To Obey is Better than Sacrifice

1 Samuel 15:22

Published on: September 17, 2025

Last updated on: September 17, 2025

Photo by Ed Jarrett

But Samuel replied:
“Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
as much as in obeying the Lord?
To obey is better than sacrifice,
and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
1 Samuel 15:22 NIV

Through the prophet Samuel, God had instructed King Saul to destroy the Amalekites utterly. But Saul opted to leave their king alive as well as the best of the livestock. When Samuel confronted him with his disobedience, Saul claimed that the livestock he had spared were to be used for sacrifices to God. But Samuel was not amused, and this verse is a part of his response to Saul.

Obedience

Today, we generally do not offer burnt offerings or sacrifices. But in Saul’s day, they were at the heart of public worship. What Samuel rebuked Saul for was focusing on the outward forms of worship while neglecting matters of the heart. God would much rather I serve him with an obedient heart than all of the outward ritual that I might go through.

And what was true for Saul is just as true for me today. It is easy to substitute outward forms of worship for the heartfelt obedience that should accompany salvation. But God is more interested in what is inside me than in what I show the world. To obey is better than sacrifice: sitting in a pew on Sunday, singing songs, and tossing some money into the offering plate. If I am not living in obedience to him, then I am wasting my time with the rituals of worship.

Hebrews: Obedience Learned Through Suffering (5:1-10)

Jesus, the Son of God, learned obedience through his suffering on the cross. He knows what it is to obey the Father, even in suffering.

Tassels and Remembering God’s Commands – Numbers 15:39

As traffic signs inform and remind us of how to drive safely along the road, the Bible will inform and remind us of God’s instructions.

With Authority Comes Responsibility – John 19:10-11

God has delegated some authority to me, It may be over myself or others. But regardless, I am responsible to God for what I do with it.

Hearing and Obeying the Word of God – Ezekiel 33:31-32

Many of us listen to the words of the Bible. But how often do we obey them? We need to hear and then obey the word of God.

(This post was originally published on

February 6, 2019

)

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1 Samuel Bible Study Obedience

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Ed Jarrett

Just an old clay jar that God continues to see fit to use in his kingdom's work. I am retired, married with 2 children, and 4 grandchildren. I have followed Jesus for many years. And I love to share what He has given me from His word.

A Note to Readers

The views expressed here are solely mine and do not necessarily reflect those of any other person, group, or organization. While I believe they reflect the teachings of the Bible, I am a fallible human and subject to misunderstanding. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions about this post in the comments section below. I am always interested in your feedback.