Then Samuel said to Saul, "The LORD sent me to anoint you king over His people Israel. Now therefore, listen to the words of the LORD. Then Samuel said to SaulThis phrase introduces the prophet Samuel, a pivotal figure in Israel's history, acting as God's mouthpiece. Samuel's role as a prophet is crucial, as he bridges the period of the judges and the monarchy. The Hebrew root for "said" (אָמַר, 'amar) implies a declaration or command, emphasizing the authority with which Samuel speaks. Saul, the first king of Israel, is addressed directly, highlighting the personal nature of God's communication through His prophets. The LORD sent me
The phrase underscores divine commissioning. The Hebrew word for "sent" (שָׁלַח, shalach) conveys a mission or purpose. Samuel's authority is not self-derived but is a direct mandate from Yahweh, the covenantal name of God, indicating the seriousness and divine origin of the message. This reflects the biblical theme of God choosing and sending His servants to fulfill His purposes. to anoint you king
Anointing in the Hebrew context (מָשַׁח, mashach) signifies consecration and setting apart for a holy purpose. Saul's anointing as king is not merely a political act but a spiritual one, indicating God's selection and empowerment for leadership. This act of anointing foreshadows the ultimate anointed one, the Messiah, and highlights the sacred nature of kingship in Israel. over His people Israel
This phrase emphasizes God's ownership and covenant relationship with Israel. The term "His people" reflects the special status of Israel as God's chosen nation, bound by the covenant at Sinai. Historically, this underscores the theocratic nature of Israel's monarchy, where the king is to rule under God's authority and guidance. Now, therefore, listen
The call to "listen" (שָׁמַע, shama) is more than just hearing; it implies obedience and attentiveness to God's commands. This imperative sets the stage for the critical instructions that follow, highlighting the importance of obedience in the biblical narrative. Listening to God is a recurring theme, emphasizing the relationship between divine command and human response. to the words of the LORD
The "words of the LORD" (דְּבָרִים, devarim) are not mere suggestions but divine decrees. This phrase underscores the authority and power of God's spoken word, which is central to the biblical understanding of revelation. The historical context here is crucial, as Israel's kings were expected to lead according to God's law, and deviation from His words often led to dire consequences. Persons / Places / Events 1. SamuelA prophet and judge of Israel, Samuel was instrumental in the transition from the period of judges to the establishment of the monarchy. He anointed both Saul and David as kings. 2. SaulThe first king of Israel, anointed by Samuel. Saul's reign was marked by initial success but later marred by disobedience to God's commands. 3. The LORDThe covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is the ultimate authority and the one who appoints leaders over His people. 4. IsraelThe nation chosen by God, consisting of the twelve tribes descended from the sons of Jacob. At this time, Israel was transitioning from a loose confederation of tribes to a centralized monarchy. 5. AnointingA significant act in the Old Testament, symbolizing God's choice and empowerment of an individual for a specific role or task. Teaching Points The Importance of ObedienceSaul's kingship began with a divine mandate, emphasizing the necessity of listening to and obeying God's commands. Disobedience leads to consequences, as seen later in Saul's life. God's Sovereignty in LeadershipGod is the one who appoints leaders, and His choices are based on His divine wisdom and purpose. Trust in God's sovereignty is crucial, even when His choices are not immediately clear to us. The Role of ProphetsSamuel's role as a prophet was to communicate God's will to the people and their leaders. This highlights the importance of seeking and heeding godly counsel in our lives. Anointing and ResponsibilityBeing chosen by God for a task comes with the responsibility to fulfill it according to His instructions. Anointing is not just a privilege but a call to faithful service. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of anointing in 1 Samuel 15:1 relate to the New Testament understanding of being chosen by God for a purpose? 2. In what ways can we ensure that we are listening to and obeying the "words of the LORD" in our daily lives? 3. How does Saul's initial anointing and subsequent disobedience serve as a warning for us in our spiritual walk? 4. What can we learn from Samuel's role as a prophet about the importance of seeking godly counsel and wisdom? 5. How does the sovereignty of God in appointing leaders challenge or comfort you in your current circumstances? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 9-10These chapters provide the background of Saul's anointing as king, highlighting God's choice and Samuel's role in the process. Deuteronomy 17:14-20This passage outlines God's guidelines for kingship in Israel, emphasizing obedience to God's law as a key requirement for a king. Acts 13:21-22This New Testament reference recounts Saul's reign and God's eventual replacement of him with David, a man after God's own heart. People Agag, Amalek, Amalekites, Havilah, Israelites, Kenites, Samuel, SaulPlaces Amalek, Carmel, Edom, Egypt, Gibeah, Gilgal, Ramah, Shur Desert, TelaimTopics Anoint, Ear, Hearken, Holy, Listen, Message, Oil, Samuel, Saul, VoiceDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 15:1-23 8752 false worship Library Saul Rejected
