College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
1 Samuel 15 - Introduction
A DIGEST OF CHAPTER 15
Saul sent against the Amalekites. The children of Amalek had been constant aggressors against the Israelites. They were the first nation to attack Israel when they left Egypt (Exodus 17:16). At that time God instructed Moses to write an account of the conflict in a book and note that their aggression would not go unpunished. Saul was thus ordered to utterly destroy the Amalekites.
Saul's incomplete obedience. Saul destroyed most of the men of Amalek, but he spared the king. He also spared some of the best of the animals. He excused his failure by saying that they were to be used as sacrifical animals.
Samuel delivers the Lord's message of condemnation. Once again it was Samuel's hard lot to deliver a message to judgment from the Lord. This time the message was one of complete rejection. When Saul had presumptuously offered sacrifice, Samuel announced that Saul's kingdom would not continue for long. After Saul failed to destroy the Amalekites, Samuel announced that God had rejected Saul himself.
Samuel and Saul parted permanently. Saul begged Samuel to stay with him, even seizing Samuel's robe and ripping it. Samuel did stay with Saul long enough for Saul to summon Agag. Samuel then slew Agag, after first worshipping with Saul. Finally, Samuel left Saul, never to see him until the day of his death.
LESSONS FOR LEARNING
1.
Sin cannot go unpunished. Israel defeated the Amalekites in battle when they first met, but the defeat was not complete. Though the Amalekites might have thought they had escaped rather intact, God had declared that He would ... utterly put out of the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven (Exodus 17:14). Men today who resist God and His word should expect no happier end.
2.
To obey is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22). This eternal principle needs to be burned into the hearts of men today. It is better to do God's will in the first place than to expend great amounts of time, money, and energy in an effort to make atonement for failure to follow God's leading.
CHAPTER 15 IN REVIEW
1.
What people was Saul sent to destroy?
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2.
What people lived among them?
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3.
To what place did Saul gather Israel?
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4.
How many men did Saul have with him?
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5.
How many men were from Judah?
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6.
Who was the king of the people Saul attacked?
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7.
Where did Saul meet Samuel?
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8.
With what sin did Samuel compare rebellion?
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9.
With what sins did he compare stubbornness?
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10.
What title did Samuel give to God?
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