What does 1 Samuel 15:25 Mean?

Context Summary

Samuel was deeply moved when he heard of Saul's failure, "and he cried unto the Lord all night." Thus he was prepared to accost the sinful king. Mr. Finney tells of a minister who was so burdened with the souls of men that he could do but little preaching, his whole time and strength being given to prayer. It is only in that spirit that men like Samuel can undertake their solemn duty.

Saul's response was very unsatisfactory. He began by laying the blame on the people, 1 Samuel 15:21. He pretended that the object of sparing the cattle, etc., was to sacrifice them to God-a very hypocritical excuse, 1 Samuel 15:22. Without any deep consciousness of sin, he lightly professed sorrow, and hoped to pacify Samuel by asking that they might kneel together in worship, 1 Samuel 15:25. When the old prophet refused to let him off so easily, the only thing that Saul cared for was that the elders should still honor him, 1 Samuel 15:30. How hardened Saul had become! This was the beginning of the sin unto death.

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Chapter Summary: 1 Samuel 15

¹  Samuel sends Saul to destroy Amalek
⁶  Saul favors the Kenites
⁷  He spares Agag and the best of the spoil
¹⁰  Samuel denounces unto Saul God's rejection of him for his disobedience
²⁴  Saul's humiliation
³²  Samuel kills Agag
³⁴  Samuel and Saul part