(8) В¶ And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel had appointed: but Samuel came not to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him. (9) And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering.
Samuel had promised (see 1 Samuel 10:8.) to visit Saul at the end of seven days; not to lead him to war, but to offer peace-offerings; and then to instruct him further into the mind and will of God, concerning the government of his people Israel. Saul could not but know this. But resolving to do somewhat of his own, in the mean time, perhaps to make his name great among the nations, an army, is chosen, others of the soldiers are dismissed, the Philistines are smitten, and he rushes into the sacred office. What a daring spirit must this man have possessed, and how full of impiety. Though the Lord had made him king, yet he had not made the Lord his God. Reader! what will not the carnal mind attempt, when human glory, and not divine praise, is made the object of pursuit.