← Back to 1 Samuel

1 Samuel 15

35 verses

TL;DR

King Saul disobeys God’s command to utterly destroy the Amalekites, sparing Agag and livestock, leading Samuel to reject him as king.

Summary

Samuel tells Saul that the Lord has anointed him king and commands him to destroy the Amalekites completely. Saul gathers a large army, defeats the Amalekites, but spares King Agag and the best livestock, claiming they will be sacrificed to God. Samuel is deeply grieved, and when Saul later claims he obeyed God, Samuel rebukes him for disobedience and for valuing sacrifice over obedience. Samuel declares that obedience to God’s word is superior to offerings, and that Saul’s rebellion has led to his removal from the throne. Samuel’s mantle is rent as a sign that the kingdom has been taken from Saul, who is replaced by a more worthy king. Saul acknowledges his sin, asks for forgiveness, but Samuel refuses to return to him, marking the end of Saul’s reign. Samuel later kills Agag in Gilgal and withdraws from Saul, mourning him but remaining faithful to God’s judgment.

Outline
  1. God’s command and Saul’s disobedience
  2. Samuel’s rebuke and the forfeiture of Saul’s kingship
  3. Execution of Agag and Samuel’s withdrawal
Themes
Obedience versus sacrificeDivine judgment and mercyThe sanctity of the anointing covenant
Keywords
anointcommanddisobediencefatekingdomobeysacrificewar
People
SamuelSaulAgagAmalekKenites
Places
TelaimHavilahShurCarmelGilgalGibeah of SaulRamahEgypt
Things
anointingswordmantlelivestocksacrificial offerings
Key Verses
  • 1 Samuel 15:3: God’s explicit command to destroy Amalek entirely.
  • 1 Samuel 15:9: Saul’s disobedience by sparing Agag and the best livestock.
  • 1 Samuel 15:17-23: Samuel’s stern rebuke emphasizing obedience over sacrifice.
  • 1 Samuel 15:30-31: Symbolic tearing of Samuel’s mantle and the transfer of the kingdom.
  • 1 Samuel 15:33-34: Execution of Agag, final punishment for Amalek.
Questions
  • What does this passage teach about the relationship between obedience and ritual sacrifice?
  • How does Samuel’s reaction reflect the nature of God’s covenant with Israel?
  • In what ways does Saul’s failure to follow God’s command lead to the loss of his kingship?
Sentiment

mixed
Regret and grief for Saul, righteous anger at his disobedience, and a sense of justice in the transfer of kingship.