1 Samuel Chapter 15 Discussion

In 1 Sam 15:11,God regretted that he made Saul king. In Genesis, He regretted that He made man. Man says God is omniscient which suggests He knows tomorrow which is preached as such from the pulpit. We sometimes know in advance we are about to move wrong but we move anyway and invoke that old idiom, "I know I'm gonna regret this."

Why we do it is because; we decide the possible gain is worth the risk, we throw caution to the wind, we are wanton and careless by nature or we have an obsessive/compulsive urge or disorder. Is it our fumbling of language that causes us from the Hebrew translation forward to cause a sentence to say that God, though seeing a negative outcome, proceeded regardless? The wording subsequent to the act "...for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments...." is indicative of a fresh observation and not words recognizing an anticipated failure. I pray, believe, am born again and I like witnessing to unbelievers with confidence. Several instances exist of God appearing to be surprised though it's preached that it can't be. In Gen. 11, 5-7, God sees and reacts to an unwelcomed situation in the plain English reading of KJV. Doctrine seems esteemed over literal Bible with many preachers. Discrepancies and contradictions exist which are denied with many seeming to believe God dictated the Bible rather than inspired the writing (except in a couple places). Most never mention that Constantine influenced powerful doctrinal elements yet create narratives embracing those elements as if they are scripture or stretch certain Bible verses and scriptures or interpret them to complement their narrative. Do you think God intended the Bible exactly as is? Why so many versions, doctrines, denominations? Do you see a distinction between liberality and evil that led 50% of the nation to vote for one opposing life for babies, defense of Israel, Christian right of speech over pervert laws claiming it to be hate speech, less law?

Richard, you are correct that sacrifices were conducted at the Temple court, however in this era, they would have normally been conducted at the Tabernacle or at a dedicated Altar. Yet, if you read that portion carefully, when the people saved the best of the cattle of the enemy (the Amalekites), Saul was severely chastised by God through Samuel the prophet for not destroying all living creatures even though Saul had assumed that the cattle would come in handy for sacrificial purposes.

But Saul was rejected because of his disobedience (rebellion) in this matter, his sin being likened to the evil of witchcraft & idolatry. Saul then realized his error but his disobedience even meant that "God repented that He made Saul a king over Israel". So, I understand that the cattle saved as part of the booty, were probably meant for sacrifice at Gilgal, which was a special (sacred) place (Joshua chap 4) where Joshua erected the 12 stones (representing the 12 tribes). Then they sacrificed at Shiloh, a short distance away, where the Tabernacle was set up ( Joshua 18:1).

in 1 samuel 15;21 i thought sacrifices were to be made at the temple

On 1 SAMUEL 15:29

The Word of God is God ( John 1:1) and is not of any private interpretation ( 2 Peter 1:20).

The word 'Repent' in different forms (repent, repentance, repented, repentest, repenteth, repenting, repentings) is mentioned 110 times in the KJV, and means a lot more than what people by nature have been conditioned to believe. The word 'repent' used in the New Testament was translated from the Greek word "metanoeo", and means to change, transform, to think differently or reconsider.

It is the key principle of all the teachings of Jesus Christ and the axiom (basis) of the Word of God and a prerequisite and primary requirement for the salvation of mankind. It actually means the changing of spirits - to turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God ( Acts 26:18).

For a better understanding and the 'spiritual truth' of what it means to repent, and learn how and by whom mankind has been deceived ( Rev. 12:9) and what people must do to be reunited with the true and living God, we invite you to seek Him according to the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive ( Matthew 7:7; John 14:17).

You need not that any man teach you ( Isaiah 54:13; 6:45; 1 John 2:27), as mankind follows after an image of a false god and a false Christ ( Matthew 24:24; Mark 13:22; Gal. 4:8; 2 Cor. 11:13-15; Rev. 12:9).

