King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 15:9 Mean?

1 Samuel 15:9 in the King James Version says “But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly. fatlings: or, second sort”

1 Samuel 15:9 · KJV

Context

7

And Saul smote the Amalekites from Havilah until thou comest to Shur, that is over against Egypt.

8

And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword.

9

But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly. fatlings: or, second sort

10

Then came the word of the LORD unto Samuel, saying,

11

It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.

Read 1 Samuel 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.

Saul's failure demonstrates that partial obedience is disobedience, and religious activity cannot substitute for heart surrender. His pattern of excuses, blame-shifting, and selective compliance while maintaining outward religious appearance warns against external religion without internal transformation. The pronouncement that 'to obey is better than sacrifice' establishes that God desires humble submission over impressive religious performance. Saul's rejection teaches that prolonged disobedience, even mixed with apparent faithfulness, eventually results in God's withdrawal of calling and blessing.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The establishment of monarchy around 1050-1010 BCE represented a dramatic political and theological shift for Israel. Unlike surrounding nations where kings were considered divine or semi-divine, Israel's kings were supposed to function under God's ultimate authority as laid out in Deuteronomy 17:14-20. The Benjamite tribe occupied strategic territory between Ephraim and Judah, making Saul's selection a politically astute choice to balance tribal rivalries. Archaeological remains from this period show increased fortification and centralization of settlements, confirming the transition to state-level organization.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage clarify the relationship between genuine faith and concrete obedience, and what does it teach about partial compliance?
  2. Are there areas where you practice selective obedience, substituting religious activity for heart-level surrender to God's commands?
  3. How does this passage connect to the larger biblical narrative of redemption and point toward Christ and the gospel?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
וַיַּחְמֹל֩1 of 24

“spared”

H2550

to commiserate; by implication, to spare

שָׁא֨וּל2 of 24

“But Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וְהָעָ֜ם3 of 24

“and the people”

H5971

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

עַל4 of 24
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֲגָ֗ג5 of 24

“Agag”

H90

agag, a title of amalekitish kings

וְעַל6 of 24
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מֵיטַ֣ב7 of 24

“and the best”

H4315

the best part

הַצֹּאן֩8 of 24

“of the sheep”

H6629

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

וְהַבָּקָ֨ר9 of 24

“and of the oxen”

H1241

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

וְהַמִּשְׁנִ֤ים10 of 24

“and of the fatlings”

H4932

properly, a repetition, i.e., a duplicate (copy of a document), or a double (in amount); by implication, a second (in order, rank, age, quality or loc

וְעַל11 of 24
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַכָּרִים֙12 of 24

“and the lambs”

H3733

a ram (as full-grown and fat), including a battering-ram (as butting)

וְעַל13 of 24
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כָּל14 of 24
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַטּ֔וֹב15 of 24

“and all that was good”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

וְלֹ֥א16 of 24
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אָב֖וּ17 of 24

“and would”

H14

to breathe after, i.e., (figuratively) to be acquiescent

הֶֽחֱרִֽימוּ׃18 of 24

“not utterly destroy”

H2763

to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction); physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose

וְכָל19 of 24
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַמְּלָאכָ֛ה20 of 24

“them but every thing”

H4399

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

נְמִבְזָ֥ה21 of 24

“that was vile”

H5240

despised

וְנָמֵ֖ס22 of 24

“and refuse”

H4549

to liquefy; figuratively, to waste (with disease), to faint (with fatigue, fear or grief)

אֹתָ֥הּ23 of 24
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הֶֽחֱרִֽימוּ׃24 of 24

“not utterly destroy”

H2763

to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction); physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose

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 15:9 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 15:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 15:151 Samuel 15:31 Samuel 15:19Joshua 7:212 Samuel 6:13

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