1 Samuel 15
In this passage, we witness a profound conflict between divine command and human disobedience. Saul's partial obedience reveals a critical truth about the nature of true worship: it is not merely about external actions or rituals, but about a heart aligned with God's will. Saul's failure to fully execute God's judgment on Amalek indicates that even a king, chosen by God, can err when swayed by human opinion. Samuel’s declaration—that obedience is more valuable than sacrifice—emphasizes that God desires faithful adherence to His word over mere ritualistic offerings. This narrative serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of divine authority and the consequences of rebellion against it, highlighting the stark reality that God’s purposes will prevail, regardless of human actions.
Core Bible study
1 Samuel 15:1
Samuel said to Saul, “Yahweh sent me to anoint you to be king over his people, over Israel. Now therefore listen to the voice of Yahweh’s words.
Original language
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר שְׁמוּאֵל֙ אֶל־שָׁא֔וּל אֹתִ֨י שָׁלַ֤ח יְהוָה֙ לִמְשָׁחֳךָ֣ לְמֶ֔לֶךְ עַל־עַמּ֖וֹ עַל־יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וְעַתָּ֣ה שְׁמַ֔ע לְק֖וֹל דִּבְרֵ֥י יְהוָֽה׃
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No commentary
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1 Samuel 15:2
Thus says Yahweh of Armies, ‘I have marked that which Amalek did to Israel, how he set himself against him on the way, when he came up out of Egypt.
Original language
כֹּ֤ה אָמַר֙ יְהוָ֣ה צְבָא֔וֹת פָּקַ֕דְתִּי אֵ֛ת אֲשֶׁר־עָשָׂ֥ה עֲמָלֵ֖ק לְיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל אֲשֶׁר־שָׂ֥ם לוֹ֙ בַּדֶּ֔רֶךְ בַּעֲלֹת֖וֹ מִמִּצְרָֽיִם׃
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1 Samuel 15:3
Now go and strike Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and don’t spare them; but kill both man and woman, infant and nursing baby, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.’”
Original language
עַתָּה֩ לֵ֨ךְ וְהִכִּֽיתָ֜ה אֶת־עֲמָלֵ֗ק וְהַֽחֲרַמְתֶּם֙ אֶת־כָּל־אֲשֶׁר־ל֔וֹ וְלֹ֥א תַחְמֹ֖ל עָלָ֑יו וְהֵמַתָּ֞ה מֵאִ֣ישׁ עַד־אִשָּׁ֗ה מֵֽעֹלֵל֙ וְעַד־יוֹנֵ֔ק מִשּׁ֣וֹר וְעַד־שֶׂ֔ה מִגָּמָ֖ל וְעַד־חֲמֽוֹר׃
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1 Samuel 15:4
Saul summoned the people, and numbered them in Telaim, two hundred thousand footmen, and ten thousand men of Judah.
Original language
וַיְשַׁמַּ֤ע שָׁאוּל֙ אֶת־הָעָ֔ם וַֽיִּפְקְדֵם֙ בַּטְּלָאִ֔ים מָאתַ֥יִם אֶ֖לֶף רַגְלִ֑י וַעֲשֶׂ֥רֶת אֲלָפִ֖ים אֶת־אִ֥ישׁ יְהוּדָֽה׃
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1 Samuel 15:5
Saul came to the city of Amalek, and laid wait in the valley.
Original language
וַיָּבֹ֥א שָׁא֖וּל עַד־עִ֣יר עֲמָלֵ֑ק וַיָּ֖רֶב בַּנָּֽחַל׃
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1 Samuel 15:6
Saul said to the Kenites, “Go, depart, go down from among the Amalekites, lest I destroy you with them; for you showed kindness to all the children of Israel, when they came up out of Egypt.” So the Kenites departed from among the Amalekites.
