1 Samuel 15:27

As Samuel turned to go, Saul grabbed the hem of his robe, and it tore.

Study Bible

As Samuel turned to go
This phrase marks a pivotal moment in the narrative, highlighting the decisive action of the prophet Samuel. The Hebrew root for "turned" is "panah," which often signifies a change in direction or focus. In the context of ancient Israel, prophets like Samuel were seen as direct representatives of God's will. Samuel's turning away symbolizes a divine rejection of Saul's kingship due to his disobedience. This moment underscores the gravity of Saul's failure to follow God's command, as conveyed through Samuel, and the subsequent shift in divine favor.

Saul grabbed
The act of grabbing is significant in the Hebrew context, where physical actions often carry symbolic weight. The Hebrew word "chazaq" implies a forceful or desperate action. Saul's grabbing of Samuel's robe can be seen as a desperate attempt to hold onto his authority and favor with God. This action reflects Saul's internal turmoil and recognition of the impending loss of his kingdom. It serves as a physical manifestation of his spiritual and political desperation.

the hem of his robe
The "hem" or "edge" of a garment, in Hebrew "kanaph," often held symbolic meaning in ancient Near Eastern cultures. It could represent authority or status. In the context of a prophet's robe, it might symbolize the authority and presence of God. Saul's act of tearing the hem signifies a rupture in his relationship with God and the loss of divine authority. This imagery is powerful, as it visually represents the tearing away of Saul's kingdom, as later confirmed by Samuel's prophetic words.

and it tore
The tearing of the robe is a prophetic act, symbolizing the tearing away of the kingdom from Saul. The Hebrew word "qara" is used here, which can mean to rend or split. This act is not just a physical accident but a divinely orchestrated sign. In the biblical narrative, such symbolic actions often accompany prophetic declarations. The tearing of the robe foreshadows the end of Saul's reign and the rise of David as the new king chosen by God. It serves as a tangible confirmation of God's judgment and the irreversible nature of Saul's disobedience.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Samuel
A prophet and judge of Israel, Samuel was instrumental in anointing the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David. In this passage, he is delivering God's judgment to Saul for his disobedience.

2. Saul
The first king of Israel, Saul was chosen by God but later rejected due to his failure to fully obey God's commands. This event marks a significant turning point in his reign.

3. The Tearing of the Robe
This symbolic act represents the tearing away of the kingdom from Saul. It signifies God's rejection of Saul as king due to his disobedience.

4. Israel
The nation over which Saul was king. The events in this passage have significant implications for the future leadership and direction of Israel.

5. Gilgal
The location where Samuel confronts Saul. It is a place of significant historical and spiritual importance for Israel, often associated with renewal and covenant.

Teaching Points

Obedience Over Sacrifice
God values obedience to His commands over ritualistic offerings. Saul's failure to obey fully led to his downfall.

Symbolism of the Tearing
The tearing of Samuel's robe is a powerful symbol of God's judgment. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience.

The Role of Prophets
Samuel's role as a prophet highlights the importance of listening to God's messengers and adhering to His word.

Consequences of Disobedience
Saul's account is a cautionary tale about the long-term consequences of failing to follow God's instructions.

God's Sovereignty
Despite human failure, God's plans prevail. Saul's rejection leads to the rise of David, a man after God's own heart.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Saul's action of tearing Samuel's robe reflect his spiritual state and relationship with God?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our obedience to God is complete and not partial, as seen in Saul's life?

3. How does the tearing of the robe serve as a metaphor for the consequences of disobedience in our own lives?

4. What lessons can we learn from Samuel's role as a prophet in confronting Saul, and how can we apply these lessons in our interactions with others?

5. How does the account of Saul's disobedience and rejection by God connect with the New Testament teachings on obedience and faithfulness?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 13
Earlier disobedience of Saul, where he offers sacrifices without waiting for Samuel, setting a pattern of disobedience.

1 Samuel 28
Saul's further decline and eventual consultation with a medium, showing the consequences of his rejection by God.

2 Samuel 7
God's covenant with David, contrasting Saul's disobedience with David's heart for God.

Matthew 9:16
The concept of tearing as a metaphor for incompatibility, similar to the tearing of the robe symbolizing the incompatibility of Saul's actions with God's will.

Isaiah 64:6
The idea of human righteousness being insufficient, paralleling Saul's attempts to justify his actions.