Saul’s assertion of obedience masks what is in reality a failure to follow God’s command wholeheartedly.
Then Saul said to Samuel, “I did obey the voice of the LORD, and went on the mission on which the LORD sent me, and have brought back Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.” (v.20). This claim takes place after the prophet Samuel confronts King Saul regarding the Lord’s command to fully destroy the Amalekites and everything they possessed (1 Samuel 15:3). The Amalekites inhabited regions south of Canaan, and they were a perpetual threat to Israel throughout the period of the judges and beyond. Saul, who reigned from around 1050-1010 BC, insists that his actions have been in full compliance with God’s word by striking down the Amalekites—yet he selectively spared King Agag and allowed the people to keep the best spoils. Despite Saul’s insistence that he followed the mission that “the LORD sent” him on, his actions reveal that he did not obey completely.
Saul’s defense before Samuel highlights the tension between outward religiosity and true submission to God’s commands. Earlier in this chapter, the prophet declared that God desires sincere faithfulness over sacrifices (1 Samuel 15:22). Indeed, partial obedience to God’s instructions is tantamount to disobedience—something that leads to the Lord rejecting Saul from his position as king. Rather than confessing or repenting, Saul attempts to rationalize his actions, suggesting he has accomplished the main objective (destroying the Amalekites) while ignoring the strict requirement to carry out the Lord’s entire command. His attempt to appear righteous before the people and Samuel underscores the condition of his heart, for he places more emphasis on his own image than on wholehearted devotion to the Lord.
In light of the broader biblical narrative, this episode serves as a cautionary reminder that God seeks genuine obedience flowing from faith, rather than selective compliance born out of convenience or self-interest (1 Samuel 15:26). The completeness with which we follow His word reflects the posture of our hearts. Jesus would later fulfill God’s ways perfectly, becoming the ultimate example of faithfulness for believers (Philippians 2:8). In contrast to Saul’s partial obedience, Christ’s obedience was never fragmented or compromised, inviting us to submit ourselves fully to God’s better plan rather than leaning on our own understanding.
Set to dark mode
1 Samuel 15:20 meaning
Then Saul said to Samuel, “I did obey the voice of the LORD, and went on the mission on which the LORD sent me, and have brought back Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.” (v.20). This claim takes place after the prophet Samuel confronts King Saul regarding the Lord’s command to fully destroy the Amalekites and everything they possessed (1 Samuel 15:3). The Amalekites inhabited regions south of Canaan, and they were a perpetual threat to Israel throughout the period of the judges and beyond. Saul, who reigned from around 1050-1010 BC, insists that his actions have been in full compliance with God’s word by striking down the Amalekites—yet he selectively spared King Agag and allowed the people to keep the best spoils. Despite Saul’s insistence that he followed the mission that “the LORD sent” him on, his actions reveal that he did not obey completely.
Saul’s defense before Samuel highlights the tension between outward religiosity and true submission to God’s commands. Earlier in this chapter, the prophet declared that God desires sincere faithfulness over sacrifices (1 Samuel 15:22). Indeed, partial obedience to God’s instructions is tantamount to disobedience—something that leads to the Lord rejecting Saul from his position as king. Rather than confessing or repenting, Saul attempts to rationalize his actions, suggesting he has accomplished the main objective (destroying the Amalekites) while ignoring the strict requirement to carry out the Lord’s entire command. His attempt to appear righteous before the people and Samuel underscores the condition of his heart, for he places more emphasis on his own image than on wholehearted devotion to the Lord.
In light of the broader biblical narrative, this episode serves as a cautionary reminder that God seeks genuine obedience flowing from faith, rather than selective compliance born out of convenience or self-interest (1 Samuel 15:26). The completeness with which we follow His word reflects the posture of our hearts. Jesus would later fulfill God’s ways perfectly, becoming the ultimate example of faithfulness for believers (Philippians 2:8). In contrast to Saul’s partial obedience, Christ’s obedience was never fragmented or compromised, inviting us to submit ourselves fully to God’s better plan rather than leaning on our own understanding.