1 Samuel 15:20

KJV

And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Saul {H7586} said {H559} unto Samuel {H8050}, Yea, I have obeyed {H8085} the voice {H6963} of the LORD {H3068}, and have gone {H3212} the way {H1870} which the LORD {H3068} sent {H7971} me, and have brought {H935} Agag {H90} the king {H4428} of Amalek {H6002}, and have utterly destroyed {H2763} the Amalekites {H6002}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sha'ul said to Sh'mu'el, "I did too pay attention to what ADONAI said, and I carried out the mission on which ADONAI sent me. I brought back Agag the king of 'Amalek, and I completely destroyed 'Amalek.

Berean Standard Bible

“But I did obey the LORD,” Saul replied. “I went on the mission that the LORD gave me. I brought back Agag king of Amalek and devoted the Amalekites to destruction.

American Standard Version

And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of Jehovah, and have gone the way which Jehovah sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Samuel 15:20, King Saul, confronted by the prophet Samuel regarding his failure to fully obey God's command to utterly destroy the Amalekites, defiantly asserts his complete obedience. He claims to have fulfilled the Lord's instructions by going where sent, bringing King Agag, and utterly destroying the Amalekites, a statement that stands in stark contrast to the divine revelation and Samuel's direct observation, highlighting Saul's self-deception and partial obedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment in the narrative of [1 Samuel 15](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Disobedience and Rejection"). The chapter begins with Samuel delivering a direct command from the LORD to Saul: "Now go and attack Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have; do not spare them, but kill both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey" ([1 Samuel 15:3](/1_samuel/15-3 "1 Samuel 15:3 - God's Command to Destroy Amalek")). This was a *cherem* command, signifying complete devotion to God through destruction. Saul gathers his army, attacks Amalek, but then deviates from the command by sparing King Agag and the best of the livestock ([1 Samuel 15:8-9](/1_samuel/15-8 "1 Samuel 15:8-9 - Saul Spares Agag and Livestock")). God reveals Saul's disobedience to Samuel ([1 Samuel 15:10-11](/1_samuel/15-10 "1 Samuel 15:10-11 - God Regrets Making Saul King")), who then confronts Saul. Saul's declaration in [1 Samuel 15:20](/1_samuel/15-20 "1 Samuel 15:20 - Saul's Claim of Obedience") is his immediate, defensive response to Samuel's probing question about the bleating of sheep and lowing of oxen. It sets the stage for Samuel's famous rebuke regarding obedience over sacrifice and the pronouncement of Saul's rejection as king ([1 Samuel 15:22-23](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22-23 - Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Amalekites were a long-standing, persistent enemy of Israel, first attacking them in the wilderness after the Exodus ([Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8 "Exodus 17:8-16 - Amalek Attacks Israel")). God had sworn to blot out their memory ([Exodus 17:14](/exodus/17-14 "Exodus 17:14 - God's Oath Against Amalek")) and commanded Israel to remember what Amalek did and utterly blot out their remembrance ([Deuteronomy 25:17-19](/deuteronomy/25-17 "Deuteronomy 25:17-19 - Remember Amalek")). The command to "utterly destroy" (Hebrew: *cherem*) was a specific form of holy war, where all spoils and living beings were devoted to God, usually by destruction, to prevent defilement or personal gain. For Saul to spare Agag, a king, was likely an attempt to gain prestige (a defeated king as a trophy) or for political reasons (to show mercy, perhaps, or to use him as a pawn). Sparing the livestock, even under the guise of offering sacrifices, was a direct violation of the *cherem* decree, demonstrating a prioritization of human reasoning and perceived benefit over explicit divine command. This act also reveals a cultural understanding of kingship, where a king might expect to take spoils of war, contrasting with God's unique demands for Israel's king.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates the theme of **partial obedience as complete disobedience** in God's eyes. Saul's self-justification and **self-deception** are also prominent, as he attempts to rationalize his actions and present a false narrative of faithfulness. The passage highlights the **nature of true obedience**, emphasizing that God desires complete submission to His will, not merely outward conformity or actions performed for personal gain or perceived piety. It also touches upon the **sovereignty of God** and His right to set the terms of obedience, even for a king. Saul's failure ultimately leads to the **rejection of his kingship**, underscoring the severe consequences of disobedience for those in positions of leadership and responsibility, a theme echoed in [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Rebellion is Like Witchcraft").