Partial Obedience is disobedience

v.13-14 - This has got to be one of the most sarcastic exchange found in the Bible. Saul somehow mistakenly convinced himself that he had carried out all that the Lord had commanded him. Clearly he hadn't since he spared some of the "good stuff" Samuel takes Saul's greeting with the sarcastic and clever remark, "What then is this bleeting of sheep in my ears?" Saul still thinks that he is okay as he explains why Samuel is seeing things that show disobedience. (v.15)

v.20-22 - Saul is convinced that he has done better than obey God, he has found another way to bless God by taking the best of the plunder and sacrificing it to Him. Samuel shares that God desires obedience far more than sacrifice!

v.24 this is the most telling (and personally convicting) passages. - Saul reveals more of the reason why he did what he did (or didn't do what he should've done). Saul shares that he was afraid of the people so he gave in to them. As a leader Saul took the majority vote before making a decision. This was not what God had asked when he anointed Saul the King. He told Saul, do what I tell you not do what the majority vote tells you. I am embarrassed by how often I make leadership decisions the same way Saul did.

Created over 3 years ago