1 Samuel 15

15:1-35 After Saul failed to obey God and completely destroy the Amalekites, God rejected him in even stronger terms than before (cp. 13:8-14).

15:2 Lord of Heaven’s Armies: See study note on 1:3. • to settle accounts: In Moses’ time, the nation of Amalek had inhabited southern Judah and the Negev area south of Judah. As Israel traveled to Canaan, the Amalekites preyed on the sick and the weak and those traveling at the rear. They were the first people to attack Israel after the exodus from Egypt, for which God had promised to judge them (Exod 17:8-16; Deut 25:17-19).

15:3 completely destroy: See “Complete Dedication” Theme Note.

15:4 Telaim: Possibly Telem (Josh 15:24).

15:5 The unnamed town in the valley was located somewhere near a Negev wadi, a streambed or riverbed that fills with water only when rain falls.

15:6 The Kenites were nomadic metalworkers and descendants of Moses’ father-in-law (Judg 1:16). • you showed kindness: See Exod 18; Num 10:29-32.

15:7 The area where the Amalekites lived stretched from Havilah in northern Sinai to Shur near the eastern border of Egypt.

15:8 Agag was probably the descendant of an earlier king by the same name (see Num 24:7; cp. Esth 3:1).

15:9 Saul and his men directly disobeyed the Lord’s command to “completely destroy” the Amalekites (15:3). Though the entire army participated in the disobedience of God’s command, Saul alone was responsible as their leader.

15:12 Carmel was a town near Hebron in southern Judah. • Saul commemorated his own accomplishments by erecting a monument to himself. In reality, he had earned shame (15:16-19). • Gilgal: See 13:4.

15:13 I have carried out the Lord’s command! Cp. 15:3. Saul apparently thought his actions were justified (15:15; cp. Lev 22:19). Samuel, however, cut through Saul’s pretense (1 Sam 15:17-19) and carried out God’s command himself (15:32-33).

15:15 Saul blamed the army even though he was the commander. Certainly, his real motivation was not spiritual (15:9).

15:17 As the anointed . . . king of Israel, Saul bore the responsibility for disobeying God, which neither false humility nor making excuses could diminish.

15:21 my troops: Saul persisted in blaming others (see 15:15). • Gilgal was a religious center. Saul tried to use religion to justify disobedience to God.

15:22 What is more pleasing: God values obedience much more than ritual (see also Ps 40:6; Hos 6:6; Matt 12:7). • the fat of rams: The choicest parts of the animal were offered to God.

15:23 Rebellion . . . and stubbornness, sins of the heart, are as bad as the sinful practices of idolatrous pagans. • Scripture condemns witchcraft (see study note on Deut 18:10).

15:24-30 Saul finally confessed his sin. But it was too little, too late—and still accompanied by excuses.15:24 I was afraid of the people: Saul continued to blame others (see 15:15, 21). • what they demanded: There is no hint of such pressure in the chapter. Saul’s confession appears dishonest (cp. David, 2 Sam 12:13; Ps 51).

15:28 Saul soon discovered who this someone else was (18:8-9; cp. ch 16).

15:29 nor will he change his mind: Samuel spoke prophetically of God’s commitment to make David king and to preserve his dynasty. God had rejected Saul, but he would never reject David (see 2 Sam 7:8-17).

15:30 honor me before the elders: To help Saul save face.

15:35 The verb phrase mourned constantly is usually used for grieving over someone’s death. Although Saul was still living, his royalty was coming to an end. Samuel might have been grieving out of personal attachment to Saul, a sense of failure, or concern that Israel’s condition would be worse. • the Lord was sorry: See “God’s Change of Mind” Theme Note.