1 Samuel 15:22

“Does the Lord prefer burnt offerings and sacrifices, or obedience to what he says?” Samuel asked. “Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice. Paying attention is more important than offering the fat of rams.

Free Bible Version

In The King James Version

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.

In Context

21The army took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was consecrated to God, to sacrifice them to the Lord your God in Gilgal.”

23Rebellion is as bad as witchcraft, and arrogance is as bad as the sin of idolatry. Because you have rejected the Lord's commands, he has rejected you as king.”

Read all of 1 Samuel 15

Cross References

Exodus 19:5Now if you really obey what I say and keep the agreement with me, then out of all the nations you will be a special people that belong to me. While the whole world is mine,

Psalms 40:6You don't want sacrifices and offerings. Now you have helped me understand —you're not asking for burnt offerings or sin offerings.

Psalms 51:16For sacrifices don't make you happy, or I would bring one; burnt offerings aren't what pleases you.

Ecclesiastes 5:1Be careful when you go into God's house. It's better to listen and respond rather than offer meaningless sacrifices. People who do that don't even know they are doing wrong.

Jeremiah 7:22When I led your forefathers out of Egypt I didn't just give them instructions about burnt offerings and sacrifices,

Jeremiah 11:7From the time I led your forefathers out of Egypt until now, I seriously warned them time and again, saying, “Do what I tell you!”

Matthew Henry on 1 Samuel 15:11-24

Samuel Reproves Saul; Saul Rejected of God. ( b. c. 1065.) 10 Then came the word of the Lord unto Samuel, saying, 11 It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the Lord all night. 12 And when Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning, it was told Samuel, saying, Saul came to Carmel, and, behold, he set him up a place, and is gone about, and passed on, and gone down to Gilgal. 13… Read the whole commentary →

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Study 1 Samuel 15:22