“And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel?”
This verse is part of the narrative where Samuel confronts King Saul: for his disobedience to God’s command. God had instructed Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites and all their possessions as a judgment for their wickedness. However, Saul spared the Amalekite king, Agag, and also kept some of the best livestock. When Samuel questioned Saul: about his actions, Saul justified his disobedience by claiming that he saved the best animals to offer them as sacrifices to God.
In response to Saul’s explanation, Samuel reminds him of his humble beginnings. He refers to the time when Saul was chosen as king: by God, despite his initial feelings of insignificance. Samuel asks Saul: “When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel?”
This verse highlights an important spiritual principle: humility before God. Samuel reminds Saul that his position as king was not a result of his own greatness or worthiness but rather God’s choice and anointing. Saul was a young man from the tribe of Benjamin who initially displayed a humble attitude, saying, “Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel, and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin?” (1 Samuel 9:21, KJV). Yet, as time went on, Saul’s heart became proud: and disobedient.
The verse serves as a rebuke to Saul, emphasising that his personal feelings of importance or his justifications for disobedience cannot override God’s commands. It reminds us that God looks for humility and obedience: in His servants rather than self-exaltation and self-justification.
As we reflect on this verse, we can draw several lessons for our own lives:
- Recognising our own insignificance: Like Saul, we should remember our humble beginnings and acknowledge that any position or authority we have is ultimately granted by God. We should guard against pride and maintain a humble heart before Him.
- Obedience over personal justifications: Saul’s attempt to offer sacrifices with the spoils of disobedience was not pleasing to God. It reminds us that our actions should be in alignment with God’s commands, and we should not rationalise or justify disobedience based on our own reasoning.
- Trusting in God’s choices and anointing: Just as God chose and anointed Saul as king, God has a purpose and plan for each of our lives. We should trust in His guidance, knowing that He equips and empowers us to fulfil the roles He has called us to.
In summary, 1 Samuel 15:17 highlights the importance of humility and obedience before God. It reminds us that our position and authority are gifts from God and that we should prioritise obedience to His commands over personal justifications. May we seek to cultivate a humble and obedient heart as we serve and follow God.
