1 Samuel Chapter 17 Part One (Verses 1-30)

DAVID AND GOLIATH

A. Goliath challenges Israel

1. (1 Sam 17:1-3) The Philistines gather for battle
Now the Philistines gathered their armies for battle; and they were gathered at Socoh which belongs to Judah, and they camped between Socoh and Azekah, in Ephes-dammin. Saul and the men of Israel were gathered and camped in the valley of Elah, and drew up in battle array to encounter the Philistines. The Philistines stood on the mountain on one side while Israel stood on the mountain on the other side, with the valley between them.

Now the Philistines gathered their armies: There is nothing to tell us how much time has elapsed since Saul fought the Amelekites and the other events which transpired in chapter 16. The compiler of this book is from this time forth mainly concerned with the story of David, and how he gradually rose to power and popularity with the people. The history presented in 1 Samuel does not profess to give anything like a consecutive account of the reign and wars of Saul.

Socoh: This was one of 14 villages located along the Shephelah, a region of low hills of limestone which created a boundary between the plain of the Mediterranean Sea and the higher mountains to the east. Socoh belonged to the tribe of Judah, which shows how strong a footing the Philistines had on Israel.

They camped between Socoh and Azekah: This location was about 12-15 miles southwest of Jerusalem and about 9-10 miles from Bethlehem, the home of Jesse and his family.

Ephes-dammin: The meaning of Ephes-dammin is the boundary of blood, so called from the continual fighting which took place there.

Valley of Elah: The Valley of Elah is now known as Wady-es-Sunt, which runs in a northwest direction from the hills of Judah near Hebron past Gath to the Mediterranean Sea near Ashdod. Elah is named after the terebinth tree which still can be found in a large quantity in this region. (The region's current name, es-Sunt, is named after the acacia trees found there.)

The Philistines stood on the mountain: The Israelites camped on the eastern slopes while the Philistines camped on the western slopes of the valley. In the middle of the broad, open valley, there is a deep stream-bed, which has deep vertical sides. This makes the valley impassable except in certain places, making it a valley within a valley and creating a natural barrier between the two hosts.


2. (1 Sam 17:4-10) The Philistine Goliath challenges Israel
Then a champion came out from the armies of the Philistines named Goliath, from Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. He had a bronze helmet on his head, and he was clothed with scale-armor which weighed five thousand shekels of bronze. He also had bronze greaves on his legs and a bronze javelin slung between his shoulders. The shaft of his spear was like a weaver's beam, and the head of his spear weighed six hundred shekels of iron; his shield-carrier also walked before him. He stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel and said to them, "Why do you come out to draw up in battle array? Am I not the Philistine and you servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves and let him come down to me. If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will become your servants; but if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall become our servants and serve us." Again the Philistine said, "I defy the ranks of Israel this day; give me a man that we may fight together."

A champion: The literal Hebrew is "a man between two camps". It was a person who did not fight in the ranks like an ordinary soldier, but he came forth into the space between the two camps to challenge the mightiest man of his enemies to come forth and fight him.

Goliath from Gath: It is very likely that Goliath was a survivor of the ancient race of Anakim. A remnant found refuge in Gaza, Gath and Ashdod when they were exterminated by Joshua from the mountains of Judah. ("Then Joshua came at that time and cut off the Anakim from the hill country, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab and from all the hill country of Judah and from all the hill country of Israel. Joshua utterly destroyed them with their cities. There were no Anakim left in the land of the sons of Israel; only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod some remained" Joshua 11:21-22.)

(Side note: The Anakim were a race of giants, notorious for fighting wars (Deuteronomy 2:10, 2:21, 9:2). The Anakim's ancestry has been traced back to Anak, the son of Arba (Joshua 15:13, 21:11). Arba was regarded as the "greatest man among the Anakim" (Joshua 14:15).)

Six cubits and a span: The cubit, or the distance from the elbow to the middle finger, is variously estimated from 18-21 inches. A span is the distance between the thumb and the little finger in an outstretched hand. So, Goliath's height was between nine feet nine inches and eleven feet four inches. The most probable estimate is about ten feet three inches.

He had a bronze helmet on his head: The helmet was usually made of skins of beasts or of leather and covered in either iron or bronze.

He was clothed with scale-armor: More accurately, this was a breastplate of scales. The armor was made of metal scales, like those of a fish. This coat of mail was flexible and covered the back and the sides of the wearer.

Five thousand shekels of bronze: The common shekel was about a fourth of an ounce. So five thousand shekels would be 1250 ounces (or about 78 pounds).

Greaves: Armor that protected the shin. The coat of mail was usually long and covered the wearer's thighs. Greaves needed to be worn on the shins to protect the lower legs in battle.

His spear weighed 600 shekels of iron: This would be about 9.3 pounds.

However tall and strong Goliath might have been, with this vast array of heavy armor, his movements would have been slow and labored. Goliath might have been invincible if attacked with a sword or spear, but he was too encumbered with defensive armor to be capable of fighting someone lightly armed.

Am I not the Philistine: It is worthy to note the article "the" used for Goliath to describe himself. He is not "a" Philistine, but "THE" Philistine. The Hebrew is very forceful here and emphasizes Goliath's pride. Jewish tradition states that Goliath was the warrior who had slain Hophni and Phinehas (the sons of Eli the high priest) and had carried the Ark of the Covenant to the temple of Dagon.


3. (1 Sam 17:11) The fear of Saul and all Israel
When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly terrified.

When Saul...heard these words: Saul had special reason to be afraid. Goliath was the giant among the Philistines, and Saul was head and shoulders taller than the other Israelites ("He had a son whose name was Saul, a choice and handsome man, and there was not a more handsome person than he among the sons of Israel; from his shoulders and up he was taller than any of the people" 1 Sam 9:2.). Saul was the logical choice to pair up with Goliath.

They were dismayed and greatly terrified: This was Goliath's intention in issuing the challenge. Goliath came out in full battle armor and paraded around in front of the Israelite army. He wanted them to be "dismayed and greatly terrified". Goliath defeated the Israelites on fear alone.

In any contest, it is always useful to demoralize your opponent and strike fear in their hearts. It may keep you from ever going to battle with them because they are afraid. Additionally, if they do fight you in battle, they will do so with fear and apprehension. So with just using words, Goliath was able to win the battle against Saul and his army before it ever began. This is a significant strategy the devil uses against believers.

Dismayed and greatly terrified: As battle loomed, this was Saul's emotional state. At one time, he was known as a fierce and successful military leader. But that was before the Spirit of the Lord departed from him (1 Sam 16:14). As the Spirit left Saul, so too did his courage.


B. David comes to the camp of Israel

1. (1 Sam 17:12-15) David, the youngest of eight brothers, splits his time between the palace and the pasture
Now David was the son of the Ephrathite of Bethlehem in Judah, whose name was Jesse, and he had eight sons. And Jesse was old in the days of Saul, advanced in years among men. The three older sons of Jesse had gone after Saul to the battle. And the names of his three sons who went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and the second to him Abinadab, and the third Shammah. David was the youngest. Now the three oldest followed Saul, but David went back and forth from Saul to tend his father's flock at Bethlehem.

