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1 Samuel 14:35 (BSB)
Then Saul built an altar to the LORD; it was the first time he had built an altar to the LORD.
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“Then Saul built an altar to the LORD; it was the first time he had built an altar to the LORD.” — 1 Samuel 14:35
In this moment, Saul takes a step that’s both significant and personal—he builds an altar to the Lord. This isn’t just a structure; it’s a symbol of his commitment and a way to express his gratitude. Imagine him gathering stones, each one representing a piece of his journey, and as he sets them in place, he’s not just creating a physical space but marking a spiritual milestone in his life. It’s a heartfelt action, a declaration that he recognizes a higher power and wants to honor it. You can feel the weight of that moment, can’t you? It’s like when you decide to finally acknowledge something important in your life—there’s a mix of reverence and determination.
This book, 1 Samuel, is traditionally attributed to the prophet Samuel, along with contributions from other authors. Samuel, who had a front-row seat to the rise of Saul, included this detail to highlight a significant moment in Saul's journey. It reflects his perspective on leadership and the importance of connecting with God. Samuel wanted to show that even a king needs to remember where his strength comes from, and that moment of building the altar emphasizes that connection. It’s like Samuel saying, 'Hey, don’t forget to look up!'
At the time this was written, Israel was in a period of transition. They had just moved from being a group of tribes to having a monarchy with Saul as the first king. This was a time of both hope and uncertainty. People were looking for guidance, and building altars was a common practice to seek favor and wisdom from God. The world was filled with different cultures and religions, and the act of building an altar was a bold statement of faith in a time when many were searching for truth. This setting makes Saul’s action even more powerful, showing his commitment amidst the chaos.
This verse matters today because it reminds you of the importance of taking moments to acknowledge what truly matters in your life. Just like Saul built an altar to connect with God, you can create your own ‘altars’—spaces or moments where you reflect, express gratitude, or seek guidance. It’s a call to recognize that you don’t have to navigate life alone; there’s a higher purpose and support available to you. When you build your own altar, whether literal or figurative, it’s a way of saying you’re open to something greater than yourself. This practice can help ground you in your daily life, especially when challenges arise.
This week, find a quiet moment to create your own ‘altar.’ It could be a physical space in your room, a special spot in nature, or just a moment of reflection during your day. Take time to write down what you’re thankful for or what you’re seeking guidance on. Maybe light a candle or sit in silence for a few minutes. This is your time to connect, just like Saul did. It’s about making space for what’s important and acknowledging that you’re not alone in your journey.
Leading up to this moment, Saul has been through a whirlwind of events—battles, decisions, and the pressure of leadership weighing heavily on him. The chapter builds with tension as he faces tough choices, and then, in this pivotal moment, he pauses to build this altar. It’s a turning point, a moment where he acknowledges the need for divine guidance and support. After this, the narrative flows into how he seeks direction from God, showing that this altar isn’t just a one-time act; it’s the beginning of a deeper relationship. This act of building the altar shifts the narrative from a focus on his struggles to a renewed commitment to seeking God’s guidance.
How can you create a space in your life, like Saul’s altar, to connect with what’s important to you and seek guidance during tough times?
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