It is only by revelation of God that people will come to know the true Christ ( Daniel 12:4,9; Amos 3:7; Matthew 16:17; Luke 2:26; Romans 16:25; 1 Cor. 2:10; Gal. 1:16; Eph. 3:3,5; Rev. 1:1), and only then will you be able to overcome the spirit of this world ( 1 John 5:4; Rev. 3:21) and learn what 'True Repentance' means, and how this whole world has been deceived ( Rev. 12:9). It should also be remembered that it is a narrow way that leadeth unto 'Life', and few there be that find it ( Matthew 7:14).

LUKE 15:10. LIKEWISE, I SAY UNTO YOU, THERE IS JOY IN THE PRESENCE OF THE ANGELS OF GOD OVER ONE SINNER THAT REPENTETH.

Yes April JESUS,s blood is sufficient for all sins 1John 1:7 The blood of JESUS CHRIST cleanseth us from all sin.HE had not yet shed HIS blood in Manasseh's day. Hebrews 9:12-14.But if we reject HIS blood then judgement comes. Hebrews 10:28-29.

April; there's a Scripture about that in 2 Kings 24:4; which says that for the place being filled with innocent blood, the Lord does not forgive! Speaking of Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah, "And also for the innocent blood that he shed: for he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood; which the LORD would not pardon." This Country is full of innocent blood, and the Rulers refuse to judge righteously!

To think of how much blood shed has been spilled upon these lands :(,it makes me wonder if the only way for it to be cleansed is through the lamb,who already shed his blood for us to have salvation,but it makes me wonder how this world could be cleansed else wise,so many generations have fought and killed for greed,resources and arrogance and rascisim..sigh, any thoughts on this matter?...........

Anne; This is a powerful truth that you bring up; The rulers that God has put over the people are supposed to be judging righteously and executing His punishments on evildoers. The Law of God says clearly, that the land is guilty because of innocent blood, and that the guilt is not removed except by the blood of him that shed it. Saul was like many today who let the wicked go free, and love money.

Saul was disobedient to the Lord and therefore the Lord rejected him as King. In his own eyes, Saul thought he was doing a good thing but he did not do the RIGHT thing which God commanded. We must fully trust and obey God and lean not to our own understanding.

So sad :( for Father and Samuel,father wants to see his people follow in his ways and be taken care of and Samuel I'm sure will pass at some point and like Moses and Joshua will he have to carry that burden on his heart,that who he thought would be King of Israel would be he who brings them down,I feel for father so many times people have done this so sad,and Samuel was sadden by the rejection....

A verse worth committing to memory and striving to achieve is "Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams."

Verse 22 shows there is no substitute for obedience. To fail to obey is to reject the word of God and that shows that we don't have trust or faith in God.

Will: any little seed of sin in our life can explode into a raging inferno! That's why we have to get rid of all our sins. The child could ask, where did I come from? who are my parents? why did you kill them? Or hear from other tribes around, the evils of their families history. The seed is planted,the cycle starts again!

Will; it was never God's plan for men to utterly corrupt themselves, and fill the earth with violence and perversion. Men chose to listen to the devil, and turn against everything good and clean and sacred, that God made "very good!" Once the corruption has taken hold of a person., or a whole people; the more they cast off all restraint from doing every wicked thing they imagine; ALL are ruined!

The Amalekites had troubled Israel from the time they left Egypt(Ex17:8;Deut25:17)The last mention ofthe Amalekites is found in the book of Esther 9:5-10. The Amalekites had no fear of God, their hatred of the Jews and their repeated attempts to destroy God's people led them to their own destruction. Their fate should be a warning to all who would attempt to curse what God has blessed ( Gen 12:3)

To Will - That was a different dispensation. The nations around were heathens (gentiles). Worshipped their idol gods, sacrificed THEIR children to their gods (Molech, Astoroth, Chemosh, etc). Satan was in this idol worship. God had another dispensation for the gentiles, this one, the age of grace. Read the story of the so-called great Solomon in 2nd Sam., how he ended.

Consider the scripture that makes it clear that God is the potter and we humans are simply the clay. We are without right or power to demand an explanation from God; all men have failed and come short of the Glory of God; Jacob have I loved, Esau have I hated.

What does it mean at 1 Samuel 15:3 Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass?

Question: Why did God kill young children?