Original language
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר שָׁא֣וּל אֶֽל־הַקֵּינִ֡י לְכוּ֩ סֻּ֨רוּ רְד֜וּ מִתּ֣וֹךְ עֲמָלֵקִ֗י פֶּן־אֹֽסִפְךָ֙ עִמּ֔וֹ וְאַתָּ֞ה עָשִׂ֤יתָה חֶ֙סֶד֙ עִם־כָּל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל בַּעֲלוֹתָ֖ם מִמִּצְרָ֑יִם וַיָּ֥סַר קֵינִ֖י מִתּ֥וֹךְ עֲמָלֵֽק׃
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1 Samuel 15:7
Saul struck the Amalekites, from Havilah as you go to Shur, that is before Egypt.
Original language
וַיַּ֥ךְ שָׁא֖וּל אֶת־עֲמָלֵ֑ק מֵֽחֲוִילָה֙ בּוֹאֲךָ֣ שׁ֔וּר אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל־פְּנֵ֥י מִצְרָֽיִם׃
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1 Samuel 15:8
He took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword.
Original language
וַיִּתְפֹּ֛שׂ אֶת־אֲגַ֥ג מֶֽלֶךְ־עֲמָלֵ֖ק חָ֑י וְאֶת־כָּל־הָעָ֖ם הֶחֱרִ֥ים לְפִי־חָֽרֶב׃
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1 Samuel 15:9
But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the cattle, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and wouldn’t utterly destroy them: but everything that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.
Original language
וַיַּחְמֹל֩ שָׁא֨וּל וְהָעָ֜ם עַל־אֲגָ֗ג וְעַל־מֵיטַ֣ב הַצֹּאן֩ וְהַבָּקָ֨ר וְהַמִּשְׁנִ֤ים וְעַל־הַכָּרִים֙ וְעַל־כָּל־הַטּ֔וֹב וְלֹ֥א אָב֖וּ הַחֲרִימָ֑ם וְכָל־הַמְּלָאכָ֛ה נְמִבְזָ֥ה וְנָמֵ֖ס אֹתָ֥הּ הֶחֱרִֽימוּ׃
Cross references
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Commentary
Saul's decision to spare Agag and the finest livestock signifies a grave disobedience to God's command to completely destroy the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:3). The Hebrew word "חָמַל" (ḥamal), meaning to show compassion or spare, underscores Saul's reluctance to fulfill the divine decree, revealing a critical flaw in leadership that prioritizes personal or popular sentiment over God's authority. The verse highlights the contrast between what was considered "good" and "vile." Saul and the people determined the worth of the spoils based on their own judgment, thus compromising the holiness demanded by God and failing to recognize the importance of complete obedience. Their selective destruction reflects a broader theological truth about human inclination to rationalize disobedience, which ultimately leads to their downfall, as later judgment is pronounced against Saul for this rebellion (1 Samuel 15:23).
Saul's decision to spare Agag and the finest livestock signifies a grave disobedience to God's command to completely destroy the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:3). The Hebrew word "חָמַל" (ḥamal), meaning to show compassion or spare, underscores Saul's reluctance to fulfill the divine decree, revealing a critical flaw in leadership that prioritizes personal or popular sentiment over God's authority.
The verse highlights the contrast between what was considered "good" and "vile." Saul and the people determined the worth of the spoils based on their own judgment, thus compromising the holiness demanded by God and failing to recognize the importance of complete obedience. Their selective destruction reflects a broader theological truth about human inclination to rationalize disobedience, which ultimately leads to their downfall, as later judgment is pronounced against Saul for this rebellion (1 Samuel 15:23).
1 Samuel 15:10
Then Yahweh’s word came to Samuel, saying,
Original language
וַֽיְהִי֙ דְּבַר־יְהוָ֔ה אֶל־שְׁמוּאֵ֖ל לֵאמֹֽר׃
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Commentary
No commentary
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1 Samuel 15:11
“It grieves me that I have set up Saul to be king; for he is turned back from following me, and has not performed my commandments.” Samuel was angry; and he cried to Yahweh all night.
