The Amalekites were the people who hated Israel, right from the start. They show that generation after generation, they are at war with Israel and with God. Israel was God’s chosen people. But they weren’t chosen so God could bless them and curse everyone else. They were chosen to be God’s conduit of blessing to THE WHOLE WORLD. As God’s original promise to Abraham says: “…in you ALL THE FAMILIES ON EARTH shall be blessed.” (Gen 12:3)
The Lord said to Saul, “Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘go and attack Amalek, and utterly destroy ALL THAT THEY HAVE, AND DO NOT SPARE THEM.'” (1 Sam. 15:2-3) The Lord did not want the UNGODLY INFLUENCE of the Amalekites on the children of Israel. “BUT SAUL and the people SPARED Agag and the best of the sheep, oxen, fatlings, lambs, and were UNWILLING to utterly destroy them.” (1 Sam. 15:9) Saul WILLINGLY AND CLEARLY DISOBEYED Gods specific orders.
“Now the word of the LORD came to Samuel, saying, “I GREATLY REGRET that I have set up Saul as king, for he has TURNED BACK FROM FOLLOWING ME, and has NOT PERFORMED My commandments.” And it grieved Samuel, and HE CRIED OUT TO THE LORD ALL NIGHT.” (1 Sam. 15:10-11) It grieves the Lord when we do not obey Him! Jesus says, “If you love Me, YOU WILL keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) Jesus also says to us, “Why do you call Me, ‘LORD, LORD,’ and DO NOT DO WHAT I SAY?” (Luke 6:46) Just so we have a clear understanding, “…this is love, that we WALK ACCORDING TO HIS COMMANDMENTS…just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it.” (2 John 1:6)
As Christ’s followers, we have the Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth. But if we disobey and insist on going our own way, the Lord will let us face the consequences until we finally repent and turn back to Him. Remember Adam and Eve who’s disobedient act, plunged mankind into darkness. Jesus said,
“When you OBEY my commandments, you remain in my love…I have told you these things so that you will be FILLED with my joy. Yes, YOUR JOY WILL OVERFLOW!” (John 15:10-11)
-Bill Stockham