👂 1 Samuel 15:22 | To Hear Or Not To Hear

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

1 Samuel 15:22 is a loaded verse. Now we get to look closer at some of the key words that add even more depth to our discussion this week.

In today’s email…

• 🗣️ Four Hebrew words that help us appreciate this verse

• 😔 How selective obedience has crept into my life

• 📚️ A few resources to go even deeper in study

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MEMORIZE 🧠 

Has the ____ __ great _____ in burnt _________ ___ __________,

as in obeying ___ _____ __ ___ Lord?

Behold, __ ____ __ better than sacrifice,

and to ______ than the fat of ____.

1 Samuel 15:22

CONTEXT 📕 

1 Samuel 15:22 is a loaded sentence.

Every word pulses with meaning, especially in the original Hebrew.

As we mentioned on Monday, it’s as if the prophet Samuel is holding a mirror up to Saul (and to us).

Here are four Hebrew words that unlock the depth of this verse:

1. Shāmaʿ (pronounced SHAH-mah) — “To obey”

This word doesn’t just mean to hear, it means to hear with the intent to act.

It’s the kind of listening that leans forward, ready to respond.

In Hebrew thought, there was no separation between hearing and obeying.

To say you heard but didn’t do is to say you didn’t hear at all.

(I know fellow parents resonate with that..)

Samuel is using this word to cut through Saul’s excuses. It’s as if he was saying:

God didn’t want your performance. He wanted your attention. He wants you to hear him.

2. Zebāḥîm (pronounced zeh-VAH-kheem) — “Sacrifices”

This refers to animal offerings, often given in worship or thanksgiving. These were loud, visible, even impressive acts of religion.

But Samuel contrasts them with obedience.

Why?

Because religious activity can be faked, but obedience reveals the heart.

An obedient heart exhibits trust in God.

3. Chēphets (pronounced KHEH-fets) — “Delight”

This word speaks of desire, pleasure, or what brings someone joy.

Samuel is asking: What does God truly want? What brings Him delight?

And the answer is clear.

He finds joy in obedience, not rituals. Not performances. Not excuses wrapped in religious language.

God’s full pleasure is obtained when we hear, listen, and obey his words.

4. Qōl (pronounced kohl) — “Voice”

“The voice of the Lord” is more than just sound. In Hebrew, it represents God’s authority, His presence, and His will.

Ignoring God’s voice isn’t a passive mistake, but a relational offense.

It’s choosing your voice over His.

That’s what made Saul’s sin so serious.

He didn’t just ignore an instruction; he rejected a relationship.

APPLY AND RESPOND 🏃‍♂️ 

If I’m honest, this is my story through and through.

• I’ve prayed while ignoring conviction

• I’ve sung worship while withholding forgiveness

• I’ve tithed while distrusting God with the rest

I’ve obeyed… mostly.

But partial obedience isn’t obedience. It’s management.

And God isn’t looking for managers. The Kingdom of God is too valuable and the mission too important. He’s looking for sons and daughters who listen to His voice.

So let’s ask the hard questions today:

• Where am I offering sacrifice when God is asking for surrender?

• What have I done “for God” that let me delay doing what He actually asked?

• What’s one act of obedience I’ve been putting off, explaining away, or rationalizing?

Pray 🙏

God, I don’t want to fake it. I don’t want to perform religious tasks while ignoring Your voice. Help me not just to hear You, but to obey You. Fully, quickly, and with joy.

I confess the places where I’ve substituted mere activity for intimacy. I’m done offering You part of me. I want to give You all of my heart. Amen.

RESOURCES 📚️ 

Here are a few resources to help you dig deeper into the verse and its themes:

• 📚️ Obedience to Christ by A.W. Tozer (link)

• 📚️ The Insanity of Obedience: Walking with Jesus in Tough Places by Nik Ripken (link)

• 📚️ Joyce G. Baldwin, 1 and 2 Samuel: An Introduction and Commentary (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, Vol. 8) (link)

• 📹️ 1 Samuel overview by The BibleProject (link)

• 🎙️ Sermon: Radical Obedience by Jon Tyson (link)

• 🎙️ Sermon: The Liberty of Obedience by Tim Keller (link)

• 🎙️ Sermon: The Rise & Fall of King Saul by Matt Heerema (link)

• 🎵 Faithful God by I AM THEY (Spotify | Apple Music | Full Malachi Daily Playlist)

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ANSWER KEY ✅ 

Has 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 listen than the fat of rams.

1 Samuel 15:22