Original language
נִחַ֗מְתִּי כִּֽי־הִמְלַ֤כְתִּי אֶת־שָׁאוּל֙ לְמֶ֔לֶךְ כִּֽי־שָׁב֙ מֵאַֽחֲרַ֔י וְאֶת־דְּבָרַ֖י לֹ֣א הֵקִ֑ים וַיִּ֙חַר֙ לִשְׁמוּאֵ֔ל וַיִּזְעַ֥ק אֶל־יְהוָ֖ה כָּל־הַלָּֽיְלָה׃
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Commentary
In this verse, God's regret (נִחַמְתִּי, nichamti) for establishing Saul as king highlights His sovereignty and the seriousness of human disobedience. God expresses disappointment because Saul has turned away from Him and failed to follow His commands, illustrating the gravity of straying from divine directives. Samuel's anger and his prolonged cry to Yahweh reflect a deep emotional investment in God's covenant purposes, revealing the profound connection between God, His leaders, and the fulfillment of His will. This moment underscores the consequences of leadership failure and the relational dynamics between God, His chosen leaders, and the nation of Israel.
In this verse, God's regret (נִחַמְתִּי, nichamti) for establishing Saul as king highlights His sovereignty and the seriousness of human disobedience. God expresses disappointment because Saul has turned away from Him and failed to follow His commands, illustrating the gravity of straying from divine directives.
Samuel's anger and his prolonged cry to Yahweh reflect a deep emotional investment in God's covenant purposes, revealing the profound connection between God, His leaders, and the fulfillment of His will. This moment underscores the consequences of leadership failure and the relational dynamics between God, His chosen leaders, and the nation of Israel.
1 Samuel 15:12
Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning; and it was told Samuel, saying, “Saul came to Carmel, and behold, he set up a monument for himself, and turned, and passed on, and went down to Gilgal.”
Original language
וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֧ם שְׁמוּאֵ֛ל לִקְרַ֥את שָׁא֖וּל בַּבֹּ֑קֶר וַיֻּגַּ֨ד לִשְׁמוּאֵ֜ל לֵאמֹ֗ר בָּֽא־שָׁא֤וּל הַכַּרְמֶ֙לָה֙ וְהִנֵּ֨ה מַצִּ֥יב לוֹ֙ יָ֔ד וַיִּסֹּב֙ וַֽיַּעֲבֹ֔ר וַיֵּ֖רֶד הַגִּלְגָּֽל׃
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Commentary
In 1 Samuel 15:12, Samuel's early rising signifies his urgency and profound concern regarding Saul's actions. The phrase “set up a monument for himself” underscores Saul’s pride and self-glorification, indicating a deviation from his calling to honor God rather than himself. This act illustrates Saul's growing distance from obedience to God, foreshadowing the serious consequences of his leadership. The Hebrew word מַצִּיב (matziv), meaning "to set up" or "to establish," reflects Saul’s intention to solidify his own legacy. The mention of his turning and passing on conveys a troubling disregard for the divine message Samuel had delivered earlier, as it contrasts with the prophetic expectations of humility and accountability. Saul's actions serve as a pivotal commentary on the nature of true leadership in Israel, which is meant to be oriented toward God's glory rather than personal ambition.
In 1 Samuel 15:12, Samuel's early rising signifies his urgency and profound concern regarding Saul's actions. The phrase “set up a monument for himself” underscores Saul’s pride and self-glorification, indicating a deviation from his calling to honor God rather than himself. This act illustrates Saul's growing distance from obedience to God, foreshadowing the serious consequences of his leadership.
The Hebrew word מַצִּיב (matziv), meaning "to set up" or "to establish," reflects Saul’s intention to solidify his own legacy. The mention of his turning and passing on conveys a troubling disregard for the divine message Samuel had delivered earlier, as it contrasts with the prophetic expectations of humility and accountability. Saul's actions serve as a pivotal commentary on the nature of true leadership in Israel, which is meant to be oriented toward God's glory rather than personal ambition.
1 Samuel 15:13
Samuel came to Saul; and Saul said to him, “You are blessed by Yahweh! I have performed the commandment of Yahweh.”
Original language
וַיָּבֹ֥א שְׁמוּאֵ֖ל אֶל־שָׁא֑וּל וַיֹּ֧אמֶר ל֣וֹ שָׁא֗וּל בָּר֤וּךְ אַתָּה֙ לַֽיהוָ֔ה הֲקִימֹ֖תִי אֶת־דְּבַ֥ר יְהוָֽה׃
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1 Samuel 15:14
Samuel said, “Then what does this bleating of the sheep in my ears, and the lowing of the cattle which I hear mean?”
