1 Samuel 15:27

KJV

And as Samuel turned about to go away, he laid hold upon the skirt of his mantle, and it rent.

KJV (with Strong's)

And as Samuel {H8050} turned about {H5437} to go away {H3212}, he laid hold {H2388} upon the skirt {H3671} of his mantle {H4598}, and it rent {H7167}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As Sh'mu'el was turning around to leave, he took hold of the hem of his cloak, and it tore.

Berean Standard Bible

As Samuel turned to go, Saul grabbed the hem of his robe, and it tore.

American Standard Version

And as Samuel turned about to go away, Saul laid hold upon the skirt of his robe, and it rent.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 15:27 captures a moment of profound symbolic drama, immediately following Samuel's pronouncement of God's definitive rejection of Saul as king. As the prophet turns to depart, Saul, in a desperate and futile attempt to retain Samuel's presence and, by extension, God's favor and his kingdom, seizes Samuel’s outer robe, causing it to tear. This unexpected rending of the garment serves as a powerful, divinely orchestrated visual metaphor, confirming the irreversible tearing away of the kingdom from Saul and his dynasty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic physical manifestation of God's judgment against King Saul, following a detailed narrative of his disobedience. The preceding verses in [1 Samuel 15](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Disobedience and Rejection") meticulously record God's command for Saul to utterly destroy the Amalekites, a command rooted in ancient retribution for their opposition to Israel (as detailed in [Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8 "Exodus 17:8-16 - Amalek's Attack on Israel") and [Deuteronomy 25:17-19](/deuteronomy/25-17 "Deuteronomy 25:17-19 - Remember Amalek's Deeds")). However, Saul partially obeyed, sparing King Agag and the choicest of the livestock, rationalizing his actions as intended for sacrifice to the Lord ([1 Samuel 15:9](/1_samuel/15-9 "1 Samuel 15:9 - Saul's Partial Obedience")). Samuel confronts Saul, delivering God's severe verdict: "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams" ([1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Over Sacrifice")). Saul's desperate grasp on Samuel's robe in verse 27 is a final, physical plea, revealing his desire to cling to the appearance of divine approval even as God's word has already declared his rejection.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command to "utterly destroy" (Hebrew: *ḥerem*) the Amalekites was a specific divine mandate, signifying a holy war where all spoils and living beings were dedicated to God, often through destruction, to prevent defilement or self-enrichment. Saul's failure to execute this *ḥerem* fully was not a minor oversight but a direct act of insubordination against God's explicit command, demonstrating a greater concern for popular approval or personal gain than divine will. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, garments, especially outer robes or mantles, were often highly symbolic of a person's status, authority, and identity. The tearing of a garment could signify deep grief, despair, or, as in this case, a prophetic act symbolizing a radical rupture or loss of authority. The role of the prophet, like Samuel, was to be God's direct mouthpiece, and their actions, even seemingly accidental ones, were often imbued with divine significance, reinforcing the gravity of God's pronouncements.
* **Key Themes:** This pivotal moment in [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "1 Samuel - The Rise of Monarchy and Prophets") powerfully underscores several enduring themes. Firstly, it highlights the paramount importance of **obedience over ritualistic observance**, a principle Samuel articulates just prior to this event in [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Over Sacrifice"). Saul's partial obedience, driven by self-interest rather than true submission, is revealed as outright rebellion. Secondly, the tearing of the mantle symbolizes the **irrevocability of God's judgment** once pronounced, particularly when it concerns the covenantal relationship and the leadership of His people. Saul's desperate attempt to hold onto Samuel, and thus implicitly to his kingship, is met with a physical demonstration of the kingdom being "torn" from him. This foreshadows the subsequent division of the kingdom and the establishment of a new dynasty. Finally, the narrative emphasizes the **consequences of disobedience**, particularly for those in positions of leadership. Saul's failure to fully obey God's command directly leads to the loss of his dynasty and God's blessing, setting the stage for the anointing of David as the next king, 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
* **Mantle (Hebrew, _me'il'_):** This term refers to an outer robe or cloak, often a distinctive garment worn by individuals of high status, such as prophets, kings, or priests. For Samuel, it signified his prophetic office and authority. Its tearing was not merely an accidental rip but a deeply symbolic event, representing the tearing away of Saul's kingship and the divine authority that had been vested in him.
* **Rent (Hebrew, _qara'_):** This verb means "to tear, rend, rip." It is used here to describe the sudden and forceful tearing of Samuel's mantle. In biblical context, "tearing" can signify grief, despair, or, as in this prophetic act, a definitive separation or judgment. The passive voice implies that the tearing was not Samuel's deliberate act but a consequence of Saul's desperate grasp, yet it was divinely ordained to convey a powerful message.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And as Samuel turned about to go away":** This phrase sets the scene immediately after Samuel's final, severe pronouncement of God's rejection of Saul as king. Samuel's turning to leave signifies the finality of the confrontation and the end of any further negotiation or intercession on Saul's behalf, emphasizing the irrevocability of the divine decree.
* **"he laid hold upon the skirt of his mantle":** This describes Saul's desperate, physical action. In a moment of panic and realization of his loss, Saul clutches at Samuel's garment. This act reveals Saul's desire to cling to the prophet's presence, hoping that by retaining Samuel, he might somehow retain God's favor and his kingdom, despite God's clear word. It underscores his human weakness and inability to accept divine judgment.
* **"and it rent":** The immediate and forceful tearing of the mantle is the dramatic climax of the verse. This is not an accident but a divinely orchestrated sign. The tearing visually and powerfully confirms Samuel's preceding words that the kingdom would be torn from Saul. It is a tangible, irreversible symbol of the rupture between God and Saul, and the loss of Saul's royal authority and dynastic future.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [1 Samuel 15:27](/1_samuel/15-27 "1 Samuel 15:27 - The Tearing of Samuel's Mantle") is **Symbolism**. The tearing of Samuel's mantle is not merely a physical event but a profound visual metaphor for the tearing away of the kingdom from Saul. Just as the garment is irrevocably torn, so too is Saul's kingship from him and his descendants. This act also serves as a powerful instance of **Foreshadowing**, echoing a similar prophetic act by Ahijah who tears a new garment into twelve pieces to symbolize the division of Solomon's kingdom ([1 Kings 11:30-31](/1_kings/11-30 "1 Kings 11:30-31 - Ahijah's Prophecy of Division")). The scene also employs **Dramatic Irony**, as Saul's desperate attempt to hold onto Samuel, and by extension his kingdom, inadvertently becomes the very action that visually confirms its loss. His effort to prevent separation results in a clear symbol of separation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The tearing of Samuel's mantle in 1 Samuel 15:27 stands as a stark theological declaration of God's sovereignty and the unchangeable nature of His word. It underscores that God's judgments, particularly concerning covenantal faithfulness and leadership, are not subject to human negotiation or manipulation. Saul's desperate grasp reveals a superficial repentance, focused on retaining external status rather than genuine contrition and obedience. This event serves as a powerful reminder that God values a heart of complete submission over outward religious performance, and that His ultimate will for His people will be accomplished, even if it means removing a disobedient leader. The narrative confirms that God's choices are firm, and His kingdom principles are non-negotiable.

