Thought from today’s Bible reading from 1 Samuel 15-17.
When we read of the destruction of the Amalekites, we typically focus on Saul’s disobedience in failing to do all that the Lord commanded. Yet there are also lessons to be learned if we focus on the king of the Amalekites, Agag.
“Then Samuel said, ‘Bring me Agag, the king of the Amalekites.’ And Agag came to him cheerfully. And Agag said, ‘Surely the bitterness of death is past.’ But Samuel said, ‘As your sword has made women childless, so shall your mother be childless among women.’ And Samuel hewed Agag to pieces before the Lord at Gilgal” (1 Samuel 15:32-33).
There are at least three lessons we can learn from Agag:
- Those who take the lives of others are worthy of death (cf. Genesis 9:6; Leviticus 24:17). Agag had wrongfully killed others. Therefore, he deserved to be killed.
- Being in a position of power does not make one exempt from punishment. All men are equal before God. Even though Agag was the king, he would suffer the same fate as the rest of his people.
- Another’s disobedience does not excuse your sin. Saul sinned, but this did not make Agag guiltless. He was accountable, regardless of what Saul did.
Agag thought he was going to be spared after Samuel confronted Saul for his disobedience. But though it was delayed, justice was carried out against Agag.
No matter who we are or what circumstances exist around us, we will be held accountable by God for our actions (2 Corinthians 5:10). Rather than make light of the prospects of our destruction, as Agag did, let us think seriously about our condition and correct anything that is amiss in our lives before it is too late.
Tomorrow’s reading: 1 Samuel 18-20; Psalm 11, 59
[I’m using the Chronological reading plan on the Bible Gateway website if you’d like to follow along, too.]
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