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"obeyed" (Hebrew, _shama'_):** This verb means "to hear, listen, obey." Saul's claim uses the perfect tense, indicating a completed action. However, the context immediately following this statement (Samuel's counter-evidence of the livestock) and Saul's subsequent excuses reveal that his "hearing" was selective and his "obedience" was partial. He heard the command but chose not to fully comply, rendering his claim of obedience hollow.
* **"utterly destroyed" (Hebrew, _charam'_):** This verb signifies "to devote, consecrate, utterly destroy, put under the ban." It refers to the practice of *cherem*, a total destruction of people, animals, and possessions in holy war, dedicating them to God by removing them from common use. Saul's assertion that he "utterly destroyed the Amalekites" is a direct contradiction of his actions, as he spared Agag and the best of the livestock. His use of *charam* here is a misrepresentation, emptying the word of its true, severe meaning in the context of God's command.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Saul said unto Samuel,"**: This introduces Saul's direct response to Samuel's confrontation, setting the stage for his defense. It highlights the immediate, personal nature of the interaction.
* **"Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD,"**: Saul's emphatic affirmation ("Yea") immediately asserts his compliance. This is a bold, declarative statement of innocence and faithfulness, intended to deflect Samuel's implied accusation and perhaps to convince himself of his own righteousness.
* **"and have gone the way which the LORD sent me,"**: This clause acknowledges a degree of initial obedience—Saul did indeed mobilize and go to fight the Amalekites as commanded. This partial truth is used to bolster his overall claim of obedience, masking the crucial areas where he failed.
* **"and have brought Agag the king of Amalek,"**: This is a critical admission, revealing his direct disobedience. Instead of "utterly destroying" Agag as commanded, Saul "brought" him, implying capture and preservation. This act was a clear violation of the *cherem* command and a sign of his self-serving motives (perhaps for a triumphal procession or ransom).
* **"and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites."**: This final clause is the most blatant falsehood. While he did destroy many, his claim of "utterly destroyed" is contradicted by the presence of Agag and the livestock, which Samuel immediately points out. This statement reveals Saul's attempt to redefine "utterly destroyed" to fit his actions, or his profound self-deception.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [1 Samuel 15:20](/1_samuel/15-20 "1 Samuel 15:20 - Saul's Claim of Obedience") is **Irony**, specifically **Dramatic Irony**. The audience, having just read about Saul's actions in [1 Samuel 15:8-9](/1_samuel/15-8 "1 Samuel 15:8-9 - Saul Spares Agag and Livestock"), knows that Saul has *not* "utterly destroyed" the Amalekites or King Agag. Saul's confident assertion of obedience, therefore, is dramatically ironic, highlighting his self-deception and the chasm between his perception and reality. There is also an element of **Verbal Irony** in Saul's use of "utterly destroyed" (חָרַם, *charam*), as he uses the very word that defines the command he failed to fully execute. His statement also employs **Euphemism** when he says he "brought Agag," subtly masking the disobedience of sparing the king rather than explicitly stating he did not kill him. This entire exchange serves as a powerful **Contrast** between true, complete obedience and partial, self-serving compliance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Saul's declaration in [1 Samuel 15:20](/1_samuel/15-20 "1 Samuel 15:20 - Saul's Claim of Obedience") serves as a profound theological lesson on the nature of obedience. It underscores that God does not accept partial obedience or self-justified rationalizations for disobedience. For God, obedience is not merely about performing some aspects of a command while neglecting others; it demands complete submission to His will, without reservation or reinterpretation. Saul's failure demonstrates that human intentions, even if seemingly pious (like offering sacrifices), cannot supersede God's explicit commands. This narrative emphasizes that true faith is demonstrated through a humble and complete surrender to divine authority, recognizing God's wisdom and sovereignty above one's own understanding or perceived benefits.

* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice")
* [James 2:10](/james/2-10 "James 2:10 - Guilty of All")
* [Luke 6:46](/luke/6-46 "Luke 6:46 - Why Do You Call Me Lord?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Saul's self-deception and partial obedience in [1 Samuel 15:20](/1_samuel/15-20 "1 Samuel 15:20 - Saul's Claim of Obedience") offers a timeless mirror for believers today. We, too, can fall into the trap of selective obedience, convincing ourselves that our actions are acceptable to God even when we knowingly fall short of His clear commands. It challenges us to honestly examine our hearts and motives: Are we truly seeking to obey God fully, or are we rationalizing our compromises, sparing our "Agags" (our cherished sins, comforts, or worldly gains) while claiming to be faithful? This verse calls us to humility, urging us to confess our shortcomings rather than justify them, and to cultivate a spirit of complete surrender to God's Word, trusting that His ways are always perfect, even when they require personal sacrifice or seem counterintuitive to our human logic.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be practicing partial obedience, similar to Saul?**
* **How do I tend to justify my shortcomings or rationalize my disobedience to God?**
* **What "Agags" or "best of the livestock" might I be holding onto, rather than fully surrendering to God's command?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper desire for complete and joyful obedience to God's will?**

### FAQ

**Why was it so important for Saul to "utterly destroy" the Amalekites, including their king and livestock?**

Answer: The command to "utterly destroy" (Hebrew: *cherem*) the Amalekites was a divine judgment against a people who had shown persistent, unprovoked hostility towards Israel and, by extension, against God Himself. The Amalekites were the first to attack Israel after their exodus from Egypt ([Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8 "Exodus 17:8-16 - Amalek Attacks Israel")), striking at the weakest and most vulnerable. God had sworn to blot out their memory ([Exodus 17:14](/exodus/17-14 "Exodus 17:14 - God's Oath Against Amalek")) and commanded Israel to remember their wickedness ([Deuteronomy 25:17-19](/deuteronomy/25-17 "Deuteronomy 25:17-19 - Remember Amalek")). The *cherem* was not merely a military strategy but a theological act of devotion, where the spoils of war were dedicated to God by complete destruction, preventing Israel from profiting from or being corrupted by the wickedness of the defeated nation. For Saul to spare Agag and the best of the livestock was a direct violation of this sacred command, demonstrating a lack of full trust in God's judgment and a desire for personal gain or glory over divine obedience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Saul's tragic failure in [1 Samuel 15:20](/1_samuel/15-20 "1 Samuel 15:20 - Saul's Claim of Obedience") highlights humanity's pervasive struggle with perfect obedience, a struggle that finds its ultimate resolution in Jesus Christ. Where Saul offered partial obedience and self-justification, Jesus offered perfect, unwavering obedience to the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). The *cherem* command given to Saul, signifying complete devotion to God through destruction, foreshadows Christ's ultimate victory over sin and death, utterly destroying the power of the enemy through His sacrifice ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Unlike Saul, who sought to preserve what was deemed valuable by human standards, Christ surrendered all, fulfilling the Father's will completely and perfectly, becoming the Lamb of God who truly takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His perfect obedience is imputed to believers, covering our own failures to obey and making us righteous before God ([Romans 5:19](/romans/5-19 "Romans 5:19 - Obedience of One Makes Many Righteous")). Thus, Saul's sin of partial obedience underscores our desperate need for a Savior whose obedience was absolute and redemptive.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 15:13

And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed [be] thou of the LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD.

Romans 10:3

For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

Matthew 19:20

The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?

Luke 18:11

The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men [are], extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

Job 34:5

For Job hath said, I am righteous: and God hath taken away my judgment.

1 Samuel 15:8

And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword.

Job 40:8

Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous?