Promises – Page 4 – Old Testament Survey

Psalm 56

Psalm 56 is a Psalm of David when he was in Gath as found in 1 Samuel 21. He, again, gives praise to God for what He has done for him. When He delivers, we should praise Him. Do we?

Verses 1-4-The beginning of this Psalm presents David as tired. He is trampled and oppressed. Does this sound like your life? He places his trust in God, no matter the circumstance. He then praises God because he remembers that life is fleeting and only work for God matters in this life (Matthew 16.24-26). What can those around you do to you?

Verses 5-7-David tells us what they can do. They can injure and do harm us. In the end, God will judge righteously (Romans 12). If we truly believe that God is sovereign, this should be of comfort to us as we go through our daily struggles.

Verses 8-11-Because God is for him, nothing can stand against him. God loves us. Read these verses. He counts are tears, He records them, He is for us, He removes fear (Romans 8.31 and Psalm 118.6). This is so important that David mentions it twice. What is our response? It should daily be that of praise.

Verses 12-13-Because of what God has done for us, our natural response should be to praise Him, to keep His commands. These will not save us. However, because we are saved, we can now do them!

What are you doing today that He has asked you to do?

Long. Hard. Worth it? Yes.

Psalm 34

Today we are provided a better look into the heart and mind of David when he faced difficult circumstances. David’s career is filled with passion. Seldom do you read of David being complacent about life. David gave his all to what he did. Sometimes that passion was for God and other times that passion was for himself. In the psalms we have been and will be studying based on his early life (7, 27, 31, 34, 52, 56, 120, 140, 141, and 142), we see his passion for God.

Psalm 34 informs us, in the inscription, of the historical context of the Psalm. If you recall, the Hebrew version of the Psalms includes the inscriptions as a verse. Without the title as a verse, this psalm forms an acrostic. This Psalm is found played out in history in 1 Samuel 21.10-15 where David acted crazy in order to escape from king Abimelech who is called Achish in the passages in Samuel (1 Samuel 21.10-15 and 1 Samuel 27 and 29). If you read the psalm, it does not sound like it fits with the historical passage. However, David wrote it and ascribed the historical context to it. There are times when we wax poetic after we have encountered danger. It is more praise to God for the deliverance than an account of the deliverance. Such is the case with Psalm 34.

Verses 1-3-As the Psalm is read it is difficult not to look to God to praise Him. This is the purpose of the Psalm. David commands us to look to God to magnify Him. This doesn’t mean that we attempt to make God big but that we look to see Him as He is in reality. A telescope does not make the universe bigger. It helps us see how large it is in reality.

Verses 4-10-As Psalm 31 and 32 present to us the effects of sin on our bodies, these verses present to us the effect of God on our bodies. When we are in fellowship, much like Moses, are faces reflect Him, our bodies are refreshed, our minds are at ease, our fears are alleviated, and shame or disgrace in not our lot.

Verses 11-14-Second Timothy 2.22, Hebrews 12.14, and 1 Corinthians 15.33 both reflect the ideas presented in these verses. If we desire to live the life God created for us to live, we need to pursue God with a passion that is also found in those with whom we are friends.

Verses 15-18-David understands the mission of God in this world is to bring people back into right relationship and fellowship with Himself. Only the humble or the righteous will find Him. Those who are proud, who do what is right in their own eyes (Proverbs 14.12), He will oppose the proud. Remember, God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble Jesus mentions this as His mission in life in His first sermon (Luke 4.18.19).

Verses 19-22-These verses reflect the previous four verses. When verse 20 is read, we see a reference to the day Christ was crucified in John 19.33 and 36.

This passage offers hope to those who are in dire straits. What do you do when times are tough? Is your focus on the circumstances or on the God who is greater than all of them (1 John 4.4)?

Psalm 31

Psalm 31 presents another Psalm of David during the time of fleeing from Saul that we have been read about in 1 Samuel 21-24. A brief reading of this psalm presents th early flight of David from Saul. However, others think it is more closely related to when his son Absalom was in rebellion toward the end of David’s life. The text reads better in light of En-gedi and Adullam early in David’s life (verse 2).

