1 Samuel 15:31

KJV

So Samuel turned again after Saul; and Saul worshipped the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

So Samuel {H8050} turned again {H7725} after {H310} Saul {H7586}; and Saul {H7586} worshipped {H7812} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So Sh'mu'el followed Sha'ul back, and Sha'ul worshipped ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

So Samuel went back with Saul, and Saul worshiped the LORD.

American Standard Version

So Samuel turned again after Saul; and Saul worshipped Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 15:31 captures a pivotal and deeply ironic moment in the narrative of King Saul's rejection, where the prophet Samuel, after declaring God's irreversible judgment, reluctantly turns back to accompany Saul. This act allows Saul to perform a public worship of the LORD, an outward display of piety that starkly contrasts with his preceding acts of partial disobedience and his underlying fear of man, thereby highlighting the critical distinction between external religious ritual and genuine, heart-felt obedience to divine command.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Samuel's definitive declaration of God's rejection of Saul as king due to his disobedience regarding the Amalekite command. In [1 Samuel 15:26](/1_samuel/15-26 "1 Samuel 15:26 - Samuel Rejects Saul"), Samuel explicitly states, "I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel." Saul's desperate plea in [1 Samuel 15:30](/1_samuel/15-30 "1 Samuel 15:30 - Saul's Plea for Honor") reveals his primary concern is his public image and maintaining honor before the elders and the people, rather than genuine repentance before God. Samuel's decision to "turn again after Saul" in verse 31 is therefore a concession, not a reversal of God's decree. It facilitates a public act of worship and, critically, the subsequent execution of Agag, which reinforces Samuel's prophetic authority and ensures the fulfillment of God's justice in the eyes of the nation. This moment serves as a somber conclusion to the dramatic confrontation, solidifying Saul's spiritual decline and setting the stage for the anointing of David.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command to utterly destroy the Amalekites (known as *herem* or "devotion to destruction") in [1 Samuel 15:3](/1_samuel/15-3 "1 Samuel 15:3 - God's Command to Destroy the Amalekites") was a specific divine judgment against a long-standing enemy of Israel, dating back to their attack on Israel after the Exodus (cf. [Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8 "Exodus 17:8-16 - Amalek Attacks Israel")). Such commands, though harsh to modern sensibilities, were understood within the ancient Near Eastern context as expressions of divine justice against particularly wicked nations, often involving the removal of all potential sources of idolatry or future rebellion. Kings were expected to be absolute executors of divine commands, and any deviation, especially for personal gain or popularity, was a grave offense. Public worship, like that performed by Saul, was a significant communal act, and a king's participation was crucial for maintaining his legitimacy and the people's confidence in divine favor. Saul's concern for being "honored before the elders of my people" reflects the high value placed on public reputation and the perceived divine endorsement of a leader in ancient Israelite society.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Samuel and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **obedience over sacrifice**, famously articulated by Samuel in [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Better Than Sacrifice"), demonstrating that outward religious performance without genuine submission to God's will is worthless. Secondly, it highlights the **consequences of disobedience**, showing that even partial or seemingly minor deviations from God's explicit commands can lead to severe and irreversible judgment, particularly for those in leadership. Saul's actions here seal his rejection as king, illustrating God's unwavering commitment to His word. Thirdly, the narrative explores the **nature of true leadership**, contrasting Saul's self-serving, people-pleasing approach with Samuel's unwavering commitment to God's prophetic word, even when it brings personal sorrow. Finally, it touches upon the **tension between public image and private heart**, revealing that God looks beyond external displays to the true motives and condition of one's inner being, a theme echoed throughout the prophetic literature and wisdom traditions (cf. [Proverbs 21:3](/proverbs/21-3 "Proverbs 21:3 - To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Turned again (Hebrew, _shuv'_):** The verb שָׁוַב (_shuv_) literally means "to turn back," "to return," or "to repent." In this context, it signifies Samuel's reluctant change of course. While Samuel had declared his refusal to accompany Saul, this "turning again" is not a sign of Samuel reversing God's judgment or condoning Saul's actions. Rather, it is a pragmatic and necessary concession, allowing for the public act of worship and the subsequent execution of Agag, which was essential for fulfilling God's command and maintaining the prophet's authority in the eyes of the people. It demonstrates Samuel's unwavering commitment to God's will, even when it required him to temporarily align with Saul for the sake of divine justice.
* **Worshipped (Hebrew, _shachah'_):** The verb שָׁחָה (_shachah_) means "to bow down," "to prostrate oneself," or "to do obeisance." It describes a physical act of reverence, homage, or worship. Here, Saul performs the outward ritual of worship before the LORD. However, the preceding narrative in 1 Samuel 15 severely undermines the sincerity and spiritual efficacy of this act. Saul's confession in [1 Samuel 15:24](/1_samuel/15-24 "1 Samuel 15:24 - Saul's Confession of Fear") that he "feared the people, and obeyed their voice" reveals his heart was not fully submitted to God. Thus, while the physical posture of worship is adopted, the spiritual sincerity and obedient heart, which God truly desires, are conspicuously absent, rendering the act hollow.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Samuel turned again after Saul;":** This clause describes Samuel's action, which appears to be a concession to Saul's desperate plea in [1 Samuel 15:30](/1_samuel/15-30 "1 Samuel 15:30 - Saul's Plea for Public Honor"). Despite Samuel's earlier, firm declaration that he would not return with Saul (cf. [1 Samuel 15:26](/1_samuel/15-26 "1 Samuel 15:26 - Samuel Rejects Saul")), he accedes to Saul's request to be honored before the people. This "turning again" is not an indication of Samuel wavering on God's judgment, but rather a strategic move to ensure the public execution of Agag and to maintain the appearance of stability and divine order, even as Saul's reign is fundamentally undermined. It highlights Samuel's role as God's unwavering agent, even in difficult and emotionally charged circumstances.
* **"and Saul worshipped the LORD.":** This clause details Saul's subsequent action. Saul performs the outward act of worship, prostrating himself before the LORD. This public display is precisely what Saul desired, as it would "honor" him before the people and elders. However, the narrative has already established that Saul's heart is far from true submission and obedience. His worship is a performative act, a superficial attempt to regain favor or maintain a facade of piety, rather than a genuine expression of repentance or devotion. It serves to underscore the profound hypocrisy of Saul's spiritual condition, where outward ritual is divorced from inward reality.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as Saul "worshipped the LORD" immediately after being definitively rejected by God for his disobedience. This outward act of piety stands in stark contrast to his inner rebellion and fear of man, highlighting the futility of ritual without true submission. **Juxtaposition** is also evident, contrasting Samuel's firm prophetic integrity and obedience to God's command (even in his reluctant return) with Saul's superficial religiosity and self-serving motives. The entire scene serves as a form of **foreshadowing**, as Saul's inability to genuinely obey and his reliance on outward appearances foreshadow his continued spiritual decline and ultimate tragic end, culminating in his death and the complete transfer of the kingdom to David. The narrative also uses **dramatic tension**, built through the confrontation between prophet and king, which resolves in this verse with Samuel's reluctant turning, setting the stage for the final, gruesome act of justice against Agag.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 15:31 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of true worship and obedience, echoing the timeless truth that God values the heart's posture above outward performance. Saul's "worship" is exposed as hollow, a mere ritual devoid of the genuine submission and obedience that God truly desires, a principle powerfully articulated by Samuel himself in [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Better Than Sacrifice"). This incident underscores God's unwavering character and the certainty of His word; His rejection of Saul is not reversed by a public display of piety. It highlights the danger of spiritual hypocrisy and the human tendency to prioritize public image and self-preservation over divine command, a theme that resonates throughout biblical history.

