“The People Made Me Do It”

 “Samuel also said unto Saul, The LORD sent me to anoint thee to be king over his people, over Israel: now therefore hearken thou unto the voice of the words of the LORD.” (1 Samuel 15:1)

Background

“Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt.” (1 Samuel 15:2)

In Exodus 17 we are told about how the Amalekites had attack the children of Israel in the wilderness. When Moses held up the rod of God Amalek was defeated and when he let his arm fall Amalek was winning. In the end Amalek retreated. It is clear that the Amalekites did not like Israel.

Destroy Them

“Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.” (1 Samuel 15:3)

God is very specific in his command. Every body, and everything must be killed.

Saul Attacks

Before Saul attacks the Amalekites he warns the Kenites to leave. Saul shows mercy to those who had shown mercy. It is the only light in what Saul does next.

Saul’s army attacks the Amalekites and kills everyone and everything, except their king Agag, the sheep, and cattle. Saul has rejected God’s command.

Samuel Confronts Saul

“And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD.” (1 Samuel 15:13)

Saul proclaimed himself to be above God. He “almost” did all that God had commanded. “Almost done” is “Completely Not done”. Samuel knows.

“And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?” (1 Samuel 15:14)

Saul’s Excuses

History is full of excuses; The devil made me do it, I was only following orders. God does not rejoice in the death of sinners. When God says do something he means do it without hesitation.

“22And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

23For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

24And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.”(1 Samuel 15:22-24)

Saul is fired, but he will not step down.

Stay Tuned…