1 Samuel 15:1

KJV

¶ Samuel also said unto Saul, The LORD sent me to anoint thee [to be] king over his people, over Israel: now therefore hearken thou unto the voice of the words of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Samuel {H8050} also said {H559} unto Saul {H7586}, The LORD {H3068} sent {H7971} me to anoint {H4886} thee to be king {H4428} over his people {H5971}, over Israel {H3478}: now therefore hearken {H8085} thou unto the voice {H6963} of the words {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sh'mu'el said to Sha'ul, "ADONAI sent me to anoint you king over his people, over Isra'el. Now listen to what ADONAI has to say.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Samuel said to Saul, “The LORD sent me to anoint you king over His people Israel. Now therefore, listen to the words of the LORD.

American Standard Version

And Samuel said unto Saul, Jehovah sent me to anoint thee to be king over his people, over Israel: now therefore hearken thou unto the voice of the words of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 15:1 marks a critical juncture in the narrative of King Saul, as the prophet Samuel delivers a solemn and direct reminder of Saul's divine appointment and the absolute necessity of obedience to God's commands. This verse re-establishes the foundational truth that Saul's kingship originated from the LORD, not human will, and sets the stage for a decisive test of his faithfulness, the outcome of which will determine the future of his reign and the Israelite monarchy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately precedes the LORD's command through Samuel for Saul to utterly destroy the Amalekites, a command that will serve as the ultimate test of Saul's obedience and the turning point of his reign. It follows a period where Saul has already demonstrated significant flaws in his leadership, notably his presumptuous offering of a burnt offering in [1 Samuel 13:8-14](/1_samuel/13-8 "1 Samuel 13:8-14 - Saul's Presumptuous Sacrifice") instead of waiting for Samuel, and his rash oath that endangered his son Jonathan in [1 Samuel 14:24-46](/1_samuel/14-24 "1 Samuel 14:24-46 - Saul's Rash Oath and Jonathan's Deliverance"). Samuel's opening words in [1 Samuel 15:1](/1_samuel/15-1 "1 Samuel 15:1 - Samuel's Charge to Saul") serve as a stark re-establishment of divine authority and a final warning before the pivotal command that will seal Saul's fate. The narrative arc of [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "The Book of 1 Samuel") is deeply concerned with the nature of kingship in Israel, contrasting Saul's human-centered, disobedient rule with God's ideal for a king who is truly dependent on Him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The establishment of kingship in Israel was a complex process, marked by both divine concession to the people's demand and God's sovereign choice. Unlike surrounding nations where kings often claimed divine status, Israelite kings were explicitly under the authority of Yahweh, the true King of Israel. They were expected to rule according to God's law, as outlined in passages like [Deuteronomy 17:14-20](/deuteronomy/17-14 "Deuteronomy 17:14-20 - Laws Concerning the King"). The role of the prophet, exemplified by Samuel, was crucial in holding the king accountable to God's covenant. The Amalekites, soon to be mentioned, were a long-standing enemy of Israel, first attacking them after the Exodus ([Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8 "Exodus 17:8-16 - Battle with Amalek at Rephidim")), and later explicitly condemned by God with a command for their utter destruction ([Deuteronomy 25:17-19](/deuteronomy/25-17 "Deuteronomy 25:17-19 - Remember Amalek")). This historical animosity and divine decree set the stage for a command that was not merely a military strategy but a covenantal obligation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces or reinforces several key themes. The **Divine Authority and Sovereignty** of God over human rulers is paramount, as Samuel reminds Saul that his kingship is a divine appointment, not a popular election. This underscores the principle that all human authority is delegated and accountable to God. Closely related is the theme of **Obedience as the Foundation of Covenant Relationship**, with Samuel's imperative to "hearken" serving as a direct challenge to Saul's previous failures. This sets up the critical theological truth articulated later in [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Over Sacrifice") that "to obey is better than sacrifice." Finally, the verse highlights the **Accountability of Leadership**, emphasizing that those in positions of power, especially over "his people, over Israel," bear a greater responsibility to God and face severe consequences for disobedience.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _YHWH_):** This is the personal, covenantal name of God, often translated as Yahweh or Jehovah. Its use here emphasizes God's active, personal involvement in Israel's history and His covenant faithfulness. It signifies that the command given to Saul is not merely a human directive but originates from the sovereign, faithful God who established the covenant with Israel and chose Saul as king.
* **anoint (Hebrew, _mashach_):** This verb means "to smear" or "to pour," specifically referring to the sacred act of applying oil to set someone apart for a special office or divine purpose. In this context, it signifies Saul's divine consecration as king, indicating that his authority and position were divinely ordained and not self-appointed or merely humanly conferred. This reminder serves to underscore the sacred nature of his calling and the divine source of his power.
* **hearken (Hebrew, _shama'_):** More than merely "to hear," *shama'* implies listening attentively with the intent to understand, internalize, and obey. It denotes a deep, responsive listening that leads to action. Samuel's use of this imperative is a direct challenge to Saul's past failures to fully heed God's instructions, emphasizing that true submission to God's voice is not passive reception but active, willing compliance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Samuel also said unto Saul,"**: This opening phrase establishes the authoritative nature of the ensuing pronouncement. Samuel, as God's prophet, is the divinely appointed messenger, giving his words the weight of divine revelation. The "¶" (paragraph mark) in the KJV often signals a new section or a significant shift in the narrative, highlighting the gravity of this moment.
* **"The LORD sent me to anoint thee [to be] king over his people, over Israel:"**: This clause serves as a powerful reminder and re-affirmation of Saul's original calling and the source of his authority. It underscores that Saul's kingship was not a human initiative but a divine mandate. The phrase "his people, over Israel" emphasizes God's ownership of the nation, reminding Saul that he is merely a steward, accountable to the true King, Yahweh. This sets the stage for the conditional nature of his reign.
* **"now therefore hearken thou unto the voice of the words of the LORD."**: This is the core imperative and the climax of the verse. The "now therefore" creates a logical consequence: because God appointed him, Saul is obligated to obey. "Hearken thou" (from *shama'*) is a command for active, obedient listening. "The voice of the words of the LORD" stresses the direct, explicit, and non-negotiable nature of the divine instructions that are about to follow, making it clear that Saul's future hinges on his immediate and complete submission.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Apostrophe** is evident as Samuel directly addresses Saul, creating an immediate and personal confrontation. The use of **Repetition** is subtle but powerful, as Samuel reiterates the fact of Saul's divine anointing, a truth Saul seems to have forgotten or disregarded, thereby emphasizing the divine origin of his authority and the corresponding expectation of obedience. The **Imperative Mood** of "hearken thou" is a direct command, conveying the urgency and non-negotiable nature of God's demand for obedience. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the dramatic events of the chapter where Saul's failure to "hearken" will lead to his rejection as king. The entire statement acts as a **Prophetic Oracle**, a direct message from God delivered through His chosen prophet, carrying divine authority and consequence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 15:1 encapsulates a foundational biblical principle: the supremacy of God's authority and the absolute necessity of human obedience, especially for those in leadership. It highlights that true authority is derived from God, and stewardship of that authority demands unwavering submission to His revealed will. Saul's failure to grasp this truth, despite repeated reminders, underscores the perennial human temptation to prioritize personal wisdom, expediency, or popular acclaim over divine command. This verse serves as a stark reminder that God values a heart of obedience more than outward religious performance or military success, a theme that reverberates throughout the prophetic tradition.

