"But I did obey the LORD," Saul replied. "I went on the mission that the LORD gave me. I brought back Agag king of Amalek and devoted the Amalekites to destruction. But I did obey the LORDThis phrase reveals Saul's self-justification and misunderstanding of true obedience. The Hebrew word for "obey" is "shama," which means to hear or listen with the intent to act. Saul's claim of obedience is superficial, as true obedience involves complete submission to God's commands, not partial fulfillment. This highlights the human tendency to rationalize disobedience and the importance of aligning our actions with God's will. Saul replied
Saul's response is defensive, indicating his awareness of wrongdoing. The historical context shows Saul as the first king of Israel, chosen to lead God's people. His reply reflects a common human reaction to deflect responsibility. This moment is pivotal in Saul's reign, illustrating the consequences of failing to fully adhere to divine instructions. I went on the mission that the LORD gave me
The phrase underscores Saul's partial acknowledgment of his divine commission. The Hebrew word for "mission" is "derek," meaning a path or way. Saul's journey was divinely appointed, yet his execution was flawed. This serves as a reminder that being on a God-given mission requires complete faithfulness to His directives, not just embarking on the journey. I brought back Agag king of Amalek
Saul's action of sparing Agag, the Amalekite king, directly contradicts God's command to destroy all Amalekites. The name "Agag" is significant, representing the Amalekite dynasty, historically enemies of Israel. Saul's failure to execute God's judgment on Agag symbolizes incomplete obedience and the danger of compromising God's commands for personal or political reasons. and utterly destroyed the Amalekites
The phrase "utterly destroyed" translates from the Hebrew "charam," meaning to devote to destruction. Saul's claim is misleading, as he did not fully carry out God's command. This highlights the importance of total obedience to God, as partial obedience is disobedience. The Amalekites' destruction was a divine decree due to their persistent opposition to Israel, emphasizing God's justice and sovereignty. Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel. In this passage, Saul is defending his actions to Samuel, claiming obedience to God's command. 2. SamuelA prophet and judge of Israel who anointed Saul as king. He is the one delivering God's message of judgment to Saul for his disobedience. 3. AgagThe king of the Amalekites, whom Saul spared despite God's command to destroy all the Amalekites. 4. AmalekitesA nomadic tribe that was a longstanding enemy of Israel. God commanded their complete destruction due to their opposition to Israel. 5. GilgalThe location where Saul and Samuel are having this conversation. It is a significant place in Israel's history, often associated with renewal and covenant. Teaching Points Obedience Over SacrificeTrue obedience to God involves complete adherence to His commands, not partial compliance or rationalization of disobedience. The Danger of Self-DeceptionSaul's claim of obedience reveals how easily we can deceive ourselves into believing we are following God when we are not. Consequences of DisobedienceSaul's failure to fully obey God led to his rejection as king, illustrating the serious consequences of disobedience. The Importance of Godly LeadershipLeaders are held to a high standard of obedience and integrity, as their actions have significant impacts on those they lead. Repentance and AccountabilityWhen confronted with sin, genuine repentance and accountability are necessary for restoration with God. Bible Study Questions 1. In what ways do we sometimes rationalize partial obedience to God, and how can we guard against this in our own lives? 2. How does Saul's response to Samuel reflect a misunderstanding of what God values most? How can we align our values with God's? 3. What are some modern-day "Amaleks" that God might be calling us to utterly destroy in our lives, and how can we ensure we are fully obedient? 4. How can we cultivate a heart that prioritizes obedience to God over religious rituals or external appearances? 5. Reflect on a time when you faced consequences for disobedience. What did you learn from that experience, and how can it guide your future actions? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 15:22-23Samuel's response to Saul highlights the importance of obedience over sacrifice, emphasizing that rebellion is akin to witchcraft. Exodus 17:8-16The initial conflict between Israel and the Amalekites, where God declares He will blot out the memory of Amalek. Proverbs 21:3This verse underscores that doing what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice, aligning with Samuel's rebuke of Saul. Hosea 6:6God desires mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings, reinforcing the theme of obedience over ritual. People Agag, Amalek, Amalekites, Havilah, Israelites, Kenites, Samuel, SaulPlaces Amalek, Carmel, Edom, Egypt, Gibeah, Gilgal, Ramah, Shur Desert, TelaimTopics Agag, Amalek, Am'alek, Amalekites, Amal'ekites, Assigned, Bring, Completely, Destroyed, Destruction, Devoted, Hearkened, Indeed, Mission, Obey, Obeyed, Orders, Samuel, Saul, Truly, Utterly, Voice, YeaDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 15:1-23 8752 false worship 1 Samuel 15:12-26 5926 rebuke 1 Samuel 15:13-21 8824 self-righteousness, nature of 1 Samuel 15:18-20 7741 missionaries, task 1 Samuel 15:19-22 8774 legalism 1 Samuel 15:20-21 5851 excuse