* [1 Samuel 15:29](/1_samuel/15-29 "1 Samuel 15:29 - God Does Not Lie or Change His Mind")
* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie")
* [Malachi 3:6](/malachi/3-6 "Malachi 3:6 - I Am the Lord, I Change Not")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The dramatic scene of Samuel's mantle tearing offers timeless lessons for believers today. It serves as a potent reminder that God prioritizes genuine, wholehearted obedience over any outward show of religiosity or self-serving acts. Saul's failure wasn't just in a single act of disobedience, but in a heart that sought to justify itself and prioritize its own desires over God's clear command. For us, this means examining our own hearts: are we truly seeking to obey God in all areas, or are we selectively compliant, rationalizing our compromises? Are we more concerned with maintaining appearances or our own comfort than with radical submission to Christ's Lordship? The finality of God's judgment on Saul should instill in us a healthy fear of the Lord and a profound respect for His word, recognizing that while God is merciful, He is also just and His standards are unwavering. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of humility, quick to confess sin and eager to align our lives fully with His divine will, trusting that His ways are always perfect.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be practicing "partial obedience" or rationalizing my disobedience, similar to Saul?**
* **Do I truly believe that God's word and judgments are unchangeable, and how does that belief impact my daily choices?**
* **What does this passage teach me about the nature of true repentance versus a desire to simply avoid consequences?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that prioritizes complete submission to God's will above all else, even when it is difficult or unpopular?**

