15:1-35

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War against the Amalekites

(1Sa 15:1-35)

The Amalekites came under the same curse as those Canaanite nations that were to be destroyed (1Sa 15:1-3; cf. Exod 17:8-16; Deut 20:16-18; 25:17-19).

Again Saul’s obedience was tested, and again he failed. His kingly power gave him no right to alter God-given instructions to suit himself (1Sa 15:4-9).

God sent Samuel to tell Saul of the consequences of his disobedience (1Sa 15:10-16; cf. 1Sa 13:13-14). Religious sacrifices and military victories were no substitute for obedience.

Samuel had given Saul God’s instructions, but Saul, by acting independently of those instructions, had rebelled against God. He had proved himself unfit to be king of God’s people (1Sa 15:17-23).

No appeal from Saul could alter the fact that God was going to replace him as king of Israel (1Sa 15:24-29).

The most that Samuel could do for him was to accompany him in a final act of public worship (1Sa 15:30-33).

Although not removed immediately from the kingship, Saul lost for ever the services of Samuel (1Sa 15:34-35).