1 Samuel 15:16

KJV

Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Samuel {H8050} said {H559} unto Saul {H7586}, Stay {H7503}, and I will tell {H5046} thee what the LORD {H3068} hath said {H1696} to me this night {H3915}. And he said {H559} unto him, Say on {H1696}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Sh'mu'el said to Sha'ul, "Stop! I'm going to tell you what ADONAI said to me last night." He said, "Speak."

Berean Standard Bible

“Stop!” exclaimed Samuel. “Let me tell you what the LORD said to me last night.” “Tell me,” Saul replied.

American Standard Version

Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what Jehovah hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 15:16 marks a critical turning point in the unfolding drama between the prophet Samuel and King Saul. Following Saul's defiant disobedience regarding the Amalekites, this verse captures Samuel's authoritative demand for Saul's attention, preparing to deliver the unvarnished divine verdict. It underscores Samuel's unwavering role as God's direct messenger, signaling the end of Saul's self-justification and the imminent pronouncement of his rejection from kingship, highlighting the profound consequences of failing to obey God's explicit commands.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at the climax of the confrontation between Samuel and Saul, immediately following Saul's attempts to justify his partial obedience in the war against the Amalekites. God had commanded Saul to utterly destroy them, including all their livestock, as an act of divine judgment for their historical enmity against Israel (see [God's explicit command to Saul](/1_samuel/15-3 "1 Samuel 15:3 - God's Command to Destroy Amalek")). However, Saul, swayed by the people and his own desires, spared Agag, the Amalekite king, and the best of the animals, claiming they were for sacrifice (as detailed in [Saul's partial obedience](/1_samuel/15-9 "1 Samuel 15:9 - Saul Spares Agag and Livestock") and his [subsequent justification](/1_samuel/15-21 "1 Samuel 15:21 - Saul's Excuse")). Samuel, deeply grieved by God's decision to reject Saul as king ([Samuel's sorrow](/1_samuel/15-11 "1 Samuel 15:11 - Samuel's Grief Over Saul")), had already confronted Saul, who offered various excuses. Here, Samuel silences Saul's defensive posture, asserting his prophetic authority to deliver the Lord's unyielding word, shifting the narrative from human rationalization to divine revelation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command to utterly destroy the Amalekites (the *herem* or "devotion to destruction") was a unique, severe act of divine judgment against a people who had consistently opposed Israel from the Exodus (see [Amalek's attack on Israel](/exodus/17-8 "Exodus 17:8 - Amalek Attacks Israel")). This practice was not common warfare but a specific theological act, demonstrating God's justice and Israel's role as His instrument. In ancient Israel, the prophet served as God's direct mouthpiece, often delivering messages that were unpopular or confrontational, even to kings. Kingship in Israel was conditional, unlike the absolute monarchies of surrounding nations; the king was still under the ultimate authority of Yahweh and His law, as mediated by the prophets. Saul's failure to fully obey demonstrated a fundamental misunderstanding of his role and God's sovereignty, challenging the very foundation of theocratic rule.
* **Key Themes:** The immediate context of 1 Samuel 15:16 powerfully highlights several key themes central to the book of Samuel and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Obedience vs. Sacrifice**, famously articulated in [Samuel's later declaration](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Better Than Sacrifice") that "to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams." Saul's actions demonstrate a preference for outward religious ritual over heartfelt submission to God's explicit command. Another crucial theme is **Divine Sovereignty and Accountability of Leadership**. Even a king, chosen by God, is not above God's law and faces severe consequences for disobedience. Samuel's role as God's unwavering messenger underscores the **Authority of God's Word** and the **Gravity of Disobedience**, emphasizing that God's commands are not suggestions but binding decrees that demand complete adherence. This confrontation also touches on the **Nature of True Repentance**, contrasting Saul's self-justification with the genuine sorrow and change of heart God desires.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stay (עֲמֹד, _ʿamod_):** This is an imperative verb, meaning "stand," "stop," or "remain." Samuel's use of "Stay" is a forceful command, an interruption designed to halt Saul's flow of self-justification and demand his full, undivided attention. It signifies a shift from Saul's narrative to Samuel's authoritative declaration, indicating the gravity and finality of the message about to be delivered. It is a verbal "halt!" to Saul's excuses.
* **LORD (יְהוָה, _YHWH_):** The use of the covenant name for God emphasizes that the message Samuel is about to deliver originates from the sovereign, unchanging God of Israel, not from Samuel's own opinion or emotion. This underscores the divine authority behind the pronouncement and the absolute truth of what is to follow, elevating the confrontation beyond a mere human dispute to a divine judgment.
* **Say on (דַּבֵּר, _dabber_):** This is also an imperative verb, meaning "speak" or "tell." Saul's response, while seemingly compliant, likely conveys a sense of resignation or grudging acceptance rather than eager anticipation or genuine humility. It marks his passive submission to hear, having exhausted his attempts at self-vindication, but does not necessarily imply a repentant heart. It is the king, now silenced, allowing the prophet to deliver the inevitable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay,"**: This opening phrase immediately establishes Samuel's dominant position in the dialogue, asserting his prophetic authority over the king. The command "Stay" acts as an abrupt and forceful interruption to Saul's previous attempts at self-justification (1 Samuel 15:13-15). It demands Saul's immediate and undivided attention, signaling that the conversation is shifting from Saul's excuses to God's verdict.
* **"and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night."**: Samuel clarifies his role not as an accuser speaking his own mind, but as a direct conduit for divine revelation. The phrase "what the LORD hath said to me this night" emphasizes the immediacy, directness, and divine origin of the message. The "this night" adds a layer of solemnity and urgency, implying Samuel has been wrestling with God over this very matter, and the message is fresh and unalterable. It underscores that God's word is precise and delivered with specific intent.
* **"And he said unto him, Say on."**: Saul's response is brief and to the point. Having been effectively silenced by Samuel's authoritative declaration, his "Say on" signifies a reluctant or resigned permission for Samuel to proceed. It marks a moment of submission to the prophetic word, not necessarily out of repentance, but out of an acknowledgment that Samuel speaks with an authority that transcends his own kingship. This phrase sets the stage for the devastating pronouncement of judgment that follows.

