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1 Samuel 13:5 – The Philistines assembled to fight Israel, with three thousand chariots, six thousand charioteers, and soldiers as numerous as the sand on the seashore. Saul had been king of Israel for many years … and was now facing a serious challenge. God had given the land to Israel, but the Philistines wouldn’t give it up, and had the military advantage. This challenge was so great that Saul’s army was quaking with fear, and many were deserting. The prophet Samuel had instructed Saul to wait for his arrival, so he could offer a sacrifice before the battle. Since the prophet spoke for God, this was not a suggestion — it was God’s command. But Samuel didn’t arrive on time and Saul felt compelled to act. Perhaps the prophet was sick, or delayed for some other reason. Saul thought if he waited any longer the battle would be lost. So he offered the sacrifice himself. Samuel wasn’t pleased. He told Saul in verse 13, “You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. But now your kingdom will not endure.” This was a test of Saul’s faith, and he failed. The word of the prophet was the word of God to Saul, and the word of God was: Wait! Taking action ahead of God is always counterproductive… but whoever waits on God never waits too long.