1 Samuel 15:20 – “But I did obey the Lord,” Saul said. “I went on the mission the Lord assigned me. I completely destroyed the Amalekites and brought back Agag their king.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In 1 Samuel 15:20, Saul responds to Samuel’s confrontation by defending his actions. He insists that he has obeyed God, claiming that he fulfilled the mission to destroy the Amalekites and simply brought back their king, Agag. Saul’s defense reveals a significant misunderstanding of what obedience truly entails. While he completed part of the mission, sparing King Agag was a direct act of disobedience to God’s explicit command. Saul seems to believe that partial obedience is enough, but Samuel’s challenge makes it clear that God requires full compliance with His commands.
Historical Context
Saul’s mission to destroy the Amalekites was a specific directive from God as judgment for their past sins against Israel. The Amalekites had a long history of hostility toward God’s people, dating back to the time of the Exodus. God’s instruction to Saul was to completely destroy everything, including the king and livestock. However, Saul chose to spare King Agag and keep the best of the animals, which he justified as being for a sacrificial offering. Saul’s decision reflected a common practice of the time where victors would capture kings as trophies of war, but this was not what God had commanded. Saul’s incomplete obedience led to God’s rejection of him as king.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the danger of self-deception in our relationship with God. Saul genuinely seems to believe that his partial obedience was sufficient, even though it directly contradicted God’s instructions. This teaches us that true obedience requires more than just outward actions; it demands a heart fully committed to doing what God commands, without modification or compromise. Saul’s response shows that humans can easily rationalize their actions, but God sees through our excuses. Obedience to God is not about doing what seems right in our own eyes but following His will completely.
Literary Analysis
The verse captures a moment of tension where Saul defends himself, using the word “completely” to describe his actions, despite the clear evidence to the contrary. The structure of the verse emphasizes Saul’s selective focus—he acknowledges the mission but glosses over the key aspect of disobedience. His mention of bringing back King Agag, which was explicitly against God’s command, demonstrates a disconnect between what Saul views as obedience and what God requires. This creates a stark contrast between Saul’s self-justification and Samuel’s forthcoming rebuke.
Biblical Cross-References
- Proverbs 16:2 – “All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord,” emphasizing that God sees beyond our actions to the heart behind them.
- Matthew 7:21-23 – Jesus warns that not everyone who says “Lord, Lord” will enter the kingdom, but only those who do the will of the Father, illustrating the importance of true obedience over mere words.
- James 1:22 – “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says,” highlighting the need for action in response to God’s commands.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, this verse is a reminder that obedience to God cannot be partial or selective. Saul’s rationalization challenges us to examine our own lives for areas where we may be doing the same—following God’s instructions to a point, but holding back in certain areas. It teaches us that God desires our full commitment and that justifying disobedience with good intentions is not acceptable. True obedience means doing all that God asks, not just the parts that are convenient or make sense to us.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse demonstrates that God’s love includes a call to accountability. God’s commands are not arbitrary; they are given for our good and the good of His people. When we fall short, God lovingly confronts us, as He did with Saul through Samuel. God’s love is not permissive but guiding, calling us to deeper faithfulness and integrity. His willingness to correct us when we disobey is part of His care for us, steering us back to His ways for our ultimate well-being and for the fulfillment of His purposes.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse contrasts Saul’s partial obedience with the perfect obedience of Jesus Christ. Jesus, unlike Saul, fully submitted to the will of God, even when it led to the cross. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42), exemplifying the complete submission that God desires. Through Jesus’ perfect obedience, we are offered the grace and forgiveness that Saul missed out on. Jesus’ life and sacrifice show us that full obedience to God leads to life and blessing, while partial obedience leads to consequences and separation from God.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Saul’s defense of his actions challenge you to reflect on areas where you might be rationalizing disobedience in your own life?
- In what ways are you tempted to offer partial obedience to God, thinking it’s enough?
- How does this verse teach us about the importance of aligning our actions fully with God’s commands, even when it’s difficult or inconvenient?
- How can we avoid self-deception in our walk with God and ensure that we are truly living in obedience to His word?
- How does Jesus’ example of perfect obedience inspire you to fully surrender to God’s will, even in challenging circumstances?