“Samuel said, “Although you were once small in your own eyes, did you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The Lord anointed you king over Israel. 18 And he sent you on a mission, saying, ‘Go and completely destroy those wicked people, the Amalekites; wage war against them until you have wiped them out.’ 19 Why did you not obey the Lord? Why did you pounce on the plunder and do evil in the eyes of the Lord?” 20 “But I did obey the Lord,” Saul said. “I went on the mission the Lord assigned me. I completely destroyed the Amalekites and brought back Agag their king.21 The soldiers took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was devoted to God, in order to sacrifice them to the Lord your God at Gilgal.” 1 Samuel 15.17-21
It never works to argue with God. I have tried many times, and I always lose. Why? Because God’s ways are best!
King Saul argues with God in this passage. Although he clearly did what was wrong, he tries to justify his behavior (I’ve been there too!). Samuel points out that Saul did not obey God’s command and that he plundered the wealth of the people when he was supposed to destroy everything. But Saul argues, saying, “I did obey the Lord…” and claims it was the “soldiers who took sheep and cattle from the plunder.” However, this is not what the Lord commanded him to do. Saul did what he wanted and blamed his men for part of it.
Samuel must have been so exhausted from dealing with the king. The man who was once small in his own eyes (v.17) had become “the head of the tribes of Israel.” King Saul believed in his own greatness. Once he was nothing, but God made him something. Unfortunately, the elevation of leadership went to his head. Sometimes, we forget where we have come from.
But it’s Saul’s stubbornness that reflects his character the most. Instead of recognizing his sin and confessing it, he makes excuses and argues with God. Unfortunately, things only get worse for the king.
The best course of action is submission to the will of God. Even when I don’t realize I am in the wrong, when I forget that I am a sinner, or when I fail to see that my success is only because God has blessed me — humility and submission are always the best responses when dealing with the God of the Universe. Arguing only highlights my own ineptitude. Saul’s mistake reminds me to humble myself before the Lord and let Him lift me up.
If you are stubborn like me — or like King Saul — I encourage you to take a moment of prayer, humility, and submission before the Lord. Allow Christ to reign in you so that you might become all that He has called you to be, by His grace and for His glory.
“O Lord God, you are good. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for allowing me to be your hands and feet. I trust you, Lord, and exalt your name. Help me find my strength in you. Allow me to call upon your name in times of trouble and to find assurance in your Spirit. Come now, Holy One, and have your way with me. For you are good, and your love endures forever.” Amen