Verses 1-2-David is begging God to vindicate him, to listen to him, to rescue him. During this time of turmoil, David knew to whom he should look for protection. The caves are temporary but God is eternal.

Verses 3-5-David realized the truth purpose of God allowing the circumstances befalling David. That purpose is to bring glory to God. David knows that God is his Savior. He knows that he has been redeemed spiritually by God and realizes God can deliver him physically too.

Verses 6-8-Once again David speaks of God’s deliverance and how God has placed him in the straight place due to David’s trust in God.

Verses 9-10-David uses the same imagery of his body wasting away due to his adultery with Bathsheba in Psalm 32. If we could grab hold of what sin does to the body as well as the spirit, we might be less inclined to sin.

Verses 11-13-David doesn’t seem to be able to trust anyone. Who in his midst or around him is working for Saul? His neighbors are his enemies.

Verses 14-18-He turns his attention to the truth of whom God is and of His power. When we are surrounded, we need to remember to focus on God and who He is not the situation we find ourselves in at the moment. Do your circumstances overwhelm you? Well, God is greater than your circumstances (1 John 4.4).

Verses 19-20-God is sovereign and holds complete power.

Verses 21-22-When we cry out to Him, He listens (verses 1 and 22). But, we need to cry out to Him. When we think He is far from us, He is merely a whisper away.

Verses 23-24-This is a call for the saints to love God because of who He is and what He has done. Again, the motif of waiting on the Lord as we read in Psalm 27.

Our courage is only in Him for He alone is eternal and omnipotent. Where is your help coming from?

Psalm 27

Psalm 27 has no reference to time in the title. However, after reading through this Psalm, similarities to the circumstances of En-Gedi and Adullam are evident where David was being pursued by friends (verse 12) and where his family met with him (verse 10).

Psalm 27 has no reference to time in the title (cf. Psalm 102, read the study of Psalm 102). However, after reading through this Psalm, similarities to the circumstances of En-Gedi and Adullam (1 Samuel 21-24) are evident where David was being pursued by friends (verse 12) and where his family met with him (verse 10).

Verse 1-David expresses his confidence in God, even though the situation is not hopeful. We have no need to fear because God is sovereign. He allows the circumstances for His glory. When we can confidently believe that, our lives will be shaped by His purpose not our fear. Fear comes to us when we respond emotionally, without correct knowledge, to a situation. What area of your life do you have fear? What is it about God you doubt?

Verses 2-3-David expresses not fear but confidence in an omnipotent God. Do we?

Verses 4-6-David has confidence that God will allow him to be with Him in His holy temple. God will deliver him. Would that be a prayer of yours? God, bring me through this week that I may stand and praise You at church on Sunday.

Verses 7-10-David is expressing his desire to know God better. He expresses his confidence in God not in humanity because he knows people offer conditional acceptance while God offers unconditional acceptance. The reference to father and mother relates to his father and mother joining him and being sent to safety in 1 Samuel 22.3. Even though they did not reject him, they could have because they are human.

Verses 11-12-David is facing danger from those he knows due to the adversaries being false witnesses and not an enemy nation. Could this be a reference to Doeg from 1 Samuel 22? He asks for God to give him a straight path. He is approaching God and seeking God. Remember that God promises a level path to all who seek Him and not their own ways (Proverbs 3.5-6)

Verses 13-14-David maintains his hope. He knows if he waits for the Lord to do His work, all will be good. These verses should remind you of Joshua 1, Isaiah 40, and Psalm 103.

What confidence do you have in God? Is He truly God in whom we seek refuge and of whom we worship? Or, is He something less than He claims to be? Who is He in your life?

1 Samuel 21-24

For the next few chapters, until the conclusion of the book, David is fleeing from Saul. We begin with David seeking sanctuary in a sanctuary. Good place to go, but not for bread and weapons. However, he found both there. Edomites are descended from Esau and are judged by God in Obadiah. We see their beginnings in Genesis 26.34-35 and Genesis 36. Esau rebels against his parents and pursues Canaanite women for wives. From this, an enemy of the Israelites springs. Saul has an Edomite as one of his leading shepherds. His name was Doeg. He tells Saul that David was protected and fed by the priests in Nob. In chapter 22 Saul orders the execution of the priest Ahimelech’s family because he helped David. The only person willing to carry out the order was Doeg. We will see David’s response to this later in 1 Samuel and in Psalm 52.

David goes to Gath with a sword of Goliath who was from . . . that’s right, Gath. When David goes to the city, the people recognize him as the soon-to-be-king. He fakes insanity and is let go.

In chapter 22 David is running from Saul toward the desolate cave of Adullum where the outcasts of Israel join his army. He takes care of his family by sending them to the Moabites. Refer to Ruth for background on the Moabites. This chapter shows the insane paranoia of Saul when he slaughters the descendants of Ahimelech for giving David bread (1 Samuel 21). Ahimelech gives Saul the background of David’s commitment to Saul. Saul still rejects David and kills Ahimelech’s family by the hand of Doeg. One, as always, escapes. His name is Abiathar. He proved faithful to David until David died. He was his high priest (Abiathar was the fourth generation from Eli).

Chapter 23 provides accounts of the relentless pursuit of Saul to kill David and David’s elude him. David stays in the wilderness of En-gedi during these days (cf. En-gedi and another En-gedi). As a bit of relief, David is introduced to Abiathar and Jonathan pledges his loyalty to David. It is strange that Saul could not find David but Jonathan could. When David wants to be found, he is; when he doesn’t want to be found, he isn’t. Does this sound like God?

Saul’s relentless pursuit continues in chapter 24. This time David could have killed Saul. Instead, David shows his loyalty to Saul because of his loyalty to God. Saul was relieving himself. The Hebrew states: “he covered his feet.” In other words, he was “dumping a load.” Saul relents from his relentless pursuit for a while. He will continue it in chapter 26. Here, however, Saul acknowledges that David will be king.

There are times we need to hide from those who pursue us, there are times we need to confront those who pursue us, and the time is always that we remain loyal to God’s Word and call in our life. Despite the circumstances, we need to remain true to His calling and purpose for us. How are you doing?

Psalm 59

Our reading for today brings us to Psalm 59. According to the title of this Psalm, these verses are describing what occurred in 1 Samuel 19.11.

Our reading for today brings us to Psalm 59. According to the title of this Psalm, these verses are describing what occurred in 1 Samuel 19.11. When reading the English, we lose the Hebrew concept that the title is part of the chapter. According to our English translation there are 17 verses. When reading the Hebrew there are 18 verses because the title in the English version is ascribed a verse. The title states that David wrote this to the chief musician, so it is a song, when he was being chased by Saul as written in 1 Samuel 19.11.

Verses 1-2 is David’s acknowledgment that there are men waiting to kill him.

Verses 3-4 David recognizes that the mighty, or the king, Saul, is behind all this. He also knows he did nothing to cause Saul to treat him this way. Can we honestly say this about ourselves? When people seek to do us harm, are we innocent?

Verse 5 shows David’s trust in the sovereign God who redeems his people from the hand of the enemy. Do you see the book of Exodus in this verse?

Selah-take a moment and consider what God has done in your life in terms of delivering you from people who sought your harm. If you can think of none, then praise Him for that and ask Him to continue protecting you.

Verses 6-7 and 14-15 describe the relentless attacks of those pursuing David.

Verses 8-10 describe God’s sovereignty, omniscience, and immanent. He knows our thoughts and those who oppose us. He meets us where we are and takes us where we should be. This is one reason Jesus is called Immanuel (God with us).

Verses 11-13 is asking God to do what will bring Him the most glory, to do what will draw people to Him.

Selah-take a moment and ponder what you are doing and for what you are praying. Do these bring others to God that they may know who He is and bring Him glory?

