1 Samuel 14:35

Then Saul built an altar to the LORD; it was the first time he had built an altar to the LORD.

Study Bible

Then Saul built an altar to the LORD;
Saul's action of building an altar signifies a moment of religious dedication and an attempt to seek divine favor. In the context of ancient Israel, altars were central to worship and sacrifice, serving as a place where offerings were made to God. This act can be seen as Saul's effort to align himself with the religious practices of his forefathers, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who also built altars to the LORD (Genesis 12:7, 26:25, 35:7). However, Saul's spiritual leadership is often contrasted with that of Samuel, who was a prophet and judge, and David, who was a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14).

it was the first time he had built an altar to the LORD.
This phrase highlights Saul's lack of previous personal initiative in establishing a place of worship, which may reflect his inconsistent spiritual leadership. Unlike other leaders in Israel's history who frequently built altars as acts of devotion and covenant renewal, Saul's delayed action suggests a reactive rather than proactive approach to his relationship with God. This moment is significant because it underscores Saul's struggle with obedience and faithfulness, themes that are prevalent throughout his reign. The mention of this being his first altar may also imply a missed opportunity for earlier spiritual leadership and guidance for the nation. Saul's reign is marked by a series of failures to fully obey God's commands, contrasting with the future king, David, who would establish Jerusalem as a central place of worship and bring the Ark of the Covenant there (2 Samuel 6:17).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Saul
The first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel. Saul's reign is marked by both military successes and spiritual failures. In this passage, he builds an altar to the LORD, indicating a moment of religious observance.

2. Altar
A structure upon which offerings or sacrifices are made for religious purposes. In the context of ancient Israel, altars were central to worship and communication with God.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God used in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing His eternal presence and faithfulness to His people.

4. Israel
The nation chosen by God, consisting of the twelve tribes descended from the sons of Jacob. At this time, they are engaged in battles with the Philistines.

5. Philistines
A neighboring people often in conflict with Israel. Their interactions with Israel are a significant part of Saul's military campaigns.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Worship
Saul's building of an altar signifies a moment of turning to God in worship. It reminds us of the importance of setting aside time and space to honor God in our lives.

Symbolism of Altars
Altars in the Old Testament symbolize dedication, sacrifice, and communication with God. In our lives, we can create "altars" by dedicating time, resources, and our hearts to God.

Spiritual Leadership
As a leader, Saul's actions set a precedent for the people. This teaches us that our spiritual practices can influence and inspire those around us.

Incomplete Obedience
While Saul builds an altar, his overall reign is marked by incomplete obedience to God. This serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of wholehearted devotion.

Seeking God's Guidance
Building an altar was a way to seek God's guidance and favor. In our decisions and challenges, we should prioritize seeking God's will through prayer and scripture.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the act of building an altar signify in the context of Saul's leadership and relationship with God?

2. How can we create "altars" in our own lives to dedicate time and resources to God?

3. In what ways does Saul's action of building an altar compare to other biblical figures who built altars, such as Abraham or Samuel?

4. How does Saul's incomplete obedience to God serve as a warning for us in our spiritual walk?

5. What practical steps can we take to ensure that we are seeking God's guidance in our daily decisions and challenges?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 12:7
Abraham builds an altar to the LORD, marking a significant moment of worship and covenant with God. This connects to Saul's action as a continuation of Israel's tradition of altar-building as a form of worship and dedication.

Exodus 20:24
God commands the Israelites to build altars for sacrifices, highlighting the importance of altars in worship and obedience to God.

1 Samuel 7:12
Samuel sets up a stone called Ebenezer, signifying God's help. This act of remembrance and worship parallels Saul's altar-building as a physical manifestation of seeking God's favor.