1 Samuel 15:19
Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the LORD, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of the LORD?
Original Language Analysis
וְלָ֥מָּה
H4100
וְלָ֥מָּה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שָׁמַ֖עְתָּ
Wherefore then didst thou not obey
H8085
שָׁמַ֖עְתָּ
Wherefore then didst thou not obey
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
3 of 12
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַתַּ֙עַט֙
but didst fly
H5860
וַתַּ֙עַט֙
but didst fly
Strong's:
H5860
Word #:
6 of 12
to swoop down upon (literally or figuratively)
וַתַּ֥עַשׂ
and didst
H6213
וַתַּ֥עַשׂ
and didst
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
9 of 12
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Historical Context
The phrase 'evil in the sight of the LORD' is a recurring formula for covenant violation (Judges 2:11; 3:7, 12; etc.). Samuel applies to Saul the same language used for Israel's repeated apostasy during the judges period. The king has become like his disobedient people.
Questions for Reflection
- How do religious justifications mask what God sees as greed or disobedience?
- What is the relationship between divine assessment and human self-assessment of our actions?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the LORD, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of the LORD?
Samuel's accusation intensifies: 'Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the LORD, but didst fly upon the spoil?' The verb 'fly' (ya'at) pictures ravenous greed - the same word used for the people's desperate eating in 14:32. Samuel characterizes Saul's keeping of livestock as greedy seizure, not pious intention. The concluding verdict - 'and didst evil in the sight of the LORD' - is comprehensive judgment. What Saul spiritualized as sacrifice, God sees as evil. Intent does not sanctify disobedient action.