1 Samuel 13:14

KJV

But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him [to be] captain over his people, because thou hast not kept [that] which the LORD commanded thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

But now thy kingdom {H4467} shall not continue {H6965}: the LORD {H3068} hath sought {H1245} him a man {H376} after his own heart {H3824}, and the LORD {H3068} hath commanded {H6680} him to be captain {H5057} over his people {H5971}, because thou hast not kept {H8104} that which the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

But as it is, your kingship will not be established. ADONAI has sought for himself a man after his own heart, and ADONAI has appointed him to be prince over his people, because you did not observe what ADONAI ordered you to do."

Berean Standard Bible

But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought a man after His own heart and appointed him ruler over His people, because you have not kept the command of the LORD.”

American Standard Version

But now thy kingdom shall not continue: Jehovah hath sought him a man after his own heart, and Jehovah hath appointed him to be prince over his people, because thou hast not kept that which Jehovah commanded thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 13:14 delivers God's irrevocable judgment upon King Saul through the prophet Samuel, declaring the termination of Saul's dynastic reign. This pivotal pronouncement reveals that the Lord has already identified and appointed a new leader, "a man after his own heart," to serve as captain over His people, directly attributing Saul's rejection to his profound disobedience in failing to uphold God's explicit commands.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of Samuel's confrontation with Saul following Saul's presumptuous act in [Gilgal](/1_samuel/13-4 "1 Samuel 13:4 - Saul's Disobedience at Gilgal"). Saul, facing an overwhelming Philistine threat and with his own forces dwindling, impatiently offered the burnt offering himself, rather than waiting the seven days for Samuel as he had been explicitly commanded in [1 Samuel 10:8](/1_samuel/10-8 "1 Samuel 10:8 - Samuel's Command to Saul"). This act was a usurpation of the priestly role, a demonstration of fear over faith, and a direct affront to God's established order. Samuel's arrival immediately after Saul's unauthorized sacrifice sets the stage for this severe divine pronouncement, marking a decisive turning point in Saul's reign and the history of Israel's monarchy.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Israelite monarchy was a new institution, established at the people's request, yet still under God's ultimate sovereignty. Kings were meant to be God's viceroys, ruling according to His Torah. The Philistines were a formidable, technologically superior enemy (possessing iron weaponry, unlike Israel, as noted in [1 Samuel 13:19-22](/1_samuel/13-19 "1 Samuel 13:19-22 - Philistine Iron Monopoly")). In this context, offering sacrifices was a priestly prerogative, a sacred act of seeking divine favor and atonement before battle. For a king to perform such a rite was a grave violation of the divinely ordained separation of roles between king and priest, demonstrating a dangerous self-reliance and disregard for God's authority. Saul's actions also reflected a common ancient Near Eastern practice where kings often held priestly functions, but this was explicitly forbidden in Israel's unique covenant relationship with Yahweh.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme is the **consequences of disobedience** to God's explicit commands, particularly for those in leadership. Saul's failure highlights that God values humble obedience more than human expediency or perceived necessity, even in dire circumstances. Another critical theme is **God's sovereignty in choosing and rejecting leaders**. Despite Israel's desire for a king "like all the nations" ([1 Samuel 8:5](/1_samuel/8-5 "1 Samuel 8:5 - Israel's Demand for a King")), God retains ultimate control over the monarchy, raising up and casting down rulers according to His perfect will. The introduction of "a man after his own heart" also establishes a profound **theological criterion for ideal leadership**: not outward appearance or military prowess, but an inner disposition aligned with God's desires and purposes, a characteristic later explicitly attributed to David in [Acts 13:22](/acts/13-22 "Acts 13:22 - David, a Man After God's Own Heart"). This verse also foreshadows the **rejection of Saul's dynasty**, paving the way for the Davidic covenant and the enduring lineage of kingship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lēḇāḇ'_):** This term, often translated as "heart," refers not merely to emotions but to the totality of a person's inner being—their mind, will, intentions, and moral character. When God seeks "a man after his own heart," it signifies someone whose deepest desires, motivations, and overall disposition are aligned with God's own will and purposes. It implies a readiness to obey, a trust in God's timing, and a prioritization of God's commands above personal expediency or fear of man, standing in stark contrast to Saul's actions.
* **Captain (Hebrew, _nāḡîḏ'_):** This word denotes a "prince," "leader," or "commander." It is a technical term for a divinely appointed leader, often a king, who is specifically chosen by God to rule over His people. Unlike a king who might inherit his throne, a _nāḡîḏ_ emphasizes divine selection and appointment, underscoring God's active role in establishing leadership. The use of this term here highlights that the new leader will be God's chosen instrument, not merely a human successor.
* **Commanded (Hebrew, _ṣāwāh'_):** This verb signifies a direct, authoritative instruction or order. It implies a clear, unambiguous directive from a superior to a subordinate, demanding obedience. The repeated emphasis on what "the LORD commanded thee" and Saul's failure to "keep" it underscores the absolute nature of God's word and the gravity of disobedience. Saul's sin was not an oversight but a deliberate transgression of a known divine command.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But now thy kingdom shall not continue:"** This is a definitive and irreversible declaration of judgment. The "now" emphasizes the immediate consequence of Saul's recent disobedience. The phrase "shall not continue" (לֹא־תָקוּם, _lōʾ-ṯāqûm_) indicates that Saul's dynasty, his family's right to rule, is terminated. While Saul himself would remain king for a period, his lineage would not succeed him on the throne, a severe blow in a culture where dynastic continuity was paramount.
* **"the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart,"** This clause reveals God's proactive sovereignty. Even as Saul fails, God has already identified and is preparing His replacement. The phrase "sought him" (בִּקֵּשׁ, _biqqēš_) implies a deliberate and purposeful search, highlighting God's meticulous selection process. The description "a man after his own heart" defines the character God desires in a leader—one whose inner disposition and will are perfectly aligned with God's, a direct contrast to Saul's self-willed actions driven by fear and impatience.
* **"and the LORD hath commanded him [to be] captain over his people,"** This further emphasizes divine appointment. Not only has God *found* this man, but He has also *commissioned* him. The term "captain" (_nāḡîḏ_) signifies a divinely chosen leader, underscoring that this new king will rule by divine mandate and for God's purposes, rather than by human will or popular acclaim. This new leader will serve as God's shepherd for Israel, guiding them according to His will.
* **"because thou hast not kept [that] which the LORD commanded thee."** This final clause provides the explicit reason for Saul's rejection: his disobedience. The phrase "hast not kept" (לֹא שָׁמַרְתָּ, _lōʾ šāmarṯā_) means he did not observe, guard, or obey God's specific instructions. This highlights that God's judgment is not arbitrary but a just response to Saul's failure to uphold his covenantal responsibilities as king, specifically his failure to wait for Samuel and his unauthorized sacrifice.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. It functions as a **Divine Pronouncement**, a direct and authoritative declaration from God through His prophet Samuel, carrying absolute weight and finality. This pronouncement creates a sharp **Contrast** between Saul's disobedient, self-reliant heart and the character of the future king, "a man after his own heart," highlighting the qualitative difference in their relationship with God. Furthermore, the verse serves as significant **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the future rise of David, though he is not yet named, and setting the stage for the establishment of the Davidic dynasty. The phrase "a man after his own heart" becomes a thematic motif that will define the ideal Israelite king and will be fully realized in David.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 13:14 profoundly underscores the biblical principle that obedience is paramount in God's economy, especially for those in positions of leadership. Saul's failure demonstrates that God prioritizes a heart wholly devoted to Him over human strategies or perceived necessities. This verse introduces the profound concept of a leader whose inner disposition aligns with God's own will, setting a standard for all future kings of Israel and ultimately pointing to the perfect King. It reveals God's unwavering sovereignty, demonstrating that He is actively involved in choosing and removing leaders for His people, always working to fulfill His redemptive purposes despite human failings.