Verses 16-17 bring us to where God wants us to be in all circumstances. He wants us to rejoice in who He is and in what He is doing in the circumstances. Have you sang a song of praise to God lately? Try this one: Our God is an Awesome God (Michael W. Smith).

Be blessed and a blessing today as you remember that no matter where we are, God is with us. And, no matter the circumstances, He is wanting to be part of your life. And, remember, He allowed those circumstances.

Introduction to the Psalms

The book of Psalms was written by various writers such as David, and Moses even wrote a psalm. These chapters reflect life in the community of Israel. These are, at times, a reaction to the circumstances God allows in our lives.

The book of Psalms was written by various writers. These chapters reflect life in the community of Israel. These are, at times, a reaction to the circumstances God allows in our lives.

Writers of the Psalms:

Asaph (Psalms 50, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79-83). He was a Levite, one of the leaders of David’s choir (1 Chronicles 6.31-48). He wrote twelve Psalms. He was considered a propeht as-well-as a composer (2 Chronicles 29.30; Nehemiah 12.46) (Smith’s Bible Dictionary, 1997).
Ethan the Ezrahite (Psalm 89) was one of the four sons of Mahol, whose wisdom was excelled by Solomon (1 Kings 4.31 and 1 Chronicles 2.6).
King David
Korahite, a priest from the tribe of Levi. These were the gatekeepers and singers in the Temple according to 1 Chronicles 9.19; 12.6; 26.1.

A possible division of the Psalms can be in terms of the Pentateuch. For example

Psalms 1-41 reflect the Sovereign God of creation in Genesis
Psalms 42-72 reflect the Redeeming God of Exodus
Psalms 73-89 reflect the holy God whom we worship in Leviticus
Psalms 90-106 reflect the God who is with us in our wanderings as in Numbers
Psalms 107-150 reflect the God of the Word whom we praise as in Deuteronomy

Each of these divisions ends with a doxology, a blessing reflecting the theme of the previous chapters.

Altaschith means “Do not destroy.” It occurs in Psalms 57-59 and 75 (see our study of Psalm 57, 58, 59, and 75). Although the meaning is not clear, some have conjectured that it was a tune of a popular song. Isaiah 65.8 seems to reference it.
Gittith may refer to a musical instrument created and used by the people of Gath. Since David stayed with them for a time, it seems plausible. This term is used in Psalms 8, 81, 84.
Higgaion may refer to a musical interlude; a grand pause like Selah (Psalm 9 and 92). In Psalm 19 the term is translated as “meditate.”
Jeduthun, meaning praising, refers to a Levitical family whose duties were to organize the temple music service (1 Chronicles 15.17, 19; 1 Chronicles 16.41, 42; 1 Chronicles 25.1, 3, 6; 2 Chronicles 35.15). Jeduthun’s name is in the inscription found in Psalms 39, 62, 77, and 89. These Psalms were written by others and were probably written specifically for his choir.
Lily of the Covenant (Psalm 60 and Psalm 88) might refer to a tune the psalm is to be sung to.
Mahalath is found in the title of Psalm 53 and Mahalath-Leannoth is found in the title of Psalm 88. The meaning of these words is uncertain as it seems with most of the superscriptions in the Psalms. The thought is that mahalath is a guitar, and that leannoth has reference to the character of the psalm. Some see it as equivalent to Maëstoso, which is a direction for performers to play the passage in a majestic manner.
Maskil (or Maschil) is a term used to indicate a psalm that was sung at an annual festival. The NASB describes it as “Possibly Contemplative, or Didactic, or Skillful Psalm” term means skillful instruction. It is used in thirteen psalms (Psalm 32, 42, 44, 45, 52, 53, 54, 55, 74, 78, 88, 89, and 142).
A Miktam is a Hebrew word meaning “writing” or “psalm” and could mean that it is an epigrammatic poem or atonement Psalm. It is found in the superscriptions for Psalm 16 and Psalms 56–60 (Psalm 16, 56, 57, 58, 59, and 60). These are Psalms written in the form of a prayer due to persistent danger. In Isaiah 38.9-20 it is translated as “writing.” Because the Septuagint translates it as “inscription,” it should be understood as “writing.” Since we do not have a clear understanding of the term, we should go with the interpretation found closest to the source itself unless the understanding contradicts other portions of Scripture.
Muth-Labben may refer to the death (מות) of a son of David (Absalom) or the death of Goliath or the death of a fool (a play on Laban’s name). It is only found in Psalm 9. It could also be a musical term indicating that soprano boys should sing this tune.
Neginoth means stringed instrument (Psalm 4, 6, 54, 55, 61, 67, and 76).
Nehiloth or flute or other wind instrument with holes in it (Psalm 5).
Selah is a musical term asking us to stop and pause in order to reflect on what has been said.
Shemeninth means “an eighth” and is unknown to us. It could mean an octave, a tune, or a pitch.

