1 Samuel 28:18

Because you did not obey the LORD or carry out His burning anger against Amalek, the LORD has done this to you today.

Study Bible

Because you did not obey
The Hebrew root for "obey" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which means to hear, listen, or give heed. In the biblical context, obedience is not merely about hearing but involves a response of submission and action. Saul's failure to obey signifies a deeper spiritual rebellion, highlighting the importance of aligning one's actions with God's commands. This disobedience is a recurring theme in Saul's life, illustrating the consequences of prioritizing personal desires over divine instructions.

the voice of the LORD
The "voice of the LORD" refers to God's direct communication, often through prophets. In Saul's time, this would have been through Samuel, the prophet. The phrase underscores the authority and clarity of God's directives. Historically, the Israelites understood the voice of the LORD as a guiding force, essential for their covenant relationship with Him. Ignoring this voice is tantamount to rejecting God's sovereignty and wisdom.

and did not carry out His fierce wrath
The phrase "fierce wrath" in Hebrew is "חֲרוֹן אַף" (charon aph), literally "burning of the nose," a vivid metaphor for anger. God's wrath against the Amalekites was not arbitrary but a response to their longstanding enmity and sin against Israel. Saul's failure to execute this judgment reflects a lack of reverence for God's holiness and justice. It serves as a reminder of the seriousness with which God views sin and the importance of executing His judgments fully.

against the Amalekites
The Amalekites were a nomadic tribe, historically known for their hostility towards Israel, first attacking them in Exodus 17. God's command to destroy them was a divine judgment for their persistent aggression and sin. Archaeological evidence and historical records outside the Bible also depict the Amalekites as a significant threat to Israel's security. Saul's incomplete obedience in dealing with them demonstrates a failure to trust in God's plan for justice and protection.

the LORD has done this to you today
This phrase indicates the direct consequence of Saul's disobedience. The Hebrew word for "done" is "עָשָׂה" (asah), meaning to make or accomplish. It emphasizes God's active role in bringing about the consequences of Saul's actions. The immediacy of "today" highlights the urgency and inevitability of divine judgment. This serves as a sobering reminder of the principle of sowing and reaping, where disobedience to God leads to tangible repercussions.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Saul
The first king of Israel, chosen by God but later rejected due to his disobedience.

2. Samuel
The prophet who anointed Saul as king and later conveyed God's rejection of him.

3. Amalek
A nation that God commanded Saul to utterly destroy due to their opposition to Israel.

4. The LORD
The God of Israel, who gave Saul specific commands regarding Amalek.

5. Endor
The location where Saul sought a medium to summon the spirit of Samuel, leading to this pronouncement.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Obedience
Saul's downfall serves as a stark reminder of the importance of complete obedience to God's commands. Partial obedience is still disobedience.

Consequences of Disobedience
Disobedience to God can lead to severe consequences, not only affecting the individual but also the community and future generations.

Seeking God’s Guidance
Instead of seeking guidance from forbidden sources, like Saul did with the medium, believers should seek God’s wisdom through prayer and His Word.

God’s Sovereignty and Justice
God’s actions are just and sovereign. His commands are not arbitrary but are rooted in His divine justice and plan for His people.

Repentance and Restoration
While Saul’s account ends tragically, it serves as a call to repentance and the hope of restoration for those who turn back to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Saul's disobedience in 1 Samuel 15 set the stage for the events in 1 Samuel 28:18?

2. What can we learn from Saul's decision to consult a medium instead of seeking God’s guidance?

3. How does the account of Saul and Amalek challenge us to examine areas of partial obedience in our own lives?

4. In what ways does the account of Saul’s downfall illustrate the principle of sowing and reaping found in Galatians 6:7-8?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Saul’s life to ensure we remain faithful and obedient to God’s commands in our daily walk?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 15
This chapter details God's command to Saul to destroy Amalek and Saul's subsequent disobedience, which is the root cause of the events in 1 Samuel 28:18.

Deuteronomy 25:17-19
Provides background on why God commanded the destruction of Amalek, highlighting their historical enmity with Israel.

1 Chronicles 10:13-14
Reflects on Saul's death as a consequence of his unfaithfulness and disobedience to God's commands.