1 Samuel 15:9
1 Samuel 15:9 in Multiple Translations
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.
But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.
But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but everything that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.
But Saul and the people did not put Agag to death, and they kept the best of the sheep and the oxen and the fat beasts and the lambs, and whatever was good, not desiring to put them to the curse: but everything which was bad and of no use they put to the curse.
Saul and his army spared Agag, together with the best sheep and cattle, the fat calves and lambs, and everything else that was any good. They didn't want to destroy those, but they completely destroyed all that was unwanted and worthless.
But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the better sheepe, and the oxen, and the fat beasts, and the lambes, and all that was good, and they would not destroy them: but euery thing that was vile and nought worth, that they destroyed.
and Saul hath pity — also the people — on Agag, and on the best of the flock, and of the herd, and of the seconds, and on the lambs, and on all that [is] good, and have not been willing to devote them; and all the work, despised and wasted — it they devoted.
But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep, of the cattle, of the fat calves, of the lambs, and all that was good, and were not willing to utterly destroy them; but everything that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.
But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.
And Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the flocks of sheep and of the herds, and the garments and the rams, and all that was beautiful, and would not destroy them: but every thing that was vile and good for nothing, that they destroyed.
They not only ◄spared/did not kill► Agag, but they also took the best sheep and goats and cattle. They took everything that was good. They destroyed only the animals that they considered to be worthless.
They kept him alive. They also kept a lot of the animals alive. They took all the good sheep and goats, and all the good cows and bulls, and their young ones too. They only killed the rubbish animals dead. They didn’t finish all the animals properly.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 15:9
BAB
Word Study
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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 15:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּחְמֹל֩
שָׁא֨וּל
וְ/הָ/עָ֜ם
עַל
אֲגָ֗ג
וְ/עַל
מֵיטַ֣ב
הַ/צֹּאן֩
וְ/הַ/בָּקָ֨ר
וְ/הַ/מִּשְׁנִ֤ים
וְ/עַל
הַ/כָּרִים֙
וְ/עַל
כָּל
הַ/טּ֔וֹב
וְ/לֹ֥א
אָב֖וּ
הַחֲרִימָ֑/ם
וְ/כָל
הַ/מְּלָאכָ֛ה
נְמִבְזָ֥ה
וְ/נָמֵ֖ס
אֹתָ֥/הּ
הֶחֱרִֽימוּ
וַ/יַּחְמֹל֩
châmal
H2550
to spare
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁא֨וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
וְ/הָ/עָ֜ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Conj | Art | N-ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
אֲגָ֗ג
ʼĂgag
H90
Agag
N-proper
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
מֵיטַ֣ב
mêyṭâb
H4315
best
N-ms
הַ/צֹּאן֩
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
Art | N-cs
וְ/הַ/בָּקָ֨ר
bâqâr
H1241
cattle
Conj | Art | N-cs
וְ/הַ/מִּשְׁנִ֤ים
mishneh
H4932
second
Conj | Art | N-mp
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
הַ/כָּרִים֙
kar
H3733
saddle
Art | N-mp
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הַ/טּ֔וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Art | Adj
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
אָב֖וּ
ʼâbâh
H14
be willing
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
הַחֲרִימָ֑/ם
châram
H2763
to devote/destroy
V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
הַ/מְּלָאכָ֛ה
mᵉlâʼkâh
H4399
work
Art | N-fs
נְמִבְזָ֥ה
nᵉmibzeh
H5240
vile
N-fs
וְ/נָמֵ֖ס
mâçaç
H4549
to melt
Conj | V-Niphal
אֹתָ֥/הּ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
הֶחֱרִֽימוּ
châram
H2763
to devote/destroy
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 15:9
וַ/יַּחְמֹל֩
châmal
H2550
"to spare"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To spare or have pity is the meaning of this Hebrew verb, as seen in Genesis 43:14, where Joseph spares his brothers. It shows compassion and mercy towards others.
Definition: (Qal) to spare, pity, have compassion on
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: have compassion, (have) pity, spare. See also: Exodus 2:6; Jeremiah 21:7; Proverbs 6:34.
