Moreover, the Glory of Israel does not lie or change His mind, for He is not a man, that He should change His mind." MoreoverThis word serves as a continuation or an addition to what has been previously stated. In the context of 1 Samuel 15, it connects the preceding narrative about God's rejection of Saul as king due to his disobedience. The use of "moreover" emphasizes the certainty and finality of God's decision, underscoring that what follows is an unchangeable truth. the Glory of Israel
This phrase is a title for God, highlighting His majesty and honor. The Hebrew word for "glory" is "kabod," which conveys weightiness, splendor, and honor. In the historical context, Israel was a nation chosen by God, and His glory was manifest among them. This title reminds the reader of God's supreme authority and His unique relationship with Israel, setting Him apart from human leaders like Saul. does not lie
The Hebrew root for "lie" is "kazab," meaning to deceive or speak falsely. This phrase asserts God's absolute truthfulness and reliability. Unlike humans, who may deceive or fail to keep promises, God's words and actions are always consistent with His nature. This assurance of God's truthfulness is foundational to the faith of believers, who trust in His promises and character. or change His mind
The Hebrew phrase here is "lo yinachem," which means to relent or repent. This highlights God's immutability, a key attribute in conservative Christian theology. While humans may change their minds due to new information or emotions, God, in His omniscience and perfection, does not need to alter His plans. This provides believers with confidence in God's eternal purposes and His steadfastness. for He is not a man
This phrase contrasts God's divine nature with human limitations. Humans are finite, fallible, and subject to change, but God transcends these limitations. The anthropomorphic language serves to emphasize the vast difference between the Creator and His creation, reinforcing the idea that God's ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). that He should change His mind
Reiterating the earlier point, this phrase underscores the consistency and reliability of God's character. In the broader scriptural context, while there are instances where God appears to "relent" (such as in the account of Jonah), these are understood as part of His sovereign plan, accommodating human repentance and intercession. In this specific context, it affirms that God's decision regarding Saul is final and just. Persons / Places / Events 1. SamuelA prophet and judge of Israel who anointed Saul as king and later conveyed God's message of rejection to him. 2. SaulThe first king of Israel, whose disobedience to God's command led to his rejection as king. 3. The Glory of IsraelA title for God, emphasizing His majesty, faithfulness, and unchanging nature. 4. AmalekitesA people whom God commanded Saul to completely destroy as a judgment for their past sins against Israel. 5. GilgalThe location where Samuel confronted Saul about his disobedience and delivered God's message of rejection. Teaching Points God's Unchanging NatureGod's character and promises are consistent and reliable. Unlike humans, God does not change His mind or lie. This provides a foundation of trust for believers. The Consequences of DisobedienceSaul's failure to fully obey God's command led to his rejection as king. This serves as a warning about the seriousness of disobedience and the importance of complete obedience to God's will. The Importance of RepentanceWhile God does not change His mind, He is merciful and forgiving to those who genuinely repent. Believers are encouraged to seek God's forgiveness and align their lives with His commands. God's Sovereignty and AuthorityGod's decisions and judgments are final and just. Recognizing His sovereignty helps believers to submit to His authority and trust in His perfect plan. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding God's unchanging nature affect your trust in His promises? 2. In what ways can Saul's disobedience serve as a warning for your own life? 3. How can you apply the principle of complete obedience to God in your daily decisions? 4. What steps can you take to ensure that your repentance is genuine and leads to transformation? 5. How does recognizing God's sovereignty influence your response to challenging situations? Connections to Other Scriptures Numbers 23:19This verse similarly emphasizes God's unchanging nature and truthfulness, reinforcing the message in 1 Samuel 15:29. Malachi 3:6God declares His unchanging nature, which is a source of stability and assurance for His people. Hebrews 13:8Jesus Christ is described as the same yesterday, today, and forever, highlighting the consistency of God's character. James 1:17Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. People Agag, Amalek, Amalekites, Havilah, Israelites, Kenites, Samuel, SaulPlaces Amalek, Carmel, Edom, Egypt, Gibeah, Gilgal, Ramah, Shur Desert, TelaimTopics Change, Changed, Further, Glory, Hope, Lie, Mind, Penitent, Pre-eminence, Purpose, Repent, StrengthDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 15:29 1090 God, majesty of
1105 God, power of
1150 God, truth of
1160 God, unchangeable
1210 God, human descriptions
1340 consistency
1461 truth, nature of
5036 mind, of God
8214 confidence, basis of
8715 dishonesty, and God 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 15:29 NIV1 Samuel 15:29 NLT1 Samuel 15:29 ESV1 Samuel 15:29 NASB1 Samuel 15:29 KJV
1 Samuel 15:29 Commentaries
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