1 Samuel 13:11
New International Version
“What have you done?” asked Samuel. Saul replied, “When I saw that the men were scattering, and that you did not come at the set time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Mikmash,

New Living Translation
but Samuel said, “What is this you have done?” Saul replied, “I saw my men scattering from me, and you didn’t arrive when you said you would, and the Philistines are at Micmash ready for battle.

English Standard Version
Samuel said, “What have you done?” And Saul said, “When I saw that the people were scattering from me, and that you did not come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines had mustered at Michmash,

Berean Standard Bible
“What have you done?” Samuel asked. And Saul replied, “When I saw that the troops were deserting me, and that you did not come at the appointed time and the Philistines were gathering at Michmash,

King James Bible
And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash;

New King James Version
And Samuel said, “What have you done?” Saul said, “When I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that you did not come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered together at Michmash,

New American Standard Bible
But Samuel said, “What have you done?” And Saul said, “Since I saw that the people were scattering from me, and that you did not come at the appointed time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Michmash,

NASB 1995
But Samuel said, “What have you done?” And Saul said, “Because I saw that the people were scattering from me, and that you did not come within the appointed days, and that the Philistines were assembling at Michmash,

NASB 1977
But Samuel said, “What have you done?” And Saul said, “Because I saw that the people were scattering from me, and that you did not come within the appointed days, and that the Philistines were assembling at Michmash,

Legacy Standard Bible
But Samuel said, “What have you done?” And Saul said, “Because I saw that the people were scattering from me, and that you did not come within the appointed days, and that the Philistines were assembling at Michmash,

Amplified Bible
But Samuel said, “What have you done?” Saul said, “Since I saw that the people were scattering away from me, and that you did not come within the appointed time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Michmash,

Christian Standard Bible
and Samuel asked, “What have you done? ” Saul answered, “When I saw that the troops were deserting me and you didn’t come within the appointed days and the Philistines were gathering at Michmash,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
and Samuel asked, “What have you done?” Saul answered, “When I saw that the troops were deserting me and you didn’t come within the appointed days and the Philistines were gathering at Michmash,

American Standard Version
And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines assembled themselves together at Michmash;

Contemporary English Version
"What have you done?" Samuel asked. Saul answered, "My soldiers were leaving in all directions, and you didn't come when you were supposed to. The Philistines were gathering at Michmash,

English Revised Version
And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines assembled themselves together at Michmash;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Samuel asked, "What have you done?" Saul replied, "I saw the troops were scattering. You didn't come when you said you would, and the Philistines were assembling at Michmash.

Good News Translation
but Samuel said, "What have you done?" Saul answered, "The people were deserting me, and you had not come when you said you would; besides that, the Philistines are gathering at Michmash.

International Standard Version
Samuel said, "What have you done?" Saul replied, "When? I saw that the people were scattering from me, that you didn't come at the appointed time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Michmash.

Majority Standard Bible
?What have you done?? Samuel asked. And Saul replied, ?When I saw that the troops were deserting me, and that you did not come at the appointed time and the Philistines were gathering at Michmash,

NET Bible
But Samuel said, "What have you done?" Saul replied, "When I saw that the army had started to abandon me and that you didn't come at the appointed time and that the Philistines had assembled at Micmash,

New Heart English Bible
Samuel said, "What have you done?" Saul said, "Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that you did not come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines assembled themselves together at Michmash;

Webster's Bible Translation
And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines assembled at Michmash;

World English Bible
Samuel said, “What have you done?” Saul said, “Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that you didn’t come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines assembled themselves together at Michmash,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and Samuel says, “What have you done?” And Saul says, “Because I saw that the people were scattered from off me, and you had not come at the appointment of the days, and the Philistines are gathered to Michmash,

Young's Literal Translation
and Samuel saith, 'What hast thou done?' And Saul saith, 'Because I saw that the people were scattered from off me, and thou hadst not come at the appointment of the days, and the Philistines are gathered to Michmash,

Smith's Literal Translation
And Samuel will say, What didst thou? and Saul will say, Because I saw, that the people were scattered from me, and thou camest not at the appointment of days, and the rovers were gathered together to Michmash;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Samuel said to him: What hast thou done? Saul answered: Because I saw that the people slipt from me, and thou wast not come according to the days appointed, and the Philistines were gathered together in Machmas,