Original language
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר שְׁמוּאֵ֔ל וּמֶ֛ה קֽוֹל־הַצֹּ֥אן הַזֶּ֖ה בְּאָזְנָ֑י וְק֣וֹל הַבָּקָ֔ר אֲשֶׁ֥ר אָנֹכִ֖י שֹׁמֵֽעַ׃
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1 Samuel 15:15
Saul said, “They have brought them from the Amalekites; for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the cattle, to sacrifice to Yahweh your God. We have utterly destroyed the rest.”
Original language
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר שָׁא֜וּל מֵעֲמָלֵקִ֣י הֱבִיא֗וּם אֲשֶׁ֨ר חָמַ֤ל הָעָם֙ עַל־מֵיטַ֤ב הַצֹּאן֙ וְהַבָּקָ֔ר לְמַ֥עַן זְבֹ֖חַ לַיהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ וְאֶת־הַיּוֹתֵ֖ר הֶחֱרַֽמְנוּ׃
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1 Samuel 15:16
Then Samuel said to Saul, “Stay, and I will tell you what Yahweh has said to me last night.” He said to him, “Say on.”
Original language
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר שְׁמוּאֵל֙ אֶל־שָׁא֔וּל הֶ֚רֶף וְאַגִּ֣ידָה לְּךָ֔ אֵת֩ אֲשֶׁ֨ר דִּבֶּ֧ר יְהוָ֛ה אֵלַ֖י הַלָּ֑יְלָה ויאמרו וַיֹּ֥אמֶר ל֖וֹ דַּבֵּֽר׃
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1 Samuel 15:17
Samuel said, “Though you were little in your own sight, weren’t you made the head of the tribes of Israel? Yahweh anointed you king over Israel;
Original language
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר שְׁמוּאֵ֔ל הֲל֗וֹא אִם־קָטֹ֤ן אַתָּה֙ בְּעֵינֶ֔יךָ רֹ֛אשׁ שִׁבְטֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל אָ֑תָּה וַיִּמְשָׁחֲךָ֧ יְהוָ֛ה לְמֶ֖לֶךְ עַל־יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
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1 Samuel 15:18
and Yahweh sent you on a journey, and said, ‘Go, and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are consumed.’
Original language
וַיִּשְׁלָחֲךָ֥ יְהוָ֖ה בְּדָ֑רֶךְ וַיֹּ֗אמֶר לֵ֣ךְ וְהַחֲרַמְתָּ֞ה אֶת־הַֽחַטָּאִים֙ אֶת־עֲמָלֵ֔ק וְנִלְחַמְתָּ֣ ב֔וֹ עַ֥ד כַּלּוֹתָ֖ם אֹתָֽם׃
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1 Samuel 15:19
Why then didn’t you obey the voice of Yahweh, but took the plunder, and did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh?”
Original language
וְלָ֥מָּה לֹא־שָׁמַ֖עְתָּ בְּק֣וֹל יְהוָ֑ה וַתַּ֙עַט֙ אֶל־הַשָּׁלָ֔ל וַתַּ֥עַשׂ הָרַ֖ע בְּעֵינֵ֥י יְהוָֽה׃
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1 Samuel 15:20
Saul said to Samuel, “But I have obeyed the voice of Yahweh, and have gone the way which Yahweh sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.
Original language
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר שָׁא֜וּל אֶל־שְׁמוּאֵ֗ל אֲשֶׁ֤ר שָׁמַ֙עְתִּי֙ בְּק֣וֹל יְהוָ֔ה וָאֵלֵ֕ךְ בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְ אֲשֶׁר־שְׁלָחַ֣נִי יְהוָ֑ה וָאָבִ֗יא אֶת־אֲגַג֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ עֲמָלֵ֔ק וְאֶת־עֲמָלֵ֖ק הֶחֱרַֽמְתִּי׃
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Commentary
In this verse, Saul attempts to justify his actions to the prophet Samuel by claiming obedience to God's command. The Hebrew phrase "שָׁמַ֙עְתִּי֙ בְּק֣וֹל יְהוָ֔ה" (shama'ti be'kol Yahweh) indicates that Saul perceived his actions as conforming to God's directive. However, his claim of obedience is contradicted by the presence of Agag, the Amalekite king, which illustrates a crucial misunderstanding of God's command to thoroughly execute judgment upon Amalek. Saul's incomplete obedience reveals a significant theological point: true obedience to God requires both acknowledgment of His command and full compliance, rather than selective adherence.