* [Proverbs 21:3](/proverbs/21-3 "Proverbs 21:3 - To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.")
* [Isaiah 1:11-17](/isaiah/1-11 "Isaiah 1:11-17 - God Rejects Empty Rituals")
* [Matthew 15:8](/matthew/15-8 "Matthew 15:8 - This people honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in 1 Samuel 15:31 offers a sobering mirror for self-examination, challenging believers to look beyond the superficiality of religious performance to the true condition of their hearts. Saul's public act of worship, divorced from genuine obedience and repentance, serves as a stark warning against spiritual hypocrisy. It compels us to ask: Are our acts of worship, service, and devotion truly motivated by a love for God and a desire to obey His word, or are they driven by a need for external validation, fear of man, or a desire to maintain a certain image? True worship is not merely a ritual; it is a lifestyle of submission, trust, and obedience that flows from a heart fully yielded to God. This narrative reminds us that God sees beyond the outward show, scrutinizing the motives and intentions of the heart. It calls us to cultivate an authentic faith where our inner life aligns with our outward expressions, ensuring that our worship is "in spirit and in truth."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be prioritizing outward religious performance over genuine, heartfelt obedience to God's commands?**
* **What are my true motivations for participating in acts of worship or service? Am I seeking God's honor or my own?**
* **How does the narrative of Saul's rejection challenge my understanding of God's justice and the consequences of disobedience?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my worship and obedience are truly "in spirit and in truth," rather than merely external displays?**

### FAQ
**Was Samuel's turning back a sign that God had changed His mind about rejecting Saul?**

Answer: No, Samuel's turning back was not a reversal of God's judgment against Saul. The prophet had already delivered God's irreversible decree in [1 Samuel 15:26](/1_samuel/15-26 "1 Samuel 15:26 - Samuel Rejects Saul"), stating, "I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel." Samuel's subsequent action in [1 Samuel 15:31](/1_samuel/15-31 "1 Samuel 15:31 - Samuel Turns Back After Saul") was a pragmatic concession to Saul's desperate plea to be honored before the people (cf. [1 Samuel 15:30](/1_samuel/15-30 "1 Samuel 15:30 - Saul's Plea for Public Honor")). This allowed for the public act of worship and, crucially, for Samuel to personally execute Agag (cf. [1 Samuel 15:33](/1_samuel/15-33 "1 Samuel 15:33 - Samuel Kills Agag")), thereby ensuring the full and public execution of God's justice against the Amalekites, which Saul had failed to carry out. It underscored Samuel's unwavering commitment to God's word, even in a difficult and emotionally charged situation, and maintained his prophetic authority in the eyes of Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The superficial worship of Saul in 1 Samuel 15:31, driven by a desire for public honor rather than genuine obedience, stands in stark contrast to the perfect obedience and true worship embodied by Jesus Christ. While Saul's outward act of bowing down was hollow, Jesus' entire life was an act of perfect submission to the Father's will, culminating in His ultimate sacrifice on the cross. The New Testament consistently portrays Jesus as the obedient Son, who did not seek His own glory but always sought to do the will of the One who sent Him (cf. [John 5:30](/john/5-30 "John 5:30 - Jesus Seeks Not His Own Will")). Unlike Saul, who feared man more than God, Jesus fearlessly obeyed God, even to the point of death on a cross (cf. [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Jesus' Obedience to Death")). His life and death reveal the true nature of worship: not external ritual, but a heart fully surrendered in spirit and truth (cf. [John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23 - True Worship in Spirit and Truth")). Through Christ, we are called to a new covenant of the heart, where our worship is a response to His perfect obedience and sacrifice, enabling us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is our true and proper worship (cf. [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")).

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.