Verses 47–52
Here is a general account of Saul's court and camp. He had little reason to be proud of his royal
dignity, nor had any of his neighbours cause to envy him, for he had but little enjoyment after he
took the kingdom. And often men's earthly glory makes a blaze just before the dark night of disgrace
and woe comes on them.
Chapter 15
Chapter Outline
Saul sent to destroy Amalek. (1–9)
Saul excuses and commends himself. (10–23)
Saul's imperfect humiliation. (24–31)
Agag put to death, Samuel and Saul part. (32–35)Verses 1–9
The sentence of condemnation against the Amalekites had gone forth long before, Ex 17:14;
De 25:19, but they had been spared till they filled up the measure of their sins. We are sure that the
righteous Lord does no injustice to any. The remembering the kindness of the ancestors of the
Kenites, in favour to them, at the time God was punishing the injuries done by the ancestors of the
Amalekites, tended to clear the righteousness of God in this dispensation. It is dangerous to be
found in the company of God's enemies, and it is our duty and interest to come out from among
them, lest we share in their sins and plagues, Re 18:4. As the commandment had been express, and
a test of Saul's obedience, his conduct evidently was the effect of a proud, rebellious spirit. He
destroyed only the refuse, that was good for little. That which was now destroyed was sacrificed
to the justice of God.
Verses 10–23
Repentance in God is not a change of mind, as it is in us, but a change of method. The change
was in Saul; “He is turned back from following me.” Hereby he made God his enemy. Samuel
spent a whole night in pleading for Saul. The rejection of sinners is the grief of believers: God
delights not in their death, nor should we. Saul boasts to Samuel of his obedience. Thus sinners
think, by justifying themselves, to escape being judged of the Lord. The noise the cattle made, like
the rust of the silver, Jas 5:3, witnessed against him. Many boast of obedience to the command of
God; but what means then their indulgence of the flesh, their love of the world, their angry and
unkind spirit, and their neglect of holy duties, which witness against them? See of what evil
covetousness is the root; and see what is the sinfulness of sin, and notice that in it which above any