In this verse, Saul attempts to justify his actions to the prophet Samuel by claiming obedience to God's command. The Hebrew phrase "שָׁמַ֙עְתִּי֙ בְּק֣וֹל יְהוָ֔ה" (shama'ti be'kol Yahweh) indicates that Saul perceived his actions as conforming to God's directive.
However, his claim of obedience is contradicted by the presence of Agag, the Amalekite king, which illustrates a crucial misunderstanding of God's command to thoroughly execute judgment upon Amalek. Saul's incomplete obedience reveals a significant theological point: true obedience to God requires both acknowledgment of His command and full compliance, rather than selective adherence.
1 Samuel 15:21
But the people took of the plunder, sheep and cattle, the chief of the devoted things, to sacrifice to Yahweh your God in Gilgal.”
Original language
וַיִּקַּ֨ח הָעָ֧ם מֵהַשָּׁלָ֛ל צֹ֥אן וּבָקָ֖ר רֵאשִׁ֣ית הַחֵ֑רֶם לִזְבֹּ֛חַ לַֽיהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ בַּגִּלְגָּֽל׃
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1 Samuel 15:22
Samuel said, “Has Yahweh as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of Yahweh? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.
Original language
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר שְׁמוּאֵ֗ל הַחֵ֤פֶץ לַֽיהוָה֙ בְּעֹל֣וֹת וּזְבָחִ֔ים כִּשְׁמֹ֖עַ בְּק֣וֹל יְהוָ֑ה הִנֵּ֤ה שְׁמֹ֙עַ֙ מִזֶּ֣בַח ט֔וֹב לְהַקְשִׁ֖יב מֵחֵ֥לֶב אֵילֽ͏ִים׃
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1 Samuel 15:23
For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as idolatry and teraphim. Because you have rejected Yahweh’s word, he has also rejected you from being king.”
Original language
כִּ֤י חַטַּאת־קֶ֙סֶם֙ מֶ֔רִי וְאָ֥וֶן וּתְרָפִ֖ים הַפְצַ֑ר יַ֗עַן מָאַ֙סְתָּ֙ אֶת־דְּבַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה וַיִּמְאָסְךָ֖ מִמֶּֽלֶךְ׃
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Commentary
In this verse, the Hebrew word "מֶרִי" (meri), meaning "rebellion," is equated with the sin of witchcraft, highlighting the seriousness of disobedience against God. The comparison underscores that rebellion is not merely a minor infraction but a significant violation akin to engaging in occult practices, suggesting a complete rejection of divine authority. Furthermore, "אַוֶן" (aven), which refers to "stubbornness," is likened to idolatry and teraphim (household gods), emphasizing that reluctance to obey God is equivalent to turning away from Him to worship false idols. This reflects the covenantal relationship where rejection of God's word leads to severe consequences, confirming Saul's disqualification from kingship due to his disregard for divine commands.
In this verse, the Hebrew word "מֶרִי" (meri), meaning "rebellion," is equated with the sin of witchcraft, highlighting the seriousness of disobedience against God. The comparison underscores that rebellion is not merely a minor infraction but a significant violation akin to engaging in occult practices, suggesting a complete rejection of divine authority.
Furthermore, "אַוֶן" (aven), which refers to "stubbornness," is likened to idolatry and teraphim (household gods), emphasizing that reluctance to obey God is equivalent to turning away from Him to worship false idols. This reflects the covenantal relationship where rejection of God's word leads to severe consequences, confirming Saul's disqualification from kingship due to his disregard for divine commands.
1 Samuel 15:24
Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned; for I have transgressed the commandment of Yahweh, and your words, because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.
