1 Samuel 15:9

1 Samuel 15:9 Meaning and Explanation

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.

King James Version (KJV)

Read this verse in context with translation switching:

Read Full Chapter →

Saul and the people keep the best of the spoil and destroy only what was worthless.

What Does 1 Samuel 15:9 Mean?

The pattern of compromise is laid bare. Saul and the people keep the best animals and all that was good, destroying only what was vile and worthless. They give to God the leftovers and reserve the prize for themselves.

This is a portrait of a divided heart. To obey God in the easy things while clinging to the valuable ones is to make oneself the final judge of His commands. True surrender does not sort God's word into what is convenient and what is costly; it offers Him the best and trusts Him with the rest.

Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 15:9

What does 1 Samuel 15:9 mean?

Saul and the people keep the best of the spoil and destroy only what was worthless.

Keep Studying 1 Samuel 15

Read the whole chapter in KJV, ASV, or WEB, or go deeper with the chapter study guide and key themes.