שָׁא֨וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
וְ/הָ/עָ֜ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Conj | Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
אֲגָ֗ג
ʼĂgag
H90
"Agag"
N-proper
Agag was a king of the Amalekites, a group of people who lived near the Israelites. He is mentioned in 1 Samuel 15, where Saul spares his life but Samuel later kills him. Agag was a title given to Amalekite kings.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.15.8 Also named: a.ga.gi (אֲגָגִי "Agagite" H0091) § Agag = "I will overtop" king of Amalek, spared by Saul but slain by Samuel
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Agag. See also: Numbers 24:7; 1 Samuel 15:20; 1 Samuel 15:33.
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
מֵיטַ֣ב
mêyṭâb
H4315
"best"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for best refers to the most excellent or superior part of something. It is used to describe something of high quality or value. The word is used to compare and highlight the best option.
Definition: 1) the best 1a) as superlative
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: best. See also: Genesis 47:6; Exodus 22:4; 1 Samuel 15:15.
הַ/צֹּאן֩
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
Art | N-cs
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
וְ/הַ/בָּקָ֨ר
bâqâr
H1241
"cattle"
Conj | Art | N-cs
Domesticated cattle or oxen, used for work or sacrifice, like the animals used in the temple sacrifices in 1 Kings 8:63.
Definition: 1) cattle, herd, oxen, ox 1a) cattle (generic pl. but sing. in form-coll) 1b) herd (particular one) 1c) head of cattle (individually)
Usage: Occurs in 172 OT verses. KJV: beeve, bull ([phrase] -ock), [phrase] calf, [phrase] cow, great (cattle), [phrase] heifer, herd, kine, ox. See also: Genesis 12:16; Deuteronomy 8:13; Psalms 66:15.
וְ/הַ/מִּשְׁנִ֤ים
mishneh
H4932
"second"
Conj | Art | N-mp
Mishneh means a second or duplicate, like a copy of a document, or something that is double in amount, also referring to a second in order or rank, like a secondary position or a copy of a law.
Definition: 1) double, copy, second, repetition 1a) double 1b) copy (of law) 1c) second (in order) 1c1) second rank 1c2) second in age 1d) second quarter or district
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: college, copy, double, fatlings, next, second (order), twice as much. See also: Genesis 41:43; 1 Chronicles 15:18; Isaiah 61:7.
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/כָּרִים֙
kar
H3733
"saddle"
Art | N-mp
A kar is a full-grown ram, often used for sacrifice or as a symbol of strength. It can also refer to a battering-ram used in battle or a type of furniture. In the Bible, it is sometimes translated as 'lamb' or 'captain'.
Definition: 1) howdah, palanquin, basket saddle 1a) an enclosed riding space erected on a camel's saddle
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: captain, furniture, lamb, (large) pasture, ram. See also H1033 (בֵּית כַּר), H3746 (כָּרִי). See also: Genesis 31:34; Isaiah 30:23; Psalms 37:20.
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַ/טּ֔וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אָב֖וּ
ʼâbâh
H14
"be willing"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To be willing or consent is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which involves being acquiescent or accepting. It is used in various contexts, including being willing to obey or follow.
Definition: 1) to be willing, consent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be willing 1a2) to consent, yield to, accept 1a3) to desire
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: consent, rest content will, be willing. See also: Genesis 24:5; 2 Samuel 14:29; Psalms 81:12.
הַחֲרִימָ֑/ם
châram
H2763
"to devote/destroy"
V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
To devote or destroy something, like the objects the Israelites were told to destroy in Deuteronomy 7:26.
Definition: 1) to ban, devote, destroy utterly, completely destroy, dedicate for destruction, exterminate 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to prohibit (for common use), ban 1a2) to consecrate, devote, dedicate for destruction 1a3) to exterminate, completely destroy 1b) (Hophal) 1b1) to be put under the ban, be devoted to destruction 1b2) to be devoted, be forfeited 1b3) to be completely destroyed
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: make accursed, consecrate, (utterly) destroy, devote, forfeit, have a flat nose, utterly (slay, make away). See also: Exodus 22:19; Joshua 11:21; Isaiah 11:15.
