1 Samuel 15:9

Saul and his troops spared Agag, along with the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves and lambs, and the best of everything else. They were unwilling to destroy them, but they devoted to destruction all that was despised and worthless.

Study Bible

Saul and his troops
This phrase highlights the leadership of Saul, Israel's first king, and his military forces. Saul's role as king was to lead the people in obedience to God's commands. The Hebrew root for "troops" (עַם, 'am) often refers to a collective group, emphasizing the unity and shared responsibility of the people under Saul's command. Historically, this reflects the period of the united monarchy in Israel, where the king was expected to act as God's representative on earth.

spared Agag
Agag was the king of the Amalekites, a people who were long-standing enemies of Israel. The Hebrew root for "spared" (חָמַל, chamal) implies having compassion or showing mercy, which in this context was contrary to God's explicit command to destroy the Amalekites completely. This act of sparing Agag symbolizes Saul's disobedience and failure to fully carry out God's judgment, which had significant theological implications for his kingship.

the best of the sheep and cattle
The phrase underscores the selective obedience of Saul and his troops. The Hebrew word for "best" (מֵיטָב, meytav) indicates that they chose what was most valuable in their eyes. This decision reflects a human tendency to prioritize material wealth and personal gain over spiritual obedience. In the ancient Near Eastern context, livestock was a sign of wealth and prosperity, making this choice particularly significant.

the fat calves and lambs
This phrase further emphasizes the choice to preserve what was considered valuable. The Hebrew word for "fat" (מִשְׁנֶה, mishneh) can also mean "second" or "choice," indicating that these animals were of superior quality. In biblical times, such animals were often used for sacrifices, which might suggest that Saul intended to use them for religious purposes, albeit in disobedience to God's specific instructions.

and all that was good
This phrase highlights the subjective judgment of Saul and his troops. The Hebrew word for "good" (טוֹב, tov) is often used in the Bible to describe what is pleasing or desirable. This choice reflects a human-centered perspective, valuing what appears beneficial rather than adhering to divine commands. It serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning human values with God's will.

They were unwilling to destroy them
This phrase indicates a deliberate choice to disobey God's command. The Hebrew root for "unwilling" (אָבָה, avah) suggests a refusal or resistance, highlighting the rebellious nature of Saul's actions. This decision marks a pivotal moment in Saul's reign, as it demonstrates a lack of submission to God's authority, which ultimately leads to his rejection as king.

but everything that was despised and worthless
This contrast between what was spared and what was destroyed underscores the flawed judgment of Saul and his troops. The Hebrew word for "despised" (נָמַס, namas) conveys a sense of contempt or disdain, while "worthless" (נָבֵל, navel) implies something of no value. This selective destruction reveals a failure to understand the comprehensive nature of God's command.

they devoted to destruction
The phrase "devoted to destruction" (חֵרֶם, cherem) is a technical term in Hebrew that refers to the complete consecration of something to God, often through destruction. This concept is rooted in the idea of holy war, where certain things were set apart for God by being utterly destroyed. Saul's partial obedience in this regard highlights the importance of complete devotion to God's will, as partial obedience is ultimately disobedience.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Saul
The first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel. Saul's disobedience in this chapter marks a significant turning point in his reign.

2. Agag
The king of the Amalekites, whom Saul was commanded to destroy completely as part of God's judgment against the Amalekites.

3. The Amalekites
A nomadic tribe that was a longstanding enemy of Israel. God commanded their destruction due to their opposition to Israel during the Exodus.

4. Samuel
The prophet who anointed Saul and later confronted him about his disobedience to God's command.

5. Gilgal
The place where Saul was supposed to wait for Samuel and where he was later confronted by Samuel for his disobedience.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Complete Obedience
Partial obedience is disobedience. Saul's failure to fully carry out God's command demonstrates the importance of complete obedience to God's instructions.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Disobedience to God can lead to severe consequences, as seen in Saul's eventual rejection as king. This serves as a warning to take God's commands seriously.

The Deceptiveness of Self-Justification
Saul justified his actions by claiming he spared the best for sacrifice. This highlights the danger of rationalizing disobedience and the need for honest self-examination.

God's Sovereignty and Justice
God's command to destroy the Amalekites was an act of divine justice. Understanding God's sovereignty helps us trust His judgments, even when they are difficult to comprehend.

The Role of Leadership and Accountability
Leaders are held to a high standard of obedience and accountability. Saul's failure reminds us of the responsibility that comes with leadership.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Saul's partial obedience in 1 Samuel 15:9 reflect our own tendencies to rationalize disobedience in our lives?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are fully obedient to God's commands, even when they are challenging or counter-cultural?

3. How does the account of Saul and the Amalekites challenge our understanding of God's justice and mercy?

4. What lessons can we learn from Saul's leadership failures that can be applied to our roles in leadership, whether in the church, workplace, or home?

5. How do the events of 1 Samuel 15:9 connect with the New Testament teachings on obedience and faithfulness, and how can we apply these principles today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 17:8-16
This passage recounts the Amalekites' attack on Israel and God's promise to blot out their memory, providing context for the command given to Saul.

Deuteronomy 25:17-19
God commands Israel to remember what Amalek did and to destroy them, reinforcing the seriousness of Saul's mission.

1 Samuel 13:13-14
Earlier in Saul's reign, Samuel warns Saul about the consequences of disobedience, foreshadowing the events of 1 Samuel 15.

Acts 5:29
Peter and the apostles declare the importance of obeying God rather than men, highlighting the principle of obedience to divine commands.