Meaning and Interpretation:

This verse represents the consequences of disobedience to God's commands. Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke offer insights that highlight the serious ramifications of turning away from divine instructions.

• Matthew Henry: He emphasizes that Saul's failure to obey God's clear command resulted in God's judgment upon him. Henry notes that Saul’s unfaithfulness, particularly in failing to utterly destroy the Amalekites, led to God’s withdrawal from him, illustrating the theme of divine justice.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes reiterates that the punishment Saul faces is directly correlated to his disobedience with the Amalekites. He sees this moment as a culmination of Saul’s ongoing rebellion, which ultimately leads to his downfall, urging readers to reflect on the weight of divine authority.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke adds a perspective on how this judgment is a clear message about the importance of heeding God’s directives. He suggests that Saul’s imprudent actions not only cost him his kingdom but also severed his relationship with God, a theme prevalent in scripture.

Biblical Cross-References:

• 1 Samuel 15:23 - “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.”
• Exodus 17:14 - “The LORD said to Moses, ‘Write this as a memorial in a book and recite it in the ears of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.’”
• Deuteronomy 25:19 - “Therefore it shall be, when the LORD your God has given you rest from your enemies all around, in the land which the LORD your God is giving you to possess as an inheritance, that you will blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. You shall not forget.”
• Galatians 6:7 - “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.”
• 1 Chronicles 10:13-14 - “So Saul died for his unfaithfulness that he had committed against the LORD, because of the word of the LORD that he did not keep.”
• Isaiah 1:19 - “If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land.”
• Luke 16:10 - “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.”

Thematic Insights: The verse exemplifies a critical theme in Scripture—obedience versus disobedience. The consequences faced by Saul echo throughout the Bible, where similar warnings are given.

Connecting to Bible verses that relate to each other, this passage can be linked with others emphasizing the repercussions of ignoring God’s voice. For instance, 1 Chronicles 10:13-14 directly addresses the consequences of such actions.

Furthermore, the verse situates itself within the larger narrative of divine judgment and mercy, echoing throughout various books of the Bible. King Saul's plight underscores the necessity of maintaining fidelity to God’s commandments, a lesson prevalent from the Old Testament through the New Testament teachings.

Conclusion: In studying cross-referencing Biblical texts, this verse serves as a profound lesson. It reminds believers of the significance of obedience to God’s word, illuminating the connections between the actions of God’s servants and their consequences.