* [Deuteronomy 6:3](/deuteronomy/6-3 "Deuteronomy 6:3 - The Call to Hear and Obey")
* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience is Better than Sacrifice")
* [Jeremiah 7:23](/jeremiah/7-23 "Jeremiah 7:23 - The Command to Obey God's Voice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers timeless lessons for all believers. Like Saul, we are all called to "hearken" to the voice of the LORD in our lives, recognizing that our purpose and effectiveness are inextricably linked to our willingness to submit to His will. Whether in positions of formal leadership or in the daily walk of faith, our ultimate allegiance and accountability are to God. This passage challenges us to honestly examine where we might be tempted to substitute our own plans, preferences, or perceived necessities for God's clear commands. It reminds us that God's desire is not merely for outward religious observance, but for a heart that genuinely listens and responds in obedience, trusting in His wisdom and sovereignty above our own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I being called to "hearken" more fully to the voice of the LORD?**
* **How do I ensure that my actions and decisions are rooted in God's revealed will, rather than my own desires or the expectations of others?**
* **What does Saul's story in this chapter teach me about the consequences of partial or delayed obedience?**

### FAQ

**Why does Samuel need to remind Saul of his anointing and the source of his kingship?**

Answer: Samuel's reminder is crucial because Saul had already demonstrated a pattern of acting independently of God's direct commands and Samuel's prophetic guidance. In [1 Samuel 13](/1_samuel/13 "1 Samuel 13 - Saul's Disobedience and Rejection"), Saul offered a sacrifice prematurely, usurping the priestly role. This act, coupled with his rash vows and inconsistent leadership, indicated a potential forgetfulness of the conditional nature of his kingship. Samuel's words in [1 Samuel 15:1](/1_samuel/15-1 "1 Samuel 15:1 - Samuel's Charge to Saul") serve to re-establish God's ultimate authority and to underscore that Saul's reign was a divine appointment, not a human achievement, thereby setting the stage for a final, decisive test of his obedience. It was a call back to the foundational truth of his calling before a major command was issued.

**What is the significance of the phrase "his people, over Israel" in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "his people, over Israel" is profoundly significant because it emphasizes that Israel belongs to God, not to Saul. Saul was merely a steward, a divinely appointed shepherd over God's flock. This highlights the theological truth that God is the true King of Israel, and any human king serves at His pleasure and under His authority. This reminder would have underscored Saul's accountability to God for how he governed the nation. It contrasts sharply with the kings of other nations who often claimed divine status or absolute authority. For Saul, it was a direct challenge to any burgeoning sense of independent rule or self-importance, reminding him that his power was delegated and conditional upon his faithfulness to the One who truly owned the people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 15:1, with its emphasis on divine appointment and the absolute necessity of "hearkening" to God's voice, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Unlike Saul, who failed to obey the voice of the LORD and consequently lost his kingdom, Jesus perfectly embodied the obedient King. He was uniquely "anointed" not merely with oil, but with the Holy Spirit for His messianic mission ([Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - Jesus Anointed by God")). His entire life was characterized by perfect submission to the Father's will, consistently demonstrating what it means to truly "hearken unto the voice of the words of the LORD." Jesus declared, "I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge" ([John 5:30](/john/5-30 "John 5:30 - Jesus' Dependence on the Father")), and He "became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Where Saul's disobedience led to the forfeiture of his earthly kingdom, Christ's perfect obedience established an eternal, unshakable kingdom ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakable Kingdom")) and secured salvation for His people. He is the true King over God's people, not merely by appointment, but by His perfect, faithful, and redemptive obedience.

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

1 Samuel 9:16

To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him [to be] captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me.

1 Samuel 12:14

If ye will fear the LORD, and serve him, and obey his voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall both ye and also the king that reigneth over you continue following the LORD your God:

1 Samuel 13:13

And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.

1 Chronicles 22:12

Only the LORD give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the LORD thy God.

1 Chronicles 22:13

Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.

Psalms 2:10

¶ Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.

Psalms 2:11

Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.