1 Samuel 15:17

KJV

And Samuel said, When thou [wast] little in thine own sight, [wast] thou not [made] the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel?

KJV (with Strong's)

And Samuel {H8050} said {H559}, When thou wast little {H6996} in thine own sight {H5869}, wast thou not made the head {H7218} of the tribes {H7626} of Israel {H3478}, and the LORD {H3068} anointed {H4886} thee king {H4428} over Israel {H3478}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Sh'mu'el then said, "You may be small in your own sight, but you are head of the tribes of Isra'el -ADONAI anointed you king over Isra'el!

Berean Standard Bible

And Samuel said, “Although you were once small in your own eyes, have you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The LORD anointed you king over Israel

American Standard Version

And Samuel said, Though thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel? And Jehovah anointed thee king over Israel;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Samuel 15:17, the prophet Samuel delivers a searing rebuke to King Saul, starkly contrasting Saul's initial, divinely favored humility with his present pride and disobedience. Samuel reminds Saul that his elevation to the kingship over Israel was not due to his own merit or perceived greatness, but was a sovereign act of the LORD, who chose him precisely when he saw himself as insignificant. This pivotal statement underscores the profound spiritual principle that God exalts the humble, while simultaneously highlighting the catastrophic consequences of pride and partial obedience for those entrusted with divine authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of King Saul's reign, specifically within Samuel's final, definitive confrontation with Saul following the Amalekite campaign. God had commanded Saul, through Samuel, to utterly destroy the Amalekites and all their possessions, a directive known as *cherem* or "devotion to destruction" ([1 Samuel 15:3](/1_samuel/15-3 "1 Samuel 15:3 - God's Command Regarding the Amalekites")). However, Saul, under the guise of offering sacrifices to the LORD, spared Agag, the Amalekite king, and the best of the livestock. Samuel's arrival and subsequent pronouncement of God's rejection of Saul's kingship ([1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Rebellion as Witchcraft")) are immediately preceded by this verse, which serves as a powerful rhetorical question designed to expose the root of Saul's disobedience: a departure from the humility that once characterized him. It directly harks back to Saul's initial self-perception in [1 Samuel 9:21](/1_samuel/9-21 "1 Samuel 9:21 - Saul's Initial Humility"), where he questioned his suitability for kingship based on his humble origins.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Saul's anointing marked a significant transition for Israel from a tribal confederacy led by judges to a monarchy. Unlike the kings of surrounding nations who often claimed divine descent or inherent power, Israel's king was meant to be a servant of Yahweh, bound by covenant and subject to prophetic authority. The act of anointing with oil ([1 Samuel 10:1](/1_samuel/10-1 "1 Samuel 10:1 - Saul's Anointing")) signified divine selection and empowerment, placing the king under a sacred obligation to obey God's commands. The command to destroy the Amalekites was rooted in ancient history and divine judgment ([Exodus 17:14-16](/exodus/17-14-16 "Exodus 17:14-16 - Amalek's Perpetual Enmity")), representing a test of Israel's covenant fidelity. Saul's failure to fully execute this *cherem* command was not merely a tactical error but a profound act of disobedience against the very God who had elevated him, demonstrating a disregard for the unique nature of Israel's theocratic kingship.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent in the books of Samuel and throughout the biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Humility and Divine Favor**, illustrating God's consistent pattern of choosing and exalting those who are "little in their own sight," as seen in figures like David ([1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart")). Secondly, it exposes the **Dangers of Pride and Self-Reliance**, showing how a departure from humility can lead to disobedience and ultimately, spiritual downfall. Saul's shift from being "little" to acting independently of God's clear command serves as a cautionary tale, echoing the principle that [pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - The Consequences of Pride"). Thirdly, the verse underscores **Obedience as the Foundation of God-ordained Leadership**. Saul's anointing as "head of the tribes of Israel" carried with it an absolute expectation of faithfulness to God's word, making his partial obedience a fundamental breach of his divine mandate. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **God's Sovereignty in Choosing Leaders**, emphasizing that Saul's position was not a human achievement but a direct, unmerited act of divine will, thereby increasing his accountability.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **little (Hebrew, _qatan_):** This adjective (קָטָן) literally means "small," "insignificant," or "young." In this context, it refers to Saul's humble self-assessment and lack of self-importance prior to his kingship. He saw himself as coming from the smallest tribe (Benjamin) and the least family within it ([1 Samuel 9:21](/1_samuel/9-21 "1 Samuel 9:21 - Saul's Humble Origins")). Samuel's use of this word is a sharp rhetorical tool, reminding Saul of the very quality (humility) that made him a candidate for God's favor, a quality he has now evidently lost.
* **anointed (Hebrew, _mashach_):** The verb (מָשַׁח) means "to smear," "to rub with oil," or "to anoint." In ancient Israel, anointing with oil was a sacred ritual signifying divine selection, consecration, and empowerment for a specific office, particularly for prophets, priests, and kings. When Samuel reminds Saul that "the LORD anointed thee king over Israel," he emphasizes that Saul's authority was not self-derived or humanly conferred, but directly from God. This divine anointing carried with it the absolute expectation of obedience and accountability to the One who had chosen him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Samuel said":** This opening sets the stage for a prophetic pronouncement, indicating that the words that follow are not merely human opinion but a message from God delivered through His prophet. It highlights the gravity and authority of the confrontation.
* **"When thou [wast] little in thine own sight":** This phrase directly recalls Saul's initial humility and self-perception before his elevation. It points to a time when Saul did not rely on his own strength, status, or wisdom, but recognized his own insignificance and dependence on God. This humility was a prerequisite, or at least a characteristic, of God's choice.
* **"[wast] thou not [made] the head of the tribes of Israel":** This is the first part of Samuel's rhetorical question, emphasizing God's sovereign act of elevating Saul from obscurity to the highest position of leadership in the nation. It underscores that Saul's kingship was a divine gift, not an earned right.
* **"and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel?":** This second part of the rhetorical question reiterates the divine source of Saul's authority. The explicit mention of "the LORD" performing the anointing emphasizes God's direct involvement and Saul's sacred obligation to Him. The question implies that Saul's current actions are a betrayal of this divine trust and anointing.

