Agag

 

        Agag was an Amalekite King.  His name means "high".  When Saul was ordered to execute all the people of Agag and remove them from the land, Agag survived.  He became a great king, but God's people were greater.  No matter what, God was determined to bless His chosen people.  Blessed are the people that bless Israel and cursed are the people that curses Israel.

    Saul decimated the Amalek people, but took King Agag alive.  Saul saw the wealth in his sheep, oxen, and lambs, so he did not destroy them either.  God had declared the people and their things vile, so Saul was supposed to destroy it all.  

    God regretted ever appointing Saul as king because he would not obey God's commands.  He had commanded Saul to destroy the entire Amalekite nation: men, women, children, babies, cattle, sheep, goats, camels, and donkeys.  Nothing should have survived.  All life is precious, so for God to give that command means they were a truly vile nation.

    Samuel mourned.  He loved Saul, but saw the evil in Saul's heart too.  When he went to confront Saul, Saul showed no remorse.  When he realized that Samuel was upset with him he came up with a legit excuse, but excuses are just excuses.  Obedience is better than sacrifices.  Submission is better than offerings.  Rebellion reveals a heart of distain.  

    Saul repented, but only because he didn't want Samuel mad at him or face consequences of disobeying God.  Samuel saw Saul's true heart and cut that relationship right there.  Saul was rejected as king by God in that moment.  Saul thought he was untouchable, but learned that day that there are consequences for everyone who disobeys God.  

    King Agag was brought to Samuel full of hope, but only to learn that Samuel was going to be his executioner instead of Saul.  Samuel butchered King Agag before God.  It was not a happy ending.  Nothing good came out of this situation.  The only lesson is to follow God faithfully even it you do not understand why.  Humble your heart to be willing to follow God through anything.

Numbers 24:1-9 & 1 Samuel 15