When Samuel reached him, Saul said to him, "May the LORD bless you. I have carried out the LORD's instructions." When Samuel reached himThe arrival of Samuel, the prophet, signifies a moment of divine confrontation. Samuel, whose name in Hebrew (שְׁמוּאֵל, Shemu'el) means "heard of God," represents God's voice and authority. His reaching Saul is not just a physical journey but a spiritual one, where God's judgment and truth are about to be revealed. Historically, prophets were seen as God's mouthpieces, and their presence often indicated a significant message from God. Saul said
Saul, the first king of Israel, is a complex figure. His name in Hebrew (שָׁאוּל, Sha'ul) means "asked for" or "prayed for," reflecting Israel's desire for a king. Saul's words here are crucial as they reveal his heart and mindset. In the context of ancient Israel, a king was expected to lead with integrity and obedience to God, yet Saul's statement will soon be shown to be superficial. May the LORD bless you
This greeting is a customary blessing, invoking Yahweh's favor. The use of "LORD" (יהוה, Yahweh) is significant, as it is the covenant name of God, emphasizing a personal relationship. Saul's use of this blessing may seem pious, but it is ironic given the context. It reflects a superficial religiosity, a common theme in Scripture where outward expressions do not always match inward realities. I have carried out the LORD’s instructions
Saul's claim of obedience is central to this narrative. The Hebrew word for "instructions" (דָּבָר, dabar) can also mean "word" or "command." Saul asserts that he has fulfilled God's command, yet the subsequent verses reveal his disobedience. This highlights a critical biblical theme: true obedience to God is not partial or selective. Historically, this moment underscores the importance of complete adherence to God's will, a lesson that resonates throughout Scripture. Persons / Places / Events 1. SamuelA prophet and judge of Israel, Samuel was a key figure in the transition from the period of judges to the establishment of the monarchy. He anointed Saul as the first king of Israel and later David. 2. SaulThe first king of Israel, anointed by Samuel. Saul's reign was marked by initial success but later disobedience to God's commands, leading to his rejection as king. 3. The LORD's InstructionsRefers to God's command to Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites, including all their possessions, as a form of divine judgment. 4. AmalekitesA nomadic tribe that was a longstanding enemy of Israel. God commanded their destruction due to their opposition to Israel during the Exodus. 5. GilgalA significant location in Israel's history, often associated with covenant renewal and worship. It is where Saul awaited Samuel after the battle with the Amalekites. Teaching Points The Importance of ObedienceSaul's claim of obedience was superficial. True obedience to God requires complete adherence to His commands, not partial fulfillment. Self-Deception in DisobedienceSaul's greeting to Samuel reveals a self-deception, believing he had obeyed God when he had not. We must guard against rationalizing our disobedience. The Role of AccountabilitySamuel's confrontation with Saul underscores the need for accountability in our spiritual lives. We should welcome correction from godly leaders. The Consequences of DisobedienceSaul's failure to fully obey God led to his rejection as king. Disobedience can have serious consequences in our relationship with God. The Heart of WorshipGod desires obedience over ritual. Our worship should be reflected in our daily actions and choices, aligning with God's will. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Saul's greeting to Samuel reflect his understanding of obedience, and what can we learn from this about our own perceptions of obedience to God? 2. In what ways can we be tempted to rationalize partial obedience in our lives, and how can we guard against this? 3. How does the account of Saul and the Amalekites challenge us to consider the seriousness of God's commands and the importance of following them fully? 4. What role does accountability play in our spiritual growth, and how can we cultivate relationships that encourage honest and loving correction? 5. How can we ensure that our worship is not just ritualistic but truly reflects a heart of obedience and alignment with God's will? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 15:22-23These verses highlight the importance of obedience over sacrifice, emphasizing that God values adherence to His commands more than ritual offerings. Deuteronomy 25:17-19Provides background on why God commanded the destruction of the Amalekites, reminding Israel of their past aggression. Proverbs 21:3Reinforces the principle that doing what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. Acts 5:29Echoes the theme of obedience to God over human authority, as seen in the apostles' response to the Sanhedrin. People Agag, Amalek, Amalekites, Havilah, Israelites, Kenites, Samuel, SaulPlaces Amalek, Carmel, Edom, Egypt, Gibeah, Gilgal, Ramah, Shur Desert, TelaimTopics Bless, Blessed, Blessing, Carried, Command, Commandment, Fulfilled, Instructions, Lord's, Ordered, Performed, Reached, Samuel, SaulDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 15:1-23 8752 false worship 1 Samuel 15:12-14 6718 reconciliation, believers 1 Samuel 15:12-26 5926 rebuke 1 Samuel 15:13-21 8824 self-righteousness, nature of Library Saul Rejected
