1 Samuel 15:14

But Samuel replied, "Then what is this bleating of sheep and lowing of cattle that I hear?"

Study Bible

But Samuel replied
The phrase "But Samuel replied" indicates a response from the prophet Samuel, who was a significant figure in Israel's history. Samuel was a judge, prophet, and leader who anointed the first two kings of Israel. His role as a prophet was to communicate God's will to the people and their leaders. The Hebrew root for "replied" (וַיֹּ֣אמֶר, vayomer) is often used in the context of divine communication, emphasizing Samuel's authority and the seriousness of his message. This sets the stage for a confrontation between divine command and human disobedience.

Then what is this bleating of sheep
The "bleating of sheep" refers to the sounds made by the animals that were supposed to be destroyed according to God's command. The Hebrew word for "bleating" (מֵֽה־ק֣וֹל, meh-qol) is onomatopoeic, capturing the sound of sheep. This phrase highlights the tangible evidence of Saul's disobedience. In the ancient Near Eastern context, livestock was a sign of wealth and prosperity, and the preservation of these animals suggests a prioritization of material gain over spiritual obedience.

and lowing of cattle
The "lowing of cattle" further emphasizes the presence of animals that should not have been spared. The Hebrew word for "lowing" (נְהַ֥ם, neham) similarly captures the sound of cattle. Cattle were valuable assets in ancient Israel, used for agriculture, trade, and religious sacrifices. The presence of these animals serves as a stark reminder of Saul's failure to fully carry out God's command, which was to utterly destroy the Amalekites and all they possessed.

that I hear
The phrase "that I hear" underscores Samuel's role as a witness to Saul's disobedience. The Hebrew root for "hear" (שָׁמַע, shama) is significant in biblical theology, often associated with obedience and understanding. In Deuteronomy 6:4, the Shema begins with "Hear, O Israel," calling the people to listen and obey. Samuel's hearing of the animals' sounds is not just physical but also spiritual, discerning the underlying disobedience to God's command. This hearing contrasts with Saul's selective hearing of God's instructions, highlighting the importance of complete obedience to divine directives.

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 both Saul and David as kings of Israel.

2. Saul
The first king of Israel, Saul was chosen by God but later rejected due to his disobedience. His failure to fully obey God's command in the battle against the Amalekites is central to this passage.

3. Amalekites
A nomadic tribe that was a longstanding enemy of Israel. God commanded Saul to completely destroy them as a form of divine judgment.

4. Gilgal
A significant location in Israel's history, often associated with renewal and covenant. It is where Saul was confirmed as king and where this confrontation with Samuel takes place.

5. The Battle against the Amalekites
God commanded Saul to destroy the Amalekites completely, but Saul spared King Agag and the best of the livestock, leading to his rejection as king.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Complete Obedience
God’s commands are to be followed fully, not partially. Partial obedience is disobedience in God’s eyes.

The Danger of Rationalizing Disobedience
Saul attempted to justify his actions by claiming the spared livestock was for sacrifice. We must be wary of rationalizing our disobedience with seemingly good intentions.

The Role of Accountability
Samuel’s confrontation with Saul highlights the importance of accountability in our spiritual walk. We need others to help us stay true to God’s commands.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Saul’s failure to obey God’s command led to his rejection as king. Disobedience can have serious consequences in our lives and ministries.

Listening to God’s Voice
Just as Samuel heard the bleating of sheep, we must be attentive to the signs of our own disobedience and be willing to correct our course.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Saul’s partial obedience reflect in our own lives when we choose to follow only parts of God’s commands?

2. In what ways do we rationalize our disobedience, and how can we guard against this tendency?

3. How can we ensure that we are accountable to others in our spiritual journey, similar to how Samuel held Saul accountable?

4. What are some modern-day examples of valuing ritual over obedience, and how can we shift our focus to what truly matters to God?

5. How can we cultivate a heart that listens and responds to God’s voice, avoiding the pitfalls of Saul’s disobedience?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 15:22-23
These verses highlight the importance of obedience over sacrifice, emphasizing that God values adherence to His commands more than ritual offerings.

Exodus 17:8-16
This passage recounts the initial conflict between Israel and the Amalekites, setting the stage for God's command to Saul to destroy them.

Proverbs 21:3
This verse underscores the principle that doing what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice, echoing the message in 1 Samuel 15.

Hosea 6:6
This verse emphasizes God's desire for mercy and acknowledgment of Him rather than burnt offerings, aligning with the theme of obedience over ritual.