The Ephrathite: Ephrath is an old name for the city of Bethlehem. ("Rachel died, and was buried on the way to Ephrath (the same is Bethlehem)" Genesis 35:19.)

David went back and forth from Saul: David left Saul's court, with his permission, to tend his father's sheep. David most likely returned back to his father after his father sent his three oldest sons to serve Saul in his army. It seems David was only called to the palace as needed, when Saul was afflicted by the distressing spirit. Although David was appointed to be Saul's armor-bearer (1 Samuel 16:21), it probably was a nominal appointment. David was young and inexperienced. His attendance in camp was probably not required. Joab had ten armor-bearers ("And ten young men who carried Joab's armor gathered around and struck Absalom and killed him" 2 Samuel 18:15.). Saul probably had many more armor-bearers than this. Only the strongest and most loyal probably followed Saul into this battle.


2. (1 Sam 17:16-21) David brings gifts from home and comes into Israel's camp
The Philistine came forward morning and evening for forty days and took his stand. Then Jesse said to David his son, "Take now for your brothers an ephah of this roasted grain and these ten loaves and run to the camp to your brothers. Bring also these ten cuts of cheese to the commander of their thousand, and look into the welfare of your brothers, and bring back news of them. For Saul and they and all the men of Israel are in the Valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines." So David arose early in the morning and left the flock with a keeper and took the supplies and went as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the circle of the camp while the army was going out in battle array shouting the war cry. Israel and the Philistines drew up in battle array, army against army.

The Philistine came forward...for forty days: This verse picks back up the narrative, which was disturbed by the explanation about David's family relations. It is amazing that Goliath continues to taunt the Israelites for forty days, without either army advancing or retreating. Day after day, Goliath taunted and mocked the army of Israel, exposing them all (and especially Saul) to be cowards. In this time in history, most military battles lasted but a few days. It seems family and friends sought out to supply Israel's army with food during this long campaign.

Roasted grain: This was wheat or barley dried in a furnace or oven and ground into meal. The meal was then mixed with water, milk, butter, honey or oil and was very delicious. An ephah was as much as ten men could eat in a day.

Ten cuts of cheese to the commander: Jesse desired to give a gift to his son's commander, whose favor he might obtain with some dairy delights.

Left the flock with a keeper: This little observation shows the shepherd's heart of David. If he left the sheep to run an errand for his father, he made sure the sheep were still well cared for.

He came to the circle of the camp: This was the shape of camps in ancient times. They were protected against surprise attacks by having the wagons and baggage placed around them.

The army was going out in battle array shouting the war cry: This must have been the scene for forty days. The armies gathered on each hillside, screaming and shouting at each other across the valley. Goliath made his parade and shouted insults, and after a while, the Israelites walked back to their camp in shame.


3. (1 Sam 17:22-24) David sees Goliath's challenge and the fear of Israel's soldiers
Then David left his baggage in the care of the baggage keeper, and ran to the battle line and entered in order to greet his brothers. As he was talking with them, behold, the champion, the Philistine from Gath named Goliath, was coming up from the army of the Philistines and he spoke these same words; and David heard them. When all the men of Israel saw the man, they fled from him and were greatly afraid.

When the men of Israel saw the man, they fled: Upon seeing Goliath, the men of Israel drew back in haste from the edge of the ravine. It is very likely, Goliath only came to the edge of the ravine. Weighed down in armor weighing several hundred pounds, Goliath would have had great difficulty trying to traverse the steep ravine. In verse 40, we read that it was out of the ravine that David selected his smooth small stones, and being encumbered with no armor, it was easy for him to climb up the other side of the ravine and attack his heavily armed opponent.


4. (1 Sam 17:25-27) David hears of Saul's reward to the man who beats Goliath, but he speaks of God's honor
The men of Israel said, "Have you seen this man who is coming up? Surely he is coming up to defy Israel. And it will be that the king will enrich the man who kills him with great riches and will give him his daughter and make his father's house free in Israel." Then David spoke to the men who were standing by him, saying, "What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?" The people answered him in accord with this word, saying, "Thus it will be done for the man who kills him."

To defy Israel: Rather, a better translation would be "to cast scorn on" or "to dishonor Israel".

The king will enrich the man: The situation had become so desperate that King Saul needed to offer a three-part bribe--a cash reward, a princess and a tax exemption--to induce someone, anyone to fight and defeat Goliath.

Make his father's house free in Israel: Whoever fought and defeated Goliath, his father's house would be free from personal service in the army and from any other service due to the king. It also probably included exemption from taxation, contributions to war expenses and other contributions which may be required from the people of Israel.

And David spoke: Very vividly the historian depicts the scene that morning on the front lines. The dismayed soldiers of King Saul watch and listen to the boastful, impious words of Goliath as he shouted across the narrow ravine which separated the two armies. The young, enthusiastic shepherd boy, glowing with religious fervor, travels from group to group asking questions, and gleaning all the information he can about the insulter of his God.

Who is this uncircumcised Philistine: David expresses a high degree of indignation that Israel, who were the servants of the living God and fought under His banner, should be terrified of an idolater. The God of Israel was no match for a man who worshiped statues made with his own hands.

The living God: The god of the Philistines was a lifeless idol. The God of Israel was real and had performed countless miracles from leading Israel out of Egypt to providing manna from heaven to providing triumphal victories over Israel's enemies.

Other soldiers focused on the danger of the battle or the material rewards which could be won. It seems David alone focused on the reputation of Israel and the honor of the living God. This truly shows David to be a man after God's own heart. He cares about the things God cares about. He saw the problem in spiritual terms and not in material or fleshly terms.


5. (1 Sam 17:28-30) David is misunderstood and falsely accused by his brother
Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab's anger burned against David and he said, "Why have you come down? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your insolence and the wickedness of your heart; for you have come down in order to see the battle." But David said, "What have I done now? Was it not just a question?" Then he turned away from him to another and said the same thing; and the people answered the same thing as before.

Eliab's anger burned against David: We might have thought that David's visit would please Eliab, especially considering all the gifts David brought from home. But, David's words angered Eliab, and there are many reasons why. First, Eliab was angry because he felt David was an insignificant, worthless person who had no right to speak up. Second, Eliab was angry because he felt he knew David's motivation. But on the contrary, Eliab really did not know David's heart. Third, Eliab was angry because he thought David tried to provoke someone else into fighting Goliath just so he could see a battle. Eliab was a tall man of good appearance (1 Samuel 16:7), and he may have felt David was trying to push him into battle. Finally, Eliab was angry because David was right! When you are dismayed and greatly afraid, the last thing you want is someone telling you to be courageous and fight the enemy.

Additionally, there were probably many years between the ages of the eldest and youngest of these eight brothers, and this jealous anger was, no doubt, nothing new in Eliab. Probably, too, the envious older brother well remembered the visit of the great prophet, Samuel, to Bethlehem, and how Samuel had anointed his younger brother, for some mysterious, and as yet unknown, reason.

What have I done now? Was it just a question?: David answers his jealous and over-bearing brother with all gentleness and forbearance, and sticks to his position. There is no doubt that what his brother Eliab said hurt David, but he would not let it hinder him. David remained concerned with God's cause before everything else. Before his own personal safety, before his own personal glory, before his own person honor, he had a passionate concern for God's cause.

