1 Samuel 15
BSB1 Then Samuel said to Saul, “The LORD sent me to anoint you king over His people Israel. Now therefore, listen to the words of the LORD. 2 This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘I witnessed what the Amalekites did to the Israelites when they ambushed them on their way up from Egypt. 3 Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them. Do not spare them, but put to death men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.’" 4 So Saul summoned the troops and numbered them at Telaim—200,000 foot soldiers and 10,000 men of Judah. 5 Saul came to the city of Amalek and lay in wait in the valley. 6 And he warned the Kenites, “Since you showed kindness to all the Israelites when they came up out of Egypt, go on and get away from the Amalekites. Otherwise I will sweep you away with them.” So the Kenites moved away from the Amalekites. 7 Then Saul struck down the Amalekites all the way from Havilah to Shur, which is east of Egypt. 8 He captured Agag king of Amalek alive, but devoted all the others to destruction with the sword. 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. 10 Then the word of the LORD came to Samuel, saying, 11 “I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned away from following Me and has not carried out My instructions.” And Samuel was distressed and cried out to the LORD all that night. 12 Early in the morning Samuel got up to confront Saul, but he was told, “Saul has gone to Carmel, and behold, he has set up a monument for himself and has turned and gone down to Gilgal." 13 When Samuel reached him, Saul said to him, “May the LORD bless you. I have carried out the LORD’s instructions." 14 But Samuel replied, “Then what is this bleating of sheep and lowing of cattle that I hear?" 15 Saul answered, “The troops brought them from the Amalekites; they spared the best sheep and cattle to sacrifice to the LORD your God, but the rest we devoted to destruction." 16 “Stop!” exclaimed Samuel. “Let me tell you what the LORD said to me last night.” “Tell me,” Saul replied. 17 And Samuel said, “Although you were once small in your own eyes, have you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The LORD anointed you king over Israel 18 and sent you on a mission, saying, ‘Go and devote to destruction the sinful Amalekites. Fight against them until you have wiped them out.’ 19 So why did you not obey the LORD? Why did you rush upon the plunder and do evil in the sight of the LORD?" 20 “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. 21 The troops took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of the things devoted to destruction, in order to sacrifice them to the LORD your God at Gilgal." 22 But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king." 24 Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned; I have transgressed the LORD’s commandment and your instructions, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice. 25 Now therefore, please forgive my sin and return with me so I can worship the LORD." 26 “I will not return with you,” Samuel replied. “For you have rejected the word of the LORD, and He has rejected you as king over Israel." 27 As Samuel turned to go, Saul grabbed the hem of his robe, and it tore. 28 So Samuel said to him, “The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to your neighbor who is better than you. 29 Moreover, the Glory of Israel does not lie or change His mind, for He is not a man, that He should change His mind." 30 “I have sinned,” Saul replied. “Please honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel. Come back with me, so that I may worship the LORD your God." 31 So Samuel went back with Saul, and Saul worshiped the LORD. 32 Then Samuel said, “Bring me Agag king of the Amalekites.” Agag came to him cheerfully, for he thought, “Surely the bitterness of death is past." 33 But Samuel declared: “As your sword has made women childless, so your mother will be childless among women.” And Samuel hacked Agag to pieces before the LORD at Gilgal. 34 Then Samuel went to Ramah, but Saul went up to his home in Gibeah of Saul. 35 And to the day of his death, Samuel never again visited Saul. Samuel mourned for Saul, and the LORD regretted that He had made Saul king over Israel.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 15
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 1 Samuel 15
- Themes from 1 Samuel 15
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 15
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with God's command to King Saul to destroy the Amalekites and their possessions as an act of judgment for their past sins (1 Samuel 15:1-3). However, Saul disobeyed God's command by sparing the life of King Agag and the best of the sheep and oxen (1 Samuel 15:8-9). When confronted by the prophet Samuel, Saul tried to justify his actions, but Samuel rebuked him for his disobedience (1 Samuel 15:13-23). The chapter ends with Samuel's declaration that God has rejected Saul as king over Israel due to his disobedience (1 Samuel 15:26-31).
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of the larger narrative of 1 Samuel, which tells the story of Israel's transition from the period of the judges to the period of the kings. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, which highlights God's relationship with His people and His desire for them to obey His commands. The chapter connects to other biblical themes, such as the importance of obedience and the consequences of disobedience.
