### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nᵉmibzeh**, represented by `{{H5240}}`, means **despised** or **vile**. Derived from the root בָּזָה, this term is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in a single verse in the entire Bible, yet its context provides a significant lesson on obedience and human judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H5240}}` is in the narrative of King Saul's disobedience. In [[1 Samuel 15:9]], Saul and his people were commanded to utterly destroy the Amalekites and all their possessions. Instead, they spared the king and "the best of the sheep, and of the oxen... and all that was good." They only destroyed what they considered **vile** and refuse. Here, **vile** is used to describe the things that were deemed worthless and not worth keeping, highlighting a selective obedience based on human valuation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of `{{H5240}}` is sharpened by its contrast with other words in its immediate context:
* `{{H2896}}` **ṭôwb** (good): This word, used for what Saul spared, has a wide-ranging meaning of something being good, pleasant, or beautiful. In the context of God's requirements, what is truly **good** is defined by obedience ([[Micah 6:8]], [[1 Samuel 15:22]]).
* `{{H4315}}` **mêyṭâb** (best): This term specifically denotes the **best** part of something. Saul's decision to keep the **best** of the plunder ([[1 Samuel 15:9]], [[1 Samuel 15:15]]) directly violated God's command.
* `{{H4549}}` **mâçaç** (refuse): Paired directly with **vile**, this word means to liquefy, waste away, or faint. In [[1 Samuel 15:9]] it is translated as **refuse**, signifying something that is wasting away or worthless. Figuratively, it is used to describe hearts that **melt** in fear ([[Joshua 2:11]], [[Psalms 22:14]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5240}}` is found entirely within its specific narrative context, illustrating a critical spiritual failure.
* **Human Valuation vs. Divine Command:** The use of **vile** reveals a judgment based on human perception of value. Saul and the people decided what was "good" `{{H2896}}` to keep and what was **vile** to destroy, substituting their own assessment for God's absolute command.
* **The Sin of Partial Obedience:** By destroying only the things they considered **vile** and refuse, they demonstrated a self-serving obedience. This act showed that they valued the spoils of war over complete submission to God, a point Samuel later makes when he says, "to obey is better `{{H2896}}` than sacrifice" [[1 Samuel 15:22]].
* **Defining Worthlessness:** The term marks the items as despised and of no material value. This stands in stark contrast to God's economy, where the most valuable thing is not material wealth but faithful obedience.
### Summary
In summary, while `{{H5240}}` **nᵉmibzeh** is used only once, its role in [[1 Samuel 15:9]] is pivotal. It functions as the negative counterpart to "good" and "best," crystallizing the essence of Saul's sin. The word marks the items that were destroyed not out of obedience, but because they were perceived as worthless. It serves as a permanent reminder that substituting human judgment for divine instruction, even regarding things considered **vile**, constitutes a profound act of disobedience.
TRV