Types of Psalms

Imprecatory (7, 35, 40, 55, 58, 59, 69, 79, 109, 137, 139, 144). These psalms are cries to God to bring destruction on those who stand against God and God’s people.
Individual Lament (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 35, 38, 39, 40, 42, 43, 51, 54, 55, 56, 57, 59, 61, 63, 64, 69, 70, 71, 86, 88, 102, 109, 120, 130, 140, 141, 142, and 143). These psalms are passionate pleas to God for help in personal situations.
National or Community Psalms of Lament (12, 44, 58, 60, 74, 79, 80, 83, 85, 89, 90, 94, 123, 126, 129). These are passionate pleas to God for national deliverance.
Nature Psalms (8, 19, 29, 33, 65, 104). These relate to God’s creative work, which inspires these poetic writings.
Song of Ascents or Pilgrimage Psalms (43, 46, 48, 76, 84, 87, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, and 134). These are songs the pilgrims sung as they went to Jerusalem for the three major holy days of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles (Leviticus 23).
Royal Psalms (2, 18, 20, 21, 45, 72, 89, 101, 110, 132, 144). These relate to the reign of the king. These can also refer to the coming King, Jesus the Messiah.
Messianic Psalms (22, 102,…..) relate to the coming Messiah.
Penitential Psalms (Psalms 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, and 143). When seeking to confess sins, these are great psalms to read as part of confession when asking God to restore our fellowship with Him (1 John 1.9).
Songs (Psalm 65, 66, 67, and 68). These psalms all contain the word “Song” in their heading along with the regular word of Psalm. They begin with the phrase “Praise is due to You” and end with “Blessed be God.”
Historical (Psalms 78, 104, 105, 106, 136). Reading these Psalms will provide an historical perspective on the nation of Israel.
The Hallelujah or Hallel Psalms, i.e. Psalms 105, 106, 107, 111–118, 135, 136, 146–150. Most of these Psalms begin or end with the Hebrew word הלליה, translated as “Praise the LORD”.

1 Samuel 20

First Samuel 20 presents a friendship based on the desire for the growth in another and not an advancement for the self. Do we find this in our society where everything seems to be for the benefit of the one involved? Can we find this in our society where face-to-face is replaced with a face-book?

The setting is the end of chapter 19. David is in Ramah. He finds Jonathan and pleads his case before him. The friendship of the two can be recalled from 1 Samuel 18 and 19. Here Jonathan pledges total devotion to David as does David for Jonathan (1 Samuel 20.17). Jonathan is willing to die in the place of his friend. He asks David, who he knows is going to replace him, to care for his family after he has died (1 Samuel 17.14). This promise is kept in 2 Samuel 9.

Saul was jealous for the throne. His anger continued to rage against David. In verse 30 we see that anger rage against his own son. Saul sees that Jonathan is not standing in the way of David taking Jonathan’s throne. He is enraged with Jonathan. Jonathan defends David. Saul desires David dead.

When we battle against the Lord’s will, we lose. We not only lose the battle, but we also lose our sanity.