Heart Application
This chapter has practical application for our lives today. It reminds us that God values obedience more than ritualistic practices or good intentions. It also shows that God is a God of mercy and forgiveness, who is willing to forgive those who repent of their sin. As we reflect on this chapter, we should ask ourselves if there are areas in our lives where we are disobeying God's commands, and seek to repent and obey Him fully.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about King Saul's disobedience to God's command to destroy the Amalekites. Saul tried to justify his actions, but God was not pleased. The chapter teaches us that obedience to God's commands is important and that we should not try to justify our sin. As it says in 1 Samuel 15:22, "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams."
Voices from the Church
“The obedience of faith is not a mere external thing, but an inward and spiritual thing, which consists in the surrender of the heart to God.”
— John Calvin
“Obedience to God's commands is the only true proof of our love for Him. If we do not obey Him, we do not love Him.”
— Charles Spurgeon
Outline for Preaching
- God's Command to Saul (1 Samuel 15:1-3) — God commanded Saul to destroy the Amalekites and their possessions as an act of judgment for their past sins.
- Saul's Disobedience (1 Samuel 15:4-9) — Saul disobeyed God's command by sparing the life of King Agag and the best of the sheep and oxen.
- Samuel's Rebuke (1 Samuel 15:10-23) — Samuel rebuked Saul for his disobedience and explained the consequences of his actions.
- God's Rejection of Saul (1 Samuel 15:24-31) — God rejected Saul as king over Israel due to his disobedience.
- Conclusion (1 Samuel 15:32-35) — The chapter ends with Samuel's execution of King Agag and his declaration that God has rejected Saul as king.
Core Doctrines
- The Importance of Obedience
- This chapter teaches that obedience to God's commands is essential for our relationship with Him. It shows that partial obedience is not enough and that God requires complete obedience from His people.
- The Consequences of Disobedience
- The chapter explains that disobedience to God's commands can lead to serious consequences, including rejection and judgment.
- The Character of God
- The chapter reveals God's character as a holy and just God who requires obedience from His people. It also shows that God is a God of mercy and forgiveness, who is willing to forgive those who repent of their sin.
- The Role of Faith
- The chapter highlights the importance of faith in obeying God's commands. It shows that true faith is not just about external actions, but about an inward and spiritual surrender to God.
Lessons from 1 Samuel 15
- The Importance of Obedience — This chapter teaches that obedience to God's commands is essential for our relationship with Him. It shows that partial obedience is not enough and that God requires complete obedience from His people.
- The Dangers of Disobedience — The chapter explains that disobedience to God's commands can lead to serious consequences, including rejection and judgment.
- The Role of Faith — The chapter highlights the importance of faith in obeying God's commands. It shows that true faith is not just about external actions, but about an inward and spiritual surrender to God.
- The Character of God — The chapter reveals God's character as a holy and just God who requires obedience from His people. It also shows that God is a God of mercy and forgiveness, who is willing to forgive those who repent of their sin.
- The Importance of Repentance — The chapter teaches that repentance is essential for restoring our relationship with God. It shows that God is willing to forgive those who repent of their sin and seek to obey Him fully.
Themes from 1 Samuel 15
- Obedience and Disobedience — The chapter explores the themes of obedience and disobedience, highlighting the importance of obeying God's commands and the consequences of disobedience.
- Faith and Works — The chapter discusses the relationship between faith and works, showing that true faith is not just about external actions, but about an inward and spiritual surrender to God.
- God's Character — The chapter reveals God's character as a holy and just God who requires obedience from His people. It also shows that God is a God of mercy and forgiveness, who is willing to forgive those who repent of their sin.
- Repentance and Forgiveness — The chapter teaches that repentance is essential for restoring our relationship with God. It shows that God is willing to forgive those who repent of their sin and seek to obey Him fully.
- The Role of Leadership — The chapter explores the role of leadership, highlighting the importance of leaders obeying God's commands and setting an example for others to follow.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some areas in your life where you may be disobeying God's commands, and how can you repent and obey Him fully?
- How does this chapter relate to your understanding of God's character and His desire for obedience from His people?
- What are some ways that you can prioritize obedience to God's commands in your daily life, and how can you seek to surrender your heart to Him?
- How does the concept of partial obedience versus complete obedience relate to your own spiritual journey, and what are some steps you can take to ensure that you are obeying God fully?
