Topical Bible: Altar: Built by Saul

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Topical Encyclopedia

The altar built by Saul holds a significant place in the narrative of Israel's first king, as it marks a pivotal moment in his reign and relationship with God. This altar is mentioned in the context of Saul's military campaign against the Philistines, as recorded in the First Book of Samuel.

Biblical Context

The account of Saul building an altar is found in 1 Samuel 14. During a battle against the Philistines, Saul's son Jonathan initiates a successful attack, leading to a broader conflict. In the midst of this, Saul makes a rash oath, cursing any man who eats food before evening, hoping to ensure victory over his enemies. This oath inadvertently causes distress among the troops, as they become faint from hunger.

After the victory, the famished soldiers slaughter animals and eat them with the blood, violating the Mosaic Law. Upon learning of this, Saul instructs the people to bring their livestock to a large stone, where they can properly slaughter and drain the blood. It is at this point that Saul builds an altar to the Lord.

Scriptural Reference

1 Samuel 14:35 states, "Then Saul built an altar to the LORD; it was the first time he had built an altar to the LORD."

Significance

The construction of this altar is noteworthy for several reasons. Firstly, it is explicitly mentioned as the first altar Saul built to the Lord, indicating a moment of religious significance in his kingship. This act can be seen as an attempt to rectify the earlier transgression of the people eating meat with blood, aligning with the Levitical laws that prohibit such practices (Leviticus 17:10-14).

Moreover, the altar represents Saul's effort to seek divine favor and guidance. Following the altar's construction, Saul inquires of God whether to pursue the Philistines further, but receives no answer (1 Samuel 14:37). This silence from God foreshadows the growing distance between Saul and the Lord, a theme that continues throughout his reign.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, Saul's altar underscores the importance of obedience and proper worship in the eyes of God. While Saul's intention to honor God through the altar is evident, his earlier actions—such as the rash oath and failure to fully adhere to God's commands—highlight the complexities of his leadership and spiritual life.

The altar also serves as a reminder of the necessity for leaders to seek God's guidance and maintain a heart aligned with His will. Saul's failure to consistently do so ultimately leads to his downfall and the rise of David, a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14).

In summary, the altar built by Saul is a multifaceted symbol within the biblical narrative, reflecting both his attempts at piety and the underlying issues that plagued his reign. It stands as a testament to the intricate relationship between human leadership and divine expectation in the history of Israel.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 14:35
And Saul built an altar to the LORD: the same was the first altar that he built to the LORD.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

How the Temple was Built While the Cutheans Endeavored in Vain to ...
... should be built in Jerusalem; and the altar in height ... The Jews also built the cloisters
of the inner temple ... at first had kingly government from Saul and David ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how the temple.htm

Every Inch a King.
... Jerusalem, which was to be the great altar for the ... So he subdued enemies, built cities,
made leagues with ... He called Ziba, who had been Saul's servant and said ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxiii every inch a.htm

How the Philistines Made Another Expedition against the Hebrews ...
... people did as the king commanded them, Saul erected an altar there, and offered
burnt-offerings upon it to God [14] This was the first altar that Saul built. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how the philistines.htm

Samuel, the Child of Prayer
... is that home which has in it an altar of sacrifice ... not have been likewise displeased
if he were built after the ... King Saul had been ordered to destroy all the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bounds/prayer and praying men/ix samuel the child of.htm

David's Sorrow.
... Some enemies of the house of Saul came out and troubled him by the way ... this spot
with a miracle of salvation, and twice an altar had been built there, and ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxv davids sorrow.htm

That when David had Numbered the People, they were Punished; and ...
... BOOK VII. Containing The Interval Of Forty Years. From The Death Of Saul To The
Death Of David. CHAPTER 13. ... And when he had built an altar, he performed ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 13 that when david.htm

Reform
... and said, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" Prostrate tell Saul, and down went ...
it to be the altar of God, but an altar originally built at Rome ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/reform.htm

Abraham's Offering up his Son Isaac
... men, had they known of it, might have forced him away, as in after-ages the soldiers
rescued Jonathan out of the hands of Saul. ... He built an altar there, and ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/abrahams offering up his son.htm

Demonstration xxi. --Of Persecution.
... floor from Araunah the Jebusite, and built there the altar. ... bought of Araunah is
that whereon the Temple was built. ... Samuel to be king instead of Saul who had ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration xxi of persecution.htm

Book 4 Footnotes
... is given, because "their iniquity was not yet full." In the secured, Saul is ordered ...
35] Of the exact place where this altar was to be built, whether nearer ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 4 footnotes.htm