TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ 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.
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.
World English Bible Messianic
Samuel said to Saul, “The LORD sent me to anoint you to be king over his people, over Israel. Now therefore listen to the voice of the LORD’s words.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Afterward Samuel said vnto Saul, The Lord sent me to anoint thee King ouer his people, ouer Israel: nowe therefore obey the voyce of the wordes of the Lord.
Young's Literal Translation
And Samuel saith unto Saul, `Me did Jehovah send to anoint thee for king over His people, over Israel; and now, hearken to the voice of the words of Jehovah:
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Commentary on 1 Samuel 15 verses 1–9
1 ¶ 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.
2 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt.
3 Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.
4 And Saul gathered the people together, and numbered them in Telaim, two hundred thousand footmen, and ten thousand men of Judah.
5 And Saul came to a city of Amalek, and laid wait in the valley.
6 And Saul said unto the Kenites, Go, depart, get you down from among the Amalekites, lest I destroy you with them: for ye shewed kindness to all the children of Israel, when they came up out of Egypt. So the Kenites departed from among the Amalekites.
7 And Saul smote the Amalekites from Havilah until thou comest to Shur, that is over against Egypt.
8 And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword.
9 But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.
Here, I. Samuel, in God's name, solemnly requires Saul to be obedient to the command of God, and plainly intimates that he was now about to put him upon a trial, in one particular instance, whether he would be obedient or no, Sa1 15:1. And the making of this so expressly the trial of his obedience did very much aggravate his disobedience. 1. He reminds him of what God had done for him: "The Lord sent me to anoint thee to be a king. God gave thee thy power, and therefore he expects thou shouldst use thy power for him. He put honour upon thee, and now thou must study how to do him honour. He made thee king over Israel, and now thou must plead Israel's cause and avenge their quarrels. Thou art advanced to command Israel, but know that thou art a subject to the God of Israel and must be commanded by him." Men's preferment, instead of releasing them from their obedience to God, obliges them so much the more to it. Samuel had himself been employed to anoint Saul, and therefore was the fitter to be send with these orders to him. 2. He tells him, in general, that, in consideration of this, whatever God commanded him to do he was bound to do it: Now therefore hearken to the voice of the Lord. Note, God's favours to us lay strong obligations upon us to be obedient to him. This we must render, Psa 116:12.
II. He appoints him a particular piece of service, in which he must now show his obedience to God more than in any thing he had done yet. Samuel premises God's authority to the command: Thus says the Lord of hosts, the Lord of all hosts, of Israel's hosts. He also gives him a reason for the command, that the severity he must use might not seem hard: I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, Sa1 15:2. God had an ancient quarrel with the Amalekites, for the injuries they did to his people Israel when he brought them out of Egypt. We have the story, Exo 17:8, etc., and the crime is aggravated, Deu 25:18. He basely smote the hindmost of them, and feared not God. God then swore that he would have war with Amalek from generation to generation, and that in process of time he would utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek; this is the work that Saul is now appointed to do (Sa1 15:3): "Go and smite Amalek. Israel is now strong, and the measure of the iniquity of Amalek is now full; now go and make a full riddance of that devoted nation." He is expressly commanded to kill and slay all before him, man and woman, infant and suckling, and not spare them out of pity; also ox and sheep, camel and ass, and not spare them out of covetousness. Note, 1. Injuries done to God's Israel will certainly be reckoned for sooner or later, especially the opposition given them when they are coming out of Egypt. 2. God often bears long with those that are marked for ruin. The sentence passed is not executed speedily. 3. Though he bear long, he will not bear always. The year of recompence for the controversy of Israel will come at last. Though divine justice strikes slowly it strikes surely. 4. The longer judgment is delayed many times the more severe it is when it comes. 5. God chooses out instruments to do his work that are fittest for it. This was bloody work, and therefore Saul who was a rough and severe man must do it.
III. Saul hereupon musters his forces, and makes a descent upon the country of Amalek. It was an immense army that he brought into the field (Sa1 15:4): 200,000 footmen. When he came to engage the Philistines, and the success was hazardous, he had but 600 attending him, Sa1 13:15. But now that he was to attack the Amalekites by express order from heaven, in which he was sure of victory, he had thousands at his call. But, whatever it was at other times, it was not now for the honour of Judah that their forces were numbered by themselves, for their quota was scandalously short (whatever was the reason), but a twentieth part of the whole, for they were by 10,000, when the other ten tribes (for I except Levi) brought into the field 200,000. The day of Judah's honour drew near, but had not yet come. Saul numbered them in Telaim, which signifies lambs. He numbered then like lambs (so the vulgar Latin), numbered them by the paschal lambs (so the Chaldee), allowing ten to a lamb, a way of numbering used by the Jews in the later times of their nation. Saul drew all his forces to the city of Amalek, that city that was their metropolis (Sa1 15:5), that he might provoke them to give him battle.
IV. He gave friendly advice to the Kenites to separate themselves from the Amalekites among whom they dwelt, while this execution was in doing, Sa1 15:6. Herein he did prudently and piously, and, it is probable, according to the direction Samuel gave him. The Kenites were of the family and kindred of Jethro, Moses's father-in-law, a people that dwelt in tents, which made it easy for them, upon every occasion, to remove to other lands not appropriated. Many of them, at this time, dwelt among the Amalekites, where, though they dwelt in tents, they were fortified by nature, for they put their nest in a rock, being hardy people that could live any where, and affected fastnesses, Num 24:21. Balaam had foretold that they should be wasted, Num 24:22. However, Saul must not waste them. But, 1. He acknowledges the kindness of their ancestors to Israel, when they came out of Egypt. Jethro and his family had been very helpful and serviceable to them in their passage through the wilderness, had been to them instead of eyes, and this is remembered to their posterity many ages after. Thus a good man leaves the divine blessing for an inheritance to his children's children; those that come after us may be reaping the benefit of our good works when we are in our graves. God is not unrighteous to forget the kindnesses shown to his people; but they shall be remembered another day, at furthest in the great day, and recompensed in the resurrection of the just. I was hungry, and you gave me meat. God's remembering the kindness of the Kenites' ancestors in favour to them, at the same time when he was punishing the injuries done by the ancestors of the Amalekites, helped to clear the righteousness of God in that dispensation. If he entail favours, why may he not entail frowns? He espouses his people's cause, so as to bless those that bless them; and therefore so as to curse those that curse them, Num 24:9; Gen 12:3. They cannot themselves requite the kindnesses nor avenge the injuries done them, but God will do both. 2. He desires them to remove their tents from among the Amalekites: Go, depart, get you down from among them. When destroying judgments are abroad God will take care to separate between the precious and the vile, and to hide the meek of the earth in the day of his anger. It is dangerous being found in the company of God's enemies, and it is our duty and interest to come out from among them, lest we share in their sins and plagues, Rev 18:4. The Jews have a saying, Woe to the wicked man and woe to his neighbour.
V. Saul prevailed against the Amalekites, for it was rather an execution of condemned malefactors than a war with contending enemies. The issue could not be dubious when the cause was just and the call so clear: He smote them (Sa1 15:7), utterly destroyed them, Sa1 15:8. Now they paid dearly for the sin of their ancestors. God sometimes lays up iniquity for the children. They were idolaters, and were guilty of many other sins, for which they deserved to fall under the wrath of God; yet, when God would reckon with them, he fastened upon the sin of their ancestors in abusing his Israel as the ground of his quarrel. Lord, How unsearchable are thy judgments, yet how incontestable is thy righteousness!
VI. Yet he did his work by halves, Sa1 15:9. 1. He spared Agag, because he was a king like himself, and perhaps in hope to get a great ransom for him. 2. He spared the best of the cattle, and destroyed only the refuse, that was good for little. Many of the people, we may suppose, made their escape, and took their effects with them into other countries, and therefore we read of Amalekites after this; but that could not be helped. It was Saul's fault that he did not destroy such as came to his hands and were in his power. That which was now destroyed was in effect sacrificed to the justice of God, as the God to whom vengeance belongeth; and for Saul to think the torn and the sick, the lame and the lean, good enough for that, while he reserved for his own fields and his own table the firstlings and the fat, was really to honour himself more than God.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–9. Public domain.
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Commentary on Samuel
Samuel said to Saul: The Lord sent me to anoint you as king, etc. The prophetic word daily says to the rulers of the Church that they have not been chosen by their own industrious liberty, but by the ministry of the Lord to govern His people; and therefore they should always hear attentively the voice of His command. And it says to all the children of the Church to obey the commands of the Lord; for certainly every pure-hearted person, who expectantly looks forward to the vision of God, is anointed as king over His people Israel; over that gathering of good thoughts and deeds, by the merits of which he hopes to reach His vision. For Israel means "man seeing God." And blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God (Matthew 5).