### FAQ

**Why was the tearing of a garment so significant in this context?**

Answer: The tearing of a garment, particularly an outer robe or mantle, carried immense symbolic weight in ancient Israelite culture. It was often a public expression of deep grief, despair, or outrage. In the context of [1 Samuel 15:27](/1_samuel/15-27 "1 Samuel 15:27 - The Tearing of Samuel's Mantle"), it was a divinely orchestrated prophetic sign. Samuel's mantle represented his prophetic authority and, by extension, God's authority. Its tearing, as a direct result of Saul's desperate attempt to cling to him, visually confirmed Samuel's verbal pronouncement that God had "torn" the kingdom from Saul. It was a tangible, irreversible symbol of the rupture in Saul's relationship with God and the loss of his dynastic future, making the abstract concept of divine rejection concrete and undeniable.

**Did Saul truly repent for his disobedience?**

Answer: The text suggests that Saul's "repentance" was superficial and self-serving, primarily focused on maintaining his public image and his kingship rather than genuine contrition before God. When Samuel confronts him, Saul initially blames the people ([1 Samuel 15:21](/1_samuel/15-21 "1 Samuel 15:21 - Saul Blames the People")). When forced to admit his sin, he immediately asks Samuel to "turn back with me, that I may worship the Lord your God" ([1 Samuel 15:25](/1_samuel/15-25 "1 Samuel 15:25 - Saul Asks Samuel to Return")), indicating a concern for public appearance and Samuel's validation rather than true brokenness. His desperate grasp on Samuel's robe in [1 Samuel 15:27](/1_samuel/15-27 "1 Samuel 15:27 - The Tearing of Samuel's Mantle") further highlights his desire to cling to his position and the prophet's favor, rather than humbly submitting to God's judgment. This contrasts sharply with David's genuine repentance in [Psalm 51](/psalm/51 "Psalm 51 - David's Prayer of Repentance") after his sin with Bathsheba, where his focus was on God's forgiveness and a clean heart.

**Is God's judgment always as irrevocable as it was for Saul?**

Answer: While God is indeed "not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent" ([Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie")), the irrevocability of judgment, as seen with Saul, must be understood within its specific context. God's character is consistent, but His responses vary based on human repentance and the nature of the covenant. In Saul's case, the judgment concerned the removal of his dynastic kingship due to persistent, defiant disobedience against a direct command, impacting the leadership of God's chosen people. While God can and does show mercy and relent from threatened judgments when people genuinely repent (e.g., Nineveh in [Jonah 3](/jonah/3 "Jonah 3 - Nineveh Repents")), Saul's "repentance" was clearly insufficient to avert the specific judgment of losing his kingdom. This passage highlights God's unwavering commitment to His righteous standards, especially for those in positions of leadership over His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic narrative of Saul's rejection and the tearing of Samuel's mantle powerfully foreshadows the need for a perfect King, one whose reign would never be torn away. Saul's failure to obey God's clear command, his self-serving "repentance," and his ultimate loss of the kingdom underscore the inherent limitations and sinfulness of human kingship. This deficiency points directly to Jesus Christ, the ultimate and eternal King, whose obedience was perfect and unwavering, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Jesus' Obedience to Death")). Unlike Saul, whose kingdom was torn away due to disobedience, Jesus's kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, established through His perfect submission to the Father's will ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Never End")). The tearing of Samuel's mantle symbolizes a broken covenant and a lost dynasty, but in Christ, we see the tearing of the temple veil at His crucifixion ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn")), signifying direct access to God through His ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling all previous covenants. Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly obeyed God's command, offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice, establishing a kingdom that "will never be destroyed" ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Everlasting Kingdom")), a stark contrast to Saul's torn and lost reign.

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 Kings 11:30

And Ahijah caught the new garment that [was] on him, and rent it [in] twelve pieces:

1 Kings 11:31

And he said to Jeroboam, Take thee ten pieces: for thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, Behold, I will rend the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon, and will give ten tribes to thee: