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SAUL’S INCOMPLETE OBEDIENCE (1)
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14
1 Samuel 15:1-9

Psalm 128

 

“Blessed is every one
that feareth the LORD;

that walketh in his ways.”

 

SAUL’S INCOMPLETE OBEDIENCE (1)
 
The office of a king in Israel, as in any nation, is very important. Any weakness on the part of the person who occupies the throne can cause much harm to the nation. Saul underestimated his office and failed to fully obey the commandment of the Lord given through Samuel. The failure of Saul would lead to far-reaching consequences. It would become a lesson not only to the king, but to all Israel. The commandment of the Lord is absolute. As such, everyone must give due heed to the words of God.
 
Saul had then been king for some time, and he had fought many wars with the enemy nations around Israel. He had gained recognition and obedience from his subjects. Though he had many weaknesses and failures, he was anointed of the Lord as king. As he continued in his task of leading the nation, the Lord sent Samuel to convey an important message to him. All the commandments of the Lord were specific, as it was in the time of Moses and Joshua. The recipient had to take God’s commands very carefully.
 
The king was commanded to avenge them of the Amalekites. This was to be vengeance against them for they had laid in wait for Israel when Israel came out of Egypt. This punishment was delayed all those years, but the time had come. The command was clear. Saul was to kill every living creature in the city of Amalek.
 
Saul was quick to respond. He gathered the men of Israel by their thousands in Telaim. They were ready to attack the city of Amalek. He separated the Kenites from the Amalekites and told them to go out of Amalek lest they would be destroyed together. The Kenites were credited for the kindness they had showed to the children of Israel when they came out of Egypt. They were obedient and separated from the Amalekites.
 
THOUGHT: God’s justice is shown in the punishing of the rightful offenders.

PRAYER: Father, may I obey all Thy commands.

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