1 Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold… Saul's conduct is a type of human nature in manifesting — 1. A disinclination to render a full and complete obedience to God's expressed will. 2. A proneness to render that to God which He does not require, and withholding that which He demands. 3. In the excuses he makes for his disobedience. The paramount importance of obedience will appear from the following remarks: — I. ALL THINGS ARE CONSIDERED BY THE ALMIGHTY AS SUBORDINATE TO HIS LAW. II. EVERY INFRINGEMENT OF LAW ENTAILS PUNISHMENT. 1. Punishment will certainly follow sin, as pain and suffering follow an infringement of the material laws of the universe. 2. The protracting of the punishment is no proof of its abandonment. 3. The final punishment of the disobedient will be eternal in its effect. Saul's posterity lost the throne of Israel forever. III. IN ORDER TO ATONE FOR THE GUILT OF MEN WHO HAVE INFRINGED THE LAW OF GOD, THE GREATEST SACRIFICE HAS BEEN OFFERED. All the sacrifices under the old dispensation were to illustrate and honour law. Christ appeared in our nature to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. (T. D. Jones.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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