26th.: When God Didn’t Answer Saul, Part1
Saul was a focused individual.
He skipped a night's sleep to raid the Philistines (1st Sam. 14:36a-b).
Saul's first thought was on the glory of defeating the Philistines, but not on God.
Nevertheless, one of the Jewish priest's advised Saul to first check with God,
“Let us draw near here unto God.” (1st Sam. 14:36c).
However, when Saul asked God,
“’Shall I go down after the Philistines?
Will you deliver them into the hand of Israel?’
God did not answer.
But he [God] answered him not that day.” (1st Sam. 14: 37).
With no answer, Saul realized that something was amiss.
Saul then tried a different technique to get God’s response.
He told the people, “Draw ye near here, all the chief of the people, and know and see wherein this sin has been this day.” (1st Sam. 14:38). Verses 39-44 tells how Saul then sought wisdom through ‘the casting of lots’ (see Pr. 16:33).
Saul had previously offended God with his burnt offering (see 1st Sam, 13:9-14).
God therefore distanced himself from Saul, forcing Saul to use an impersonal way to get input from God.
Saul, nevertheless, got his answer, and did not attack the Philistines any more that day (1st Sam. 14:46).
“He that turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.” (Pr. 28:9)