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַ/מְּלָאכָ֛ה
mᵉlâʼkâh
H4399
"work"
Art | N-fs
Means work or employment, like a job or business, and is used to describe someone's occupation or the result of their labor, as seen in the Bible's description of various professions and industries.
Definition: 1) occupation, work, business 1a) occupation, business 1b) property 1c) work (something done or made) 1d) workmanship 1e) service, use 1f) public business 1f1) political 1f2) religious
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: business, [phrase] cattle, [phrase] industrious, occupation, ([phrase] -pied), [phrase] officer, thing (made), use, (manner of) work((-man), -manship). See also: Genesis 2:2; 1 Chronicles 9:13; Psalms 73:28.
נְמִבְזָ֥ה
nᵉmibzeh
H5240
"vile"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means something or someone that is despised or held in contempt, considered vile. It describes something that is disdained or looked down upon.
Definition: vile, despised, disdained, held in contempt
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: vile. See also: 1 Samuel 15:9.
וְ/נָמֵ֖ס
mâçaç
H4549
"to melt"
Conj | V-Niphal
To melt or waste away is what this verb means, often used to describe something weakening or disappearing. It appears in books like Psalms and Isaiah, describing the effects of disease or fear. This word can also mean to faint or lose strength.
Definition: 1) to dissolve, melt 1a) (Qal) to waste away 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to melt, vanish, drop off, melt away 1b2) to faint, grow fearful (fig.) 1b3) wasted, worthless (participle) 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to melt
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: discourage, faint, be loosed, melt (away), refuse, [idiom] utterly. See also: Exodus 16:21; Psalms 68:3; Psalms 22:15.
אֹתָ֥/הּ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הֶחֱרִֽימוּ
châram
H2763
"to devote/destroy"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
To devote or destroy something, like the objects the Israelites were told to destroy in Deuteronomy 7:26.
Definition: 1) to ban, devote, destroy utterly, completely destroy, dedicate for destruction, exterminate 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to prohibit (for common use), ban 1a2) to consecrate, devote, dedicate for destruction 1a3) to exterminate, completely destroy 1b) (Hophal) 1b1) to be put under the ban, be devoted to destruction 1b2) to be devoted, be forfeited 1b3) to be completely destroyed
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: make accursed, consecrate, (utterly) destroy, devote, forfeit, have a flat nose, utterly (slay, make away). See also: Exodus 22:19; Joshua 11:21; Isaiah 11:15.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 15:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 15:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 15:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 15:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:9
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:9
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 15:9
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 15:9
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:9
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 15:9
Context — Saul’s Disobedience
7Then Saul struck down the Amalekites all the way from Havilah to Shur, which is east of Egypt.
8He captured Agag king of Amalek alive, but devoted all the others to destruction with the sword.
9Saul 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 devote them to destruction, but they devoted to destruction all that was despised and worthless.
10Then 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 15:15 | 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.” |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 15:19 | So why did you not obey the LORD? Why did you rush upon the plunder and do evil in the sight of the LORD?” |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 15:3 | 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 | Joshua 7:21 | When I saw among the spoils a beautiful cloak from Shinar, two hundred shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath.” |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 6:13 | When those carrying the ark of the LORD had advanced six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf. |
1 Samuel 15:9 Summary
In 1 Samuel 15:9, we see that Saul and his troops spared the best of the sheep and cattle, but devoted all that was despised and worthless to destruction. This shows that they were not fully obeying God's instructions, which were to destroy everything, as stated in 1 Samuel 15:3. This lack of obedience has consequences, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:10-11, where God regrets making Saul king. We can learn from this that obeying God's commands is essential, as stated in Joshua 1:7-8, and that we should strive to obey Him completely, without holding back or making exceptions, as Jesus taught in Matthew 28:20.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Saul and his troops spare Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle?
Saul and his troops spared Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle because they were unwilling to destroy them, likely due to their value and potential for personal gain, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:9, which contrasts with the instructions given in Deuteronomy 20:16-18 to destroy all that breathes in the cities of the nations nearby.
What does it mean to devote something to destruction?
To devote something to destruction means to set it apart for destruction, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:9, where Saul devoted all that was despised and worthless to destruction, which is in line with the concept of dedicating something to God for destruction, as mentioned in Leviticus 27:28-29 and Deuteronomy 20:16-18.