David was more concerned with God's cause than with his own feelings. When David was misunderstood and publicly rebuked, probably amid the laughter of other soldiers, he could have quit. But, he showed the strength and armor of God in his life and replied in a just fashion. He did not care about his glory or success, but he only cared for the glory and success of the LORD'S cause. If Eliab's hurtful words can get David in the flesh and out of step with the Spirit of the LORD, then David's strength is gone. But when David ruled his spirit and answered softly, he was more in step with the Spirit of the LORD than ever...and Goliath would be a dead man.

Then he turned away from him: Being moved by God's Spirit to undertake Goliath, David speaks with many people about it. And with much chatter, the matter soon reaches the king's ear.

1 Samuel Chapter 16 Part Three (Verses 15-23)

2. (1 Sam 16:15-17) A solution suggested
Saul's servants then said to him, "Behold now, an evil spirit from God is terrorizing you. Let our lord now command your servants who are before you. Let them seek a man who is a skillful player on the harp; and it shall come about when the evil spirit from God is on you, that he shall play the harp with his hand, and you will be well. So Saul said to his servants, "Provide for me now a man who can play well and bring him to me."

Saul's servants: It is interesting to note that Saul did not seek refuge from his evil spirit, but Saul's servants seem to be acutely aware of the change in Saul's countenance. This is a great example of how our spiritual condition is far more apparent to those around us than to the one afflicted.

An evil spirit from God: The form in which the evil spirit manifested itself in Saul was apparently an incurable melancholy, which, at times, burst forth in fits of uncontrollable rage and jealous anger. When Saul's attendants and his officers perceived the mental anguish under which the king was evidently suffering, they suggested perhaps the evil influence which troubled the king might be alleviated by the playing of music.

Seek a man who is a skillful player: In today's language, Saul's servants are asking Saul if they can seek out a worship leader. They want to find a man who can, using music, bring the love, peace and power of God to Saul. Saul was often disobedient. Having a worship leader could help Saul seek the LORD and find rest for his soul. God created music and gave it the capacity to touch people with profound power. Like so many things, music can be used for tremendous good or it can be used for great evil. Music powerfully communicates with our inner being.

You will be well: It had been a well-known fact that music exerts a powerful influence on the mind. In ancient Greek literature, music is recommended to heal mental disease. In the past, Saul received the Spirit of the LORD in the presence of music (see 1 Samuel 10:10). His servants thought, perhaps, music could help restore the Holy Spirit back to Saul.


3. (1 Sam 16:18) A man is nominated
Then one of the young men said, "Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite who is a skillful musician, a mighty man of valor, a warrior, one prudent in speech, and a handsome man; and the LORD is with him.

Then one of the young men: The Hebrew here is very specific in stating that the servant who suggests David is a young man. This young man very likely was a contemporary of David and thus may have had several interactions with David or may have even been his friend.

A skillful musician: As a boy, David possessed rare gifts in poetry and music. It is probable that some of David's early Psalms were originally composed while watching his father's sheep around the hills near Bethlehem. Many centuries later, while shepherds were watching over their sheep by night, the angel host appeared to them to tell them of the birth of a child in Bethlehem.

A mighty man of valor, a warrior: the description of David being a mighty valiant man can be explained from what is related in 1 Samuel 17:34-35: "But David said to Saul, 'Your servant was tending his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock, I went out after him and attacked him, and rescued from his mouth; and when he rose up against me, I seized him by his beard and struck him and killed him.'"

A question has been raised respecting the word "warrior". It seems from the narrative in 1 Samuel 17 that the combat with the giant Philistine was David's first great military exploit. However, it has been suggested that in addition to the combat with the wild beasts, which were common in the hills of Israel and were a terror to the shepherds, David had been most likely engaged in repelling one of more or the Philistine marauding expeditions, very common in those days. Bethlehem was a strong garrison where the Philistine often congregated.

Prudent in speech: Rather, a better translation would be "skilled in word" or eloquent. This refers back to David's tremendous gifts in poetry and music. David's skillful way with words can be seen over and over again in his Psalms.

The LORD is with him: That is, the LORD directs and prospers all David's undertakings. Seeing the LORD was with David, it might be expected that the evil spirit would depart from Saul when David was in his presence.


4. (1 Sam 16:19-23) David enters Saul's court
So Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, "Send me your son David who is with the flock." Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread and a jug of wine and a young goat, and sent them to Saul by David his son. Then David came to Saul and attended him; and Saul loved him greatly, and he became his armor bearer. Saul sent to Jesse, saying, "Let David now stand before me, for he has found favor in my sight." So it came about whenever the evil spirit from God came to Saul, David would take the harp and play it with his hand; and Saul would be refreshed and be well, and the evil spirit would depart from him.

Send me your son David who is with the flock: Since this happened after Samuel anointed David, this means that David simply returned back to being a shepherd after his anointing. Perhaps David did not yet understand the significance of Samuel's anointing. Or if he did, he understood that it was God's job to bring him to the throne. In the meantime, David continued on watching his father's sheep.

Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread: It was and still is customary in the East to acknowledge obedience and subjugation with a gift. Jesse would be expected to send his son to Saul's court with some token of homage. The simply of Jesse's gifts shows how most gifts given were from the natural produce of the ground--vines (wine), fields (bread) and pasture lands (a young goat).

David came to Saul and attended him: David ministered unto Saul just like the rest of Saul's servants. This shows that Saul had no knowledge of David's anointing. Otherwise, it cannot be supposed that Saul would have brought David into his court.

He became his armor bearer: The armor bearer was a very dangerous position. The armor bearer had to carry his master's weapons of war and often traveled in front of his master. If a battle broke out, it was the armor bearer who would be the first person in the line of fire. Moreover, the armor bearer had to be a highly trusted servant because his master's life depended on the bravery of his armor bearer. If the armor bearer decided to flee, his master would be left open to attacks on all sides and would be completely defenseless without his weapons.

It is very likely that David only served Saul a short time as armor bearer. For in 1 Samuel 17:55, after David defeats Goliath, Saul asks, "Whose son is this youth?" There is no mention of time, so we are not able to discern how long it might have been between David's service to Saul and David's defeat of Goliath. It is likely, however, that the evil spirit afflicting King Saul was making rapid progress. Saul's mind may have been affected and prevented the king from recalling to mind memories from the past.

This was an important time in David's life and training for God's destiny for him. For the first time, he lived in a royal court and had to learn the customs and manners he needed to know in order to be a king later in life.

David would take the harp and play: A harp is a lyre. It is the ancient version of the guitar. Unlike the large harps you find in orchestras, a lyre was small and easy to handle.

Saul would be refreshed and be well: God used David to minister to Saul. David was happy to be used. What seemed like a great arrangement would not last for long. God was at work in ways no one could see. We can easily see from a perspective of time, how God was laying the foundation for David to become a great king. But at the time, perhaps only Samuel knew God's intentions.

The evil spirit would depart from him: There are many instances which might be quoted of the beneficial effects of music and singing upon a disturbed spirit. The prophet Elisha would often call for a minstrel, and after listening to the music, would utter his prophecies. "Elisha said, 'As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look at you nor see you. But now bring me a minstrel.' And it came about, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him" (2 Kings 3:14-15). When the evil spirit would depart from Saul, it would only be for a short time. Eventually, the evil spirit would return, and David would once again have to soothe Saul with his musical abilities.

