we must conclude that Saul had been given a command against offering sacrifices at Gilgal. Under temptation, Saul disregards the command and loses his position before God. Yet there is a promise to the people- that the LORD has found another ruler for Israel- one loyal to Him.

David is the immediate replacement for Saul, but as God's covenant with David works out throughout the rest of Scripture it becomes apparent that David is not perfectly obedient either. There is anticipation for a King who will be perfectly obedient to God, who will be qualified to rule His people and expand His domain over all the earth. Jesus fulfills the role of King in Scripture and when tested He is perfectly obedient to God. His reign is thus "permanently established" over God's people (cf. 1 Sam 13:13).