1 Samuel 15:21
But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal.
Original Language Analysis
הָעָ֧ם
But the people
H5971
הָעָ֧ם
But the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
2 of 11
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
צֹ֥אן
sheep
H6629
צֹ֥אן
sheep
Strong's:
H6629
Word #:
4 of 11
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
וּבָקָ֖ר
and oxen
H1241
וּבָקָ֖ר
and oxen
Strong's:
H1241
Word #:
5 of 11
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
רֵאשִׁ֣ית
the chief
H7225
רֵאשִׁ֣ית
the chief
Strong's:
H7225
Word #:
6 of 11
the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit)
הַחֵ֑רֶם
of the things which should have been utterly destroyed
H2764
הַחֵ֑רֶם
of the things which should have been utterly destroyed
Strong's:
H2764
Word #:
7 of 11
physical (as shutting in) a net (either literally or figuratively); usually a doomed object; abstractly extermination
לִזְבֹּ֛חַ
to sacrifice
H2076
לִזְבֹּ֛חַ
to sacrifice
Strong's:
H2076
Word #:
8 of 11
to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)
לַֽיהוָ֥ה
unto the LORD
H3068
לַֽיהוָ֥ה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
9 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
Gilgal's importance as a worship site made it plausible as a sacrifice location. However, charam livestock was not eligible for sacrifice - it belonged exclusively to God for destruction. Saul's excuse fails on technical as well as theological grounds.
Questions for Reflection
- How does combining multiple excuses reveal rather than conceal the weakness of our defense?
- When does religious activity become cover for disobedience rather than expression of faithfulness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal.
Saul continues to blame 'the people' for taking 'sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed.' He adds religious justification: 'to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal.' This elaborate excuse combines blame-shifting with spiritualization: others took the livestock, but their intention was worship. The mention of Gilgal - where Saul's first major failure occurred (chapter 13) - creates ironic resonance. The site of his unlawful sacrifice becomes his excuse for unlawful preservation.