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.

1 SAMUEL 15:20KJV
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1 Samuel 15:20 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 15:20 mean?

1 Samuel 15:20 records Saul insisting to Samuel that he has obeyed God’s command, claiming he followed the LORD’s instructions, destroyed the Amalekites, and captured their king, Agag. Saul is defending his actions, even though he did not fully carry out everything God had told him to do.

In this verse, Saul is speaking directly to Samuel, the prophet, after being confronted for not completely destroying the Amalekites as God had commanded. Saul tries to justify himself by pointing out what he did accomplish, focusing on bringing back Agag and destroying the rest. The verse highlights Saul’s attempt to defend his obedience, even though he left part of God’s command unfinished.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 15:20

  • "Obeyed" (שָׁמַע, shamaʿ): This word often means "to listen" or "to hear," but also carries the sense of "to obey." Saul claims he has truly listened to and followed God’s voice, though the story shows his obedience was incomplete.
  • "Destroyed" (חָרַם, charam): This word means "to devote to destruction" or "to utterly destroy." God’s command was for total destruction, so Saul’s use of this word shows he is insisting he did what was required, even though he spared Agag.
  • "Voice" (קוֹל, qol): Refers to the voice or command of the LORD. Saul is emphasizing that he responded to God’s direct instruction, but the context shows a gap between hearing and fully obeying.

Why 1 Samuel 15:20 matters

  • This verse helps clarify that Saul’s understanding of obedience was partial—he did some of what was commanded but not all, which becomes a key issue in the story.
  • The conversation between Saul and Samuel sets up the important lesson in the next verses about what true obedience to God means, especially when compared to outward actions or sacrifices.
  • The verse reveals Saul’s mindset and his struggle to accept responsibility, which is a turning point in his relationship with God and Samuel.

Where else these words appear

“Agag” Hebrew H90 · used in 6 verses

  • Numbers 24:7 He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.
  • 1 Samuel 15:8 And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword.
  • 1 Samuel 15:32 Then said Samuel, Bring ye hither to me Agag the king of the Amalekites. And Agag came unto him delicately. And Agag said, Surely the bitterness of death is past.

“Amalek” Hebrew H6002 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 36:12 And Timna was concubine to Eliphaz Esau's son; and she bare to Eliphaz Amalek: these were the sons of Adah Esau's wife.
  • Deuteronomy 25:19 Therefore it shall be, when the LORD thy God hath given thee rest from all thine enemies round about, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it, that thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven; thou shalt not forget it.
  • 1 Samuel 15:7 And Saul smote the Amalekites from Havilah until thou comest to Shur, that is over against Egypt.

“destroyed” Hebrew H2763 · used in 48 verses

  • Exodus 22:20 He that sacrificeth unto any god, save unto the LORD only, he shall be utterly destroyed.
  • Joshua 10:1 Now it came to pass, when Adonizedek king of Jerusalem had heard how Joshua had taken Ai, and had utterly destroyed it; as he had done to Jericho and her king, so he had done to Ai and her king; and how the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel, and were among them;
  • 1 Samuel 15:18 And the LORD sent thee on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed.

“Samuel” Hebrew H8050 · used in 120 verses

  • Numbers 34:20 And of the tribe of the children of Simeon, Shemuel the son of Ammihud.
  • 1 Samuel 9:15 Now the LORD had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying,
  • 1 Samuel 15:22 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.