1 Samuel 15:19

Verse

So why did you not obey the LORD? Why did you rush upon the plunder and do evil in the sight of the LORD?”

American Standard Version (1901)

Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of Jehovah, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah?

Bible in Basic English

Why then did you not do the orders of the Lord, but by violently taking their goods did evil in the eyes of the Lord?

Free Bible Version

Why didn't you do what the Lord ordered? Why did you swoop down on the plunder and do what was evil in the Lord's sight?”

King James (Authorized) Version

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?

Translation for Translators

So why did you not obey Yahweh [RHQ]? Why did your men take the best animals [RHQ]? Why did you do what Yahweh said was evil?” [RHQ]

Unlocked Literal Bible

Why did you not obey the voice of Yahweh, but instead you seized the booty and did what was evil in the sight of Yahweh?”

Noah Webster Bible

Why 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?

World English Bible

Why then didn’t you obey Yahweh’s voice, but took the plunder, and did that which was evil in Yahweh’s sight?”

Young's Literal Translation

and why hast thou not hearkened to the voice of Jehovah — and dost fly unto the spoil, and dost do the evil thing in the eyes of Jehovah?'

Context

Samuel Denounces Saul

¹⁸and sent you on a mission, saying, ‘Go and devote to destruction the sinful Amalekites. Fight against them until you have wiped them out.’¹⁹So why did you not obey the LORD? Why did you rush upon the plunder and do evil in the sight of the LORD?”

Summary

In this verse, King Saul shifts the blame for his disobedience to God's command onto the people, attempting to justify his actions. Saul's refusal to take responsibility for his sin reveals his lack of true repentance and humility before God. This passage serves as a cautionary example of the dangers of pride and self-justification, highlighting the importance of genuine obedience and submission to God's will. It also underscores the principle that God values obedience over outward displays of religious rituals or sacrifices. Ultimately, Saul's actions lead to his downfall as king, demonstrating the severe consequences of disobedience in God's eyes.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the Lord,.... Who had made him king, and sent him on this errand, and gave him such plain directions, and such strong orders to make an entire consumption of Amalek: but didst fly upon the spoil; like a bird of prey, such as an eagle or vulture, not to devote it to the Lord, by an entire destruction of it, but to seize it for his own use, as being greedily desirous and covetous of it: and didst evil in the sight of the Lord? by disobeying his commands, from whose sight nothing can be hid.