#### Literary Devices
Samuel's statement in 1 Samuel 15:17 is rich with literary devices that amplify its impact. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "When thou [wast] little in thine own sight, [wast] thou not [made] the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel?" This question is not posed to elicit information but to make an emphatic point, forcing Saul to confront the stark **Contrast** between his past humility and his present pride, and between God's gracious elevation and Saul's subsequent disobedience. There is also a strong element of **Irony** present; the very humility that qualified Saul for the throne is now absent, leading to his rejection. The phrase "little in thine own sight" also functions as a **Metonymy**, where "little" stands for the humble and dependent disposition that God favors. Furthermore, the passage employs **Prophetic Rebuke**, a common feature in prophetic literature, where a prophet confronts a leader or the nation with their sin, often recalling past divine acts of grace to highlight present transgression.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse serves as a profound theological statement about God's character and His principles for leadership. It reveals that God often chooses the humble and the lowly, not the outwardly impressive or self-assured, to accomplish His purposes. This divine preference for humility is not arbitrary but reflects God's desire for His chosen ones to depend entirely on Him, ensuring that His power, not human strength or wisdom, is glorified. Saul's tragic trajectory illustrates the devastating spiritual truth that pride is not merely a character flaw but a direct affront to God's sovereignty and a gateway to disobedience. When one ceases to see themselves as "little" in God's sight, they begin to act independently, substituting their own will for God's, leading to a forfeiture of divine favor and authority. The anointing, a symbol of divine empowerment, becomes a mark of accountability, and its breach carries severe consequences.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Matthew 23:12](/matthew/23-12 "Matthew 23:12 - Humility and Exaltation")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Opposes the Proud")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 15:17 offers a timeless and piercing challenge for every believer, especially those in positions of influence or aspiring to leadership. It compels us to regularly examine the posture of our hearts: Do we still see ourselves as "little" in God's sight, acknowledging our absolute dependence on Him for every breath, every gift, and every success? Or has pride subtly crept in, causing us to lean on our own understanding, abilities, or perceived achievements? The verse reminds us that true spiritual authority and lasting impact stem not from self-confidence or human accolades, but from a profound humility that recognizes God as the sole source of all power and wisdom. Our obedience to God's clear commands, even when inconvenient or seemingly illogical, is the ultimate test of our humility and devotion. To maintain a vibrant walk with God, we must continually surrender our will, our plans, and our pride, remembering that it is God who exalts and God who brings low.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might pride be subtly influencing your decisions or actions, causing you to act independently of God's clear commands?**
* **How does your current self-perception align with being "little in your own sight" before the LORD? What practical steps can you take to cultivate greater humility?**
* **Reflect on a time when God elevated you or blessed you beyond your own merit. How did you respond, and what lessons did you learn about His grace and your dependence on Him?**
* **What specific commands from God (in Scripture or through conviction) are you struggling to obey fully, and could a lack of humility be a contributing factor?**

### FAQ
**Why did God choose Saul if He knew he would fail?**

Answer: God's choice of Saul, despite foreknowledge of his eventual failure, highlights several theological truths. Firstly, it demonstrates God's sovereignty and His willingness to work through human choices, even flawed ones, to achieve His broader purposes. Saul's reign served as a crucial lesson for Israel about the nature of kingship—that a king must be a servant of God, not merely a charismatic leader. It also underscored the importance of obedience over sacrifice, a lesson Israel desperately needed to learn. While God knows all outcomes, He grants humanity genuine free will. Saul's failure was not due to a lack of divine enablement or opportunity, but to his own choices of disobedience and pride. God's ultimate plan of salvation, culminating in the perfect King, Jesus Christ, was always in motion, and even Saul's reign contributed to the unfolding of that grand narrative, revealing the inadequacy of human leadership apart from absolute submission to God's will, as outlined in the laws for kings in [Deuteronomy 17:14-20](/deuteronomy/17-14-20 "Deuteronomy 17:14-20 - Laws Concerning Kings").

**What does "little in thine own sight" mean for believers today?**

Answer: For believers today, "little in thine own sight" signifies a posture of profound humility and self-awareness of one's utter dependence on God. It does not mean self-deprecation or a lack of confidence in God-given abilities, but rather the recognition that any strength, wisdom, or success we possess comes from Him. It means prioritizing God's will above our own desires, acknowledging that our plans and achievements are secondary to His divine purpose. This humility is the fertile ground for God's grace and power, as He promises to give grace to the humble and to lift up those who humble themselves before Him ([James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Opposes the Proud")). It is a call to live with a servant's heart, recognizing that our true identity and worth are found in Christ, not in our accomplishments or status. As Paul famously declared, "When I am weak, then I am strong," for it is in our weakness that Christ's power is made perfect ([2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's Grace in Weakness")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Saul, particularly 1 Samuel 15:17, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. Saul, chosen by God when "little in his own sight" and anointed king, ultimately failed due to pride and disobedience, demonstrating the inherent limitations and corruptibility of human kingship. In stark contrast, Jesus, though eternally God, perfectly embodied the spirit of being "little in His own sight," not out of inherent insignificance but out of profound, redemptive humility. He "made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")). Unlike Saul, whose anointing was for a temporary earthly reign, Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit not merely as an earthly king, but as the eternal King, Priest, and Prophet, commissioned to preach good news, heal the brokenhearted, and set the captives free ([Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement")). Where Saul's disobedience led to his rejection, Jesus' perfect obedience, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience Unto Death")), secured salvation and eternal life for all who believe. He is the true and faithful King, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), who perfectly fulfills the divine mandate and invites us into His eternal kingdom, not through our own merit, but through His sacrificial love ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")).

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 9:21

And Saul answered and said, [Am] not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou so to me?

1 Samuel 15:1

¶ 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.

1 Samuel 15:3

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.

1 Samuel 10:22

Therefore they enquired of the LORD further, if the man should yet come thither. And the LORD answered, Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff.

1 Samuel 10:1

¶ Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured [it] upon his head, and kissed him, and said, [Is it] not because the LORD hath anointed thee [to be] captain over his inheritance?

Judges 6:15

And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family [is] poor in Manasseh, and I [am] the least in my father's house.

Hosea 13:1

¶ When Ephraim spake trembling, he exalted himself in Israel; but when he offended in Baal, he died.