Justin Houtz

Hi. I’m Justin. I write code and things but enough about that…

Let’s talk about Jesus.

  • Daily Bible Study

    1 Samuel 15-16; 1 Chronicles 5; Matthew 1

    DateVersionReading Plan
    April 14, 2026ESV (2016)ESV Life Journal Plan – 2026

    1 Samuel 15-16

    Observation & Interpretation

    Samuel confirmed his being sent by the LORD to anoint Saul as king of the people. He then told Saul to strike Amalek and devote them to complete destruction; men, women, children and all livestock were to be entirely eradicated. Saul followed the order in summoning two thousand men on foot and ten thousand men of Judah for the battle against Amalek. Saul came to the city of Amalek and lay wait in the valley. While here, he told the Kenites to depart from there, lest they also be destroyed with the Amalekites. The CSB Notes state that “Saul’s warning to the Kenites was a gracious act prompted by the memory of the Kenites’ kindness at the time Israel came out of Egypt. (Jdg 1:16; 4:11).” Saul proceeded to defeat the Amalekites but kept Amalek alive and also kept the best of the spoil, devoting to destruction only that which was despised and rejected.

    The word of the LORD came to Samuel, expressing His regret over making Saul king, for he had turned back from following the LORD and had not performed the commandments of the LORD. Samuel confronted Saul on his lack of obedience and Saul responded in defense that he had spared the best of the livestock for sacrifice to the LORD. Samuel stopped Saul in his defensive explanation and told Saul what would be the consequence of his insubordination. Samuel recounted how the LORD had made Saul king over Israel and reiterated the command given to completely destroy the Amalekites. Saul again defended his actions, that he had gone on mission for the LORD and blamed the people for taking the best of the spoil to be used for sacrifice to the LORD. Samuel, in sharp rhetorical address, told Saul that the LORD delights more in obeying His voice than in offerings and sacrifices. Samuel equated such rebellion to the sin of divination and presumption as iniquity and idolatry.

    Saul admitted his sin and transgression of the LORD’s commandment, confessing how he had feared and obeyed the people. Saul pleaded with Samuel to pardon his sin and return with him, but Samuel said he would not go with him. Samuel conveyed how Saul had rejected the word of the LORD and that the LORD had thus rejected him. As Samuel turned to leave, Saul seized the skirt of his robe and it tore. Samuel told Saul that in the same way the skirt was torn, so too would the kingdom be torn from Saul and given to neighbor of his who is better than him.

    Application

    There is much to see in Saul’s disobedience, blame-shifting and circumstantial remorse. Saul was provided clear directive of comprehensive destruction of the Amalekites, but rather than obeying in properly placed fear of the LORD, he feared the people and allowed the best of the spoil to be spared for sacrifice. When confronted, he tried to excuse himself of his conduct, but as this was entirely without substance, Samuel pressed Saul further of his insurrection and Saul answered in half-hearted repentance.

    How often we too operate in such presumption instead of abiding in what God has given us by His Word. Fear of man and desire for acceptance infiltrates our hearts and we stray from joyful adherence to God’s commands. In our sin, we bend and twist what God has graciously and clearly been revealed. May the saints see this for what it is, an affront against our holy and righteous God, such that we exhibit Godly grief that leads to repentance.

    Resources

    Reading
    Listening