For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king.”
1 Samuel 15:23 ESV
Saul had a direct Word from the Lord to take out the Amalekites. This was punishment for their treatment of Israel when they left Egypt. He was supposed to completely destroy everything that belonged to them.
However, after defeating them, he and his men decided to save the best animals for sacrifice, which also meant that they could eat them. But this wasn’t what the Lord said to do!
When the Lord told the Prophet Samuel, he was angry and cried all night. He later went to confront Saul. At this point, Samuel said what we read in verse 23, “presumption is as iniquity and idolatry.”
Presumption here means to push and pull. When we don’t obey the Word of the Lord, but instead, push and pull it to make it fit our own agenda, we sin in a major way! Samuel said it was iniquity AND idolatry.
Why? Because you are worshipping what you want and not what the Lord has said. You are putting something else before the Lord.
Be careful that you don’t try to make the Word of the Lord say something it doesn’t! And be wary of “Bible teachers” who do the same!
God will reject them like He rejected Saul!
His Word is too important!
Father, help me to correctly understand Your Word. Give me discernment to not presume and force what I want to hear instead of what You have to say.
Peace
Todd