1 Samuel 15:35

KJV

And Samuel came no more to see Saul until the day of his death: nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul: and the LORD repented that he had made Saul king over Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Samuel {H8050} came no more {H3254} to see {H7200} Saul {H7586} until the day {H3117} of his death {H4194}: nevertheless {H3588} Samuel {H8050} mourned {H56} for Saul {H7586}: and the LORD {H3068} repented {H5162} that he had made Saul {H7586} king {H4427} over Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Never again did Sh'mu'el see Sha'ul, until the day he died. But Sh'mu'el grieved over Sha'ul, and ADONAI regretted that he had made Sha'ul king over Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

And to the day of his death, Samuel never again visited Saul. Samuel mourned for Saul, and the LORD regretted that He had made Saul king over Israel.

American Standard Version

And Samuel came no more to see Saul until the day of his death; for Samuel mourned for Saul: and Jehovah repented that he had made Saul king over Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 15:35 marks a poignant and definitive conclusion to Saul's reign as king, revealing the irreversible nature of God's rejection due to Saul's persistent disobedience. The verse chronicles Samuel's permanent separation from Saul, underscoring the finality of the divine judgment. Simultaneously, it profoundly expresses Samuel's deep personal grief over Saul's tragic downfall, while also articulating God's own profound sorrow and regret over having made Saul king, a theological statement highlighting divine disappointment in response to human rebellion rather than a change in God's immutable character or eternal purpose.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the somber epilogue to the pivotal narrative of Saul's definitive rejection as king, detailed throughout [1 Samuel 15](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Disobedience and Rejection"). Immediately preceding this, Samuel has confronted Saul for his egregious disobedience concerning the *herem* (utter destruction) command against the Amalekites. Despite explicit instructions to destroy everything (cf. [1 Samuel 15:3](/1_samuel/15-3 "1 Samuel 15:3 - God's Command to Saul Regarding the Amalekites")), Saul spared King Agag and the best of the livestock, claiming it was for sacrifice (cf. [1 Samuel 15:9](/1_samuel/15-9 "1 Samuel 15:9 - Saul's Partial Obedience")). Samuel's pronouncement in [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Samuel's Declaration of Saul's Rejection") declares that "rebellion is as the sin of divination, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry," leading to God's rejection of Saul's kingship. Verse 35 solidifies this break, setting the stage for God's search for "a man after his own heart" and Samuel's subsequent anointing of David in [1 Samuel 16:1](/1_samuel/16-1 "1 Samuel 16:1 - Samuel Sent to Anoint David").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The establishment of kingship in Israel was a complex development, a departure from the direct theocracy under judges. Saul was Israel's first king, chosen by God through Samuel, but also in response to the people's demand to "be like all the nations." This context highlights the tension between divine rule and human leadership. The Amalekites were a perennial enemy of Israel, having attacked them during the Exodus (cf. [Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8-16 "Exodus 17:8-16 - Battle with Amalek at Rephidim")). The *herem* command was a specific, divinely ordained act of judgment against a notoriously wicked people, not a general policy of warfare. Saul's failure to execute this command fully was not merely a tactical error but a direct act of insubordination against God's explicit word, undermining the very foundation of his divinely appointed authority.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several critical themes. It underscores the **gravity of obedience** to God's explicit commands, demonstrating that partial obedience is, in God's eyes, full disobedience. The **finality of divine judgment** is evident in Samuel's permanent withdrawal from Saul, signifying an irreversible break in their relationship and, more importantly, in God's favor toward Saul's kingship. The theme of **prophetic grief** is deeply moving, as Samuel, despite delivering God's severe verdict, personally mourns the tragic trajectory of Saul's life. Most profoundly, the statement that "the LORD repented" introduces the complex theme of **divine pathos**, revealing God's emotional engagement with humanity and His sorrow over the destructive consequences of human sin and rebellion, even as His ultimate purposes remain steadfast.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **repented (Hebrew, _nāḥam_):** This verb, often translated as "repent," carries a range of meanings from "to be sorry," "to grieve," "to console oneself," to "to change one's mind." When applied to God, as here, it does not imply a change in His immutable character or eternal purpose, nor does it suggest He made a mistake. Rather, it signifies a profound sorrow, regret, or grief over the outcome of a situation brought about by human choices. It reflects God's emotional response to human sin and the necessity of altering His *dealings* with humanity, consistent with His justice and holiness. This nuanced understanding prevents contradiction with passages like [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is not a man, that He should lie or repent").
