1 Samuel 28:17

KJV

And the LORD hath done to him, as he spake by me: for the LORD hath rent the kingdom out of thine hand, and given it to thy neighbour, [even] to David:

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} hath done {H6213} to him, as he spake {H1696} by me {H3027}: for the LORD {H3068} hath rent {H7167} the kingdom {H4467} out of thine hand {H3027}, and given {H5414} it to thy neighbour {H7453}, even to David {H1732}:

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI has done for himself what he foretold through me -ADONAI has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to your fellow countryman David,

Berean Standard Bible

He has done exactly what He spoke through me: The LORD has torn the kingship out of your hand and given it to your neighbor David.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah hath done unto thee, as he spake by me: and Jehovah hath rent the kingdom out of thy hand, and given it to thy neighbor, even to David.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 28:17 delivers Samuel's final, devastating pronouncement to King Saul, confirming the irreversible divine judgment against him. Through the prophet's spirit, God declares that He has decisively torn the kingdom from Saul's grasp due to his persistent disobedience and has irrevocably transferred it to his "neighbour," David. This verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty over human affairs, the certainty of His prophetic word, and the severe consequences of rebellion against His will, culminating in the complete rejection of Saul's dynasty and the establishment of David's.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic and most painful part of Samuel's posthumous appearance to King Saul at Endor. Chapter 28 opens with Saul's desperate situation: the Philistines are arrayed for battle, and God has refused to answer him through dreams, Urim, or prophets ([1 Samuel 28:6](/1_samuel/28-6 "1 Samuel 28:6 - God's Silence to Saul")). In his desperation, Saul turns to a forbidden medium, violating God's explicit command against necromancy ([Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Prohibition of Divination")). The unexpected manifestation of Samuel's spirit, even surprising the medium, serves not to offer counsel or comfort but to reiterate and confirm God's earlier judgment. This pronouncement in [1 Samuel 28:17](/1_samuel/28-17 "1 Samuel 28:17 - Samuel's Final Prophecy to Saul") directly echoes Samuel's previous declarations of God's rejection of Saul's kingship, particularly [1 Samuel 15:28](/1_samuel/15-28 "1 Samuel 15:28 - Samuel's Prophecy of the Kingdom Torn from Saul"), where Samuel prophesied that the Lord had torn the kingdom from Saul and given it to a neighbor. The immediate verses following [1 Samuel 28:17](/1_samuel/28-17 "1 Samuel 28:17 - Samuel's Final Prophecy to Saul") detail the full extent of God's judgment, including Saul's impending death and the defeat of Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Saul's reign (c. 1050-1010 BC) marked Israel's transition from a tribal confederacy to a monarchy. However, his kingship was plagued by his repeated disobedience to God's commands, most notably concerning the Amalekites ([1 Samuel 15](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Disobedience Regarding the Amalekites")). The Philistines were Israel's formidable enemies, constantly threatening their borders and sovereignty. The battle at Gilboa, which Saul is preparing for, was a pivotal moment that would result in his death and a significant Philistine victory. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, kingship was often seen as divinely ordained, and a king's success was tied to his favor with the gods. For Israel, this meant strict adherence to the covenant with Yahweh. Consulting mediums or engaging in necromancy was a grave offense, explicitly forbidden by the Mosaic Law, as it sought guidance from sources other than God and encroached upon His exclusive authority. Samuel's appearance, therefore, is not a legitimate prophetic act initiated by Saul but a divine intervention to confirm judgment through a forbidden channel, highlighting the depth of Saul's spiritual rebellion and God's unwavering control.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes within 1 Samuel and the broader Old Testament narrative. It vividly illustrates **Divine Judgment and Consequences**, demonstrating that persistent disobedience to God's explicit commands, especially from those in leadership, inevitably leads to severe and irreversible consequences. Saul's rejection is directly linked to his rebellion against the Lord's word ([1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Rebellion is as the Sin of Witchcraft")). The theme of **God's Sovereignty** is paramount, as the verse unequivocally states, "the LORD hath done to him," emphasizing that the transfer of the kingdom is not a random political upheaval but a deliberate, sovereign act of God's will. This highlights God's ultimate control over history and the destiny of nations and individuals. Furthermore, it underscores **Prophetic Fulfillment**, as Samuel's words serve as a painful and undeniable confirmation of earlier prophecies, reinforcing the reliability and certainty of God's declarations. What God speaks, He brings to pass ([Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Will Not Return Empty")). Finally, the verse explicitly points to **The Rise of David**, naming him as the chosen successor and God's instrument for the new dynasty, fulfilling God's earlier anointing of David ([1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing by Samuel")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rent (Hebrew, _qara'_):** This verb signifies a violent tearing, ripping, or rending. It is not a gentle separation or a gradual transition but a forceful, decisive, and irreversible act. In the context of the kingdom, it emphasizes the abrupt and complete removal of Saul's authority and dynasty, reflecting the severity of his spiritual breach with the LORD and the finality of his rejection as king. This same word was used by Samuel in [1 Samuel 15:28](/1_samuel/15-28 "1 Samuel 15:28 - The Kingdom Torn from Saul"), when he tore Samuel's robe, symbolizing God tearing the kingdom from Saul.
* **Neighbour (Hebrew, _rea'_):** While literally meaning "friend," "companion," or "fellow," in this context, it refers to someone in close proximity or relation, but crucially, it is not Saul's son or direct heir. The term here highlights the deliberate bypassing of Saul's lineage and the selection of someone outside his immediate family, yet close enough in the community of Israel to be considered a "neighbour." This emphasizes the divine choice of David, who was from the same nation but a different tribe and family, as the divinely appointed successor, rather than an expected dynastic transfer.
* **Spake by me (Hebrew, _dibber b'yadi_):** This phrase literally translates to "spoke by my hand" or "spoke through my hand." It is an idiomatic expression signifying that Samuel was God's instrument or agent through whom the divine message was delivered. It underscores Samuel's role as a true prophet, whose words were not his own but direct utterances from the LORD. Even in death, Samuel's prophetic authority and the veracity of his prior pronouncements are reaffirmed, demonstrating that God's word, once spoken, is immutable and will come to pass.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD hath done to him, as he spake by me:"** This opening clause immediately establishes God's absolute sovereignty and the certainty of His prophetic word. "To him" refers to Saul. The phrase "as he spake by me" directly links this present judgment to Samuel's earlier prophecies, particularly those in [1 Samuel 13:14](/1_samuel/13-14 "1 Samuel 13:14 - Saul's Kingdom Will Not Continue") and [1 Samuel 15:28](/1_samuel/15-28 "1 Samuel 15:28 - The Kingdom Torn from Saul"). It confirms that the unfolding events are not random misfortune but the deliberate execution of God's foretold judgment, mediated through His prophet.
* **"for the LORD hath rent the kingdom out of thine hand,"** This is the core of the judgment. The conjunction "for" explains the reason for God's action. The verb "rent" (קָרַע, _qara'_) conveys a violent, decisive, and irreversible tearing away. "Out of thine hand" signifies the complete removal of authority, power, and legitimacy from Saul. This clause emphasizes that the loss of kingship is not a political coup or a natural succession but a direct, forceful act of divine intervention, a consequence of Saul's repeated disobedience and rejection of God's commands.
* **"and given it to thy neighbour, [even] to David:"** This final clause identifies the recipient of the kingdom, confirming God's chosen successor. The passive voice "given it" again highlights God as the active agent in this transfer, not human machinations. The term "thy neighbour" is significant; it indicates someone not from Saul's immediate family or tribe, emphasizing that God bypasses Saul's lineage entirely. The explicit naming of David removes all ambiguity, pointing to the shepherd boy from Bethlehem whom God had already anointed through Samuel ([1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing")). This establishes the divine legitimacy of David's future reign and the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant purposes.