1 Samuel Chapter 16 Part Two (Verses 11-14)

4. (1 Sam 16:11) Samuel asks about an absent son

And Samuel said to Jesse, "Are these all the children?" And he said, "There remains yet the youngest, and behold, he is tending the sheep." Then Samuel said to Jesse, "Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here."

Are these all the children: Samuel had a problem. God told him, "I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have selected a king for Myself among his sons" (1 Samuel 16:1). Yet, here were the seven sons of Jesse, and God did not chose any of them. Since Samuel knew God's word was true, he knew there must be another son of Jesse who was not in attendance.

There remains yet the youngest: This shows the low regard David had among his own family. First, his father did not even mention him by name. Second, he was not invited to the feast. Third, he was only called to come because Samuel insisted on it. When we consider David was the youngest of eight sons, we should not be surprised at the low regard he had in his own family. It was not because David's conduct or character was unworthy, it was simply because he was the youngest of eight sons. God often chooses unlikely people to do His work. This ensures that we all know the work is God's work and not man's work.

He is tending the sheep: Tending the sheep was a servant's job. The fact that David was out keeping the sheep showed that the family of Jesse was not especially wealthy, and thus could not afford to have servants. If they would have been wealthy, a servant would be keeping watch over the sheep. Moreover, tending the sheep meant you had to trust God in the midst of danger. David had lions, bears and wolves to contend with, and the sheep had to be protected. The country around Bethlehem was not a tranquil wilderness, and the career of a shepherd was one of brave heroics and constant vigilance to keep the sheep safe.

5. (1 Sam 16:12-13) David is chosen and anointed

So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, "Arise, anoint him; for this is he." Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward. And Samuel arose and went to Ramah.

Ruddy: Ruddy denotes red hair and fair skin, which are regarded as a mark of beauty in the Mid-East, where hair and complexion are generally dark. We do not know how old David was at this time. The ancient Jewish historian, Josephus, says David was ten years old. Other historians state he was about 15 years old.

And the LORD said, "Arise, anoint him; for this is he: By all outward appearances, David's seven brothers seemed to have been better material for royalty. As unlikely as he was, David was the one chosen to be king. David was a shepherd, but there were lots of shepherds during this time. David was good-looking, but there were a lot of good looking young men. David was young, but there were plenty of young men God could have chosen. What is important is how God saw David. In 1 Samuel 13:14, God describes what made David special: "The LORD sought out for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has appointed him as ruler over His people."

God's choice of David shows us that we do not have to quit our jobs and enter into full-time ministry to be people after God's own heart. We do not need to be famous or affluent to be people after God's own heart. We do not need to be respected or even liked by others to be people after God's own heart.

Where did David get his heart? Obviously, from time spent with the LORD. But someone had to start him on that path. David says nothing about his father, but twice in the Psalms he refers to his mother as a handmaid of the LORD. ("Turn to me, and be gracious to me; oh grant Your strength to Your servant, and save the son of Your handmaid" Psalm 86:16. "O LORD, surely I am Your servant, I am Your servant, the son of Your handmaid, You have loosed my bonds" Psalm 116:16.) It is very probable that David's mother taught her son to fear the LORD and gave him a foundation to build his own walk with the LORD.

Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers: The true significance of the act of anointing David as the future king of Israel appears to have been concealed to his brothers. As in subsequent history, they do not seem to have any idea of their brother's high calling. It is very probable that the people who witnessed David's anointing thought Samuel was just honoring David for an unknown reason.

And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward: The real anointing of David happened when the Holy Spirit came upon David. The oil on his head was just an outward sign of his inward anointing.

And Samuel arose and went to Ramah: Samuel did not begin a political rally to enthrone David and did not begin to undermine Saul's throne to establish David as king. It is interesting to note that in 1 Samuel 16:13, the name David is first mentioned. Prophetically, David has been referred to in 1 Samuel 13:14 and 1 Samuel 15:28. David's name means beloved or loved one. David will become one of the greatest men in the Bible, mentioned more than 1,000 times in the pages of Scripture. He is mentioned more than Abraham, more than Moses and more than any man in the New Testament. It is no accident that Jesus was not known as the "Son of Abraham" or the "Follower of Moses" but as the "Son of David".


B. Saul's distressing spirit

1. (1 Sam 16:14) Saul's distressing spirit troubles him
Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD terrorized him.

(Side note: From this time forward, David is the central figure of this historical account. Saul has been rejected, and though he is still king and must still play his part, from this time forth, his decline goes hand in hand with the growth of David in every kingly way. The record is no longer given on Saul's account. Instead, we are given the account of how David was first brought into connection with Saul, and the subsequent interactions between the two, until ultimately, David becomes king.)

The spirit of the LORD departed from Saul: In 1 Samuel 16:13 we read, "the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward" As the Holy Spirit came upon David, "an evil spirit" came upon Saul and terrorized him. Again we see, as David rose in power, Saul continued his downward decline.

An evil spirit from the LORD terrorized him: If God is all-good, why did He send a terrorizing spirit upon Saul? There are two ways in which God can send something. First, He may send something in the active sense. Second, He may send something in the passive sense. Passively, God may withdraw His hand of protection, which allows evil to come, without being the source of evil itself.

Passively, this is what happened to Saul. First, "the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul". This meant that Saul lost his spiritual protection and shield against evil. So when this protection was lost, Satan was more than ready to send an evil spirit to fill the void in Saul. This is why the continual presence of the Holy Spirit for all Christians is such a comfort. We do not have to fear that God will take the Holy Spirit away from us. ("Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body" 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.)

("However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. But t the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies thought His Spirit who dwells in you" Romans 8:9-11.)

Today, Saul would probably be diagnosed as being mentally ill. Yet, his problem was spiritual in nature, and was not mental or psychological. There are many people today in mental hospitals who are really suffering from spiritual problems. These folks need liberation from their evil spirits. However, our modern mental health system is not set up nor equipped to deal with such spiritual problems. Unfortunately, many are given highly potent drugs which only dulls the mind and does nothing to alleviate their spiritual burdens.

From the LORD: Perhaps this judgment was a final verdict on Saul's past wickedness and rebellion against the Holy Spirit's guidance. This may be an example of God giving Saul over to his sin. Saul did have the Holy Spirit upon him early in his kingship. ("When they came to the hill there, behold, a group of prophets met him [Saul]; and the Spirit of God came upon him mightily, so that he prophesied among them" 1 Samuel 10:10.) As Saul was proud and rebellious against God, Saul resisted the Holy Spirit. He again and again denied to follow the Holy Spirit's guidance, and God finally gave him up. God gave Saul over to his own desires. But, Saul never realized the price he would have to pay when "the Spirit of the LORD departed from him". Saul thought he would be happy and free once he was separated from God's will. He did not realize he would be in even more bondage when an evil spirit came upon him. Even in this state, however, Saul would still repent. He was not past the state of repentance or restoration. It was up to Saul to receive God's correction and respond with a tender, repentant heart before the LORD.

1 Samuel Chapter 16 Part One (Verses 1-10)

GOD CHOOSES DAVID

A. Samuel anoints David as king

(Psalms that may correspond to this time in David's life: 8, 19, 23, and 29.)