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Samuel said to him, “What have you done?” Saul responded: “Since I saw that the people were scattering away from me, and you had not arrived after the agreed upon days, and yet the Philistines had gathered together at Michmash,

New American Bible
Samuel asked him, “What have you done?” Saul explained: “When I saw that the army was deserting me and you did not come on the appointed day, and that the Philistines were assembling at Michmash,

New Revised Standard Version
Samuel said, “What have you done?” Saul replied, “When I saw that the people were slipping away from me, and that you did not come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines were mustering at Michmash,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Samuel said, What have you done? And Saul said, When I saw that the people were deserting me and that you did not come within the time appointed and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Shemueil said: “What have you done?” And Shaul said: “I saw the people were scattered from me, and you had not come at the time of days, and the Philistines were assembling in Mekmas
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Samuel said: 'What hast thou done?' And Saul said: 'Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines assembled themselves together against Michmas;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Samuel said, What hast thou done? and Saul said, Because I saw how the people were scattered from me, and thou was not present as thou purposedst according to the set time of the days, and the Philistines were gathered to Machmas.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Saul's Unlawful Sacrifice
10Just as he finished offering the burnt offering, Samuel arrived, and Saul went out to greet him. 11“What have you done?” Samuel asked. And Saul replied, “When I saw that the troops were deserting me, and that you did not come at the appointed time and the Philistines were gathering at Michmash, 12I thought, ‘Now the Philistines will descend upon me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the favor of the LORD.’ So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering.”…

Cross References
1 Samuel 15:19-23
So why did you not obey the LORD? Why did you rush upon the plunder and do evil in the sight of the LORD?” / “But I did obey the LORD,” Saul replied. “I went on the mission that the LORD gave me. I brought back Agag king of Amalek and devoted the Amalekites to destruction. / The troops took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of the things devoted to destruction, in order to sacrifice them to the LORD your God at Gilgal.” ...

1 Samuel 10:8
And you shall go before me to Gilgal, and surely I will come to you to offer burnt offerings and to sacrifice peace offerings. Wait seven days until I come to you and show you what you are to do.”

1 Samuel 12:13-15
Now here is the king you have chosen, the one you requested. Behold, the LORD has placed a king over you. / If you fear the LORD and serve Him and obey His voice, and if you do not rebel against the command of the LORD, and if both you and the king who rules over you follow the LORD your God, then all will be well. / But if you disobey the LORD and rebel against His command, then the hand of the LORD will be against you as it was against your fathers.

1 Samuel 15:11
“I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned away from following Me and has not carried out My instructions.” And Samuel was distressed and cried out to the LORD all that night.

1 Samuel 28:18
Because you did not obey the LORD or carry out His burning anger against Amalek, the LORD has done this to you today.

2 Samuel 24:10
After David had numbered the troops, his conscience was stricken and he said to the LORD, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done. Now, O LORD, I beg You to take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have acted very foolishly.”

1 Kings 13:21-22
and the prophet cried out to the man of God who had come from Judah, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Because you have defied the word of the LORD and have not kept the commandment that the LORD your God gave you, / but you went back and ate bread and drank water in the place where He told you not to do so, your body shall never reach the tomb of your fathers.’”

1 Kings 20:42
And the prophet said to the king, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Because you have let slip from your hand the man I had devoted to destruction, your life will be exchanged for his life, and your people for his people.’”

2 Kings 5:26-27
But Elisha questioned him, “Did not my spirit go with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to accept money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, menservants and maidservants? / Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and your descendants forever!” And as Gehazi left his presence, he was leprous—as white as snow.

2 Chronicles 16:7-9
At that time Hanani the seer came to King Asa of Judah and told him, “Because you have relied on the king of Aram and not on the LORD your God, the army of the king of Aram has escaped from your hand. / Were not the Cushites and Libyans a vast army with many chariots and horsemen? Yet because you relied on the LORD, He delivered them into your hand. / For the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him. You have acted foolishly in this matter. From now on, therefore, you will be at war.”

Isaiah 30:1
“Woe to the rebellious children,” declares the LORD, “to those who carry out a plan that is not Mine, who form an alliance, but against My will, heaping up sin upon sin.

