Shaul's Sin in Gilgal/2

Shaul's Sin in Gilgal

Exegetical Approaches

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Usurping Shemuel's Role

Shaul actions constituted a rebellion against the prophet, Shemuel.

Reliance on Self

In not waiting for Shemuel, Shaul demonstrated that he doubted Hashem's powers to save the nation, preferring to rely on his own strength and strategies rather than follow the directives of the prophet.

Why make Shaul wait? Hashem wanted to ensure that the people recognized that it was Hashem's hand which lay behind their military victories, and not the power of man.  As such, Shemuel made a strategically illogical demand, telling Shaul to wait rather than seize the opportunity to defeat the Philistines when they were still unorganized.  Hashem intentionally had Shaul tarry until his army dispersed and he was left with but 600 men, so that no one could possibly think to take credit for the victory but rather all would recognize Hashem's aid.

Severity of sin – Demonstrating that war is not won by human might was especially important after the establishment of the monarchy, when the people were likely to attribute all success to their king and not Hashem.  Shaul's disobedience proved all of Shemuel's fears in appointing a king valid; soon the people would come to rely on him in place of the true King, Hashem.

Contrast to Yonatan – Yonatan's behavior stands in contrast to that of his father and highlights Shaul's failure. As opposed to Shaul who is unwilling to fight with his meager army,¹ Yonatan goes to attack the Philistines with just his arms bearer.  Unlike Shaul, Yonatan recognizes that numbers in battle are not nearly as important as Hashem's backing, as he explains  "כִּי אֵין לַיהֹוָה מַעְצוֹר לְהוֹשִׁיעַ בְּרַב אוֹ בִמְעָט."

Parallels to Gidon – The description of the battle here contains many parallels to the story of Gidon's battle against Midyan.²  In both stories, the vastness of the enemy is likened to the sand by the sea, and the Israelites respond to the threat by hiding.  In both, just a few hundred soldiers remain to fight, a necessity imposed by Hashem, "פֶּן יִתְפָּאֵר עָלַי יִשְׂרָאֵל לֵאמֹר יָדִי הוֹשִׁיעָה לִּי".  While Shaul is afraid to attack with so few, Gidon gathers his men telling them that they can win with Hashem's help: "קוּמוּ כִּי נָתַן י"י בְּיֶדְכֶם אֶת מַחֲנֵה מִדְיָן"

Parallels to the Sin of the Golden Calf

Comparison to Shaul's sin in the battle against Amalek

David versus Shaul

¹ Though Shaul was quick to bring the sacrifice, once he realized that he had only 600 soldiers left, he stays in place rather than fighting the enemy.

² See M. Garsiel, "ספר שמואל א' עיון ספרותי במערכי השוואה, באנאלוגיות ובמקבילות", (Ramat Gan, 1983): 89-99, who lists and analyzes the many content and linguistic parallels between the stories demonstrating how Shaul might have started out like Gidon in teh beginning of his reign, but later it is Yonatan who parallels Gidon, while Shaul stands in stark contrast.  For elaboration, see