Obedience is Better than Sacrifice, part 3
Listening with Intent to Act
Let’s think about the context of this statement for a moment. In the time of Samuel, sacrifices were a common part of religious practice. People would bring animals, grains, or other offerings to the tabernacle as a way of showing their devotion to God. The sacrifices were seen as a way of atoning for sins, of seeking God’s favor, and expressing gratitude for His blessings. However, Samuel suggests that the sacrifices, while important, were not the ultimate expression of a person’s devotion to God. Instead, Samuel says, it is Obedience to God’s commands that truly pleases Him.
This is a radical idea, one that challenged the religious practices of their time. It suggests that our relationship with God is not based on what we can give to Him, but on how we live in accordance with His commands. It’s not about the physical offerings we bring, but about the spiritual Obedience we demonstrate. This is a powerful reminder for us today as we seek to live in a way that honors God.
The word used for “obey” in this verse is the Hebrew word “shama,” which means to hear, to listen, to obey. This word is used throughout the Old Testament to refer to the act of hearing and obeying God’s commands. For example, in Deuteronomy 6:4, we find the Shema, which is a central prayer, in the Jewish tradition and it begins with the words,
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one”
NIV. In this verse, the word “hear” is the same word used in
1 Samuel 15:22. We need to get this; it’s not just about hearing God’s commands, but about obeying them.
In another instance, in
Genesis 22:18, God tells Abraham,
“…and through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed Me”
NIV. Again, the word “obeyed,” in this verse, is the same word used in our main passage for today. It’s about hearing God’s commands and acting on them.
That word “shama” carries a sense of active listening, of paying attention, with the intent to act. It’s not just hearing God’s commands, but also putting them into practice. This is the kind of obedience that Samuel is talking about.
Continued tomorrow