#### Literary Devices
1 Samuel 28:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Prophetic Utterance** is central, as the entire verse functions as a divine declaration delivered through the spirit of Samuel. This form lends immense authority and finality to the words, underscoring their origin in God's immutable will. The use of the past perfect tense ("hath done," "hath rent," "given") creates a sense of **Foregone Conclusion** or **Accomplished Fact**, even though the full transfer of power has not yet physically occurred. This emphasizes that in God's eyes, the decision is already made and executed, leaving no room for reversal. There is a profound **Irony** in Saul seeking guidance from a forbidden source only to receive a confirmation of his doom from the very prophet he had previously disobeyed. The word "rent" serves as a powerful **Metaphor** for the violent and irreversible tearing away of the kingdom from Saul, vividly portraying the decisive nature of God's judgment. This metaphor is reinforced by the earlier instance in [1 Samuel 15:27-28](/1_samuel/15-27 "1 Samuel 15:27-28 - Samuel Tears Saul's Robe"), where Samuel's tearing of Saul's robe symbolizes the tearing of the kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 28:17 stands as a stark theological declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and moral governance over His creation, particularly concerning leadership within His covenant people. It underscores that God is not merely an observer of human history but its ultimate orchestrator, capable of raising up and casting down kings according to His righteous will. The verse powerfully illustrates the principle that divine favor is conditional upon obedience and faithfulness, and persistent rebellion, even from an anointed leader, incurs severe and irreversible judgment. This passage also highlights the unwavering reliability of God's prophetic word; what He declares, He brings to pass, demonstrating His faithfulness to His promises and His threats. The transfer of the kingdom from Saul to David is not just a political transition but a divinely ordained shift, establishing the lineage through which God's ultimate redemptive purposes would unfold, setting the stage for the Davidic covenant and the coming Messiah.