'Then came the word of the Lord unto Samuel, saying, 11. It repenteth Me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following Me, and hath not performed My commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the Lord all night. 12. And when Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning, it was told Samuel, saying, Saul came to Carmel, and, behold, he set him up a place, and is gone about, and passed on, and gone down to Gilgal. 13. And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureLetter iv to the Prior and Monks of the Grand Chartreuse
To the Prior and Monks of the Grand Chartreuse He commends himself to their prayers. To the very dear Lord and Reverend father Guigues, Prior of the Grande Chartreuse, and to the holy brethren who are with him, Brother Bernard of Clairvaux offers his humble service. In the first place, when lately I approached your parts, I was prevented by unfavourable circumstances from coming to see you and to make your acquaintance; and although my excuse may perhaps be satisfactory to you, I am not able, I confess, …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Confession of Sin --A Sermon with Seven Texts
The Hardened Sinner. PHARAOH--"I have sinned."--Exodus 9:27. I. The first case I shall bring before you is that of the HARDENED SINNER, who, when under terror, says, "I have sinned." And you will find the text in the book of Exodus, the 9th chap. and 27th verse: "And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: the Lord is righteous, and I and my people are wicked." But why this confession from the lips of the haughty tyrant? He was not often wont to …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857 Obedience
Take heed, and hearken, O Israel; this day thou art become the people of the Lord thy God. Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the Lord thy God, and do his commandments.' Deut 27: 9, 10. What is the duty which God requireth of man? Obedience to his revealed will. It is not enough to hear God's voice, but we must obey. Obedience is a part of the honour we owe to God. If then I be a Father, where is my honour?' Mal 1: 6. Obedience carries in it the life-blood of religion. Obey the voice of the Lord …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments That the Ruler Should Be, through Humility, a Companion of Good Livers, But, through the Zeal of Righteousness, Rigid against the vices of Evildoers.
The ruler should be, through humility, a companion of good livers, and, through the zeal of righteousness, rigid against the vices of evil-doers; so that in nothing he prefer himself to the good, and yet, when the fault of the bad requires it, he be at once conscious of the power of his priority; to the end that, while among his subordinates who live well he waives his rank and accounts them as his equals, he may not fear to execute the laws of rectitude towards the perverse. For, as I remember to …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great The Truth of God
The next attribute is God's truth. A God of truth and without iniquity; just and right is he.' Deut 32:4. For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.' Psa 57:10. Plenteous in truth.' Psa 86:15. I. God is the truth. He is true in a physical sense; true in his being: he has a real subsistence, and gives a being to others. He is true in a moral sense; he is true sine errore, without errors; et sine fallacia, without deceit. God is prima veritas, the pattern and prototype …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Blessed are they that Mourn
Blessed are they that mourn. Matthew 5:4 Here are eight steps leading to true blessedness. They may be compared to Jacob's Ladder, the top whereof reached to heaven. We have already gone over one step, and now let us proceed to the second: Blessed are they that mourn'. We must go through the valley of tears to paradise. Mourning were a sad and unpleasant subject to treat on, were it not that it has blessedness going before, and comfort coming after. Mourning is put here for repentance. It implies …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 The New Covenant.
"Now in the things which we are saying the chief point is this: We have such a High-priest, Who sat down on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a Minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man. For every high-priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is necessary that this High-priest also have somewhat to offer. Now if He were on earth, He would not be a Priest at all, seeing there are those who offer …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews How Christ is the Way in General, "I am the Way. "
We come now to speak more particularly to the words; and, first, Of his being a way. Our design being to point at the way of use-making of Christ in all our necessities, straits, and difficulties which are in our way to heaven; and particularly to point out the way how believers should make use of Christ in all their particular exigencies; and so live by faith in him, walk in him, grow up in him, advance and march forward toward glory in him. It will not be amiss to speak of this fulness of Christ …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Samuel 15:13 NIV1 Samuel 15:13 NLT1 Samuel 15:13 ESV1 Samuel 15:13 NASB1 Samuel 15:13 KJV
1 Samuel 15:13 Commentaries
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