1. (1 Sam 16:1-3) God tells Samuel to go and anoint a new king over Israel

Now the LORD said to Samuel, "How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have selected a king for Myself among his sons." But Samuel said, "How can I go? When Saul hears of it, he will kill me." And the LORD said, "Take a heifer with you and say, 'I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.' You shall invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; and you shall anoint for Me the one whom I designate to you."

How long will you grieve over Saul: The grief Samuel exhibited was prolonged almost to a sinful extent. We, who see Saul's whole career, and know how deeply he fell, are often in danger of discrediting his high qualities. But those who were witnesses of his military skill and prowess, and saw his heroic son raising the nation of Israel from feebleness to a mighty empire, might give him great admiration. Both David's dirge (2 Samuel 1:19-27) and Samuel's long mourning along with the dedicated obedience which he was able to exhort from the nation Israel, bear testimony to Saul's powers as a ruler and commander of his nation. But now God warns Samuel to mourn no longer. Saul's rejection was final. Samuel must sacrifice his own personal feelings and prepare to carry out the purpose indicated in 1 Samuel 13:14 and 1 Samuel 15:28.

Jesse the Bethlehemite: Grandson of Ruth the Moabitess, Jesse belonged to the tribe of Judah through his male ancestors. ("Now these are the generations of Perez: to Perez was born Hezron, and to Hezron was born Ram, and to Ram, Amminadab, and to Amminadab was born Nahshon, and to Nahson was born Salmon, and to Salmon was born Boaz, and to Boaz, Obed, and to Obed was born Jesse, and to Jesse, David" Ruth 4:18-22.)

How can I go? When Saul hears of it, he will kill me: Saul was king, and the anointing of another in his stead would be regarded as an act of open treason, and the stirring up of civil war. The anointing of David was a prophetic indication of the man whom God, in His own way and at His own time, would place upon Saul's throne. Moreover, this emphasizes the rapid decay of Saul's mental faculties. The jealous king was changed from the Saul, who even in his self-willed rebellion against the Lord, was careful to pay homage to Samuel. But now, Samuel felt if he crossed the king's path in any way, even in carrying out the commands of the LORD God, Samuel's life would be forfeited to the fierce anger of Saul.

Take a heifer with you: There was yet to be no public anointing of the successor to Saul, only the future king must be sought out quietly and set apart for service to the Lord. With this act done in secret, there would be no treason and no inciting a civil war. David, still a child, was to be set apart, without probably fully knowing what the anointing meant and certainly with no actions being taken by him towards winning the crown which was to be placed upon his head in the future. Moreover, to have openly anointed David as king would have forced David's father, Jesse, to an open feud with King Saul. Jesse would have had to seek safety either by fighting for his life or by breaking up his home and fleeing to a foreign land.

Invite Jesse to the sacrifice: The word translated "sacrifice" is the word zebach in Hebrew, which means a sacrifice followed by a feast, at which all elders of the town, with them Jesse and his elder sons, would be present by the prophet's invitation. It seems such sacrifices were not unusual, or Saul would have demanded a reason for Samuel's conduct. The Ark of the Covenant remained at Kiriath-jearim until Saul at some time in his reign moved it to Nob. Samuel may have instituted this practice of occasionally holding sacrifices throughout the land of Israel to keep alive religion in the hearts of the people. At such occasions, Samuel would have taught them the great truths of the law during the sacrificial feast.

You shall anoint for Me the one whom I designate to you: Years before this, Israel rejected the Lord as their king. They wanted a human as their king instead. God gave them a human king after their own desire (Saul), but God was still on the throne, crowning whom He pleases as He pleases. The simple fact was that God did rule Israel. They could recognize His rule, submit to it and enjoy the benefits. Or they could resist His reign over Israel and suffer because of it. We do not have to fear the future when we know God has provided for Himself leaders. He will keep them obscure and hidden until the right time. Then, He will raise them up.

It is interesting to note that the ceremony of anointing David as king was performed three times: (1) on this occasion by Samuel, when David as a boy was set apart for the service of the Lord; (2) when appointed as king over Judah at Hebron (2 Samuel 2:4); (3) when David was chosen as king over all Israel (2 Samuel 5:3).

2. (1 Sam 16:4-5) Samuel comes to sacrifice at Bethlehem

So Samuel did what the LORD said, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the city came trembling to meet him and said, "Do you come in peace?" He said, "In peace; I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Consecrate yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice." He also consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.

The elders of the city came trembling to meet him: Very probably, such visitations by Samuel often took place because some crime had been committed into which Samuel wished to inquire, or because the people had been negligent in some duty. The people are conscious of no such fault, and yet, here is the coming of Samuel.

Consecrate yourselves: Samuel quiets the elders by telling them to sanctify themselves. That is, to wash and purify themselves, abstain from anything unclean and put on festal garments. 

He also consecrated Jesse and his sons: In the case of Jesse and his sons, Samuel supervises their necessary purification. This gives Samuel the opportunity to interview Jesse and his household. 

3. (1 Sam 16:6-10) God does not choose any of Jesse's older sons

When they entered, he looked at Eliab and thought, "Surely the LORD'S anointed is before Him." But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at the appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." Then Jesse called Abinadab and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, "The LORD has not chosen this one either." Next Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, "The LORD has not chosen this one either." Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse, "The LORD has not chosen these."

He looked at Eliab: There was something in the stately appearance of Jesse's eldest son, which probably reminded Samuel of Saul in his youth. Eliab seemed in all aspects to Samuel fit to be the successor of King Saul. But God sternly warned Samuel to not let appearances lead the selection.

Do not look at the appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him: Samuel made the mistake of judging Eliab based on his appearance. This was the same mistake Israel made about their first king. Saul looked the part, but he did not have the heart a king of God's people should have. It did not matter how good Eliab looked because God had refused him.

For God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart: Even the best of men will look at the outward appearance. At the moment, Samuel was guilty of it. We must understand that we cannot read the secrets of another man's heart. We often only judge on outward appearance.

The LORD has not chosen these: God told Samuel that He had not chosen any of the seven sons of Jesse. It was not that these sons of Jesse were bad men, but they were not God's choice. God had a man in mind different from Samuel's or Jesse's expectation. Eliab and the rest of the older sons were perfect potential kings as far as the flesh is concerned. But God did not want a king after the flesh. Israel already had a king like that.

1 Samuel Chapter 15 Part Three (Verses 24-35)

3. (1 Sam 15:24-25) Saul's weak effort towards repentance
Then Saul said to Samuel, "I have sinned; I have indeed transgressed the command of the LORD and your words, because I feared the people and listened to their voice. Now therefore, please pardon my sin and return with me, that I may worship the LORD."

I have sinned: Saul's confession of sin does not appear to be sincere. Instead, it appears it was made chiefly for the sake of getting the sentence of him being rejected as king reversed.

I feared the people and listened to their voice: Saul refuses to own up to his will and instead blames the people who "made him" do it. Again, this seems like the same song and dance Saul attempted when Samuel confronted Saul about sacrificing the burnt offering to the LORD back in chapter 13. If Saul would have feared God more, he would have feared the people less.

