Day 81 - 1 Samuel 13-14, Psalm 81

In 1 Samuel 13, Saul prepares for battle against the Philistines, but fear begins to set in as his army scatters. Instead of waiting for the prophet Samuel, Saul takes matters into his own hands and offers a burnt sacrifice, something only a priest was permitted to do. When Samuel comes, he immediately addresses Saul’s failure. As a result of this disobedience, God declares Saul's kingdom would come to an end.

1 Samuel 14 shifts to Saul’s son, Jonathan. He decided to go on a courageous mission with only his armor-bearer to attack a Philistine outpost. God steps in to multiply Jonathan’s small act of faith into a large-scale victory. In contrast to Jonathan’s, Saul makes a rash vow: he declares that any man who eats before evening will be cursed. Jonathan unknowingly breaks the oath by eating honey and Saul almost executes his own son over a foolish rule. Jonathan is the kind of leader God wants.

Psalm 81 is a festival psalm, most likely sung during a sacred feast. It begins with praise and celebration. God brings to Israel’s attention how He set them free. The psalm ends with a powerful call to obedience.