17: Saul is rejected because he was not fixable ( 1Samuel 15:1 โ€“ 34)

In the previous chapters, we see several flaws in Saul. His heart was not fully dedicated to the Lord (13:14). He relied on the size of his army and was unwilling to engage in battle. Nevertheless, he sought credit for the victory, which led him to make a foolish oath. Despite all these shortcomings, the Lord granted him victories, and his kingdom became strong and secure. However, in chapter 15, his explicit disobedience caused him to be officially rejected by God.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Read 1Samuel 15:1 - 34


Q1. Verses 1โ€“6 show that this is the Lordโ€™s war. Saul is anointed by (     ) and, therefore, must listen to the Lordโ€™s commands delivered through him. The Lord is taking vengeance against the Amalekites for what they had done to the Israelites during the Exodus ( verse    ). Specifically, He ordered Saul to destroy (    ) belonging to the Amalekites. Saul understood the order and warned (    ) to separate themselves from the Amalekites, as they had shown kindness to the Israelites (verse      ).

Verses 1โ€“6 show that this is the Lordโ€™s war. Saul is anointed by (Samuel) and, therefore, must listen to the Lordโ€™s commands delivered through him. The Lord is taking vengeance against the Amalekites for what they had done to the Israelites during the Exodus (verse 2). Specifically, He ordered Saul to destroy (everything) belonging to the Amalekites. Saul understood the order and warned (the Kenites) to separate themselves from the Amalekites, as they had shown kindness to the Israelites (verse 6).

The long list in v3 emphasizes Saul should destroy literally everything.



Q2. However, Saul and his army spared King Agag and good things from the plunder. On that day, the Lord's message came to (               ) and said, โ€œI (               ) that I have made Saul king, for has turned away from me.โ€ Samuel cried out to the Lord (              ). 

However, Saul and his army spared King Agag and good things from the plunder. On that day, the Lord's message came to ( Samuel   ) and said, โ€œI ( regret  ) that I have made Saul king, for has turned away from me.โ€ Samuel cried out to the Lord ( all that night ).

Note that the Lordโ€™s message came to Samuel, not Saul. 

Is the Lord so strict? Anyway, Saul almost destroyed the Amalekites and only spared some of them. What was wrong with Saul? His intention of doing so was wrong. It was not a mistake but a willful disobedience.

He spared Agag to pomp about the victory. Saul set up a monument for himself, not an altar. And he said the cattle he had spared was for offering to the Lord. It was hypocrisy.



Q3. What are three reasons for Saul's disobedience? (12 & 17, 9 & 19, 21 & 24)

- v12, v17: seeking own glory

- v9, v19: greed

-v21, v24: fear for man

We will fall into disobedience unless we overcome these three.



Q4. This is Samuel's message to Saul. โ€œ(                  ) is better than (                ). You have (                  ) the Lord's orders, he has (                 ) you from being king." Then Saul said to Samuel, "I have (         ). Now, please (         ) my sin. Go back with (       ) so I can worship the Lord."

This is Samuel's message to Saul. โ€œ(  Obedience  ) is better than ( sacrifice  ). You have (  rejected  ) the Lord's orders, he has ( rejected  ) you from being king." Then Saul said to Samuel, "I have ( sinned ). Now, please ( forgive ) my sin. Go back with ( me ) so I can worship the Lord."

Saul didn't humble himself even on hearing his sin. His confession was not from his heart. He is not fixable. 


Q5. Why did Saul ask Samuel to go with him worshiping the Lord? (v26-31)

To get people's praise through Samuel's acknowledgment of his kingship.


Q6. Who killed Agag?

Samuel. Saul didn't fulfill God's order.

Samuel knew it was the Lordโ€™s war and killed Agag โ€˜before the Lordโ€™ (33)



In chapter 13, Saulโ€™s offering of sacrifice was somewhat compelled by the situation, as he claimed. Nevertheless, he was guilty because his heart was not fully dedicated to the Lord (13:14). In contrast, in chapter 15, he wilfully disobeyed the Lord's command, driven purely by sinful desires for greed and glory, with no external pressure. Saul had no excuse. Because Saul ignored the warning about his lack of wholehearted dedication, he ultimately reached the point of wilful rebellion against God.

โ€œSamuel did not see Saul again.โ€ (35) This is not personal anger or a grudge. It means that God no longer intended to use Saul. It was because he was not fixable. Even after such a rebuke (22โ€“23), Saul still sought his glory by asking Samuel to go with him, attempting to show that he was still the legitimate king of Israel.

Are you fixable or not? If not, God cannot use you.


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