6163 faults 1 Samuel 15:20-22 5856 extravagance
7435 sacrifice, in OT Library Saul Rejected
'Then came the word of the Lord unto Samuel, saying, 11. It repenteth Me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following Me, and hath not performed My commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the Lord all night. 12. And when Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning, it was told Samuel, saying, Saul came to Carmel, and, behold, he set him up a place, and is gone about, and passed on, and gone down to Gilgal. 13. And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureLetter iv to the Prior and Monks of the Grand Chartreuse
To the Prior and Monks of the Grand Chartreuse He commends himself to their prayers. To the very dear Lord and Reverend father Guigues, Prior of the Grande Chartreuse, and to the holy brethren who are with him, Brother Bernard of Clairvaux offers his humble service. In the first place, when lately I approached your parts, I was prevented by unfavourable circumstances from coming to see you and to make your acquaintance; and although my excuse may perhaps be satisfactory to you, I am not able, I confess, …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Confession of Sin --A Sermon with Seven Texts
The Hardened Sinner. PHARAOH--"I have sinned."--Exodus 9:27. I. The first case I shall bring before you is that of the HARDENED SINNER, who, when under terror, says, "I have sinned." And you will find the text in the book of Exodus, the 9th chap. and 27th verse: "And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: the Lord is righteous, and I and my people are wicked." But why this confession from the lips of the haughty tyrant? He was not often wont to …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857 Obedience
Take heed, and hearken, O Israel; this day thou art become the people of the Lord thy God. Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the Lord thy God, and do his commandments.' Deut 27: 9, 10. What is the duty which God requireth of man? Obedience to his revealed will. It is not enough to hear God's voice, but we must obey. Obedience is a part of the honour we owe to God. If then I be a Father, where is my honour?' Mal 1: 6. Obedience carries in it the life-blood of religion. Obey the voice of the Lord …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments That the Ruler Should Be, through Humility, a Companion of Good Livers, But, through the Zeal of Righteousness, Rigid against the vices of Evildoers.
The ruler should be, through humility, a companion of good livers, and, through the zeal of righteousness, rigid against the vices of evil-doers; so that in nothing he prefer himself to the good, and yet, when the fault of the bad requires it, he be at once conscious of the power of his priority; to the end that, while among his subordinates who live well he waives his rank and accounts them as his equals, he may not fear to execute the laws of rectitude towards the perverse. For, as I remember to …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great The Truth of God
The next attribute is God's truth. A God of truth and without iniquity; just and right is he.' Deut 32:4. For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.' Psa 57:10. Plenteous in truth.' Psa 86:15. I. God is the truth. He is true in a physical sense; true in his being: he has a real subsistence, and gives a being to others. He is true in a moral sense; he is true sine errore, without errors; et sine fallacia, without deceit. God is prima veritas, the pattern and prototype …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Blessed are they that Mourn
Blessed are they that mourn. Matthew 5:4 Here are eight steps leading to true blessedness. They may be compared to Jacob's Ladder, the top whereof reached to heaven. We have already gone over one step, and now let us proceed to the second: Blessed are they that mourn'. We must go through the valley of tears to paradise. Mourning were a sad and unpleasant subject to treat on, were it not that it has blessedness going before, and comfort coming after. Mourning is put here for repentance. It implies …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 The New Covenant.
"Now in the things which we are saying the chief point is this: We have such a High-priest, Who sat down on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a Minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man. For every high-priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is necessary that this High-priest also have somewhat to offer. Now if He were on earth, He would not be a Priest at all, seeing there are those who offer …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews How Christ is the Way in General, "I am the Way. "
We come now to speak more particularly to the words; and, first, Of his being a way. Our design being to point at the way of use-making of Christ in all our necessities, straits, and difficulties which are in our way to heaven; and particularly to point out the way how believers should make use of Christ in all their particular exigencies; and so live by faith in him, walk in him, grow up in him, advance and march forward toward glory in him. It will not be amiss to speak of this fulness of Christ …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Samuel 15:20 NIV1 Samuel 15:20 NLT1 Samuel 15:20 ESV1 Samuel 15:20 NASB1 Samuel 15:20 KJV
1 Samuel 15:20 Commentaries
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