“Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the LORD, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of the LORD?”
Context:The verse you mentioned is part of the narrative of King Saul’s disobedience and rejection by God. In 1 Samuel 15, God commanded Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites and all their possessions as an act of judgment. However, Saul and his army spared King Agag and some of the best livestock. Samuel confronts Saul about his disobedience, leading to this verse.
Understanding the verse:Let’s read 1 Samuel 15:19 (KJV): “Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the Lord, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of the Lord?” In this verse, Samuel questions Saul’s disobedience and rebukes him for failing to obey God’s command to completely destroy the Amalekites and their possessions.
- Disobedience to God:This verse highlights the seriousness of disobeying God’s commands. Saul’s failure to fully obey the Lord’s instructions was seen as evil in God’s sight. It reveals Saul’s lack of reverence and submission to God’s authority.
- Selective obedience:Saul’s disobedience stemmed from his desire to seize the spoils of war and spare the Amalekite king, Agag. He prioritised personal gain over wholehearted obedience to God’s explicit command. This teaches us the importance of not selectively obeying God’s Word but rather following it fully and completely.
- The consequences of disobedience:Samuel’s rebuke to Saul indicates that his actions carried severe consequences. Saul’s disobedience would result in God rejecting him as king over Israel (1 Samuel 15:23). It emphasises the principle that God desires obedience and faithfulness from His people, and disobedience carries serious consequences.
Lessons for us:As believers, we can learn from Saul’s disobedience. God desires our complete obedience and submission to His will. Selective obedience or prioritising personal gain over God’s commands is not acceptable. We must carefully follow God’s Word and seek to honour Him in all areas of our lives.
- Repentance and restoration:While Saul’s disobedience had severe consequences, it is important to note that genuine repentance can lead to restoration. After being confronted by Samuel, Saul expressed remorse for his actions (1 Samuel 15:24-31). Although he faced the loss of his kingship, Saul had the opportunity to turn to God in repentance.
In conclusion, 1 Samuel 15:19 in the KJV highlights the gravity of disobedience to God’s commands. Saul’s selective obedience and pursuit of personal gain led to his rejection as king. This verse serves as a reminder for us to obey God wholeheartedly and prioritise His will above our own desires.