Jeremiah 7:23-24
but this is what I commanded them: Obey Me, and I will be your God, and you will be My people. You must walk in all the ways I have commanded you, so that it may go well with you. / Yet they did not listen or incline their ear, but they followed the stubborn inclinations of their own evil hearts. They went backward and not forward.

Hosea 6:7
But they, like Adam, have transgressed the covenant; there they were unfaithful to Me.

Matthew 7:26-27
But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its collapse!”

Matthew 25:24-30
Finally, the servant who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Master, I knew that you are a hard man, reaping where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. / So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what belongs to you.’ / ‘You wicked, lazy servant!’ replied his master. ‘You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed. ...


Treasury of Scripture

And Samuel said, What have you done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that you came not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash;

What hast

Genesis 3:13
And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.

Genesis 4:10
And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.

Joshua 7:19
And Joshua said unto Achan, My son, give, I pray thee, glory to the LORD God of Israel, and make confession unto him; and tell me now what thou hast done; hide it not from me.

Michmash

1 Samuel 13:2,5,16,23
Saul chose him three thousand men of Israel; whereof two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in mount Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin: and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent…

1 Samuel 14:5
The forefront of the one was situate northward over against Michmash, and the other southward over against Gibeah.

Isaiah 10:28
He is come to Aiath, he is passed to Migron; at Michmash he hath laid up his carriages:

Jump to Previous
Appointed Appointment Assembled Assembling Camest Hadst Michmas Michmash Mustered Philistines Samuel Saul Scattered Scattering Themselves Time Together Within
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Appointed Appointment Assembled Assembling Camest Hadst Michmas Michmash Mustered Philistines Samuel Saul Scattered Scattering Themselves Time Together Within
1 Samuel 13
1. Saul's select band
3. He calls the Hebrews to Gilgal against the Philistines
5. The Philistines' great army
6. The distress of the Israelites
8. Saul, weary of staying for Samuel, sacrifices
11. Samuel reproves him
17. The three raiding parties of the Philistines
19. The policy of the Philistines, to allow no blacksmith in Israel














“What have you done?” Samuel asked.
This question from Samuel is a direct confrontation of Saul's actions. In the biblical context, Samuel is the prophet and judge of Israel, serving as God's mouthpiece. His question implies a breach of divine command. This echoes God's question to Adam in Genesis 3:13, highlighting a moment of accountability. Samuel's role as a prophet is to guide and correct, and this question sets the stage for Saul's failure to adhere to God's instructions.

And Saul replied, “When I saw that the troops were deserting me,
Saul's response reveals his fear and insecurity as a leader. The desertion of troops indicates a lack of confidence in Saul's leadership, which is a recurring theme in his reign. This situation reflects the Israelites' earlier demand for a king to lead them like other nations (1 Samuel 8:5), showing the human tendency to rely on visible leadership rather than divine guidance. Saul's focus on the troops' actions rather than God's command reveals his misplaced priorities.

and that you did not come at the appointed time
Saul's accusation against Samuel suggests impatience and a lack of faith. The "appointed time" refers to the seven days Samuel instructed Saul to wait (1 Samuel 10:8). Saul's impatience leads him to take matters into his own hands, a common human failing when divine timing seems delayed. This impatience contrasts with the patience and obedience exemplified by figures like Abraham, who waited for God's promise (Genesis 21:1-2).

and the Philistines were gathering at Michmash,
Michmash is a strategic location in the central highlands of Israel, significant in military campaigns. The Philistines, Israel's persistent adversaries, are gathering here, creating a sense of urgency and threat. Historically, the Philistines were a technologically advanced people, known for their iron weaponry, which posed a significant threat to Israel. This gathering at Michmash sets the stage for the ensuing conflict and highlights the constant pressure Israel faced from surrounding nations. Saul's focus on the Philistine threat rather than seeking God's guidance foreshadows his eventual downfall.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Samuel
A prophet and judge of Israel, Samuel was a key figure in the transition from the period of judges to the establishment of the monarchy. He anointed Saul as the first king of Israel.

2. Saul
The first king of Israel, chosen by God but later rejected due to his disobedience. Saul's reign is marked by his struggle to follow God's commands fully.

3. Philistines
A significant enemy of Israel during this period, the Philistines were a constant threat, often engaging in battles with the Israelites.