Please pardon my sin and return with me: Instead of dealing with the deep issue of Saul's heart of rebellion and stubbornness against God, Saul thought that having Samuel's support could fix everything. But the friendship of Samuel could not change the settled nature of Saul's heart. God knew that Saul's heart was full of rebellion and stubbornness. Saul's heart was set in his ways against God. This is something no man could know from looking at Saul. But God knew Saul's heart and told Samuel about it. A simple "please pardon my sin" would not do when the heart is set in rebellion and sin against the LORD.


4. (1 Sam 15:26-31) God's rejection of Saul as king over Israel is final
But Samuel said to the Saul, "I will not return with you; for you have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you from being king over Israel." As Samuel turned to go, Saul seized the edge of his robe, and it tore. So Samuel said to him, "The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to your neighbor, who is better than you. Also the Glory of Israel will not lie or change His mind; for He is not a man that He should change His mind." Then he said, "I have sinned; but please honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel, and go back with me, that I may worship the LORD your God." So Samuel went back following Saul, and Saul worshiped the LORD.

I will not return with you: Samuel clearly sees that Saul's repentance is fake. Saul's repentance is spurred by the fear of losing the kingdom and incurring public disgrace. Saul had dishonored God, and therefore, he had no claim to public homage from God's minister.

Saul seized the edge of his robe, and it tore: Many translations are careless about translating the Hebrew word "meil". "Meil" is not a loose flowing garment such as a robe. Instead, it was a fitted garment worn closely to the skin. Therefore, tearing the garment implies Saul used a considerable amount of violent force. Saul's desperate action provides a vivid lesson on how the kingdom was to be torn away from him. As useless as the torn piece of garment was in Saul's hand, so now his leadership of the nation was futile.

And has given it to your neighbor: Neighbor here in the Hebrew is used in a very indefinite way. It generally means "someone". The kingdom would be rent from Saul and given to "someone" who is better than Saul at discharging the duties of being king.

The Glory of Israel: Samuel uses a title for God that appears only here in the Bible. The title combines the ideas of stability, permanence and constancy. The Strength or Confidence of Israel does not change as men do. This reminds Saul that the LORD is determined in His purpose and is strong in His will. God will not change. The title "The Glory of Israel" is also important because at that time Saul probably thought of himself as "The Glory of Israel".  God was Israel's strength, and Saul needed to hear it.

Please honor me now before the elders: This is a strange request after Saul's great sin. Saul was probably sincere and fearful, but his sincerity was based upon a desire to maintain his power and royal state. His fear probably sprang from an apprehension that if he lost the friendship of Samuel the prophet (the revered and honored servant of the LORD), he would probably be forced to forfeit his crown. If Saul would have been really repentant, he would have prayed to have been humble rather than to be honored.

Samuel went back following Saul: Samuel, after having been requested several times by the king, consents to publicly worshiping the LORD with Saul. The main reason Samuel most likely acquiesced Saul's request was to prevent any disaffection toward the monarchy. Samuel's known disapproval of Saul's conduct and his declining the king's request would probably have been the signal for Israel to rise up in a revolt. Supporting Saul as king was better than the anarchy that would arise without a king.


5. (1 Sam 15:32-33) Samuel carries out God's will
Then Samuel said, "Bring me Agag, the king of the Amelekites." And Agag came to him cheerfully. And Agag said, "Surely the bitterness of death is past." But Samuel said, "As your sword has made women childless, so shall your mother be childless among women." And Samuel hewed Agag to pieces before the LORD at Gilgal.

Then Samuel said, "Bring me Agag": A big issue was still not resolved for Samuel. There was still the matter of Saul's incomplete obedience. God's command to "utterly destroy" all the Amalekites still stood, even if Saul had not obeyed the command.

Cheerfully: The meaning of the word is very doubtful. The Septuagint has the word "trembling" here. (This rending would make more sense as in the next sentence Agag says, "Surely this bitterness of death is past.") Perhaps Agag was not in a fearful mood, and doubted any harm which could be inflicted by the aged prophet. But perhaps also, Agag might have been filled with fear and trembled to come before the mighty man of God.

As your sword has made women childless, so shall your mother be childless among women: Samuel makes it clear that Agag was not an innocent bystander when it came to the atrocities that the Amelekites inflicted on Israel. Agag was a wicked and violent leader of a wicked and violent people. God's judgment against him and the Amalekites was just.

Samuel hewed Agag to pieces: This verb occurs only here and probably refers to some particular type of execution. The way the word is conjugated would imply that Samuel probably did not kill Agag but that he commanded it to be done.

Before the LORD: Most notably, Samuel performs this act of obedience before the LORD. He does do this before Saul, to show Saul would weak and proud he was. This was not done before Israel, to show them how strong and tough Samuel was. Instead, Samuel acted in tough obedience before the LORD to fulfill God's command.


6. (1 Sam 15:34-35) The tragic split between Samuel and Saul
Then Samuel went to Ramah, but Saul went up to his house at Gibeah of Saul. Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death; for Samuel grieved over Saul. And the LORD regretted that He had made Saul king over Israel.

Samuel went to Ramah: This was Samuel's native place and where he usually resided.

Saul went up to his house at Gibeah of Saul: This was Saul's birthplace, and the location of his father's house. This was also where Saul had his royal residence and where he kept court.

Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death: The joyous friendship which had previously existed between the two comrades was now broken off. Although they would meet again in 1 Samuel 19:24, it was neither in a friendly manner nor was it due to Samuel's seeking. The words here have a higher meaning than the mere seeing or meeting one another. They involve the cessation of a relationship in which Samuel and Saul had stood to one another as prophet and king of God. Now, Saul was no longer the representative of the LORD, and consequently, Samuel came no more to him, giving Saul messages, commands and guidance from God.

Samuel grieved over Saul: The old prophet had known Saul from the days of his youthful promise. Samuel, no doubt, loved him much and regarded him as his own adopted son. Now, he saw all his high qualities perverted; Saul's powers of usefulness were destroyed by pride and disobedience.

1 Samuel Chapter 15 Part Two (Verses 12-23)

5. (1 Sam 15:12-13) Saul greets Samuel
Samuel rose early in the morning to meet Saul; and it was told Samuel, saying, "Saul came to Carmel, and behold, he set up a monument for himself, then turned and proceeded on down to Gilgal." Samuel came to Saul, and Saul said to him, "Blessed are you of the LORD! I have carried out the command of the LORD."

Samuel rose early in the morning: After the revelations of the previous night, Samuel rose and immediately sought out Saul.

Carmel: Meaning park or garden, Carmel was a city in the mountainous country of Judah, about seven miles south/southeast of Hebron. Saul would have naturally passed through it returning from war. Carmel is the place where Nabal dwelt (see 1 Samuel 25) and is in the region where David spent much of his outlaw life.

He set up a monument for himself: The literal translation is "He set up a hand for himself."  The same Hebrew is used in 2 Samuel 18:18 to describe the pillar Absalom erected for himself. It is very likely that these victory columns erected by the Jews had a hand engraved upon them. Saul was not grieved over his sin. In fact, Saul seems quite pleased with himself. There seems to be not the slightest bit of shame or guilt in Saul, even though he directly disobeyed God.