- What are some ways that you can seek to balance the importance of obedience with the importance of mercy and forgiveness, and how can you reflect God's character in your relationships with others?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. God's Command to Saul (1 Samuel 15:1-3)
| 1 Samuel 15:1 | The chapter begins with God's command to King Saul to destroy the Amalekites and their possessions as an act of judgment for their past sins. |
| 1 Samuel 15:2 | God reminds Saul of the Amalekites' past sins and commands him to destroy them completely. |
| 1 Samuel 15:3 | God emphasizes the importance of obeying His command, warning Saul not to spare anyone or anything. |
2. Saul's Disobedience (1 Samuel 15:4-9)
| 1 Samuel 15:4 | Saul gathered his army and prepared to attack the Amalekites. |
| 1 Samuel 15:5 | Saul and his army defeated the Amalekites, but they spared the life of King Agag and the best of the sheep and oxen. |
| 1 Samuel 15:6 | Saul claimed that he was trying to sacrifice the animals to God, but Samuel saw through his excuses. |
| 1 Samuel 15:7 | Saul's disobedience was a serious sin, and it would have consequences for his relationship with God. |
| 1 Samuel 15:8 | Saul's actions were a clear violation of God's command, and they demonstrated his lack of faith and obedience. |
| 1 Samuel 15:9 | Saul's disobedience was not just a mistake, but a deliberate choice to disobey God's command. |
3. Samuel's Rebuke (1 Samuel 15:10-23)
| 1 Samuel 15:10 | God was grieved by Saul's disobedience and told Samuel about it. |
| 1 Samuel 15:11 | Samuel was disappointed and angry with Saul, and he rebuked him for his disobedience. |
| 1 Samuel 15:12 | Saul tried to justify his actions, but Samuel saw through his excuses and rebuked him further. |
| 1 Samuel 15:13 | Samuel emphasized the importance of obeying God's commands, and he warned Saul of the consequences of his disobedience. |
| 1 Samuel 15:14 | Saul continued to try to justify his actions, but Samuel refused to listen. |
| 1 Samuel 15:15 | Saul's disobedience was a serious sin, and it would have consequences for his relationship with God. |
| 1 Samuel 15:16 | Samuel rebuked Saul for his lack of faith and obedience, and he warned him of the dangers of disobedience. |
| 1 Samuel 15:17 | Saul's disobedience was not just a mistake, but a deliberate choice to disobey God's command. |
| 1 Samuel 15:18 | Samuel emphasized the importance of obeying God's commands, and he warned Saul of the consequences of his disobedience. |
| 1 Samuel 15:19 | Saul's disobedience was a clear violation of God's command, and it demonstrated his lack of faith and obedience. |
| 1 Samuel 15:20 | Saul tried to justify his actions, but Samuel saw through his excuses and rebuked him further. |
| 1 Samuel 15:21 | Samuel emphasized the importance of obeying God's commands, and he warned Saul of the consequences of his disobedience. |
| 1 Samuel 15:22 | Saul's disobedience was a serious sin, and it would have consequences for his relationship with God. |
| 1 Samuel 15:23 | Samuel rebuked Saul for his lack of faith and obedience, and he warned him of the dangers of disobedience. |
4. God's Rejection of Saul (1 Samuel 15:24-31)
| 1 Samuel 15:24 | Saul admitted his sin and asked for forgiveness, but it was too late. |
| 1 Samuel 15:25 | Samuel told Saul that God had rejected him as king over Israel due to his disobedience. |
| 1 Samuel 15:26 | Saul's disobedience had consequences for his relationship with God and for his role as king. |
| 1 Samuel 15:27 | Samuel turned to leave, but Saul grabbed his robe and tore it. |
| 1 Samuel 15:28 | Samuel used this opportunity to illustrate the consequences of Saul's disobedience. |
| 1 Samuel 15:29 | Samuel emphasized the importance of obeying God's commands, and he warned Saul of the dangers of disobedience. |
| 1 Samuel 15:30 | Saul asked Samuel to forgive him and to worship with him, but Samuel refused. |
| 1 Samuel 15:31 | Samuel's refusal to worship with Saul was a sign of God's rejection of him as king. |
5. Conclusion (1 Samuel 15:32-35)
| 1 Samuel 15:32 | Samuel had King Agag brought before him, and he executed him as a punishment for his sins. |
| 1 Samuel 15:33 | Samuel's execution of King Agag was a fulfillment of God's command to destroy the Amalekites. |
| 1 Samuel 15:34 | Samuel returned to Ramah, and Saul went back to his home in Gibeah. |
| 1 Samuel 15:35 | Samuel mourned for Saul, but he did not see him again until the day of his death. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was God's command to Saul in 1 Samuel 15:1-3?
God commanded Saul to destroy the Amalekites and their possessions as an act of judgment for their past sins (1 Samuel 15:1-3).
Why did Saul disobey God's command?
Saul disobeyed God's command because he wanted to spare the life of King Agag and the best of the sheep and oxen (1 Samuel 15:8-9).
