Matthew Henry's Complete Bible Commentary

1 Samuel 15

In this chapter we have the final rejection of Saul from being king, for his disobedience to God’s command in not utterly destroying the Amalekites. By his wars and victories he hoped to magnify and perpetuate his own name and honour, but, by his mismanagement of them, he ruined himself, and laid his honour in the dust. Here is, I. The commission God gave him to destroy the Amalekites, with a command to do it utterly, 1 Samuel 15:1-15:3. II. Saul’s preparation for this expedition, 1 Samuel 15:4-15:6. III. His success, and partial execution of this commission, 1 Samuel 15:7-15:9. IV. His examination before Samuel, and sentence passed upon him, notwithstanding the many frivolous pleas he made to excuse himself, 1 Samuel 15:10-15:31. V. The slaying of Agag, 1 Samuel 15:32, 15:33. VI. Samuel’s final farewell to Saul, 1 Samuel 15:34, 15:35. MHBCC 252.1