* **mourned (Hebrew, _'āval_):** This word denotes deep sorrow, lamentation, or grief, often associated with death or great loss. Samuel's mourning for Saul is not a mere formality but a genuine expression of his profound personal anguish over Saul's spiritual and political demise. It highlights the prophet's compassionate heart, even towards one who has fallen from grace, and the heavy burden of delivering divine judgment.
* **came no more (Hebrew, _lōʾ-hōsîp_):** Literally, "did not add to see." This phrase emphasizes the absolute and permanent cessation of Samuel's prophetic visits and counsel to Saul. It signifies the finality of the break in their relationship and, by extension, the finality of God's rejection of Saul as His chosen king. This was not a temporary estrangement but a definitive severing of the prophetic-royal connection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Samuel came no more to see Saul until the day of his death:"** This clause establishes the irreversible nature of the break between the prophet and the king. Samuel, who had initially anointed Saul and served as his spiritual guide, now permanently withdraws his presence and counsel. This physical separation symbolizes the spiritual and relational chasm that Saul's disobedience created between himself and God, mediated through Samuel. It signifies the end of God's direct prophetic communication and guidance for Saul, leaving him isolated in his kingship.
* **"nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul:"** Despite the finality of the divine judgment and the necessity of Samuel's withdrawal, the prophet's heart was filled with profound grief. This demonstrates Samuel's deep compassion and sorrow over the tragic fate of Saul, whom he had anointed and for whom he had interceded. It highlights the personal cost of prophetic ministry and the prophet's empathy for the individual caught in the consequences of their sin, even when God's judgment is just.
* **"and the LORD repented that he had made Saul king over Israel."** This is a profound theological statement. As discussed in the key word analysis, God's "repentance" here conveys His deep sorrow, grief, and disappointment over the outcome of Saul's reign, which was marred by his persistent disobedience. It expresses God's emotional response to human sin, not a change in His eternal plan or perfect knowledge. It signifies that the relationship and covenantal interaction with Saul, as king, had failed from God's perspective due to Saul's choices, leading to a necessary change in divine *dealings* with the monarchy.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is evident as Samuel's permanent withdrawal and God's "repentance" clearly signal the impending doom for Saul's dynasty and his eventual tragic death. The phrase "until the day of his death" grimly points to the end of Saul's life and reign. There is a strong element of **Irony**: Saul, chosen to lead Israel, ultimately leads himself to rejection through his own choices. The contrast between Samuel's deep personal **Pathos** (mourning for Saul) and the stern finality of God's judgment creates a poignant emotional landscape. Finally, the use of **Anthropomorphism** in "the LORD repented" attributes human-like emotion (grief, regret) to God, making His disappointment relatable and emphasizing His active, emotional engagement with His creation, without compromising His divine immutability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 15:35 stands as a stark reminder of the absolute necessity of obedience to God's revealed will, particularly for those in positions of leadership. It underscores that God values wholehearted submission over outward religious performance or human rationale. The concept of God "repenting" is a profound theological truth, demonstrating that while God's character and ultimate purposes are unchanging ([Malachi 3:6](/malachi/3-6 "Malachi 3:6 - God does not change") and [Romans 11:29](/romans/11-29 "Romans 11:29 - God's gifts and calling are irrevocable")), He is not a stoic, detached deity. Rather, He deeply grieves over human sin and rebellion, and His "repentance" signifies His sorrowful response to the thwarting of His immediate will by human disobedience, leading to a change in His *relationship* or *dealings* with individuals or nations (cf. [Jeremiah 18:7-10](/jeremiah/18-7-10 "Jeremiah 18:7-10 - The Potter and the Clay")). This verse highlights divine justice, the consequences of persistent rebellion, and the profound emotional reality of God's interaction with His creation.

* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent")
* [Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever")
* [John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - If you love me, you will keep my commandments")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic account of Saul's downfall, culminating in this verse, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a potent warning against the dangers of partial obedience and self-justification. Saul's claim that he spared the best of the livestock for sacrifice, though seemingly pious, was a direct contradiction of God's command for utter destruction. This reveals that God desires genuine, humble obedience more than outward religious acts. We are reminded that persistent disobedience, even in seemingly minor areas, can lead to severe and irreversible consequences in our relationship with God and our effectiveness in His service. Furthermore, Samuel's mourning and God's "repentance" invite us to consider the profound grief that sin causes in the heart of God. He is not indifferent to our choices; He is deeply invested and grieves when we choose paths that lead away from His perfect will. This should motivate us to cultivate a heart of sincere repentance and unwavering obedience, recognizing that our choices impact not only ourselves but also the heart of our loving God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be practicing "partial obedience," believing your intentions or justifications outweigh God's explicit commands?**
* **How does the concept of God's "repentance" (His grief over human sin) deepen your understanding of His character and His emotional engagement with humanity?**
* **What are the potential long-term consequences of persistent disobedience in your own life or in the life of a community?**
* **How can Samuel's compassionate mourning for Saul inform our own responses to those who fall away from faith or leadership?**

### FAQ
**Does God truly "repent" or change His mind, given that He is immutable?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "repented" (נָחַם, _nacham_) when applied to God, as in [1 Samuel 15:35](/1_samuel/15-35 "1 Samuel 15:35 - Samuel and the Lord's Repentance over Saul"), does not imply that God made a mistake, changed His essential character, or altered His eternal plan. Rather, it signifies His profound grief, sorrow, or regret over the *outcome* of a situation brought about by human sin and rebellion. God's immutability (His unchanging nature in character and purpose) is affirmed in passages like [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent") and [Malachi 3:6](/malachi/3-6 "Malachi 3:6 - God does not change"). Therefore, God's "repentance" in this context reflects His emotional response to human choices that deviate from His immediate will, leading to a necessary change in His *dealings* or *relationship* with humanity, not a change in His own perfect nature or ultimate decrees. It highlights His active and relational involvement with His creation.

**Why did Samuel mourn for Saul if God had already rejected him?**

Answer: Samuel's mourning for Saul, even after delivering God's severe judgment, reveals the prophet's deep compassion and personal sorrow. Samuel had anointed Saul as king, invested in his leadership, and likely felt a profound sense of responsibility and attachment. His grief was not a questioning of God's righteous judgment but an expression of human empathy for a man who had fallen so tragically from grace. It underscores the personal cost of prophetic ministry and the prophet's heart for the people, even those who bring about their own downfall. This reflects a godly sorrow, akin to Jesus weeping over Jerusalem's unbelief in [Luke 19:41-44](/luke/19-41-44 "Luke 19:41-44 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem") or Paul's anguish for Israel's rejection of Christ in [Romans 9:1-5](/romans/9-1-5 "Romans 9:1-5 - Paul's Sorrow for Israel").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic narrative of Saul's rejection in [1 Samuel 15:35](/1_samuel/15-35 "1 Samuel 15:35 - Samuel and the Lord's Repentance over Saul") finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. Saul's failure as Israel's first king, marked by disobedience and self-will, necessitated God's "repentance" – His profound grief over human sin and the subsequent search for a new, faithful king. This search ultimately culminates in Jesus, the perfect King, who embodies the obedience that Saul so tragically lacked. Unlike Saul, who prioritized his own agenda over God's explicit command, Jesus perfectly fulfilled the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross (cf. [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). God's "repentance" over Saul's reign, a divine sorrow over human failure, is ultimately met and overcome by God's perfect plan of redemption through Christ. Jesus, the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly atoned for the very rebellion that caused God's grief. He is the faithful Shepherd-King (cf. [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd")) who never fails, never disobeys, and whose kingdom will have no end (cf. [Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). Thus, Saul's story, while a cautionary tale of human failure, ultimately points to the necessity and glory of Christ's perfect 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 Samuel 19:24

And he stripped off his clothes also, and prophesied before Samuel in like manner, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Wherefore they say, [Is] Saul also among the prophets?

1 Samuel 15:11

It repenteth me that I have set up Saul [to be] king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.

1 Samuel 16:1

¶ And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.

Jeremiah 9:1

¶ Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!

Jeremiah 9:2

Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men; that I might leave my people, and go from them! for they [be] all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men.

Genesis 6:6

¶ And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.

Philippians 3:18

(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, [that they are] the enemies of the cross of Christ: