Saul was commissioned to completely destroy the Amalekites.The Amalekites lived a life style of intimation and terrorism. They had preyed on the weak and helpless Deu 25:17_18. God knew Israel could never live peacefully until this threat was eradicated. He would avenge his people and punish His enemies.

Saul’s campaign was successful though spoilet by partial obedience-15:5_9. God told Saul to kill all the Amalekites and their animals. But he spared some of the good sheep. When Samuel condemned Saul’s disobedience v10_19, Saul first sought to cover up vs20_23, but at last owned up vs 24_25.

Saul said I was afraid of the people and so I gave in to them vs 24. We should not be afraid of people’s opinion. Just like Adam blamed his wife, Saul blamed the people. Saul refused to take the blame for his own sin God rejected Saul for his disobedience.

In the old covenant people need to bring sacrifices in order to approach the holy God Lev 1_5. But even the best sacrifices without obedience gains nothing.

God still judges the wicked and the godless.In the new covenant, God calls us to exercise mercy towards those who wrong us 8:51_56. we must completely eliminate sinful behavior in our lives and cultivate Christian virtues Col 3:5. We must overcome the enemies of christ by our faith, by the good news, by our love Eph 6:10_20. God will mete out judgement according to His justice and in His time Rom 12:19

Cynthia Sathiaraj
Chennai