How does this verse relate to the concept of obedience to God?
This verse highlights the importance of obedience to God, as Saul's failure to obey God's instructions, as given in 1 Samuel 15:3, leads to consequences, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:10-11, where God regrets making Saul king, which reinforces the principle stated in Joshua 1:7-8 that obedience to God's commands is essential for success and blessing.
What can we learn from Saul's mistake in this verse?
We can learn from Saul's mistake the importance of obeying God's instructions completely, without holding back or making exceptions, as Saul did in 1 Samuel 15:9, which is in line with the principle stated in Matthew 28:20 that we should teach others to observe all that Jesus commanded, emphasizing the need for full obedience to God's commands.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am holding back from fully obeying God's instructions, and what steps can I take to correct this?
- How can I ensure that I am not making exceptions or compromises in my obedience to God, as Saul did in this verse?
- What are some ways that I can apply the principle of obedience to God's commands in my daily life, and what benefits can I expect to experience as a result?
- How can I avoid the temptation to prioritize personal gain or value over obedience to God, as Saul did in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 15:9
And Saul and all the people spared Agag,.... Perhaps Saul made the motion to spare him, and the people agreed to it; it may be, out of respect to him as a king; or because of the comeliness of his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 15:9
But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:9
Saul and the people; the one proposed to do so, and the other consented to it, and so both were guilty. All that was good; which it is more than probable they reserved for their own use, rather than for sacrifice, because they knew God would not accept a sacrifice contrary to his own command. Thus they obey God only so far as they could without inconvenience to themselves; they destroyed only what was not worth keeping, nor fit for their use.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:9
1 Samuel 15:9 But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all [that was] good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing [that was] vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.Ver. 9. And the best of the sheep.] If Saul spare Agag, the people will take liberty to spare the best of the spoil, - Regis ad exemplum, &c., the sins of the great command imitation, and do as seldom go without attendants as their persons, - which they ought not to have done, because together with those spoils, the memory also of the nation remained, which God had decreed utterly to blot out. They should have done as they did once at Jericho. But the dust of covetousness had put out their eyes; neither was it godliness, - as they pretended, - but gain, that made them so to fly upon the spoil.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:9
(9) Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen.—It would seem that Saul carried out the awful curse to the letter (with the exception that he spared the king) in the case of the human beings and the less valuable of their beasts. But covetousness seems to have suggested the preservation of the choicest cattle, and pride probably induced the Hebrew king to save Agag alive, that he might show the people his royal captive.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 15:9
9. spared Agag] Perhaps to grace his triumph and to be an evidence of his victory (Judges 1:7): perhaps from a feeling of sympathy with a fellow king (1 Kings 20:32). and the best of the sheep, &c.] In direct violation of the Divine command. It was to be a sacred war from which the people were to take no gain of spoil, in token that it was undertaken in the execution of a Divine vengeance and not for their own profit. fatlings] See note on p. 246.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 15:9
The fatlings - The present Hebrew text cannot be so rendered. It can only mean “the second best” (compare the margin), i. e., sheep of the age to cut or shed the two teeth, sheep in their prime.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:9
9. Spared Agag, and the best of the sheep — The one for the purpose of gratifying his vainglory by leading captive so illustrious a slave; the other to gratify his covetousness. Thus he repeated the sin of Achan. Joshua 7:21.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 15:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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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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God's Truth: Rebellion and Patriotism by Russell Kelfer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses five qualities that are best developed in a nation during times of struggle: submission, goodness, respect, commitment, and prayer. He emphasi |
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The Spirit of Truth by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of the corporate spirit and disobedience among congregations. He refers to the visual expression of disobedience registered in the |
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Carnality by John Hames | John Hames delves into the story of Saul sparing Agag as a symbol of sparing carnality in our lives. He highlights how modern holiness seekers spare Agag by not fully committing to |
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(1 Samuel) What God Regrets by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Saul and Samuel from the Bible. The sermon begins with the scene of Samuel confronting Saul after his victory in battle. Samuel q |
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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 |
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For Such a Time as This by Chuck Smith | This sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's eternal purposes, even when facing circumstances that are difficult to understand. It highlights the need to surrender th |