Day 108: Saul's Vanity

 Today's readings: 1 Samuel 13-14 and Psalm 58.

I. In 1 Samuel 13, Saul organized the Israelite army, and his son, Jonathan, attacked the Philistine city of Geba, which provoked a major response. The Israelites are terrified, and after waiting seven days for Samuel, who had been delayed, Saul made a burnt offering himself to God. When Samuel arrived, he was upset and rebuked Saul for this unlawful action, telling him that because of this disobedience, Saul's "kingdom shall not continue" and that another would be found (later known as David). Only 600 men were left with Saul and Jonathan ready for battle. No blacksmiths were to be found in Israel, and the Philistines controlled all blacksmithing, meaning the Israelites were unable to make more weapons. Only Saul and Jonathan were left with swords and spears as the Philistines marched out to meet the Israelites.

In the next chapter, Jonathan surprised and attacked the Philistines at Michmash. Saul sees what Jonathan has done and joins the attack with the rest of his forces, causing the Philistines to panic and be routed. Saul then makes a rash oath binding the Israelites to fast until evening. Jonathan doesn't hear this oath being sworn and proceeds to eat some honey to replenish his strength after the battle. Upon hearing of the rash oath, he criticizes his father for not allowing the Israelite army to eat, as they could have won a bigger victory. The soldiers are starving and slaughter some animals to eat, but they violated God's law as blood was still in the meat. Saul seeks guidance from God on whether he should attack the Philistines again or not, but he receives no answer. He realizes that someone has sinned; Jonathan is identified as the one he declared must die. The people recognized that God had worked through Jonathan, which persuaded Saul to spare him. The chapter finishes with a summary of Saul's reign, from the battles with Israel's enemies to the warriors he gathered, and a listing of his family members.

The BIY Companion, Vol I, has some good commentary on this:

Samuel has promised to come to Saul in seven days to offer sacrifice, but he does not. The people are scattering, and Saul begins to falter. Preoccupied as always with the opinions of others, Saul decides to offer the sacrifice rather than wait for Samuel... Although Saul is vain, he still has strengths. Rather than give up, he continues to fight against the Philistines on behalf of the people of Israel. He does not abandon the people or the Lord, even after learning that he will have no kingly dynasty... Saul continues to fight, but he seems to be driven by vanity and the need to succeed. He is a complex character. Since all of us are complex people, we can see some of ourselves in Saul. Hopefully, we can see ourselves also in the goodness and bravery of Jonathan. (p. 232)

II. Psalm 58 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes (verse numbers removed): 

A lament psalm. The speaker is distressed by corrupt judges who deal in lies and lead their victims to death. He utters several imprecations, pleading with God to hold them accountable for their crimes and to halt their abuse of power. In the end, he is confident that God will give the righteous and the wicked what they deserve. (p. 878)

Also recommended in the BIY Companion today is this video by Fr. Mike Schmitz on vanity:

That's all for today!