I Samuel 15 Devotional
by Pastor Mark Hudson
In chapter 15, we have a clear command to Saul and the reasons given. This age-old hostility will be dealt with by Saul. As uncomfortable for us to read v. 3, the Biblical authors offer nary a word of justification. This refers to what Amalek did to Israel recorded in Exodus 17:8-14 and Deuteronomy 25:17-19 . The command in verse 3 is crystal clear. The word spare will appear again in this chapter.
Robert Alter is his The Art of Biblical Narrative claims that the key words in I Samuel 15 are listen, voice, and word. “Samuel begins by enjoining Saul to listen to the voice of God; when the king returns victorious from battle, the prophet is dismayed by the voice (or sound) of sheep and the voice of cattle that he hears. Thundering denunciation in verse, he tells Saul that what the Lord wants is “Listening to the voice of God, / For to listen is better than sacrifice/ To hearken, than the fat of rams” (I Sam 15:22) and a contrite Saul apologizes that he has transgressed the word of the Lord and instead listened to the voice of the people.” (Alter, p. 93).
We think this chapter is about Amalek, but the author has another intention. Saul has overwhelming military advantage (in fact the numbers in I Samuel are often hard to interpret so this may also be high). He wisely excluded the Kenites which jeopardizes his mission. Saul then begins the conquest which is positive in verse 7. Dark clouds arise in verse 8. In verses 8-10, Saul and the people have financial reasons to disobey. “He (Saul) gook Agag the king of the Amalekites alive . . .” “Saul . . .spared (that word again) . . . the best . . . and all that was good and would not utterly destroy them. All that was despised and worthless they devoted to destruction” (v. 9).
In verse 13, Saul is happy to see Samuel, “Blessed be you to the Lord. I have performed the commandment of the Lord.” Now voice/sound theme appears: “What then is the bleating of the sheep in my ears and the lowing of the oxen that I hear?” In other words, that doesn’t sound like obedience to me. “They (the people, not me) have brought them from the Amalekites for the people (not me) spared (this word again) the best of the sheep . . . to sacrifice (you like sacrifices, right?) . . . and the rest we (I am included in this) have devoted to destruction (just like you said)”
Samuel delivers this clear denunciation of Saul’s decisions, actions, and his poor attempt at justification in verses 16-19. Saul is not done. “I (me, not them) have obeyed the voice of the Lord. . . .” Verse 20 is all about the good things Saul has done. In verse 21, Saul explains to Samuel who is really to blame. “But the people took of the spoil . . . .” Now this last lame excuse precedes this well know and well-loved section in vs. 22-23.
Finally, Saul admits he has sinned. We see Saul has disappointed both God and Samuel in verse 11. Not that God didn’t know, but He feels the sin, rebellion, and treachery of His people. Samuel must have conflicting feelings over Saul and possibly wonders how this will look for him.
Saul, the good-looking king is still interested in appearances at the end of the chapter in v. 25. “Return with me that I may bow before the Lord.” Saul wants things to appear the same to him and everyone else. One might think after losing his legacy, his kingship, one might hope Saul would care about his eternal soul’s relationship with God. Not Saul. “Honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel. . . .” Saul tears Samuel’s robe which Samuel interprets as a tearing of Saul’s kingdom from him. Saul is going downhill quickly.
There is so much in this chapter. The narrator does not come right out and say clearly one thing or another and yet he does. Therefore, reading narratives is so interesting. A careful reader picks up these clues and reading is enjoyable time and time again because there is so much in even this one chapter.
God never forgot what the Amalekites did to Israel during the Exodus. He decides that He will get vengeance on his enemies, when, and who will do it. He is a God of wrath, questioned by many on earth, yet not by those in heaven who express the opposite hope in Revelation 6:10, “how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?”
No matter what we say to excuse ourselves, obedience to God is crucial. Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Sacrifice is important to God, external expression of the faith is important, but it will never be a substitute for obedience to His revealed will found in the Bible. Our faith includes important and crucial external elements: baptism, the Lord’s Supper, public worship, etc. But these are never in substitute of a vibrant, genuine, growing internal and invisible faith.
God identifies with His people. He reacts to their sin, He is provoked when God’s enemies hurt them, and while never learning anything or improving in any way, God is always just and perfect. He feels in a special way when His people are persecuted, harmed, or mourning. God is not indifferent to the pain of His people Woe to those who persecute Christians around the world and here in the U.S. God is a God of revenge, and He will judge those who deserve it.
Father, Saul is like a buoy to us. We learn to stay away from buoys, and we learn how not to be insecure, how not to be focused on externals, to not be jealous, and to hold on to our calling lightly knowing the God who gives may also remove. I too cover up my sin and am slow to admit I am wrong. I blame others willing that they look bad so I will appear better than I really am. People can be a steppingstone to get where I want to be. Forgive my wayward heart that is bathed in self-love. Thank you for the power of the gospel that is breaking down my self-centered heart. Fill me with the fruit of the Spirit to become more and more like Christ. In the name of the One who never sinned. Amen.