1 Samuel 17

This chapter is not only a commentary on David’s replacing Saul as the military leader it is also a comment on the army and on Saul. Saul and his army shrink in fear before Goliath. I don’t think it is a spoiler alert but David slays the giant in God’s strength for His glory.

Map of Israel before David was king. This map shows the place where David met Goliath.

It seems from verses 1-11 that the people of Israel forgot an important part of their existence; they are the people of God, making them the army of God, and making them invulnerable as long as they are working toward His purpose. God called them to rid the nation of Philistines. It seems they could not remember that God promised them the land and promised that He would be with them. Partly because of Saul and his rebellion against God, partly due to their preoccupying their mind with the circumstances of the day, and partly because they were listening to the taunts of their enemy and believing what he said. Goliath reminded them each day that he was a Philistine, who the Israelites were to drive out, and that statement is true. He then told them a lie. He told the Israelites that they belonged to Saul’s army, not God’s army. The lie was enveloped in the truth and the Israelites did not take every thought captive. In so doing, they believed the lie.

Our enemy does this to us as well. He will tell us truth. For example, you are a Christian. He then will tell the lie that we cannot be accepted by God because of sinful habits. The only way to get closer to God is by breaking those habits before we attempt to get closer. We believe the lie that is in the truth and are crushed in despair. The truth is you are a Christian (if you have accepted Him into your life). The truth is you sin (we all do). The truth is you have sinful habits. The lie comes when he tells you that you have to get better before God wants you to come to Him. We cannot get better outside of Him. It is He that we go to get better. This same scheme was used on Adam in the Garden and on Jesus in the Wilderness. One fell because he relied on his own word and the other overcame because He relied on God’s Word. We need to know the truth to be free. John 17 reminds us that God’s Word is Truth and John 14 informs us that Jesus is the Truth (the Word personified in John 1). Zechariah 3 presents this truth as Satan accuses Joshua, the High Priest, of not being acceptable to God. God then rebukes Satan with the truth. Are you accurately handling the word of truth (2 Timothy 2.15)?

Goliath asks for a man to do battle with him. There is no answer, merely an interlude on what David is doing. If you recall, David was anointed as king in 1 Samuel 16. This chapter is historically out of place to confirm that David, not Saul, is the true king of Israel. After this chapter, the troops and the citizenry of Israel hail David as greater than Saul, which produces the fugitive motif of the remaining chapters. David is the hero, and Saul is the zero. The latter seeks to destroy the former.

David is obedient to his father which is a godly character trait based on the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20). He does even the menial tasks his father asks him to do. He tends the sheep, plays for Saul, and takes lunches to three of his brothers. Where were the other four?

It is in this chapter we begin to see another character trait of David. He is full of passion that leads him to the heights of glory as he slays Goliath and the depths of corruption as he murders his best general because of his adultery. His passion for God’s glory is clear here. Each day for forty days Goliath taunts not just God’s army but God as well. David needs to do something about that. When God is being dishonored, do you step up and demand it stop, even preparing in your mind for battle? Have you already prepared your mind with words for such instances? You should. Peter commands us to be ready for times such as these (1 Peter 3.15).

A moment with Goliath. He is more than nine feet tall. His job is to battle other strongmen from other armies and to strike fear into the hearts of those who see him. He has four brothers (2 Samuel 21.18-21) which would explain the five stones and not one. He was ready to take out Goliaths’ entire family. He went ready.
We know the rest of the story. David asks permission to fight Goliath. He actually begs Saul for this privilege. He gives testimony of all God has done in and through him. David prepares to battle Goliath. Saul gives David his armor. David refuses because he does not know how to use them. He walks out with his sling and his stones. Goliath mocks not David because he is not a man and mocks God, again. David proclaims that his power is not in his sling nor in the stones. He states his power to defeat Goliath is in God; the God of Israel will defeat Goliath. This is where David did not believe the lie. He knew this was God’s army going in God’s strength, under God’s guidance, not Saul’s nor his. He killed Goliath. The Philistines did not surrender as promised. They ran away. David took the head of Goliath to Jerusalem. Legend has it that he buried it on a hill outside the city and this is where the name “Golgotha” or “Place of the Skull” came into being. This is also the place where Christ was crucified (Matthew 27.33).

A point of interest, in 2 Samuel 21.18-22 another Bethlehemite kills another Goliath of Gath. This could be one of the brothers of Goliath. The phrase states that David and his servants killed all them. I wonder if he carried the other four stones for such a time as that. After that moment, David sings a song of thanksgiving for God’s deliverance from them and other enemies (2 Samuel 22).

The Israelites chased the Philistines, killed them. David was brought before Saul. David submitted himself to Saul’s authority. This is another character trait of David that is evident in the remaining chapters of 1 Samuel.

David and Saul’s character are compared. One followed the truth, was obedient to the Word, was submissive to authority, the authority both of his father and of Saul, and was victorious. The other lived in fear of the lies he believed and was defeated. Who would you rather be like?

1 Samuel 15

The opening verses, as many in the Old Testament, can be misunderstood. Unless we look at the passage in terms of whom God is and what He has done, verse three seems to be overkill (literally).

The opening verses, as many in the Old Testament, can be misunderstood. Unless we look at the passage in terms of whom God is and what He has done, verse three seems to be overkill (literally). However, God is punishing them for their sins. The book of Romans reminds us that there are none who are innocent and all deserve death based on rebellion against God. This would include “child and infant.” God is also judging them, specifically, for not befriending the Israelites on their journey. The latter occurred because of the former. The key in these verses (1-3) is for Saul, as God’s anointed, to “utterly destroy” the Amalekites. When we do not obey God to the letter of what He commands, we will set up ourselves for future sorrow. We will see this later in the chapter with Agag and have already seen it through Joshua and Judges.

The command God gave to Saul was to destroy all living creatures from among the Amalekites. Saul musters more than 200,000 men to battle, which shows the entirety of Israel was under his kingship by this time. He allows the Kenites to leave. They were not under God’s judgment. He allows Agag, the king, and all the animals that were healthy to survive. These were under God’s judgment. He partially follows what God commanded. This always leads to trouble.

The next verse shows God’s displeasure with Saul. Not only does Saul disobey God but he erects a monument to himself (verse 12). He then greets Samuel as if nothing wrong had happened. Samuel calls out Saul for his disobedience. Saul blames it on the soldiers then on God. He then proclaims that he followed God’s commands to the letter.

Samuel lays down God’s judgment before Saul. Saul attempts to justify himself by his actions (works do not save us). He thinks his actions are better than what God had planned. This is the basis for all our sins. We believe our plan is better than the God of the universe’s plan. Samuel provides God’s heart. Verse 22 should be committed to memory. God rejects Saul. He informs him that his sin was as bad as seeking out a witch for advice. He does this later in the book.

Saul repents. Even in his “repentance” he is blaming the people for his sins. The kingdom is now given to the unnamed rightful first king of Israel, which we will see in the next chapter. Samuel had nothing to do with Saul after that night. Samuel grieved over what happened with Saul. We should have the same heart. When in disciplining people in our sphere of influence, we should never delight in the discipline but grieve over what has happened and be in prayer for restoration. In this case, there is no restoration. When it states that God was sorry that He made Saul king, it means He also grieved over the life and work of Saul. It does not mean that He made a mistake and wanted to do it all over again.

Samuel finished the work Saul did not complete. He killed Agag. Saul must not have killed all the people of the Amalekites. A few hundred years later, in Esther 3, a descendant of Agag is mentioned whose name is Haman.

Our lack of obedience to God will come back to us in the form of discipline. Hebrews 12 reminds us that as God’s children we should expect discipline when we go against His commands. His discipline is always for restoration to fellowship with Him and His people. The consequences of our disobedience today may not come upon us quickly but may manifest themselves later in life or in our children’s life. We need to be careful, therefore, in how we live that God’s blessing rather than discipline may be found in our life and in the future for our children and for those people in our sphere of influence.