1 Samuel 15 & 16: The Voice Of The LORD
Verse of the Day: (15:22) And Samuel said, 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.
1. The Voice Of The LORD (15:1-22)
It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night. (15:10)
The voice of the people may not be the voice of God. God through Samuel commanded Saul to destroy all the Amalekites and their livestock, because they were truly wicked people. (Deuteronomy 25:17-19) However, Saul disobeyed God, and destroyed all except king Agag and the best livestock. Saul and the people kept Agag for political reason, and the best livestock for better breeding of their own livestock. Unlike Samuel, who loved both God and Saul, and even mourned for Saul when he was removed from the throne, Saul only loved himself, and was rebellious against God. Indeed, God’s richest blessings shall only be upon us, when we truly love and obey Him and His voice. (Hebrews 5:1-10)
2. The Word Of The LORD (15:23-35)
For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. (15:23)
God is not mocked, as we shall reap His judgment and punishment when we disobey Him and His Word. Saul was disobedient to God, and it caused him his throne, as subsequently Samuel anointed David to be the next king of Israel. Let us obey God and His Word, and hide it in our hearts, that we may not sin against Him. (Psalms 119:1-11)
3. The Spirit Of The LORD (16:1-23)
Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah. (16:13)
Many times, man only looks on the outward appearance or personality, but God looks into the very heart and character of man. God commanded Samuel to go to Jesse’s family to anoint David, his youngest son, as the next king. Little did they expect God to choose David, as he was only a shepherd boy, the least qualified of all Jesse’s children in terms of wisdom, strength and experience. However, when God’s Spirit was upon David, only he, among all Israel, could cast out Saul’s evil spirit with the music from his skilful performance on the harp. Indeed, man’s heart is wicked, and the only way for him to be righteous before God, is to repent his sins, and walk in God’s Spirit. (Galatians 5:16-26)
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to only love and obey Your voice, Word and Spirit.