Original language
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר שָׁא֤וּל אֶל־שְׁמוּאֵל֙ חָטָ֔אתִי כִּֽי־עָבַ֥רְתִּי אֶת־פִּֽי־יְהוָ֖ה וְאֶת־דְּבָרֶ֑יךָ כִּ֤י יָרֵ֙אתִי֙ אֶת־הָעָ֔ם וָאֶשְׁמַ֖ע בְּקוֹלָֽם׃
Cross references
No cross-references
Commentary
No commentary
No commentary.
1 Samuel 15:25
Now therefore, please pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship Yahweh.”
Original language
וְעַתָּ֕ה שָׂ֥א נָ֖א אֶת־חַטָּאתִ֑י וְשׁ֣וּב עִמִּ֔י וְאֶֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֖ה לַֽיהוָֽה׃
Cross references
No cross-references
Commentary
In this verse, Saul requests Samuel to pardon his sin and to return with him so that he may worship Yahweh. The Hebrew word “שָׂא” (sa) meaning "pardon" suggests an appeal for mercy, indicating Saul's recognition of his wrongdoing. Saul's desire to worship reflects a continued, albeit flawed, commitment to Yahweh despite his disobedience. His plea underscores the tension between sin and the desire for reconciliation with God, which is crucial in understanding the nature of repentance within the covenant relationship.
In this verse, Saul requests Samuel to pardon his sin and to return with him so that he may worship Yahweh. The Hebrew word “שָׂא” (sa) meaning "pardon" suggests an appeal for mercy, indicating Saul's recognition of his wrongdoing.
Saul's desire to worship reflects a continued, albeit flawed, commitment to Yahweh despite his disobedience. His plea underscores the tension between sin and the desire for reconciliation with God, which is crucial in understanding the nature of repentance within the covenant relationship.
1 Samuel 15:26
Samuel said to Saul, “I will not return with you; for you have rejected Yahweh’s word, and Yahweh has rejected you from being king over Israel.”
Original language
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר שְׁמוּאֵל֙ אֶל־שָׁא֔וּל לֹ֥א אָשׁ֖וּב עִמָּ֑ךְ כִּ֤י מָאַ֙סְתָּה֙ אֶת־דְּבַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה וַיִּמְאָסְךָ֣ יְהוָ֔ה מִהְי֥וֹת מֶ֖לֶךְ עַל־יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
Cross references
No cross-references
Commentary
No commentary
No commentary.
1 Samuel 15:27
As Samuel turned about to go away, Saul grabbed the skirt of his robe, and it tore.
Original language
וַיִּסֹּ֥ב שְׁמוּאֵ֖ל לָלֶ֑כֶת וַיַּחֲזֵ֥ק בִּכְנַף־מְעִיל֖וֹ וַיִּקָּרַֽע׃
Cross references
No cross-references
Commentary
No commentary
No commentary.
1 Samuel 15:28
Samuel said to him, “Yahweh has torn the kingdom of Israel from you this day, and has given it to a neighbor of yours who is better than you.
Original language
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֵלָיו֙ שְׁמוּאֵ֔ל קָרַ֨ע יְהוָ֜ה אֶֽת־מַמְלְכ֧וּת יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל מֵעָלֶ֖יךָ הַיּ֑וֹם וּנְתָנָ֕הּ לְרֵעֲךָ֖ הַטּ֥וֹב מִמֶּֽךָּ׃
Cross references
No cross-references
Commentary
No commentary
No commentary.
1 Samuel 15:29
Also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent; for he is not a man, that he should repent.”
Original language
וְגַם֙ נֵ֣צַח יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל לֹ֥א יְשַׁקֵּ֖ר וְלֹ֣א יִנָּחֵ֑ם כִּ֣י לֹ֥א אָדָ֛ם ה֖וּא לְהִנָּחֵֽם׃
Cross references
No cross-references
Commentary
No commentary
No commentary.
1 Samuel 15:30
Then he said, “I have sinned: yet please honor me now before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and come back with me, that I may worship Yahweh your God.”
Original language
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר חָטָ֔אתִי עַתָּ֗ה כַּבְּדֵ֥נִי נָ֛א נֶ֥גֶד זִקְנֵֽי־עַמִּ֖י וְנֶ֣גֶד יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וְשׁ֣וּב עִמִּ֔י וְהִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֵ֖יתִי לַֽיהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃
Cross references
No cross-references
Commentary
No commentary
No commentary.
