1st Samuel 13:5 And the Philistines gathered themselves together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the sea shore in multitude: and they came up, and pitched in Mich-mash, eastward from Bet-haven.
So, Saul waited, and waited, and waited for Samuel to show up at the appointed time but the time came and went, and therefore, in panic mode, he makes a decision that was contrary to God’s will and the rest is history, because that decision marked the beginning of the end for him. In fact, Saul would be overcome by panic situations over and over again in his experience, for whenever his back was against a wall, he would be liable to take desperate measures, without asking counsel from God, which is exactly what satan wants everyone to do.
1st Samuel 13:6 When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait for the people were distressed, then the people did hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits. 7 And some of the Hebrews went over Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. As for Saul, he was yet in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling. 8 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.
1st Samuel 13:9 And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering. 10 And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him. 11 And Samuel said, what hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou came not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash;
1st Samuel 13:12 Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the Lord: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering.
May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!