1 Samuel 15:24

Then Saul said to Samuel, "I have sinned; I have transgressed the LORD's commandment and your instructions, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice.

Study Bible

Then Saul said to Samuel
This phrase marks a pivotal moment in the narrative, where Saul, the first king of Israel, directly addresses the prophet Samuel. The Hebrew root for "said" is "אָמַר" (amar), which often signifies a declaration or confession. This moment is significant as it reflects a turning point in Saul's kingship, where he must confront his actions before God's prophet. Historically, Samuel served as a bridge between the period of the judges and the monarchy, and his role as a prophet was to convey God's will to the king. Saul's address to Samuel indicates a recognition of Samuel's authority and the gravity of the situation.

I have sinned
The Hebrew word for "sinned" is "חָטָא" (chata), which means to miss the mark or to err. This admission by Saul is crucial as it acknowledges a moral and spiritual failure. In the conservative Christian perspective, sin is a fundamental concept that denotes a breach in the relationship between humanity and God. Saul's confession is an acknowledgment of his failure to uphold God's standards, which is a necessary step towards repentance, although his subsequent actions reveal the complexity of true repentance.

I have transgressed the LORD’s commandment
The term "transgressed" comes from the Hebrew "עָבַר" (avar), meaning to pass over or to violate. This indicates a deliberate crossing of boundaries set by God. The "LORD’s commandment" refers to the specific instructions given by God, which in this context, were delivered through Samuel. Saul's transgression is not just a personal failure but a direct disobedience to divine authority, highlighting the seriousness of his actions in the theocratic context of Israel, where the king was expected to lead by God's guidance.

and your instructions
Here, Saul acknowledges that he has not only disobeyed God but also Samuel, God's appointed prophet. The Hebrew word for "instructions" is "דָּבָר" (dabar), which can mean word, matter, or thing. This dual acknowledgment of disobedience underscores the importance of prophetic authority in Israel. Samuel's role was to communicate God's will, and Saul's failure to heed his instructions reflects a breakdown in the divinely ordained leadership structure.

because I feared the people
The Hebrew root for "feared" is "יָרֵא" (yare), which can mean to be afraid or to revere. Saul's fear of the people indicates a misplaced priority, valuing human opinion over divine command. This fear reveals a weakness in Saul's character as a leader, where he succumbs to the pressure of popular opinion rather than standing firm in obedience to God. In a conservative Christian view, this serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of valuing human approval over God's directives.

and obeyed their voice
The word "obeyed" comes from the Hebrew "שָׁמַע" (shama), meaning to hear or listen. In this context, it implies compliance or submission. Saul's choice to obey the people's voice rather than God's command highlights a critical failure in leadership. The "voice" of the people, representing collective opinion, contrasts with the singular, authoritative voice of God. This serves as a reminder of the importance of discerning and prioritizing God's voice above all others, a key tenet in conservative Christian teaching.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Saul
The first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel. In this passage, Saul admits his sin of disobedience to God's command.

2. Samuel
A prophet and judge of Israel who anointed Saul as king. He serves as God's messenger, delivering His commands to Saul.

3. The LORD's Commandment
Refers to God's specific instructions to Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites and all they possessed, which Saul failed to fully obey.

4. The People
The Israelites whom Saul feared, leading him to disobey God's command in favor of their desires.

5. Amalekites
A people whom God commanded Saul to destroy completely as a form of divine judgment for their past actions against Israel.

Teaching Points

The Danger of People-Pleasing
Saul's fear of the people's opinion led him to disobey God. We must prioritize God's commands over human approval.

The Importance of Complete Obedience
Partial obedience is still disobedience. Saul's failure to fully carry out God's command serves as a warning to us.

Acknowledging Sin is Not Enough
While Saul admitted his sin, true repentance involves a change of heart and action, not just words.

Leadership Accountability
Leaders are held to a high standard of obedience to God. Saul's failure reminds us of the responsibility that comes with leadership.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Saul's kingdom was ultimately rejected by God due to his disobedience, illustrating the serious consequences of not following God's commands.

Bible Study Questions

1. What specific fears or pressures might lead us to disobey God's commands today, similar to Saul's fear of the people?

2. How can we ensure that our obedience to God is complete and not partial, as seen in Saul's failure?

3. In what ways can we practice true repentance beyond merely acknowledging our sins?

4. How does the account of Saul challenge us to evaluate our own leadership or influence over others?

5. What are some practical steps we can take to prioritize God's approval over the approval of others in our daily lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 17:8-16
This passage recounts the initial conflict between Israel and the Amalekites, setting the stage for God's command to Saul.

Proverbs 29:25
This verse highlights the danger of fearing man over God, which directly relates to Saul's admission of fearing the people.

Acts 5:29
The apostles' declaration to obey God rather than men contrasts with Saul's failure to do so.

Galatians 1:10
Paul speaks about seeking God's approval over man's, which is a principle Saul neglected.