READ 1 SAMUEL 15
GO DEEPER
Saul received a clear directive from God to destroy the Amalekites and everything associated with them (verse 3). Many centuries prior to this, the Amalekites had committed a grave offense against the Israelites by attacking them following their liberation from Egypt. This incident is recorded in Exodus 17:14 where the Lord instructed Moses. "And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven." (Exodus 17:14). Four centuries after receiving the command from God, Saul is being offered an opportunity to make amends through obedience. Despite following much of what was asked of him in verses 4-9, Saul failed to adhere to every aspect. He ultimately defied the clear instructions of the Lord.
In 1 Samuel 15:13, Samuel confronts Saul who confidently states, "I have performed the commandment of the LORD." It is somewhat amusing to picture Saul proudly declaring his obedience while the sounds of animals he was supposed to destroy can be heard nearby. Despite this, Saul's arrogance and defiance prevent him from recognizing his own wrongdoing, as revealed in verse 14.
There are significant lessons to be learned by observing Saul's reactions and responses following Samuel's confrontation of his disobedience. Rather than taking responsibility, Saul immediately shifts blame onto others, claiming "They have brought them from the Amalekites" (v. 15). He further attempts to justify his wrongdoing by explaining that the animals were spared for sacrifices to the Lord (v. 15). Additionally, he asks Samuel to worship with him in verse 25, prioritizing the appearance of repentance over the sincerity of his heart.
Many times, we can relate to Saul's behavior. How frequently do we shift blame onto others when faced with wrongdoing? Or rationalize our own sinful behaviors and intentions? And how frequently do we prioritize how our sins appear to others, rather than acknowledging the harm hidden sins can cause to ourselves and those in our circle.
God communicates to us through Samuel that adherence to His commands is more valuable than making sacrifices. The act of sacrificing was never meant to be a substitute for obeying God; rather, it was meant to be a demonstration of obedience. Saul's wrongdoing lay in his failure to follow God's instructions and his preference for seeking the approval of others over that of God. While sacrifices involved offering the flesh of an animal, obedience provides us with the chance to offer ourselves. Let us strive to embody the message of Romans 12:1 and ". . . present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."
QUESTIONS
1. Can you relate to obeying God's teachings and commands, as mentioned in John 14:15?
2. Do you have friends similar to Samuel who can help you recognize the sins in your life that you may not see on your own?
3. Take some time to confess to the Lord areas in your life where you prioritize seeking people's approval over God's approval.