He has done exactly what He spoke through me: The LORD has torn the kingship out of your hand and given it to your neighbor David. He has done exactly what He spoke through meThis phrase underscores the fulfillment of divine prophecy. The Hebrew root for "spoke" is "דָּבַר" (dabar), which implies not just speaking but declaring with authority. This highlights the role of the prophet as a mouthpiece of God, emphasizing the certainty and reliability of God's word. Historically, this reflects the consistent biblical theme that God's promises and warnings are always fulfilled, reinforcing the trustworthiness of divine revelation. The LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor David Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORDThe sovereign God of Israel, who communicates His will and executes His judgment. 2. Samuel The prophet who, even after his death, delivers God's message to Saul through the medium at Endor. 3. Saul The first king of Israel, who is facing the consequences of his disobedience to God. 4. David The neighbor to whom God has given the kingdom, anointed by Samuel as the future king of Israel. 5. Endor The location where Saul seeks out a medium to communicate with the deceased Samuel. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and FaithfulnessGod's plans and purposes will be fulfilled regardless of human actions. His word, once spoken, will come to pass. Consequences of Disobedience Saul's loss of the kingdom is a direct result of his disobedience to God's commands. This serves as a warning about the seriousness of sin and rebellion against God. The Role of Prophets Prophets like Samuel are God's messengers, and their words carry divine authority. We should heed the messages of God's Word as delivered through His prophets. God's Choice and Anointing David's anointing as king demonstrates that God chooses leaders based on His criteria, not human standards. We should seek to align our lives with God's purposes. Seeking God, Not Alternatives Saul's decision to consult a medium highlights the danger of seeking guidance outside of God's provision. We should rely on God and His Word for direction. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the fulfillment of God's word to Saul in 1 Samuel 28:17 demonstrate His sovereignty and faithfulness?2. What can we learn from Saul's disobedience and its consequences about the importance of following God's commands? 3. How does the role of Samuel as a prophet in this passage inform our understanding of the authority of God's Word today? 4. In what ways does David's anointing and eventual kingship encourage us to trust in God's timing and choice for leadership in our lives? 5. Reflect on a time when you sought guidance outside of God's provision. How can this passage encourage you to seek God first in all decisions? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 15:28This verse connects to the prophecy where Samuel initially tells Saul that the kingdom will be torn from him due to his disobedience. 1 Samuel 16:13 This passage describes the anointing of David by Samuel, signifying God's choice of David as the future king. 2 Samuel 3:9-10 This passage reaffirms God's promise to transfer the kingdom from Saul's house to David. 1 Chronicles 10:13-14 These verses explain that Saul's death was a result of his unfaithfulness and consulting a medium, reinforcing the consequences of his actions.
People Achish, Amalek, Amalekites, David, Israelites, Samuel, SaulPlaces Amalek, En-dor, Gath, Gilboa, Ramah, ShunemTopics Accordingly, David, Giveth, Hands, Kingdom, Neighbor, Neighbors, Neighbour, Rendeth, Rent, Spake, Spoke, Spoken, Torn, WroughtDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 28:17Library So Then we must Confess that the Dead Indeed do not Know what Is...18. So then we must confess that the dead indeed do not know what is doing here, but while it is in doing here: afterwards, however, they hear it from those who from hence go to them at their death; not indeed every thing, but what things those are allowed to make known who are suffered also to remember these things; and which it is meet for those to hear, whom they inform of the same. It may be also, that from the Angels, who are present in the things which are doing here, the dead do hear somewhat, … St. Augustine—On Care to Be Had for the Dead. An Exhortation to Love God There is a Blessedness in Reversion The Covenant of Grace Samuel Links 1 Samuel 28:17 NIV1 Samuel 28:17 NLT 1 Samuel 28:17 ESV 1 Samuel 28:17 NASB 1 Samuel 28:17 KJV 1 Samuel 28:17 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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