Shemuel I Perek 15

Shemuel I Perek 15-
Sefer Shemuel is taught by Mrs. Marjorie Salem, teacher at Allegra Franco Teachers Seminary
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A Summary provided by Rabbi Jack Abramowitz of the Orthodox Union:

Now that the nation had settled the land and appointed a king, G-d sent word through Shemuel that it was time to fulfill the obligation of eradicating the nation of Amalek, who attacked Israel after they left Egypt. G-d commanded to destroy the entire nation of Amalek, including the livestock. Shaul sent word to the Keni, descendants of Yitro (Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses) who lived in Amaleki territory, that they should evacuate, after which time Shaul attacked. They destroyed the Amaleki city, but they captured Agag, king of Amalek, and kept the best livestock to use for sacrifices to G-d. G-d was displeased and he sent Shemuel to Shaul. Shaul beamed that he had fulfilled G-d’s command. Shemuel then asked, “So then what are all these cattle and sheep doing here?” Shaul replied that they were intended as sacrifices. (Agag would be publicly executed.) “G-d told you to kill all the livestock,” Shaul countered. “Do you think He wants sacrifices or do you think He wants you to listen to what He tells you?” Since Shaul

rejected G-d’s word, Shemuel said, G-d has rejected Shaul as king. (Yes, he already cost himself the kingdom in chapter 13, but there he cost himself a lasting dynasty. Here he cost himself the throne altogether.)

Shaul admitted that he had sinned, but he tried to explain his actions. Shemuel was having none of it. He turned to leave and Shaul grabbed the hem of Shemuel’s garment, which tore. Shemuel told him that this symbolized how Hashem has torn the kingdom from Shaul.

Shemuel personally executed Agag. Unfortunately, in the time between his capture and execution, Agag had a conjugal visit and was able to continue the Amaleki bloodline.

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