1 Samuel 15:25

KJV

Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon {H5375} my sin {H2403}, and turn again {H7725} with me, that I may worship {H7812} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now, please, pardon my sin; and come back with me, so that I can worship ADONAI."

Berean Standard Bible

Now therefore, please forgive my sin and return with me so I can worship the LORD.”

American Standard Version

Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 15:25 captures King Saul's desperate plea to the prophet Samuel, a moment of profound crisis in his reign following God's rejection due to Saul's disobedience. His request for Samuel to pardon his sin and accompany him to worship the LORD reveals a superficial confession, driven more by a desire to preserve his public image and avert immediate consequences than by genuine, heart-felt repentance for offending God. This pivotal verse underscores Saul's fundamental misunderstanding of true obedience, divine forgiveness, and the nature of authentic worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the dramatic climax of the confrontation between King Saul and the prophet Samuel, immediately following Samuel's pronouncement of God's rejection of Saul as king. Samuel has just delivered God's unequivocal judgment against Saul for his partial obedience in the war against the Amalekites, specifically for sparing King Agag and the best of the livestock, contrary to God's command for complete destruction ([1 Samuel 15:3](/1_samuel/15-3 "1 Samuel 15:3 - God's Command Regarding Amalek")). Saul's initial excuse was that the animals were for sacrifice, but Samuel famously retorts that "[to obey is better than sacrifice](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Over Sacrifice") and to hearken than the fat of rams." Saul then confesses, "[I have sinned](/1_samuel/15-24 "1 Samuel 15:24 - Saul's Confession of Sin"), for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice." Verse 25 is Saul's immediate follow-up to this confession, revealing the conditional and self-serving nature of his repentance. The narrative then continues with Samuel's resolute refusal to return with Saul, signifying the finality of God's rejection and the anointing of David as the new king.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command to utterly destroy the Amalekites ([1 Samuel 15:2-3](/1_samuel/15-2-3 "1 Samuel 15:2-3 - God's Judgment on Amalek")) stems from their ancient hostility towards Israel, particularly their attack on the Israelites during the Exodus ([Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8-16 "Exodus 17:8-16 - Amalek's Attack and God's Vow")). This was a divine judgment against a people who had shown persistent enmity towards God's chosen nation. Kings in the ancient Near East often took plunder and spared royal captives as a sign of their power and for tribute, making Saul's actions culturally understandable but biblically disobedient. The presence of a prophet like Samuel was crucial for a king's legitimacy and divine favor; thus, Saul's desperate plea for Samuel to "turn again with me" reflects a deep concern for his public image and the perceived loss of divine endorsement, which would undermine his authority in the eyes of the people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Samuel and the broader Old Testament. It highlights the critical theme of **obedience versus sacrifice**, asserting that genuine submission to God's revealed will is paramount, far outweighing outward religious rituals or offerings. Saul's actions exemplify the danger of **superficial repentance**, where confession is motivated by fear of consequences or loss of reputation rather than true sorrow for sin against God. His admission that he "feared the people, and obeyed their voice" ([1 Samuel 15:24](/1_samuel/15-24 "1 Samuel 15:24 - Saul's Fear of the People")) underscores the pervasive theme of **fear of man versus fear of God**, a recurring challenge for leaders and individuals alike. Ultimately, this passage serves as a stark illustration of God's **sovereignty in choosing and rejecting kings**, demonstrating that His covenant faithfulness is tied to the obedience of His chosen instruments, setting the stage for the rise of David, a man after God's own heart ([1 Samuel 13:14](/1_samuel/13-14 "1 Samuel 13:14 - God Seeks a Man After His Own Heart")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pardon (Hebrew, _salach'_):** This verb, סָלַח (_salach_), is almost exclusively used in the Old Testament to describe God's act of forgiving sin. When humans use it, as Saul does here, it is typically in an appeal for divine forgiveness or for a human agent to mediate that forgiveness. Saul's use of "pardon my sin" indicates his awareness of a transgression and a desire for its removal, but the context suggests he is seeking Samuel's intercession to reverse the *consequences* of the sin (loss of kingship, Samuel's departure) rather than a deep, internal sorrow for offending God. The word itself points to the serious nature of the offense, requiring an act of forgiveness that ultimately comes from God.
* **Turn again (Hebrew, _shuv'_):** The Hebrew verb שׁוּב (_shuv_) is highly versatile. While it often carries the theological meaning of "repent" or "return" to God in a spiritual sense (e.g., [Deuteronomy 30:2](/deuteronomy/30-2 "Deuteronomy 30:2 - Return to the LORD")), here in Saul's plea, "turn again with me," it refers to Samuel's physical return and accompaniment. Saul desires Samuel's presence, which would lend an air of legitimacy to his kingship and his worship, perhaps hoping to mitigate the public fallout of Samuel's departure. This physical request highlights Saul's focus on external appearances and human validation rather than true spiritual turning.
