1 Samuel 13:8

8 He waited seven days for Samuel, as Samuel had instructed him to do, but Samuel still had not come to Gilgal. The people began to desert Saul, ¹

1 Samuel 13:8 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 13:8

And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that
Samuel had appointed
He tarried to the seventh day, but not to the end of it, or towards the close of it, as he should have done:

but Samuel came not to Gilgal;
so soon as Saul expected:

and the people were scattered from him;
many deserted him, the Philistines drawing nigh, and Samuel not coming, as Saul expected, and had given the people reason to expect.

1 Samuel 13:8 In-Context

6 Then they launched a strong attack against the Israelites, putting them in a desperate situation. Some of the Israelites hid in caves and holes or among the rocks or in pits and wells;

7 others crossed the Jordan River into the territories of Gad and Gilead. Saul was still at Gilgal, and the people with him were trembling with fear.

8 He waited seven days for Samuel, as Samuel had instructed him to do, but Samuel still had not come to Gilgal. The people began to desert Saul,

9 so he said to them, "Bring me the burnt sacrifices and the fellowship sacrifices." He offered a burnt sacrifice,

10 and just as he was finishing, Samuel arrived. Saul went out to meet him and welcome him,

Cross References

• 1. 13.8 1 Samuel 10.8.