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1 Samuel 15:1

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¶ Samuel also said unto Saul, The LORD sent me to anoint thee [to be] king over his people, over Israel: now therefore hearken thou unto the voice of the words of the LORD.

Samuel {H8050} also said {H559} unto Saul {H7586}, The LORD {H3068} sent {H7971} me to anoint {H4886} thee to be king {H4428} over his people {H5971}, over Israel {H3478}: now therefore hearken {H8085} thou unto the voice {H6963} of the words {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}.

Sh'mu'el said to Sha'ul, "ADONAI sent me to anoint you king over his people, over Isra'el. Now listen to what ADONAI has to say.

Then Samuel said to Saul, “The LORD sent me to anoint you king over His people Israel. Now therefore, listen to the words of the LORD.

And Samuel said unto Saul, Jehovah sent me to anoint thee to be king over his people, over Israel: now therefore hearken thou unto the voice of the words of Jehovah.

Commentary

Context of 1 Samuel 15:1

This verse marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of King Saul, delivered by the prophet Samuel. It serves as a solemn reminder of Saul's divine appointment and the explicit condition of his kingship: absolute obedience to God's commands. Coming after Saul's earlier acts of presumptuousness (like offering a sacrifice without Samuel, detailed in 1 Samuel 13:9-14), this pronouncement sets the stage for a critical test of his faithfulness. God, through Samuel, is about to issue a specific command concerning the Amalekites, which will ultimately determine the fate of Saul's reign and the future of the Israelite monarchy.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Authority and Appointment: Samuel emphasizes that it was the LORD who sent him to anoint Saul as king (1 Samuel 10:1). This underscores that Saul's authority did not originate from the people's desire but from God's sovereign choice. It highlights the principle that true leadership in Israel was always under divine oversight.
  • The Primacy of Obedience: The core command is to "hearken thou unto the voice of the words of the LORD." This is not a suggestion but a direct, non-negotiable imperative. The narrative of 1 Samuel consistently stresses that obedience to God's explicit instructions is more vital than any human strategy or religious ritual, a theme powerfully articulated in 1 Samuel 15:22.
  • Accountability of Leadership: Saul, as king over God's people, Israel, is held to a higher standard of accountability. His position as God's anointed leader meant he was directly responsible to God for his actions and decisions. This principle applies to all who hold positions of influence or leadership, reminding them of their ultimate responsibility to a higher power.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "The LORD" translates the Hebrew personal name of God, YHWH (often rendered as Yahweh or Jehovah), signifying God's covenant faithfulness and active presence in history. The word "anoint" comes from the Hebrew mashach, meaning "to smear" or "to pour," which in this context refers to a sacred consecration, setting someone apart for a special divine purpose. A king, priest, or prophet was anointed as a symbol of being chosen and empowered by God. The command "hearken" is from the Hebrew shama, which implies not just hearing with the ears, but listening attentively with the intent to understand and obey. It signifies a deep, responsive listening that leads to action, crucial for understanding the subsequent events in the chapter.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless reminder for all believers about the fundamental importance of obedience to God's Word. Just as Saul was reminded of his divine calling and the necessity of listening to God's voice, we too are called to "hearken" to His instructions in our lives. Our purpose and effectiveness, whether in leadership or in daily living, are directly tied to our willingness to submit to God's will. It challenges us to examine if we are truly listening to God's voice and acting upon it, recognizing that our ultimate allegiance and accountability are to Him, as highlighted in Deuteronomy 6:3.

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

  • 1 Samuel 9:16 (6 votes)

    To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him [to be] captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me.

  • 1 Samuel 12:14 (5 votes)

    If ye will fear the LORD, and serve him, and obey his voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall both ye and also the king that reigneth over you continue following the LORD your God:

  • 1 Samuel 13:13 (4 votes)

    And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.

  • 1 Chronicles 22:12 (4 votes)

    Only the LORD give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the LORD thy God.

  • 1 Chronicles 22:13 (4 votes)

    Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.

  • Psalms 2:10 (4 votes)

    ¶ Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.

  • Psalms 2:11 (4 votes)

    Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.