* **Worship (Hebrew, _shachah'_):** The verb שָׁחָה (_shachah_) denotes bowing down, prostrating oneself, or doing obeisance. It describes an act of reverence, submission, and adoration, commonly used for worshipping God (e.g., [Genesis 24:26](/genesis/24-26 "Genesis 24:26 - Abraham's Servant Worships")). Saul's desire to "worship the LORD" with Samuel suggests he believes that performing the outward ritual of worship, especially in the presence of a revered prophet, could somehow rectify his standing with God or at least present a facade of piety to the people. This exposes his misunderstanding of true worship, which requires a heart of obedience and integrity, not merely external performance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin,"**: Saul's opening phrase is a direct plea for forgiveness. The "Now therefore" links back to his confession in the previous verse, acknowledging his transgression. However, the request to Samuel to "pardon my sin" is problematic. While Samuel is a prophet and God's representative, the power to truly pardon sin belongs to God alone. Saul's appeal to Samuel suggests a focus on the human agent and the immediate, tangible consequences (Samuel's departure and God's rejection of his kingship) rather than a deep, God-ward repentance for his disobedience.
* **"and turn again with me,"**: This clause reveals Saul's primary motivation. He is not merely seeking forgiveness for its own sake, but for a specific outcome: Samuel's return. Samuel's departure signifies God's rejection and the loss of divine favor, which would severely damage Saul's authority and legitimacy in the eyes of the people. Saul's concern here is clearly for public perception and the maintenance of his royal status, rather than a genuine desire for spiritual reconciliation with God.
* **"that I may worship the LORD."**: The stated purpose of Samuel's return is for Saul to "worship the LORD." This appears pious on the surface, but given Saul's prior actions and motivations, it exposes a profound misunderstanding of true worship. Saul seems to believe that an outward act of worship, especially one performed with a respected prophet, can compensate for a disobedient heart and restore his relationship with God or at least his public image. This highlights the stark contrast between ritualistic performance and genuine, heart-felt obedience, which God truly desires.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs **Irony** and **Contrast** to underscore Saul's spiritual state. The irony lies in Saul's request to "worship the LORD" immediately after demonstrating profound disobedience to the LORD's command. True worship is predicated on obedience and a repentant heart, qualities demonstrably lacking in Saul's actions and motivations. This creates a stark **Contrast** between Saul's outward performance and his inward disposition. Furthermore, the narrative uses **Repetition** of Saul's "I have sinned" (in [1 Samuel 15:24](/1_samuel/15-24 "1 Samuel 15:24 - Saul's Confession")) and his subsequent plea, which highlights the superficiality of his confession. It is not a broken and contrite heart that seeks God's face, but a king desperate to retain his throne and public standing, reflecting a fundamental misapprehension of divine justice and mercy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Saul's plea in 1 Samuel 15:25 serves as a profound theological lesson on the nature of true repentance and the priority of obedience in the life of faith. It distinguishes between a confession born of genuine sorrow for offending God and one motivated by fear of consequences or damage to reputation. God desires not merely outward acts of piety or ritual, but a heart fully surrendered in obedience to His commands. This passage underscores that God values a relationship built on trust and submission over any external performance, no matter how grand. Saul's failure to grasp this fundamental truth ultimately led to his rejection as king, setting a precedent for the kind of leadership God truly seeks.
* [Proverbs 28:13](/proverbs/28-13 "Proverbs 28:13 - Confession and Mercy")
* [Psalm 51:16-17](/psalm/51-16-17 "Psalm 51:16-17 - A Broken and Contrite Heart")
* [Matthew 7:21](/matthew/7-21 "Matthew 7:21 - Not Everyone Who Says 'Lord, Lord'")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Saul's desperate plea in 1 Samuel 15:25 offers a timeless mirror for self-examination regarding the authenticity of our own confessions and acts of worship. It challenges us to look beyond the surface of our religious practices and probe the true motivations of our hearts. Are we genuinely sorrowful for our sins against God, seeking His forgiveness and a change of heart, or are we primarily concerned with avoiding negative consequences, maintaining appearances, or preserving our standing among others? True repentance involves not just acknowledging wrongdoing, but a turning away from sin and a turning towards God in renewed obedience and submission. Our worship, likewise, must flow from a heart that prioritizes God's will and His glory above all else, recognizing that external rituals are empty without internal devotion and a commitment to living out His commands. This passage calls us to cultivate a fear of God that supersedes the fear of man, leading to a life of integrity and wholehearted devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are my primary motivations when I confess sin? Is it genuine remorse for offending God, or a desire to avoid consequences or preserve my reputation?**
* **How does my understanding of "worship" align with God's desire for obedience and a repentant heart, as exemplified in this passage?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be prioritizing the "fear of man" over the "fear of God," and how can I cultivate a more God-centered perspective?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my acts of worship are truly "in spirit and in truth," reflecting a heart fully submitted to God's will?**

