In 1 Samuel 15:1-5, the Lord sent Samuel to anoint Saul as king and commanded him to utterly destroy the Amalekites. This command was not arbitrary but a fulfillment of God’s judgment against them for their past sins. The Amalekites, descendants of Esau, had attacked Israel from the rear during their exodus from Egypt (Exodus 17:14). Though God’s judgment may be delayed, it is always certain—He never forgets.

If sin is not completely eradicated, it will return with greater consequences. Haman, a descendant of the Amalekites, sought to annihilate the Jews centuries later in the book of Esther. Jesus emphasized the importance of removing sin entirely (Matthew 5:29-30), for if we do not destroy sin, it will ultimately destroy us.

God always removes the righteous before passing judgment, as seen when He spared the Kenites, descendants of Moses’ father-in-law Jethro (1 Samuel 15:6). This principle is also evident in biblical history—Noah, Lot, Rahab, and ultimately, the Church will be delivered before God’s final judgment.

Another truth revealed in this passage is that when we bless others, blessings will return to us. The Kenites showed kindness to Israel, and in return, they were spared destruction. This principle remains true today—God blesses those who extend kindness to others.

Saul, however, disobeyed God by sparing King Agag and the best of the livestock (1 Samuel 15:7-9). This act of partial obedience was, in reality, complete disobedience. Rather than following God’s command, Saul sought to justify his actions by claiming he kept the best to sacrifice to the Lord. But God desires obedience over sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22). Choosing to obey only when convenient is like disregarding traffic signals—it leads to destruction.

God has emotions, and Saul’s disobedience grieved Him deeply (1 Samuel 15:10-11). Like a loving parent saddened by a rebellious child, God mourned over Saul’s failure. Saul’s downfall was rooted in pride—he built a monument for himself instead of glorifying God (1 Samuel 15:12). When confronted, Saul blamed others instead of repenting (1 Samuel 15:14-15). Blame-shifting blinds us to our need for change and robs us of the opportunity for growth.

Samuel reminded Saul that when he was small in his own eyes, God was able to use him (1 Samuel 15:17). However, as Saul grew in pride, he became unusable. Humility allows God to work through us, but pride leads to rejection. When Saul finally admitted his sin, he was still more concerned about his reputation than true repentance (1 Samuel 15:24-25). Because of his rebellion, God rejected him as king (1 Samuel 15:26).

As Samuel turned to leave, Saul grabbed his robe, tearing it—a symbol of how the kingdom was torn from him (1 Samuel 15:27-29). Saul had built his identity on his title rather than obedience to God. Unlike Jesus, who humbled Himself and was exalted, Saul clung to power and lost everything. Despite his pleas, God’s judgment was final.

In the end, Samuel executed Agag himself, fulfilling God’s command (1 Samuel 15:32-35). Though Saul continued to rule for years, his reign was hollow, and Samuel never saw him again. The Lord regretted making Saul king, showing that while God is patient, persistent disobedience leads to devastating consequences.

Calvary Chapel West Jacksonville
Pastor Allen Victor

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