* [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Rebellion is as the Sin of Witchcraft")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God is the Judge")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic narrative of Saul, culminating in this devastating pronouncement, serves as a timeless and sobering warning for all believers. It reminds us that God's standards are immutable, and His call to obedience is absolute, regardless of one's position or past achievements. Saul's downfall was not a sudden event but the painful consequence of a pattern of self-will, disobedience, and a gradual turning away from dependence on God. This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we truly submitted to God's word, or do we, like Saul, prioritize our own desires, fears, or perceived necessities over His clear commands? It also offers profound comfort in the midst of life's uncertainties, affirming God's unwavering sovereignty. Even when human leaders fail or circumstances seem chaotic, God remains on His throne, working out His purposes, often through unexpected means and individuals. Our ultimate hope and security rest not in human power or political stability but in the unchanging character and sovereign plan of God, who raises up and brings down according to His perfect will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly prioritizing my own will or perceived needs over God's clear commands, similar to Saul's pattern of disobedience?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment on Saul (and the fulfillment of His word) impact my understanding of God's character and the importance of living a life of faithful obedience?**
* **Considering God's sovereignty in transferring the kingdom, how does this passage encourage or challenge me to trust God's plan even when circumstances seem chaotic or unjust?**
* **What lessons can I draw from Saul's desperation in seeking forbidden counsel, and how can I ensure I always seek God's guidance through legitimate and biblical means?**

### FAQ
**Why did God allow Samuel to appear through a medium, which He explicitly forbade?**

Answer: God did not "allow" Samuel to appear in the sense of sanctioning or blessing Saul's forbidden act. Rather, God sovereignly intervened in a situation initiated by Saul's sin to deliver a final, undeniable judgment. The text emphasizes that Samuel's appearance was unexpected even by the medium, suggesting it was a divine override of the dark arts, not a result of them. God used this extraordinary and terrifying event to confirm His irreversible decree against Saul, demonstrating His power to use even unholy contexts to achieve His righteous purposes and to highlight the depth of Saul's desperation and the finality of his rejection. It was a terrifying manifestation of divine judgment, not a legitimate prophetic consultation.

**What does it mean that David was Saul's "neighbour"?**

Answer: The term "neighbour" (Hebrew: _rea'_) implies someone close within the community but not necessarily a direct familial heir. In this context, it highlights that God bypassed Saul's own sons and direct lineage, choosing someone from outside his immediate family (David from the tribe of Judah, while Saul was from Benjamin) to inherit the kingdom. This emphasizes that the transfer of kingship was not a natural dynastic succession but a divine appointment based on God's sovereign choice and David's faithfulness, in contrast to Saul's disobedience. It underscores that God's choice is not limited by human expectations or traditions.

**Was there any hope for Saul to reverse God's judgment at this point?**

Answer: No, the language of [1 Samuel 28:17](/1_samuel/28-17 "1 Samuel 28:17 - Samuel's Final Prophecy to Saul") and the preceding chapters indicates that God's judgment against Saul was final and irreversible. Samuel's earlier pronouncements in [1 Samuel 13:14](/1_samuel/13-14 "1 Samuel 13:14 - Saul's Kingdom Will Not Continue") and especially [1 Samuel 15:28-29](/1_samuel/15-28 "1 Samuel 15:28-29 - God Does Not Change His Mind") had already declared the kingdom torn from him. This final appearance of Samuel simply confirms the execution of that judgment. Saul's repeated and unrepentant disobedience had led to a point of no return regarding his kingship and dynasty. While God is merciful, there are consequences for persistent rebellion that can lead to irreversible outcomes in specific contexts, particularly concerning covenantal leadership.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 28:17, though a narrative of judgment and dynastic transition, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate King and His eternal kingdom. The tearing of the kingdom from Saul's hand and its transfer to David prefigures a greater divine transfer: the shift from a failed human kingship to the perfect, everlasting reign of Jesus Christ. Saul's rejection highlights the inadequacy of human leaders, even anointed ones, to perfectly fulfill God's will and maintain His covenant. In contrast, David, though flawed, was a "man after God's own heart" ([Acts 13:22](/acts/13-22 "Acts 13:22 - David, a Man After God's Own Heart")), chosen by God to establish a lineage that would culminate in the Messiah. Jesus, the true Son of David ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus")), is the ultimate "neighbour" to whom the kingdom is given, not through human succession or political maneuvering, but by divine right and eternal decree. He is the King whose kingdom "shall have no end" ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Have No End")), unlike Saul's temporary reign. The "rent" kingdom of Saul points to the brokenness of humanity's attempts at self-governance, while Christ's perfect obedience and sacrificial atonement establish a new, spiritual kingdom that cannot be shaken ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken")). Ultimately, 1 Samuel 28:17, in its declaration of God's sovereign removal of an unfaithful king and the establishment of His chosen successor, points forward to the glorious reign of Christ, who perfectly fulfills all prophetic promises and reigns eternally as the King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")).

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.