King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 15:21 Mean?

1 Samuel 15:21 in the King James Version says “But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to s...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal.”

1 Samuel 15:21 · KJV

Context

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?

20

And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.

21

But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal.

22

And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

23

For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. witchcraft: Heb. divination

Read 1 Samuel 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal.

Saul continues to blame 'the people' for taking 'sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed.' He adds religious justification: 'to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal.' This elaborate excuse combines blame-shifting with spiritualization: others took the livestock, but their intention was worship. The mention of Gilgal - where Saul's first major failure occurred (chapter 13) - creates ironic resonance. The site of his unlawful sacrifice becomes his excuse for unlawful preservation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Gilgal's importance as a worship site made it plausible as a sacrifice location. However, charam livestock was not eligible for sacrifice - it belonged exclusively to God for destruction. Saul's excuse fails on technical as well as theological grounds.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does combining multiple excuses reveal rather than conceal the weakness of our defense?
  2. When does religious activity become cover for disobedience rather than expression of faithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַיִּקַּ֨ח1 of 11

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

הָעָ֧ם2 of 11

“But the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

מֵֽהַשָּׁלָ֛ל3 of 11

“of the spoil”

H7998

booty

צֹ֥אן4 of 11

“sheep”

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

וּבָקָ֖ר5 of 11

“and oxen”

H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

רֵאשִׁ֣ית6 of 11

“the chief”

H7225

the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit)

הַחֵ֑רֶם7 of 11

“of the things which should have been utterly destroyed”

H2764

physical (as shutting in) a net (either literally or figuratively); usually a doomed object; abstractly extermination

לִזְבֹּ֛חַ8 of 11

“to sacrifice”

H2076

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

לַֽיהוָ֥ה9 of 11

“unto the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ10 of 11

“thy God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

בַּגִּלְגָּֽל׃11 of 11

“in Gilgal”

H1537

gilgal, the name of three places in palestine

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 15:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 15:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 15:15Exodus 32:22-23Genesis 3:13

Places in This Verse

Gilgal 1Settlement · Modern: Khirbet el Mefjir · 31.88°N, 35.46°E33 verses across 7 books
View all places in 1 Samuel 15 →

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