* [1 Samuel 15:22-23](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22-23 - Obedience Better Than Sacrifice")
* [Psalm 78:70-72](/psalms/78-70 "Psalm 78:70-72 - God Chooses David")
* [Acts 13:22](/acts/13-22 "Acts 13:22 - David, a Man After God's Own Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a sober reminder that God looks beyond outward appearances and human rationalizations, peering into the very heart of our motivations and intentions. Saul's disobedience, born of impatience and fear of man, illustrates how even seemingly small deviations from God's explicit commands can have profound and lasting consequences, particularly for those entrusted with significant responsibility. For believers today, this passage challenges us to cultivate a "heart after God's own heart"—one that prioritizes humble obedience, trusts in God's perfect timing, and seeks His will above all else. It calls us to examine our own lives: are we prone to taking matters into our own hands when circumstances feel overwhelming, or do we patiently wait on the Lord, even when it seems counter-intuitive? Our faithfulness in seemingly minor acts of obedience can determine the trajectory of our spiritual journey and our capacity to serve God's greater purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to act out of impatience or fear, rather than waiting on God's timing and direction?**
* **What does it truly mean to have a "heart after God's own heart" in your daily walk? How can you cultivate such a heart?**
* **How does Saul's failure to "keep that which the LORD commanded" challenge your understanding of obedience to God's Word?**
* **How does acknowledging God's sovereignty in choosing leaders (even when they are imperfect) shape your perspective on authority, both spiritual and secular?**

