The Bible — notes and cross-references in First Samuel | Interpretation and commentary to chapter 13

13:1¹ was…years

The Hebrew text lacks the exact age of Saul; the Septuagint lacks the entire verse.
13:8^a seven

1 Sam. 10:8
13:9^a burnt

cf. 1 Sam. 10:8
13:9¹ offered

Saul’s disobedience was exposed in the matter of his sinful offering (vv. 8-12). Saul was disobedient, yet he still offered something to God. In the war with the Philistines Saul’s intention to act on his own for the building up of his own monarchy within the building up of God’s kingdom was exposed. Saul’s disobedience, which was observed by Samuel, meant that he had given up God; it resulted in his losing his kingship (vv. 13-15a; 1 Sam. 15:28).
13:14^a sought

Acts 13:22; cf. 1 Sam. 15:28
13:14¹ man

Referring to David, to whom God would shift the kingship (1 Sam. 16:1-13; 28:17). See note Acts 13:22¹.
13:19^a no

cf. 2 Kings 24:14
13:21¹ And

The form and meaning of the Hebrew text of this verse is uncertain.
13:22¹ not

On the day of battle, only Saul and Jonathan his son had a sword and a spear. In such a poor situation, God was their unique weapon. Saul, Jonathan, and the people of Israel fought the battle by God.