KJV ORIGINAL
But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
But the people took some of the plunder—sheep and cattle that were supposed to be completely destroyed—to sacrifice to the LORD your God at Gilgal.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
This verse shows people trying to justify their disobedience by claiming they kept the forbidden items for religious purposes.
📚 Historical Context
King Saul had been commanded by God through Samuel to completely destroy the Amalekites and all their possessions as judgment for their past attacks on Israel. Instead, Saul and his army kept the best livestock, claiming they would use them as sacrifices. This was part of the ancient practice of 'herem' or complete destruction that God sometimes required in warfare.
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