### FAQ
**What does "a man after his own heart" truly mean, and how does it apply to David?**

Answer: The phrase "a man after his own heart" (Hebrew: _ish kilbabho_) does not mean a perfect man, nor one who always acts exactly as God would. Rather, it describes someone whose inner disposition, desires, and will are fundamentally aligned with God's will and purposes. It implies a deep desire to please God, to prioritize His commands, and to seek His glory above personal gain or human approval. It signifies a responsiveness to God's spirit and a willingness to repent when confronted with sin. David, though he committed grievous sins (e.g., in [2 Samuel 11](/2_samuel/11 "2 Samuel 11 - David and Bathsheba")), consistently demonstrated this heart by his profound repentance ([Psalm 51](/psalms/51 "Psalm 51 - David's Prayer of Repentance")), his reliance on God in battle and kingship, and his passion for God's presence and worship ([Psalm 27:4](/psalms/27-4 "Psalm 27:4 - David's Desire for God's Presence")). Unlike Saul, whose heart was often driven by fear of man and self-preservation, David's ultimate desire was to honor God, even in his failures. This concept is explicitly applied to David in [Acts 13:22](/acts/13-22 "Acts 13:22 - David, a Man After God's Own Heart") by the Apostle Paul.

**Why was Saul's sin of offering the sacrifice so severe that it cost him his kingdom?**

Answer: Saul's sin was not merely a procedural error; it was a profound act of disobedience and a usurpation of divinely ordained authority. First, he directly violated a clear command from Samuel to wait seven days ([1 Samuel 10:8](/1_samuel/10-8 "1 Samuel 10:8 - Samuel's Command to Saul")). This showed a lack of faith and trust in God's timing and His prophet. Second, by offering the burnt offering himself ([1 Samuel 13:9](/1_samuel/13-9 "1 Samuel 13:9 - Saul Offers the Burnt Offering")), Saul trespassed into the priestly domain, a role explicitly reserved for the Levitical priesthood. This blurred the divinely established lines of authority between king and priest, demonstrating a disregard for God's order and a dangerous presumption. It revealed a heart that prioritized expediency and human fear (his soldiers were scattering) over humble obedience to God's explicit word. This act was symptomatic of a deeper spiritual problem: a self-reliant spirit rather than a God-reliant one, proving him unfit for a dynastic kingship that was meant to be under God's absolute rule.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 13:14, while immediately pointing to David as "a man after God's own heart," ultimately finds its supreme fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David, despite his devotion, was still imperfect and failed in significant ways, requiring God's forgiveness and grace. Jesus, however, is the quintessential "man after God's own heart," perfectly embodying absolute obedience and complete alignment with the Father's will. He declared, "I always do what pleases him" ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleases the Father")), and His entire earthly ministry was characterized by humble submission to God's commands, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Unlike Saul, who forfeited his earthly kingdom through disobedience, Christ, through His perfect obedience, established an eternal, unshakable kingdom ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakable Kingdom")) and became the true "Captain" (_nāḡîḏ_) and Shepherd of His people ([Hebrews 2:10](/hebrews/2-10 "Hebrews 2:10 - Jesus, the Captain of Salvation"); [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")). He is the King whose heart perfectly mirrors the Father's, and whose reign will truly never end ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Have No End")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 13:22

And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the [son] of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.

1 Samuel 15:28

And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, [that is] better than thou.

Psalms 89:19

¶ Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one, and saidst, I have laid help upon [one that is] mighty; I have exalted [one] chosen out of the people.

Psalms 89:37

It shall be established for ever as the moon, and [as] a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.

Psalms 78:70

He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds:

1 Samuel 16:1

¶ And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.

Acts 7:46

Who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.