1 Samuel 15:20
And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.
Original Language Analysis
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 21
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שָׁמַ֙עְתִּי֙
Yea I have obeyed
H8085
שָׁמַ֙עְתִּי֙
Yea I have obeyed
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
6 of 21
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 21
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וָֽאֵלֵ֕ךְ
H1980
וָֽאֵלֵ֕ךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
9 of 21
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְ
the way
H1870
בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְ
the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
10 of 21
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 21
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שְׁלָחַ֣נִי
sent
H7971
שְׁלָחַ֣נִי
sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
12 of 21
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
13 of 21
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וָֽאָבִ֗יא
me and have brought
H935
וָֽאָבִ֗יא
me and have brought
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
14 of 21
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עֲמָלֵ֖ק
of Amalek
H6002
עֲמָלֵ֖ק
of Amalek
Strong's:
H6002
Word #:
18 of 21
amalek, a descendant of esau; also his posterity and their country
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
19 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
1 Samuel 15:13And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD.Romans 10:3For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
Historical Context
Saul's defense strategy - listing what he did accomplish - reflects a transactional understanding of obedience. Ancient Near Eastern vassal treaties, however, required complete compliance. Partial fulfillment of a suzerain's command was still rebellion.
Questions for Reflection
- How does listing partial accomplishments obscure fundamental failure?
- What is the difference between obedience that satisfies us and obedience that satisfies God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.
Saul's defense reveals deepening self-deception: 'Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD.' He insists on his obedience despite Samuel's confrontation. His evidence: 'have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.' Each claim is technically true yet collectively false. He went on the mission, captured Agag, and destroyed most Amalekites - but bringing Agag alive and keeping livestock violated the core command. Partial obedience claims full credit.