Gilgal: In the same place where Saul's kingdom had been confirmed, it was in this same place it was to be taken from him. It is also the place where the consequences of disobedience had been uttered (1 Sam 13:13-14) and now the sentence of disobedience was to be pronounce.

Saul said to him, "Blessed are you of the LORD! I have carried out the command of the LORD.": Saul can come to Samuel with such boldness, boasting of his obedience because pride has overtaken his heart. Saul is self-deceived. He probably really believed the words he spoke. He probably believed "I have carried out the command of the LORD". Pride always leads us to self-deception.


6. (1 Sam 15:14-16) Saul "explains" his sin to Samuel
But Samuel said, "What then is this bleating of the sheep in my ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?" Saul said, "They have brought them from the Amalekites, for the people spared the best of the sheep and oxen, to sacrifice to the LORD your God; but the rest we have utterly destroyed." The Samuel said to Saul, "Wait, and let me tell you what the LORD said to me last night." And he said to him, "Speak!"

What then is this bleating: The livestock God clearly commanded to be killed could be heard, seen and smelled even as Saul said, "I have performed the command of the LORD". Pride and disobedience make us blind and deaf to our sin. What was completely obvious to Samuel was invisible to Saul. We all have blind spots of sin in our lives. We need to constantly ask God to show us our sins. We need to sincerely pray the prayer of Psalm 139:23-24 "Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way."

Saul said, "They have brought them": Saul tries like Aaron and the golden calf incident at Mount Sinai (Exodus 32:22) to shift the blame from himself onto others. Saul attempts to palliate the offense by alleging a good motive. No doubt the Israelites very likely did bring the animals from the Amalekites and very likely the excuse of holding a great sacrifice to God had been put prominently forward. But reasons are never wanting when men have made up their minds. The people who so readily obeyed Saul (1 Samuel 14:24, 34, 40) would have obeyed him now, had Saul really wished for it. For a king so willful and imperious as Saul to seek for excuses, and to try to throw the blame on others, marks a thorough break down of his moral character.

But the rest we have utterly destroyed: As it later turns out, this was not even true. There were still Amalekites left alive. David later had to deal with the Amalekites (1 Samuel 27:8, 1 Samuel 30:1, 2 Samuel 8:12). Haman, the evil man who tried to wipe out all the Jews in the days of Esther, was a descendant of Agag (Esther 3:1). Most ironic of all, when Saul was killed on the battle field, an Amalekite claimed to have delivered the final thrust of the sword (2 Samuel 1:8-10). When we do not obey God completely, the "left over" portion will come back and trouble us...and sometimes ever kill us.

Wait: Saul was very likely turning away from Samuel, desiring to close the interview. Samuel is tired of hearing Saul's excuses and interjects to give Saul the word of the LORD.



B. Saul is rejected as king

1. (1 Sam 15:17-21) the charge against Saul, and his feeble defense
Samuel said, "Is it not true, though you were little in your own eyes, you were made the head of the tribes of Israel? And the LORD anointed you king over Israel, and the LORD sent you on a mission, and said, 'Go and utterly destroy the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are exterminated.' Why then did you not obey the voice of the LORD, but rushed upon the spoil and did what was evil in the sight of the LORD?" Then Saul said to Samuel, "I did obey the voice of the LORD, and went on the mission on which the LORD sent me, and have brought back Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. But the people took some of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the choicest of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to the LORD your God at Gilgal."

Though you were little in your own eyes: This is a reference to Saul's own words of astonishment that he should be chosen as king. ("Saul replied, 'Am I not a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel, and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then do you speak to me in this way?'" 1 Samuel 9:21) Samuel wishes to remind Saul that as his elevation came solely from God, and obedience was due to God. (Side note: There is a tradition in the Targum that Saul's elevation to king was a reward for the courage of the tribe of Benjamin at the passage of the Red Sea, when the tribe of Benjamin sought to pass over first.)

The sinners, the Amalekites: Sin was the grounds for their doom. The special sin which singled them out for punishment was their opposition to the will of God in regards to the destiny of His people, Israel. Similar phrasing is used of the men of Sodom: "Now the men of Sodom were wicked exceedingly and sinners against the LORD" Genesis 13:13.

I did obey the voice of the LORD: Saul still insists that he obeyed God. He believes he has fulfilled his mission and destroyed the Amalekites, and he brought back Agag with him for proof. Additionally, the people had brought back the spoil for sacrifice and not for their own pleasure.

But the people took some of the spoil: After insisting that he is innocent, Saul then blames the people for the sin. His statement was a half-truth. It was true that the people took some of the plunder, but the only did so by following Saul's example (i.e., he spared Agag king of Amalek). Moreover, Saul did nothing to stop or discourage the people from taking the plunder.

Saul was very zealous in commanding his army when it suited him. In the previous chapter, he commanded a death sentence on anyone who ate anything on the day of battle. He was willing to execute his own son in his zest to have his command obeyed. Saul was full of fire when it came to his own will, but not when it came to the will of God.


2. (1 Sam 15:22-23) Samuel prophesies God's judgment against King Saul
Samuel said, "Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has also rejected you from being king."

Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice: These words which Samuel utters rips apart the long list of Saul's excuses for disobeying God. These words are the framework for a long list of subsequent prophets who preach against the common error that external ceremonies can be of any value in the sight of God when separated from the true devotion of a worshiper's heart. (See Psalm 40:6-8, Psalm 50:8, Psalm 51:16-17, Isaiah 1:11-15, Jeremiah 6:20, Hosea 6:6, Amos 5:21-24, Micah 6:6-8, Matthew 9:13 and Mathew 12:7) This passage asserts in the clearest terms the superiority of moral to ritual worship, and God can only be served with the heart.

We could make a thousand sacrifices to God, give millions of dollars to His work or work thousands of hours for God's service, but all these sacrifices mean little if there is not a surrendered heart to God shown by simple obedience.

Iniquity: Literally means "nothingness". It is constantly used in the Old Testament for "an idol". This is its significance here as the word coupled with it and rendered idolatry is really "teraphim". Teraphim were household idols and were supposed to bring good luck. (Teraphim are first mentioned in the Bible when Rachel takes her father Laban's teraphim as she and her household leave her father's land and move to Israel (Genesis 31).) The verse would be better rendered as follows: "For rebellion is the sin of divination and obstinacy is an idol and teraphim."

He has also rejected you from being king: God pronounced an official sentence on Saul. However, the sentence was not immediate. Saul continued to be king for almost 25 years before there was another king enthroned in Israel. Saul's rejection was final, but he continued to be king until the day of his death. Ultimately, God's sentence confirms that Saul's dynasty would not be passed on to his descendants. When Saul died, his throne would be transferred to another family.

1 Samuel Chapter 15 Part One (Verses 1-11)

GOD REJECTS SAUL AS KING

A. Battle against the Amalekites
1. ( Sam 15:1-3) A clear command: destroy Amalek
Then Samuel said to Saul, "The LORD sent me to anoint you as king over His people, over Israel; now therefore, listen to the words of the LORD. Thus says the LORD of hosts, 'I will punish Amalek for what he did to Israel, how he set himself against him on the way while he was coming up from Egypt. Now go and strike Amalek and utterly destroy all that he has, and do not spare him; but put to death both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.'"