1 Samuel 15:31
So Samuel went back with Saul; and Saul worshiped Yahweh.
Original language
וַיָּ֥שָׁב שְׁמוּאֵ֖ל אַחֲרֵ֣י שָׁא֑וּל וַיִּשְׁתַּ֥חוּ שָׁא֖וּל לַֽיהוָֽה׃
Cross references
No cross-references
Commentary
In this verse, the act of Samuel returning with Saul signifies a complex relationship between obedience and worship. Saul's worship of Yahweh, despite his recent disobedience in rejecting God's command, reflects a moment of recognition of God's authority, albeit lacking genuine repentance. The Hebrew word for "worshiped" (וַיִּשְׁתַּ֥חוּ) indicates an act of reverence and submission, emphasizing Saul's acknowledgment of God even amidst his failure. This exemplifies the tension between outward ritual and inner commitment, a key theme in the narrative of Saul's kingship.
In this verse, the act of Samuel returning with Saul signifies a complex relationship between obedience and worship. Saul's worship of Yahweh, despite his recent disobedience in rejecting God's command, reflects a moment of recognition of God's authority, albeit lacking genuine repentance.
The Hebrew word for "worshiped" (וַיִּשְׁתַּ֥חוּ) indicates an act of reverence and submission, emphasizing Saul's acknowledgment of God even amidst his failure. This exemplifies the tension between outward ritual and inner commitment, a key theme in the narrative of Saul's kingship.
1 Samuel 15:32
Then Samuel said, “Bring here to me Agag the king of the Amalekites!” Agag came to him cheerfully. Agag said, “Surely the bitterness of death is past.”
Original language
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר שְׁמוּאֵ֗ל הַגִּ֤ישׁוּ אֵלַי֙ אֶת־אֲגַג֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ עֲמָלֵ֔ק וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ אֵלָ֔יו אֲגַ֖ג מַעֲדַנֹּ֑ת וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֲגָ֔ג אָכֵ֖ן סָ֥ר מַר־הַמָּֽוֶת׃
Cross references
No cross-references
Commentary
No commentary
No commentary.
1 Samuel 15:33
Samuel said, “As your sword has made women childless, so your mother will be childless among women!” Samuel cut Agag in pieces before Yahweh in Gilgal.
Original language
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר שְׁמוּאֵ֔ל כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר שִׁכְּלָ֤ה נָשִׁים֙ חַרְבֶּ֔ךָ כֵּן־תִּשְׁכַּ֥ל מִנָּשִׁ֖ים אִמֶּ֑ךָ וַיְשַׁסֵּ֨ף שְׁמוּאֵ֧ל אֶת־אֲגָ֛ג לִפְנֵ֥י יְהוָ֖ה בַּגִּלְגָּֽל׃
Cross references
No cross-references
Commentary
No commentary
No commentary.
1 Samuel 15:34
Then Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house to Gibeah of Saul.
Original language
וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ שְׁמוּאֵ֖ל הָרָמָ֑תָה וְשָׁא֛וּל עָלָ֥ה אֶל־בֵּית֖וֹ גִּבְעַ֥ת שָׁאֽוּל׃
Cross references
No cross-references
Commentary
No commentary
No commentary.
1 Samuel 15:35
Samuel came no more to see Saul until the day of his death; for Samuel mourned for Saul: and Yahweh grieved that he had made Saul king over Israel.
Original language
וְלֹא־יָסַ֨ף שְׁמוּאֵ֜ל לִרְא֤וֹת אֶת־שָׁאוּל֙ עַד־י֣וֹם מוֹת֔וֹ כִּֽי־הִתְאַבֵּ֥ל שְׁמוּאֵ֖ל אֶל־שָׁא֑וּל וַיהוָ֣ה נִחָ֔ם כִּֽי־הִמְלִ֥יךְ אֶת־שָׁא֖וּל עַל־יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
Cross references
No cross-references
Commentary
No commentary
No commentary.