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
1 Samuel 15:1 serves as a pivotal reassertion of divine authority and a solemn reminder to King Saul concerning the absolute necessity of obedience to God's commands. This verse underscores the foundational truth that Saul's kingship originated solely from the LORD's sovereign choice, not human will or popular acclaim, thereby setting the stage for a critical test of his faithfulness that will ultimately determine the trajectory of his reign and the future of the Israelite monarchy.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that amplify its message and underscore its gravity. Apostrophe is prominently featured as Samuel directly addresses Saul, creating an immediate, personal, and confrontational tone that demands Saul's full attention. The use of Repetition is subtle yet powerful; Samuel reiterates the fact of Saul's divine anointing and the source of his authority ("The LORD sent me to anoint thee"), a truth Saul seems to have forgotten or disregarded. This repetition serves to re-emphasize the divine origin of Saul's power and the corresponding expectation of absolute obedience. The Imperative Mood of "hearken thou" is a direct, forceful command, conveying the urgency and non-negotiable nature of God's demand for complete obedience. Furthermore, the entire statement functions as a form of Foreshadowing, setting the stage for the dramatic events of the chapter where Saul's failure to "hearken" will lead directly to his rejection as king. The passage also acts as a Prophetic Oracle, a direct message from God delivered through His chosen prophet, carrying divine authority, solemn warning, and inevitable consequence.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 15:1 encapsulates a foundational biblical principle: the absolute supremacy of God's authority and the non-negotiable necessity of human obedience, particularly for those entrusted with leadership. It highlights that all legitimate authority is derived from God, and the stewardship of that authority demands unwavering submission to His revealed will. Saul's tragic failure to grasp this truth, despite repeated reminders and opportunities, underscores the perennial human temptation to prioritize personal wisdom, political expediency, or popular acclaim over divine command. This verse serves as a stark reminder that God values a heart of complete obedience more than outward religious performance, military success, or any human achievement, a profound theological truth that reverberates throughout the prophetic tradition and the entire biblical narrative.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers timeless and profound lessons for all believers, regardless of their station or responsibilities. Like Saul, we are all called to "hearken" diligently to the voice of the LORD in our lives, recognizing that our purpose, spiritual vitality, and effectiveness are inextricably linked to our willingness to submit wholeheartedly to His will. Whether in positions of formal leadership within the church or community, or in the daily walk of faith within our families and personal spheres, our ultimate allegiance and accountability are to God alone. This passage challenges us to honestly examine where we might be tempted to substitute our own plans, preferences, perceived necessities, or even good intentions for God's clear commands. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's desire is not merely for outward religious observance or partial compliance, but for a heart that genuinely listens, trusts, and responds in complete and willing obedience, prioritizing His wisdom and sovereignty above our own understanding or the pressures of the world.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why does Samuel need to remind Saul of his anointing and the source of his kingship at this particular moment?
Answer: Samuel's reminder in 1 Samuel 15:1 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, Saul presumptuously offered a burnt offering, usurping the priestly role and displaying impatience with God's timing. This act, coupled with his rash vows and inconsistent leadership in 1 Samuel 14, indicated a potential forgetfulness of the conditional nature of his kingship and the divine source of his authority. Samuel's words serve to re-establish God's ultimate authority and to underscore that Saul's reign was a divine appointment, not a human achievement or a personal possession. This solemn re-affirmation sets the stage for a final, decisive test of his obedience, emphasizing that his future hinges entirely on his response to God's impending command.
What is the profound significance of the phrase "his people, over Israel" in this context?
Answer: The phrase "his people, over Israel" is profoundly significant because it unequivocally emphasizes that Israel belongs to God, not to Saul. Saul was merely a steward, a divinely appointed shepherd over God's flock, chosen to govern on God's behalf. This highlights the fundamental theological truth that God is the true and ultimate King of Israel, and any human king serves at His pleasure and under His supreme authority. This reminder would have underscored Saul's absolute accountability to God for how he governed the nation and protected its covenant relationship. It contrasts sharply with the kings of surrounding nations who often claimed divine status or absolute, independent 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, conditional, and ultimately derived from the One who truly owned the people and the land.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 15:1, with its profound emphasis on divine appointment and the absolute necessity of "hearkening" to God's voice, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Unlike Saul, who tragically 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 as prophet, priest, and king (Acts 10:38). His entire earthly life was characterized by perfect, unwavering submission to the Father's will, consistently demonstrating what it truly means to "hearken unto the voice of the words of the LORD." Jesus Himself declared, "I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge" (John 5:30), and He "became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" (Philippians 2:8). Where Saul's disobedience led to the forfeiture of his earthly kingdom and the rejection of his lineage, Christ's perfect obedience established an eternal, unshakable kingdom (Hebrews 12:28) and secured salvation and eternal life for His people. He is the true King over God's people, not merely by appointment, but by His perfect, faithful, and redemptive obedience, which forever seals the new covenant.