When a leader disobeys God, he hurts his own people. If Saul had obeyed God's command, we probably wouldn't have the book of Estar. Haman was a descendant of Agag. God shows us his love by repeatedly showing mercy when we disobey him. However, that doesn't mean that we don't cause suffering to others when we do.

There is a clear and important messag here in 1 Samuel 15. God sent Saul to kill every living thing! Saul intended to do everything God had sent him to do.. but Saul allowed his own thoughts and self guidance to enter in. He out of the goodness of his heart, Thinking it would be pleasing to God decided to keep the best of sacrafices, and to spare the life of the King, long enough to take the King, and these animals to sacrafice unto God, again thinking this was going the extra mile, and thus adding his own ways ... what's the message? God does not want what he doesn't ask for!! When we start adding to the word of God because we think it will enhance God's word, we are treading on dangerous ground. If it's not in the Bible new testament law we live under then don't do it! Even if you think it's a good thing in your opinion! There is nothing in New Testament about Sunday Schools, or Live entertainment with big bands, or a host of other things going on in churches today... be careful ..even the best intentions, can bring on the wrath of God.. Just something for Bible believers to think about, brought and offered in the spirit of Love and Compassion toward the Believer.

1Sam. 15 22, Have a revaluation meaning for today.. Yes Jesus Christ was given to us by the Father as our last and final sacrifice, The Only Perfect One Who Can Take Away Out Sin.. But I Believe In All The Father Has Given Us Through Jesus Christ, salvation is free.. It has been given by way of confession, But after you have confess it 's better to live and obedient life here on earth, Yes We Know Jesus Christ has gone to prepare a place for us.. But He has also given us the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us unto righteousness for His Glory..Still today obedience is better when it come to receiving the fullness of what Jesus Christ done on the cross with His blood and His resurrection, Jesus Christ was given all power and He also released that same power unto us so that we can obey The Word Of God.. Jesus Christ is no longer on the cross, But obedience is still required of us.. Jesus Christ lived in obedient to The Father.. If we Love God He says we will not continue to live a sinful life.. Obey GOD and live a better life..!!

the illustration of Agag 's decapitation from a compassionate Samuel is pretty haunting given today 's barbarism - if it 's not ISIS, it was Rwanda, Cambodia, Nazi Germany and the Soviet extermination of 10 million Ukranians in the 30s

Those are unworthy to rule over men, who are not willing that God should rule over them.

Samuel was an man of compassion, for even though he disagreed with Saul ' actions he still felt sorry for him.

I think it teaches us Christians to obey God 's commandments and to listen to the Holy Spirit because Holy Spirit guide and rebuke us.When God give us a mandate,he does that because he trust us.When we obey God 's commandment,we activate supernatural blessings

I am trying to learn how to study the bible

Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

Jesus is the strength of Isreal which will never lie or repent. Amolekites were enemies of God in that they waged war with His choosen people. Rather than show Israel kindness they sougth to destroy Isreal. God called into rememberance the evil deeds of the amelekites. Saul was to be the executor.The commandement was to utterly destroy Amalek. But rather than obey God's command. Saul prefers to gratify himself and his followers. In so doing rejecting God's command. Had he repentented for disobeying God. Perhaps the kingdom would not have been taken from him. Saul sougth to justify himself before He who sees beyond our outward display of Godliness. There is vital lessons to be learnt from this event. As christians today. We should ask ourselves constantly. Are my Obeying Christ commands or are my in rebellion against Him. We should know. God would not that we are neither cold nor hot. At the end. God will utterly destroy all His enemies. I pray God grant us the spirit always Obey.

God ways are not our ways nether HIS thoughts our thoughts, but GOD destroyed everyone because HE did not want that bloodline to go on it is hard to understand why,but even the animals had to go, this shows us how much GOD loves HIS people and will protect HIS people.in reading this, this should make us love GOD even more and want to obey HIM as well. Psalms 51 David said create in me a clean heart O LORD and renew a right spirit within me, that is what I am asking GOD to do in me also.GLORY BE TO GOD.

In verse 3, the LORD is telling Saul to go and Kill everyone in Amalek. This I find highly immoral. How can a genocide such as this ever be justified?