### FAQ
**Why did Saul ask Samuel to pardon his sin, rather than asking God directly?**

Answer: Saul's request to Samuel to "pardon my sin" reflects a misunderstanding of divine forgiveness and a focus on the immediate, tangible consequences of his actions. In ancient Israel, prophets like Samuel served as God's direct representatives, mediating His word and judgment. Saul likely believed that if Samuel, as God's prophet, would "pardon" him and return, it would somehow reverse God's rejection and restore his standing. His concern was more about the public perception of Samuel's departure and the loss of his royal legitimacy than a deep, personal sorrow for offending God. This highlights Saul's tendency to prioritize human approval and external rituals over genuine spiritual reconciliation, as also seen in his earlier confession where he states, "I feared the people, and obeyed their voice" ([1 Samuel 15:24](/1_samuel/15-24 "1 Samuel 15:24 - Saul's Fear of the People")). True pardon for sin, however, always comes from God alone.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Saul's superficial confession and misunderstanding of true worship in 1 Samuel 15:25 stand in stark contrast to the perfect obedience and authentic sacrifice embodied by Jesus Christ. While Saul sought to manipulate religious rituals and human intermediaries to retain his earthly kingdom, Christ willingly laid down His life, perfectly obeying the Father's will even unto death ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience Unto Death")). Jesus is the ultimate "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")), offering a genuine pardon that Saul could never achieve through his self-serving pleas. Unlike Saul's fear of man, Jesus consistently demonstrated fear of God alone, fulfilling all righteousness ([Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Jesus Fulfills All Righteousness")) and teaching that true worship is "in spirit and in truth" ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), springing from a transformed heart, not from outward show. Through Christ, we receive not a temporary reprieve from consequences, but a complete and eternal forgiveness, enabling us to truly worship the LORD with sincere hearts and lives of genuine obedience, empowered by His Spirit.

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.