Definition: But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all [that was] good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing [that was] vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a pretty dramatic statement about a difficult situation! Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a moment of extreme crisis for Samuel, the leader of Israel, and it highlights a crucial decision he needs to make. Let's unpack it word by word: “But Saul and the people spared Agag…” – This refers to King Saul. He was the leader of Israel at this time, and the people were being led astray by him. “…and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and lambs, and all [that was] good…” – This describes what they did do. They treated the Israelites with kindness - they kept the most valuable animals (sheep, oxen, and lambs) and even the young ones. They were generous and took care of them. It’s a clear demonstration of respect for God's people. “and would not utterly destroy them:” – This is the key part. They didn’t just tolerate the Israelites; they protected them. They made a conscious effort to keep them safe and prosperous. “…but every thing [that was] vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.” – This is where it gets serious. This means they didn't just let the bad things happen. They actively destroyed everything that was dirty, worthless, or harmful – anything that wasn’t good or valuable. So, what does this mean? It speaks about a very bad situation with King Saul and his people. He made a choice to protect these good things – the sheep, oxen, and lambs – because he believed it was the right thing to do. However, he completely destroyed everything that wasn’t good or valuable – this is essentially a warning that if Saul continues down this path of selfishness and disregard, it will lead to disaster for Israel. In essence, this verse is a call for repentance and a reminder that God values goodness and righteousness. --- Important Note: This passage is part of the larger story of Samuel’s leadership and the challenges he faced with Saul. It’s a moment of crisis where he needed to make a difficult choice. Do you want me to: Explain any particular aspect of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a broader biblical theme (like forgiveness or judgment)?