'Then came the word of the Lord unto Samuel, saying, 11. It repenteth Me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following Me, and hath not performed My commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the Lord all night. 12. And when Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning, it was told Samuel, saying, Saul came to Carmel, and, behold, he set him up a place, and is gone about, and passed on, and gone down to Gilgal. 13. And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureLetter iv to the Prior and Monks of the Grand Chartreuse
To the Prior and Monks of the Grand Chartreuse He commends himself to their prayers. To the very dear Lord and Reverend father Guigues, Prior of the Grande Chartreuse, and to the holy brethren who are with him, Brother Bernard of Clairvaux offers his humble service. In the first place, when lately I approached your parts, I was prevented by unfavourable circumstances from coming to see you and to make your acquaintance; and although my excuse may perhaps be satisfactory to you, I am not able, I confess, …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Confession of Sin --A Sermon with Seven Texts
The Hardened Sinner. PHARAOH--"I have sinned."--Exodus 9:27. I. The first case I shall bring before you is that of the HARDENED SINNER, who, when under terror, says, "I have sinned." And you will find the text in the book of Exodus, the 9th chap. and 27th verse: "And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: the Lord is righteous, and I and my people are wicked." But why this confession from the lips of the haughty tyrant? He was not often wont to …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857 Obedience
Take heed, and hearken, O Israel; this day thou art become the people of the Lord thy God. Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the Lord thy God, and do his commandments.' Deut 27: 9, 10. What is the duty which God requireth of man? Obedience to his revealed will. It is not enough to hear God's voice, but we must obey. Obedience is a part of the honour we owe to God. If then I be a Father, where is my honour?' Mal 1: 6. Obedience carries in it the life-blood of religion. Obey the voice of the Lord …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments That the Ruler Should Be, through Humility, a Companion of Good Livers, But, through the Zeal of Righteousness, Rigid against the vices of Evildoers.
The ruler should be, through humility, a companion of good livers, and, through the zeal of righteousness, rigid against the vices of evil-doers; so that in nothing he prefer himself to the good, and yet, when the fault of the bad requires it, he be at once conscious of the power of his priority; to the end that, while among his subordinates who live well he waives his rank and accounts them as his equals, he may not fear to execute the laws of rectitude towards the perverse. For, as I remember to …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great The Truth of God
The next attribute is God's truth. A God of truth and without iniquity; just and right is he.' Deut 32:4. For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.' Psa 57:10. Plenteous in truth.' Psa 86:15. I. God is the truth. He is true in a physical sense; true in his being: he has a real subsistence, and gives a being to others. He is true in a moral sense; he is true sine errore, without errors; et sine fallacia, without deceit. God is prima veritas, the pattern and prototype …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Blessed are they that Mourn
Blessed are they that mourn. Matthew 5:4 Here are eight steps leading to true blessedness. They may be compared to Jacob's Ladder, the top whereof reached to heaven. We have already gone over one step, and now let us proceed to the second: Blessed are they that mourn'. We must go through the valley of tears to paradise. Mourning were a sad and unpleasant subject to treat on, were it not that it has blessedness going before, and comfort coming after. Mourning is put here for repentance. It implies …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 The New Covenant.
"Now in the things which we are saying the chief point is this: We have such a High-priest, Who sat down on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a Minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man. For every high-priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is necessary that this High-priest also have somewhat to offer. Now if He were on earth, He would not be a Priest at all, seeing there are those who offer …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews How Christ is the Way in General, "I am the Way. "
We come now to speak more particularly to the words; and, first, Of his being a way. Our design being to point at the way of use-making of Christ in all our necessities, straits, and difficulties which are in our way to heaven; and particularly to point out the way how believers should make use of Christ in all their particular exigencies; and so live by faith in him, walk in him, grow up in him, advance and march forward toward glory in him. It will not be amiss to speak of this fulness of Christ …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Samuel 15:1 NIV1 Samuel 15:1 NLT1 Samuel 15:1 ESV1 Samuel 15:1 NASB1 Samuel 15:1 KJV
1 Samuel 15:1 Commentaries
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