MPV Commentary

He Spares Agag and the Best of the Spoil.

Saul followed his own judgment rather than God's command in attacking the Amalekites (1Sa 15:7-9). He took King Agag alive, along with the most valuable portions of the spoil, including cattle. This was a deliberate act of disobedience to God's explicit instruction to destroy everything (1Sa 15:3).

Saul's actions were motivated by his desire for glory and power, rather than obedience to God. By sparing Agag and the best of the spoil, he demonstrated his selfish and arbitrary nature.

God Rejects His for Disobedience.

The Lord spoke to Samuel, expressing regret over having appointed Saul as king (1Sa 15:10-11). This was not a change in God's heart, but rather a response to Saul's disobedience. Samuel, who had a deep affection for the king, was deeply troubled by this announcement and spent a sleepless night interceding on Saul's behalf.

Saul arrived at Carmel (1Sa 15:12), where he set up a monument in his own honor. This act of defiance was another example of his disobedience to God. He then went to Gilgal, intending to offer sacrifices to God.

Saul told Samuel that he had fulfilled the Lord's command (1Sa 15:13-23). However, this claim was either a delusion or a deliberate attempt to deceive Samuel. Saul shifted the blame for any defects in his execution of the command to the people. Samuel saw through Saul's deception and condemned his actions as characterized by pride, rebellion, and obstinate disobedience.

Saul persisted in claiming that he had obeyed God, citing the animals reserved for sacrifice (1Sa 15:14-23). However, this was a flimsy pretext, an attempt to conceal his selfish motives under the guise of religious zeal. Samuel rebuked Saul for his shuffling and prevaricating answer.

I Have Sinned.

Saul humbled himself before Samuel, acknowledging that he had sinned (1Sa 15:24-26). However, this confession was not motivated by genuine repentance but rather a desire to avoid the consequences of his actions. He asked Samuel to join him in a public act of worship, hoping to appear contrite and gain mercy.

Saul claimed that he had feared the people and obeyed their voice (1Sa 15:24). However, this was a different reason from his previous excuse, and it did not justify his disobedience. Samuel pronounced the irreversible sentence of rejection against Saul and his family for their disobedience.

The Rejection of Saul.

In an attempt to detain Samuel, Saul grabbed hold of his mantle (1Sa 15:27-28). The rending of the garment was seen as a symbolic representation of Saul's severance from the throne. Samuel declared that the one who gives victory to Israel would not be absent from the people (1Sa 15:29).

Samuel turned back after Saul, not to worship with him but to ensure that the people did not abandon their allegiance to him (1Sa 15:31). He also intended to execute God's judgment on Agag.

Agag came before Samuel with a cheerful demeanor, expecting protection from the king (1Sa 15:32-33). However, Samuel executed justice on Agag, demonstrating that great leaders in the East often performed executions themselves. This act was done "before the Lord" in Gilgal, as a public display of God's judgment.