And to the day of his death, Samuel never again visited Saul. Samuel mourned for Saul, and the LORD regretted that He had made Saul king over Israel. Even to the day of his deathThis phrase emphasizes the finality and permanence of the separation between Samuel and Saul. In the Hebrew context, the word for "death" (מוֹת, "moth") signifies not just physical death but a complete end to a relationship or era. Samuel's decision not to see Saul again underscores the seriousness of Saul's disobedience and the irrevocable nature of God's judgment. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commands. Samuel did not see Saul again
The Hebrew verb for "see" (רָאָה, "ra'ah") implies more than just physical sight; it encompasses understanding, approval, and relationship. Samuel's choice not to see Saul again indicates a severance of prophetic guidance and divine favor. This separation highlights the gravity of Saul's failure to obey God's command and the resulting spiritual isolation. though Samuel mourned for him
The word "mourned" (אָבַל, "aval") in Hebrew conveys deep sorrow and lamentation. Samuel's mourning reflects his compassion and the personal loss he feels for Saul, despite Saul's disobedience. It illustrates the heart of a true prophet who grieves over the spiritual downfall of a leader and the impact on the nation. This mourning is not just for Saul as an individual but for the missed potential and the consequences for Israel. And the LORD regretted
The term "regretted" (נָחַם, "nacham") is complex in Hebrew, often translated as "repented" or "was sorry." It does not imply a change in God's nature or plan but rather expresses God's sorrow over human choices that lead to negative outcomes. This anthropopathic expression helps us understand God's relational nature and His desire for humanity to walk in obedience and blessing. that He had made Saul king over Israel
The phrase underscores the divine initiative in Saul's kingship. The Hebrew word for "made" (מָלַךְ, "malak") indicates God's sovereign choice and authority in appointing leaders. Saul's failure as king is not a reflection of God's mistake but of human free will and the consequences of disobedience. This serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning leadership with God's will and the potential for regret when leaders stray from divine guidance. Persons / Places / Events 1. SamuelA prophet and judge of Israel who anointed Saul as the first king. He represents God's voice and authority in Israel. 2. SaulThe first king of Israel, chosen by God but later rejected due to his disobedience. His reign marks a significant period in Israel's history. 3. The LORDThe covenant God of Israel, who expresses regret over Saul's kingship due to Saul's failure to obey His commands. 4. IsraelThe nation chosen by God, which demanded a king to be like other nations, leading to Saul's anointment. 5. MourningSamuel's emotional response to Saul's rejection, indicating the gravity of Saul's disobedience and its impact on Israel. Teaching Points The Consequences of DisobedienceSaul's account is a powerful reminder that disobedience to God's commands can lead to severe consequences, including the loss of divine favor. The Role of Godly LeadershipSamuel's mourning for Saul underscores the importance of godly leadership and the impact of a leader's failure on the community. Divine Regret and Human ResponsibilityGod's regret over Saul's kingship highlights the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. It calls believers to align their actions with God's will. The Importance of RepentanceWhile Saul's disobedience led to his rejection, the opportunity for repentance and restoration is a recurring theme in Scripture, urging believers to seek God's forgiveness. The Sovereignty of GodDespite human failures, God's plans prevail. The transition from Saul to David demonstrates God's control over history and His ability to bring about His purposes. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Samuel's mourning for Saul reflect the emotional and spiritual impact of disobedience on a community? 2. In what ways does Saul's account serve as a warning for leaders today regarding the importance of obedience to God? 3. How can we reconcile the concept of God's regret with His omniscience and sovereignty, and what does this teach us about our relationship with Him? 4. What lessons can we learn from the transition of leadership from Saul to David about God's criteria for choosing leaders? 5. How can we apply the principle of repentance in our lives when we recognize areas of disobedience to God's commands? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 13Details Saul's earlier disobedience, setting the stage for his ultimate rejection by God. 1 Samuel 16Introduces David, whom God chooses as Saul's successor, highlighting the transition of leadership. Genesis 6God's regret over humanity's wickedness parallels His regret over Saul, emphasizing divine sorrow over human sin. Acts 13Paul references Saul's rejection and David's anointment, illustrating God's sovereign choice in leadership. People Agag, Amalek, Amalekites, Havilah, Israelites, Kenites, Samuel, SaulPlaces Amalek, Carmel, Edom, Egypt, Gibeah, Gilgal, Ramah, Shur Desert, TelaimTopics Added, Beheld, Caused, Death, Died, Grieved, Longer, Lord's, Mourned, Nevertheless, Pleasure, Regretted, Reign, Repented, Samuel, Saul, Sorrowing, Though, TillDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 15:35 1120 God, repentance of
1135 God, suffering of
1210 God, human descriptions
5036 mind, of God
5835 disappointment
5970 unhappiness
6227 regret 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 15:35 NIV1 Samuel 15:35 NLT1 Samuel 15:35 ESV1 Samuel 15:35 NASB1 Samuel 15:35 KJV
1 Samuel 15:35 Commentaries
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