4. Michmash
A strategic location in the territory of Benjamin, where the Philistines gathered to fight against Israel. It was a place of military significance.

5. Troops Deserting
The Israelite soldiers were leaving Saul, which contributed to his fear and impatience, leading to his disobedience.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Obedience
Saul's failure to wait for Samuel as instructed shows the critical nature of obedience to God's commands. Disobedience, even with seemingly good intentions, leads to negative consequences.

Trust in God's Timing
Saul's impatience reflects a lack of trust in God's timing. Believers are encouraged to wait on the Lord, trusting that His timing is perfect.

The Consequences of Fear
Saul's actions were driven by fear of losing his troops and the threat of the Philistines. Fear can lead to hasty decisions that are not aligned with God's will.

Leadership and Responsibility
As a leader, Saul's decisions had significant implications for the entire nation. Leaders are called to act with integrity and faithfulness to God's instructions.

The Role of Faith in Crisis
In times of crisis, faith should guide decisions rather than fear or human reasoning. Saul's lack of faith led to his downfall.(11) What hast thou done?--The deeper aspects of King Saul's sin are discussed in Excursus F. On this memorable occasion the king plainly told Samuel that though he would gratefully receive any help which the prophet of the Most High could and would bring him, still, in an emergency like the present, sooner than run any risk, he preferred to act alone, and, if necessary, to go into battle without Divine consecration and blessing. The danger at this juncture was imminent; to ward it off, he considered that the direct Divine intimation which he allowed he had received through Samuel must be disregarded. Acting upon this persuasion, he set it aside, acting according to the ordinary dictates of worldly prudence. He must in his action at Gilgal either have forgotten or disbelieved the story of the Joshua conquest, and of the signal deliverances under the hero Judges, when the Glorious Arm fought by the people, and splendid successes were won in the face of enormous odds through the intervention of no mortal aid.

Saul might have been, and was, a valiant and skilful general, but was no fitting Viceroy of the invisible King in heaven, who required from him before all things the most ardent unquestioning faith.

Saul and his house, it is too clear, would only rule the Israel of God according to the dictates of their own haughty will.

The twice-repeated assertion of Samuel, "Thou hast not kept the commandment of the Lord" (1Samuel 13:13-14)--an assertion uncontradicted by Saul--shows us that this whole transaction was an act of overt rebellion against the will of the Eternal.

Verse 11. - What hast thou done? The question implies rebuke, which Saul answers by pleading his danger. Each day's delay made his small force dwindle rapidly away, and the Philistines might at any hour move down from Michmash upon him at Gilgal and destroy him. But it was the reality of the danger which put his faith and obedience to the trial.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“What
מֶ֣ה (meh)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

have you done?”
עָשִׂ֑יתָ (‘ā·śî·ṯā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

Samuel
שְׁמוּאֵ֖ל (šə·mū·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8050: Samuel -- 'name of God', a prophet of Israel

asked.
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

And Saul
שָׁא֡וּל (šā·’ūl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites

replied,
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“When
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

I saw
רָאִיתִי֩ (rā·’î·ṯî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7200: To see

that
כִֽי־ (ḵî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the troops
הָעָ֜ם (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

were deserting
נָפַ֨ץ (nā·p̄aṣ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5310: To dash to pieces, scatter

me,
מֵעָלַ֗י (mê·‘ā·lay)
Preposition-m | first person common singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

and that you
וְאַתָּה֙ (wə·’at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

did not
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

come
בָ֙אתָ֙ (ḇā·ṯā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

at the appointed
לְמוֹעֵ֣ד (lə·mō·w·‘êḏ)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4150: Appointed time, place, or meeting

time
הַיָּמִ֔ים (hay·yā·mîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3117: A day

and the Philistines
וּפְלִשְׁתִּ֖ים (ū·p̄ə·liš·tîm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia

were gathering
נֶאֱסָפִ֥ים (ne·’ĕ·sā·p̄îm)
Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 622: To gather for, any purpose, to receive, take away, remove

at Michmash,
מִכְמָֽשׂ׃ (miḵ·māś)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4363: Michmash -- a city in Benjamin


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OT History: 1 Samuel 13:11 Samuel said What have you done? Saul (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
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