1 Samuel 15:11

"I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned away from following Me and has not carried out My instructions." And Samuel was distressed and cried out to the LORD all that night.

Study Bible

I regret
The Hebrew word used here is "נָחַם" (nacham), which can mean to be sorry, to console oneself, or to repent. In this context, it reflects God's sorrow over Saul's failure to obey His commands. This expression of divine regret does not imply a change in God's nature or His omniscience but rather communicates the depth of God's relational engagement with humanity. It highlights the seriousness of disobedience and the impact it has on God's heart.

that I have made Saul king
This phrase underscores the divine appointment of Saul as king, which was initially a response to the people's demand for a monarch to lead them like other nations (1 Samuel 8:5). Saul's kingship was part of God's permissive will, allowing Israel to experience the consequences of their choices. It serves as a reminder that while God grants human desires, He also holds individuals accountable for their actions within His sovereign plan.

for he has turned away from following Me
The phrase indicates a deliberate departure from God's path. The Hebrew root "סוּר" (sur) means to turn aside or depart. Saul's turning away signifies a willful rejection of God's authority and guidance. This departure is not merely a physical act but a spiritual rebellion, illustrating the importance of steadfastness in faith and obedience to God's commands.

and has not carried out My instructions
The Hebrew word for "instructions" is "דָּבָר" (dabar), which can mean word, matter, or thing. In this context, it refers to God's specific commands given to Saul, particularly the command to completely destroy the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:3). Saul's failure to fully execute God's command demonstrates partial obedience, which is tantamount to disobedience in God's eyes. This highlights the necessity of complete adherence to God's word.

And Samuel was distressed
The Hebrew word "חָרָה" (charah) conveys a sense of anger or grief. Samuel's distress reflects his deep concern for Saul and the nation of Israel. As a prophet, Samuel is intimately connected to God's will and feels the weight of Saul's disobedience. This emotional response underscores the role of spiritual leaders in interceding for their people and the burden they carry when God's commands are not followed.

and cried out to the LORD all that night
The act of crying out, "זָעַק" (za'aq), indicates a fervent plea or prayer. Samuel's all-night intercession reveals his dedication and the seriousness of the situation. It serves as a model for believers to earnestly seek God's intervention and guidance in times of crisis. This persistent prayer reflects a deep trust in God's sovereignty and a desire for His will to be accomplished despite human failure.

Persons / Places / Events

1. God
The sovereign Lord who expresses regret over Saul's disobedience.

2. Saul
The first king of Israel, chosen by God but later rejected due to his disobedience.

3. Samuel
The prophet who anointed Saul as king and serves as God's messenger.

4. Israel
The nation over which Saul was made king, representing God's chosen people.

5. Amalekites
The people whom God commanded Saul to completely destroy as an act of divine judgment.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Disobedience
Saul's failure to fully obey God's command demonstrates the gravity of partial obedience. God desires complete adherence to His will.

The Nature of Divine Regret
God's expression of regret is anthropopathic, helping us understand His displeasure with sin. It does not imply a change in God's nature or plan.

The Role of Leadership and Accountability
As a leader, Saul's actions had significant consequences for himself and the nation. Leaders are held to high standards of obedience and accountability.

The Importance of Heartfelt Repentance
Samuel's distress and prayerful response highlight the need for genuine repentance and intercession when faced with disobedience.

God's Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
While God is sovereign, humans are responsible for their actions. Saul's choices led to his rejection, illustrating the balance between divine sovereignty and human responsibility.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Saul's disobedience in 1 Samuel 15:11 compare to other instances of disobedience in the Bible, and what can we learn from these comparisons?

2. In what ways does the concept of divine regret challenge or affirm your understanding of God's nature?

3. How can we apply the lessons of Saul's leadership failures to our own roles and responsibilities today?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that our obedience to God is complete and not partial, as seen in Saul's actions?

5. How does the account of Saul and Samuel encourage us to respond to our own or others' disobedience with prayer and intercession?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 6:6
This verse also speaks of God expressing regret, providing a parallel to God's response to human disobedience.

1 Samuel 13:13-14
Earlier, Samuel tells Saul that his kingdom will not endure due to his disobedience, foreshadowing the events of 1 Samuel 15.

Acts 13:22
This verse contrasts Saul with David, highlighting David as a man after God's own heart, unlike Saul.

Hosea 6:6
Emphasizes the importance of obedience over sacrifice, a key theme in God's rejection of Saul.

Romans 11:29
Discusses the irrevocable nature of God's gifts and calling, providing a theological tension with the idea of divine regret.