#### Literary Devices
The exchange in 1 Samuel 15:16 is rich in literary devices that heighten its dramatic impact and theological significance. There is a strong sense of **Dramatic Irony**, as Saul believes his actions are justifiable and even pious, while the audience knows, through Samuel's grief and God's prior declaration (1 Samuel 15:11), that severe judgment is imminent. Samuel's command "Stay" and his declaration of a divine message serve as powerful **Foreshadowing**, building intense suspense for the devastating pronouncement of Saul's rejection. The dialogue itself is characterized by **Authoritative Dialogue**, where Samuel's direct, unyielding speech contrasts sharply with Saul's previous evasiveness and self-justification, highlighting the clash between human will and divine decree. The phrase "what the LORD hath said to me this night" employs **Divine Revelation** as a narrative device, emphasizing that the truth about to be revealed is not human opinion but the very word of God, lending ultimate weight and finality to Samuel's subsequent words.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 15:16 serves as a powerful theological pivot, encapsulating the critical biblical theme of absolute obedience to God's explicit commands, particularly for those in positions of leadership. Samuel's unwavering delivery of God's word, even to the king, underscores the supreme authority of Yahweh over all human institutions and the non-negotiable nature of divine revelation. Saul's grudging "Say on" foreshadows the tragic consequences of a heart that prioritizes self-preservation and human approval over genuine submission to God's will. This moment highlights that God's word, once declared, demands a response—either humble obedience or defiant rejection—and carries with it the full weight of divine judgment or blessing. It reminds us that God is not mocked, and His standards of righteousness are immutable, requiring not just outward compliance but inward devotion.

* [Deuteronomy 18:18-19](/deuteronomy/18-18 "The Prophet Like Moses")
* [Jeremiah 1:9-10](/jeremiah/1-9 "Jeremiah's Commissioning")
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "The Living and Active Word of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The stark exchange in 1 Samuel 15:16 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to examine our own hearts when confronted with God's word, particularly when it exposes our shortcomings or calls for uncomfortable changes. Are we quick to justify our actions, offering excuses for partial obedience or outright disobedience, much like Saul? Or do we, like Samuel, stand firm in delivering or receiving God's truth, even when it is difficult? This verse reminds us of the paramount importance of listening attentively to God's voice, whether through the clear teachings of [Scripture](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed"), the counsel of godly mentors, or the conviction of the Holy Spirit. True humility is demonstrated not by our ability to articulate defenses, but by our willingness to be silenced by God's truth and to respond with genuine repentance and a renewed commitment to full obedience. The narrative serves as a sobering reminder that our choices, especially in leadership, have far-reaching consequences, and accountability before God is inescapable.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When confronted with a difficult truth from God's Word or godly counsel, what is your immediate inclination: self-justification or humble reception?**
* **How does Saul's "Say on" contrast with a truly repentant heart, and what does that teach us about our own responses to divine correction?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be offering "sacrifices" (outward religious acts) instead of "obedience" (true submission to God's specific commands)?**
* **How can you cultivate a greater attentiveness to "what the LORD hath said" in your daily life, and what steps can you take to ensure you act upon it?**

### FAQ

**Why did Samuel emphasize "this night" when speaking to Saul?**

Answer: Samuel's emphasis on "this night" (Hebrew: הַלַּיְלָה, *hallaylah*) conveys several layers of meaning. Firstly, it highlights the immediacy and recency of the divine revelation, underscoring that the message is fresh from God's presence and not a long-held personal grievance. Secondly, it suggests the solemnity and urgency of the communication; often, significant divine encounters or pronouncements occurred during the night, a time of quiet and spiritual intensity (e.g., [God speaking to Jacob at night](/genesis/46-2 "Genesis 46:2 - God Speaks to Jacob at Night")). For Samuel, it likely indicates a period of intense prayer, grief, and wrestling with God over Saul's disobedience and God's decision to reject him, making the message deeply personal and weighty for the prophet himself, and thus for the king.

**What was Saul's attitude in saying "Say on"?**

Answer: Saul's "Say on" (Hebrew: דַּבֵּר, *dabber*, an imperative) likely indicates a complex mixture of resignation, perhaps a grudging acknowledgment of Samuel's prophetic authority, and a sense of inevitability, rather than genuine eagerness or repentance. Having exhausted his attempts to justify his actions and deflect blame (as seen in [1 Samuel 15:13-15](/1_samuel/15-13 "1 Samuel 15:13-15 - Saul's Excuses")), Saul is now silenced. His brief response suggests he knows he cannot escape the impending divine verdict. It is a passive acceptance to listen, born out of a cornered position, rather than an active desire to hear and obey God's will. This contrasts sharply with the humility and eagerness to hear God's word that characterize truly righteous leaders (e.g., [David's response to Nathan](/2_samuel/12-13 "2 Samuel 12:13 - David's Confession to Nathan")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 15:16, with Samuel delivering God's uncompromising word to a disobedient king, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate prophet and king, Jesus Christ. Samuel, as God's mouthpiece, stands as a type of Christ, who is the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), the ultimate revelation of God to humanity. Unlike Saul, who failed in obedience and was rejected, Jesus perfectly fulfilled all of God's commands, living a life of [unblemished obedience](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death") even to the point of death on a cross. Saul's failure to fully destroy the Amalekites and his preference for his own will over God's command highlights the deep human need for a perfect King who would truly execute God's justice and establish His righteous kingdom. Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling the spiritual reality that [obedience is better than sacrifice](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Better Than Sacrifice") by His complete submission to the Father's will. Through His perfect life, atoning death, and victorious resurrection, Christ establishes a kingdom that is eternal and unshakable, founded not on human fallibility but on divine perfection, offering redemption and true life to all who [believe in Him and obey His voice](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - My Sheep Hear My Voice").

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 12:7

Now therefore stand still, that I may reason with you before the LORD of all the righteous acts of the LORD, which he did to you and to your fathers.

1 Kings 22:16

And the king said unto him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou tell me nothing but [that which is] true in the name of the LORD?

1 Samuel 9:27

[And] as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us, (and he passed on,) but stand thou still a while, that I may shew thee the word of God.