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1 Samuel 13:14

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But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him [to be] captain over his people, because thou hast not kept [that] which the LORD commanded thee.

But now thy kingdom {H4467} shall not continue {H6965}: the LORD {H3068} hath sought {H1245} him a man {H376} after his own heart {H3824}, and the LORD {H3068} hath commanded {H6680} him to be captain {H5057} over his people {H5971}, because thou hast not kept {H8104} that which the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} thee.

But as it is, your kingship will not be established. ADONAI has sought for himself a man after his own heart, and ADONAI has appointed him to be prince over his people, because you did not observe what ADONAI ordered you to do."

But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought a man after His own heart and appointed him ruler over His people, because you have not kept the command of the LORD.”

But now thy kingdom shall not continue: Jehovah hath sought him a man after his own heart, and Jehovah hath appointed him to be prince over his people, because thou hast not kept that which Jehovah commanded thee.

Commentary

This verse marks a pivotal moment in the history of Israel's monarchy, delivering God's judgment upon King Saul through the prophet Samuel.

Context

The immediate context of 1 Samuel 13:14 is Saul's disobedience. Facing a large Philistine army and with his own soldiers scattering, Saul grew impatient waiting for Samuel to arrive and offer the necessary sacrifices before battle. Despite being explicitly told to wait seven days (1 Samuel 10:8), Saul took it upon himself to offer the burnt offering (1 Samuel 13:8). This act was a violation of the roles God had established, showing a lack of faith and presumption. When Samuel arrived just as Saul finished, he confronted the king, and this verse contains the pronouncement of the consequence: the forfeiture of his dynastic kingdom.

Key Themes

  • Consequences of Disobedience: The verse starkly illustrates that disobedience to God's direct commands, even when seemingly justified by circumstances, has severe consequences, including the loss of position or favor.
  • God's Sovereignty in Leadership: God declares He has already sought out and appointed a replacement king, highlighting His ultimate control over who leads His people.
  • "A Man After His Own Heart": This famous phrase describes the kind of leader God desires – one whose heart and intentions are aligned with God's will and purposes, in contrast to Saul's self-reliance and impatience. This concept is later specifically applied to David (Acts 13:22).
  • Rejection of Saul's Dynasty: While Saul would remain king for a time, this verse signifies the end of his family line ruling Israel, paving the way for David.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "a man after his own heart" translates the Hebrew "ish kilbabho" (איש כלבבו). This doesn't mean a man who is perfect or always does exactly what God does, but rather someone whose inner disposition, desires, and will are directed towards God and His will. It implies a deep desire to please God and prioritize His commands, contrasting with Saul's actions driven by fear of the people and impatience.

Significance and Application

This verse is significant as it prophesies the end of Saul's kingdom and introduces the concept of the leader God desires, which would be fulfilled in David. It teaches us that God values obedience and a heart devoted to Him more than outward appearance or human strategies. For believers today, it's a reminder that God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7) and seeks those who genuinely desire to follow His will. Our actions matter, and disobedience, especially born of impatience or fear, can hinder God's plans for us, though His ultimate purposes will prevail.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 13:22 (30 votes)

    And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the [son] of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.

  • 1 Samuel 15:28 (19 votes)

    And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, [that is] better than thou.

  • Psalms 89:19 (10 votes)

    ¶ Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one, and saidst, I have laid help upon [one that is] mighty; I have exalted [one] chosen out of the people.

  • Psalms 89:37 (10 votes)

    It shall be established for ever as the moon, and [as] a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.

  • Psalms 78:70 (8 votes)

    He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds:

  • 1 Samuel 16:1 (8 votes)

    ¶ 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.

  • Acts 7:46 (6 votes)

    Who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.