Day 104, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): 1Samuel 15–16
Follow Instructions
Have we ever built a model, repaired a car, sewn a new dress, or made a new entrée' for dinner? What happens when we do not precisely follow the instructions, repair manual, pattern, or recipe? We risk it turning out differently than we expected and maybe even ruining it. We should learn not to act with pride and think we know everything. In certain circumstances, we must follow instructions to the letter. Doing this may seem too strict for some people, but it brings the best success.
King Saul wasn't good at following all the directions of the LORD. He meant well but didn't listen. At Gilgal, Saul failed to wait for Samuel to offer a sacrifice and secure the LORD's blessing before going into battle. Instead, because his troops were scattering in fear, and Samuel was late, he felt he must do it himself. The King dishonored and disobeyed God. When Samuel came, he told Saul because he had done this, his kingdom wouldn't endure (1Samuel 13:7-14).
Today's Bible reading reveals another incident when Saul doesn't follow instructions.
This is what the LORD Almighty says: “I will punish the Amalekites for what they did to Israel when they waylaid them as they came up from Egypt [Exodus 17:8-14; Deuteronomy 25:17-19]. Now go, attack the Amalekites [map] and totally destroy everything that belongs to them. Do not spare them; put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys.”
But Saul and the army spared Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves and lambs—everything that was good. These they were unwilling to destroy completely, but everything that was despised and weak they totally destroyed (1Samuel 15:2-3, 9, NIV).
Not only does Saul fail to fully carry out God's instructions, he also becomes proud of his tremendous victory and sets up a monument to himself (1Samuel 15:12). When Samuel confronts King Saul, he defends himself, saying he followed God's orders. The army killed everything except the best things, and, of course, Saul's trophy, the King of the Amalekites. He even has a noble reason for not completely obeying the LORD—he saved the best of the animals to sacrifice to God! How flattering! Later, Saul owns up to the truth. He was afraid of his soldiers, so he gave in to their desires for the loot (1Samuel 15:24). The King wanted to keep popularity with his men.
In response Samuel says,
Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as King (1 Samuel 15:22-3, NIV).
Why didn't God allow Saul and his soldiers to keep the spoils of war? It seemed like such a waste to destroy everything. The LORD was angry with the Amalekites because they waylaid Israel in the desert—he wanted them destroyed. The Amalekites were one of the neighboring nations which God ordered to be entirely destroyed for their evil influence. This order was to be obeyed even if they hadn't ambushed Israel (Deuteronomy 20:16-18).
Could we obey the LORD if there seemed to be no advantage to us? Could we obey God when that might threaten our popularity? God can reward us for our obedience more than the small amount of reward we may get in this life.
In contrast to King Saul, Samuel (the prophet and judge) obeys God in everything. He does this even though it poses significant dangers.
The LORD said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as King over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be King.” But Samuel said, “How can I go? Saul will hear about it and kill me.” The LORD said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.' Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what to do. You are to anoint for me the one I indicate,” (1 Samuel 16:1-3, NIV).
It's important to fully obey God. Because Saul doesn't do this, God chooses another man to become King. Would he do that to us? We're not kings of Israel, but when God gives us an assignment, and we fail to obey him, the LORD might remove his blessings from us or even replace us.
When Jesse presents his sons to Samuel, he thinks the oldest son, Eliab, would be an excellent choice to be King. But God says to him,
Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. “The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart,” (1 Samuel 16:7, NIV).
All the sons of Jesse pass before Samuel, but God chooses none of them. Finally, Jesse brings in David from the fields, and in front of all his brothers, Samuel anoints the young man to be King.
David is not only a brave warrior (1 Samuel 16:18); he's also a talented musician. Whenever an evil (or harmful) spirit from the LORD comes upon Saul, David soothes him by playing beautiful music on his harp. Saul trusts him and makes him his armor-bearer. His close acquaintance with King Saul allows him to familiarize himself with all that is involved in being King. God rules and providentially works in his life and our lives for his glory and our good.
Focus Verse
1Samuel 15:22 (NIV) … “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.”
Discussion
Why is it important to follow the LORD’s instructions exactly, and what could happen if we do not? What could happen if we do?
What sacrifices do people try to make instead of obeying the LORD?
How has God providentially worked in our lives for his glory and our good? Give examples from the Bible or others we know.
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to me, Rod, the author
Looking Ahead: Israel and David next Face Giant Challenges. How will they meet them? How will we meet them? We can get some help with this in our next lesson.
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