What were the consequences of Saul's disobedience?
The consequences of Saul's disobedience were that God rejected him as king over Israel (1 Samuel 15:26-31).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 15:1 → Deuteronomy 25:17-19 | The command to destroy the Amalekites is rooted in God's previous commands to Israel in Deuteronomy 25:17-19. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 15:2 → Exodus 17:8-16 | The Amalekites' attack on Israel in Exodus 17:8-16 is the background for God's command to destroy them in 1 Samuel 15:2. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 15:3 → Deuteronomy 7:1-6 | The emphasis on destroying the Amalekites completely is similar to God's command to destroy the Canaanites in Deuteronomy 7:1-6. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 15:8 → 1 Samuel 15:9 | Saul's disobedience in sparing the life of King Agag and the best of the sheep and oxen is contrasted with God's command to destroy them completely in 1 Samuel 15:3. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 15:10 → 1 Samuel 15:11 | God's grief over Saul's disobedience is similar to His grief over the sins of Israel in Hosea 11:8. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 15:11 → Psalm 78:40-41 | Saul's disobedience is an example of the pattern of rebellion against God that is described in Psalm 78:40-41. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 15:12 → Isaiah 29:13 | Saul's attempt to justify his disobedience is similar to the hypocrisy described in Isaiah 29:13. |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 15:13 → Matthew 15:8-9 | The contrast between outward obedience and inward disobedience is similar to the contrast between outward purity and inward corruption in Matthew 15:8-9. |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 15:14 → John 14:15 | The importance of obeying God's commands is emphasized in John 14:15, where Jesus says that if we love Him, we will obey His commands. |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 15:15 → Hebrews 10:26 | The warning against deliberate sin in Hebrews 10:26 is similar to the warning against disobedience in 1 Samuel 15:23. |
Sermons on 1 Samuel 15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Witchcraft in the Church by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the dangers of seeking power and position in the work of God without paying the right price. He uses the story of Simon in the book of Acts a |
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Ark Error by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher expresses concern about the mechanical and superficial nature of preaching the gospel. He criticizes the reliance on books and conferences, emphasizing |
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A Touch From God - Part 1 by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God wholeheartedly, especially in times of turmoil and fear. It highlights the need for individuals to hunger for more of God's pre |
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The Greatest Sin in the Church by Stephen Olford | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the greatest sin in the Church and aims to uncover what it is. The sermon begins by referencing 1 Samuel 15:22, where Samuel questions the i |
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A Call to the Church (The Spirit of Truth) by Art Katz | In this sermon titled "The Spirit of Truth" delivered by Art Katz, he discusses the importance of the Holy Spirit in the church. He emphasizes that without the presence of the Holy |
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A Look at Authority 1: Spiritual & False by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the concept of authority in serving. He refers to Mark 10:45, where Jesus states that he came not to be served, but to serve and give his li |
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The Danger of Substitutes by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the danger of substituting words and actions in our relationship with God. He highlights the importance of not just saying we have fellowshi |
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Prevailing Prayer by Gerhard Du Toit | In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of evangelism in Africa and Scotland, where they would spend several weeks before making any invitations to allow people to be con |
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K-197 the Anatomy of Sin Part One by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of removing a television from their home due to the negative influence it had on their children. They emphasize the importa |
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Live Expressed by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding and demonstrating true love, as exemplified by Jesus in his interaction with the rich young ruler in Mark chap |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Samuel 15
In this chapter, we see the sad spectacle of a king who has been chosen by God, but who has failed to obey His commands. Saul's disobedience is a warning to us all of the dangers of partial obedience and the importance of fully surrendering to God's will. As Matthew Henry comments, 'To obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.' (1 Samuel 15:22) This chapter teaches us that God requires complete obedience from His people, and that partial obedience is not enough. It also shows that God is a God of mercy and forgiveness, who is willing to forgive those who repent of their sin. As we reflect on this chapter, we should ask ourselves if there are areas in our lives where we are disobeying God's commands, and seek to repent and obey Him fully. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Saul's Excuses
Saul tried to justify his disobedience by blaming the people and claiming that he was trying to sacrifice to God. However, Samuel saw through his excuses and rebuked him for his disobedience.
Samuel's Rebuke
Samuel's rebuke of Saul is a powerful example of speaking the truth in love. He confronted Saul with his sin and explained the consequences of his disobedience.
God's Character
The chapter reveals God's character as a holy and just God who requires obedience from His people. It also shows that God is a God of mercy and forgiveness, who is willing to forgive those who repent of their sin.