Then Samuel said to Saul: There is no period of time mentioned here, but probably a considerable interval has elapsed before this second trial of Saul was made. God does not finally reject a man until, after repeated opportunities for repentance, he finally proves obstinate. David committed worse crimes than Saul, but he had a tender conscience, and each fall was followed by deep sorrow. Saul sinned and did not repent. Just as the priest Eli had a first warning, which was a really a call to repentance (1 Samuel 2:27), and was only made irrevocable by his persistence in the same sins for many years (1 Samuel 3:11-14), so it was with Saul. Samuel's words in 1 Samuel 13:13-14 were a stern warning to Saul, and if Saul would have taken them to heart, God would have forgiven him his sin. Saul did not repent, but repeated his offense and so his sentence was confirmed.

I will punish Amalek for what he did to Israel: The Amalekites were a fierce, nomadic people, who roamed through the deserts which lie between southern Judea and Egypt. They were descended from Esau's grandson Amalek ("Timna was a concubine of Esau's son Eliphaz and she bore Amalek to Eliphaz. These are the sons of Esau's wife Adah" Genesis 36:12.).

Not long after Israel's exodus from Egypt, the Amalekites attacked the almost defenseless rear guard of Israel in the desert of Rephidim. The Amalekites were then, under the command of Moses, defeated by Joshua. ("Then Amalek came and fought against Israel at Rephidim. So Moses said to Joshua, 'Choose men for us and go out, fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will station myself on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.' Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought against Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. So it came about when Moses held his hands up, that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hands down, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands were heavy. Then they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other side. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set. So Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Write this in a book as a memorial and recite it to Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven'" Exodus 17:9-14.)

During the generations that followed, the hand of Amalek seems to have been constantly lifted against Israel. They joined with the Canaanutes and were victorious in a battle near Hormah (Numbers 14:45). They allied with the Moabites (Judges 3:13) and the Midianites (Judges 6:3) to continue their relentless attacks on Israel.

Go and strike Amalek: God could have judge Amalek directly as He did against the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, but God had a special purpose for His nation, Israel. God wanted the Amalekites to be a test of obedience for Saul and for Israel. Moreover, since Amalek's sin against Israel was a military attack, God wanted to make the judgment fit the sin.

Utterly destroy: The Hebrew word here is "herem" and means to be put under the ban. This meant that everything put under the ban was devoted to God. Moreover, whatever was devoted to God could not be redeemed but must be slain. When a country was put under the ban, all living things--men and cattle--were to be killed. No spoil could be taken, but it was to be burned. Things indestructible by fire such as silver and gold were to be brought into the treasury.


2. (1 Sam 15:4-6) Saul prepares for the attack on the Amalekites
Then Saul summoned the people and numbered them in Telaim, 200,000 foot soldiers and 10,000 men of Judah. Saul came to the city of Amalek and set an ambush in the valley. Saul said to the Kenites, "Go, depart, go down from among the Amalekites, so that I do not destroy you with them; for you showed kindness to all the sons of Israel when they came up from Egypt." So the Kenites departed from among the Amalekites.

In Telaim: This place is identical with Telem, a place on the southern border of Judah, near the region where the Amalekites dwelt. The name means "lambs" and probably was not a city but an open place where lambs were collected from the pastures in the wilderness.

10,000 men of Judah: This implies that 200,000 foot soldiers were from the other 11 tribes. It is interesting to note that when Saul fought the Philistines, he only had 600 men. Now, it seems Israel has grown in its confidence in Saul, and the whole country now supports Saul and his war efforts.

The Kenites: This tribe was the people from which Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, came from and was part of the nation of Midian. ("The descendants of the Kenites, Moses' father-in-law, went up from the city of palms with the sons of Judah, to the wilderness of Judah which is in the south of Arad; and they went and lived with the people" Judges 1:16.) The Kenites accompanied the Israelites on their march as far as Jericho and then went and dwelt among the Amalekites in the desert to the south of Judah. The Kenites are mentioned again in 1 Samuel 27:10 and 1 Samuel 30:29 as friends of Israel.


3. (1 Sam 15:7-9) Saul attacks the Amalekites
So Saul defeated the Amalekites, from Havilah as you go to Shur, which is east of Egypt. He captured Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep, the oxen, the fatlings, the lambs, and all that was good, and were not willing to destroy them utterly; but everything despised and worthless, that they utterly destroyed.

From Havilah...to Shur: That is, from one end of their country to the other.

Agag: This was the common title of the Amalekite kings, as Pharaoh was that of the kings of Egypt.

But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of...: Perhaps it was out of sympathy for a fellow king or perhaps it was to show off a royal dignitary, but Saul deliberately disobeyed God's command given in verse three which outlined that every ox, sheep, camel and donkey was to be destroyed. Saul and his military followed God's command as far as they could without inconvenience and loss to themselves. To spare the best of Amalek is equivalent to sparing some root of evil, some indulgence or some favorite sin. For us, Agag represents that evil propensity which exists in all of us for self-gratification. To spare Agag is to be merciful to ourselves, to exonerate and excuse our failures and to condone our sin.

In war during ancient times, armies were freely permitted to plunder their conquered foes. This was often how the army was paid. But it was wrong for anyone in Israel to benefit from the war against the Amalekites because it was an appointed judgment from God.

Everything despised and worthless, that they utterly destroyed: Saul and his military were careful to keep the very best for themselves. This is perhaps the worst action of all because Israel did not show God's heart in judgment. When they came home happy and excited because of what they gained from battle, they implied there was something joyful or happy about God's judgment. This dishonored God, who brings His judgment reluctantly and without pleasure, longing that men would repent instead. "The Lord if not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient to you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9).


4. (1 Sam 15:10-11) God's word to Samuel
Then the word of the LORD came to Samuel, saying, "I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following Me and has not carried out My commands." And Samuel was distressed and cried out to the LORD all night long.

I regret that I have made Saul king: In the language of the Old Testament, God is said to repent (or regret) when a change in the character and conduct of those with whom He is dealing leads to a corresponding change in His plans and purposed toward them. Thus, upon man's penitence, God repents and withdraws a threatened punishment (see Exodus 32:14 and 2 Samuel 24:16). Additionally, upon man's faithlessness and disobedience, God can cancel a promise or revokes a blessing which He had given. As a man desires to make a change when he repents, so when God in Scripture is said to repent; we may expect a change from Him. God changed Saul's kingdom when it is said that He regretted making him king.

And Samuel was distressed: The literal Hebrew is "it burned Samuel". The same phrase is used in Jonah 4:1 where it is rendered "he became angry". But with whom was Samuel angry? Most likely at the whole course of events, and especially with Saul. In choosing Saul, Samuel had hoped that, in addition to his military qualities, he would possess a religious and obedient heart. Samuel had now obtained for Saul a second trial, and if, warned by his earlier failure, he had proven trustworthy, all might have been well.

And cried out to the LORD all night long: Samuel offered earnest prayer for forgiveness for Saul and for a change in Saul's heart. Samuel no doubt loved Saul and therefore prayed for him. But no change came in answer to his prayer, and as forgiveness is conditional upon man's repentance, Saul was not forgiven. It is remarkable how often Samuel is said to be "crying" out to the LORD (see 1 Samuel 7:8-9 and 1 Samuel 12:18).