1 Samuel 15 is the chapter where God formally rejects Saul as king - where Samuel delivers the declaration that has shaped Christian conscience for three thousand years: to obey is better than sacrifice.

Full sung version coming soon.

Lyrics

Samuel said to Saul, The LORD sent me to anoint you to be king Now therefore listen to the voice of the LORD’s words The LORD of Armies says, I remember what Amalek did to Israel

He set himself against you on the way when you came up out of Egypt Now go and strike Amalek Utterly destroy all that they have Don’t spare them

Saul struck the Amalekites from Havilah as you go to Shur But he and the people spared Agag the king They spared the best of the sheep and cattle But destroyed everything vile and refuse

The LORD’s word came to Samuel, saying It grieves me that I have set up Saul to be king He has turned back from following me He has not performed my commandments

Samuel was angry and he cried to the LORD all night What does this bleating of sheep in my ears mean And the lowing of the cattle which I hear

They have brought them from the Amalekites For the people spared the best to sacrifice to the LORD We have utterly destroyed the rest, Saul said But Samuel said, Why then didn’t you obey the LORD’s voice

You took the plunder and did that which was evil Though you were little in your own sight The LORD anointed you king over Israel Why didn’t you obey the LORD

For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft And stubbornness is as idolatry Because you have rejected the LORD’s word He has also rejected you from being king

I have sinned, Saul said, I have transgressed the commandment I feared the people and obeyed their voice Pardon my sin and turn again with me That I may worship the LORD

I will not return with you You have rejected the LORD’s word And the LORD has rejected you from being king over Israel Samuel came no more to see Saul until the day of his death

Listen

1 Samuel 15 sung by Psalm Selah. The whole Bible, one chapter at a time.

Published 2026-05-22 · Last updated 2026-06-06
Written by Reid Wender, Editorial Director at Psalmody Press