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1 Samuel 15:29

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And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he [is] not a man, that he should repent.

And also the Strength {H5331} of Israel {H3478} will not lie {H8266} nor repent {H5162}: for he is not a man {H120}, that he should repent {H5162}.

Moreover, the Eternal One of Isra'el will not lie or change his mind, because he isn't a mere human being subject to changing his mind."

Moreover, the Glory of Israel does not lie or change His mind, for He is not a man, that He should change His mind.”

And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent; for he is not a man, that he should repent.

Commentary

1 Samuel 15:29 is a profound declaration by the prophet Samuel to King Saul, delivered at a critical juncture when God had rejected Saul's kingship due to his disobedience. This verse emphasizes the unchangeable nature of God, a cornerstone of biblical theology.

Context

The immediate historical context for 1 Samuel 15:29 is Saul's failure to fully obey God's command concerning the Amalekites. God had instructed Saul to utterly destroy everything, but Saul spared Agag, the Amalekite king, and the best of the livestock, ostensibly for sacrifice. This act of partial obedience was deemed by God as outright rebellion, as stated in 1 Samuel 15:23. Samuel, having confronted Saul, delivers God's irrevocable judgment: Saul's kingdom would be torn from him. Amidst Saul's desperate pleas and attempts to save face, Samuel articulates this powerful truth about the divine character, contrasting God's steadfastness with human weakness and deceit.

Key Themes

  • God's Immutability: The central message is that God does not change His mind in the way humans do. He is not fickle, fallible, or prone to regret. His character, promises, and decrees are firm. This concept of God's unchanging nature provides immense comfort and certainty for believers.
  • Divine Reliability and Truthfulness: "The Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent." This highlights God's absolute truthfulness. Unlike humans who might deceive or go back on their word, God's word is unwavering. He is utterly dependable.
  • Contrast Between God and Man: The phrase "for he is not a man, that he should repent" sharply differentiates the perfect, sovereign God from imperfect, changeable humanity. Human repentance often stems from error, regret, or a change of heart due to new information or weakness. God's "repentance" (as seen in other contexts, like Jonah 3:10) refers to a change in His *dealing* with humanity based on their actions, not a change in His inherent nature or eternal purpose. In this specific verse, it emphasizes the finality of His judgment against Saul.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: The verse underscores the seriousness of disobedience. God's rejection of Saul was a direct and unalterable consequence of his rebellion, demonstrating God's justice and sovereignty over His chosen leaders.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "repent" used here is nacham (נָחַם), which carries a range of meanings including to "grieve," "be sorry," "console oneself," or "change one's mind." When applied to God, as in this verse, it's crucial to understand that it does not imply a change of His divine nature or purpose, nor does it suggest regret over a mistake. Instead, in this context, it emphasizes God's unyielding resolve concerning His decree against Saul. God's actions are always consistent with His perfect character, even when His dealings with humanity change based on their faithfulness or rebellion.

Related Scriptures

  • For God's unchanging character: Malachi 3:6 famously declares, "For I am the Lord, I change not."
  • On God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness: 2 Timothy 2:13 states, "if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot disown himself."
  • For the ultimate consequence of Saul's rejection: God sends Samuel to anoint David as the next king, setting the stage for the Davidic dynasty.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound implications for believers today:

  1. Confidence in God's Promises: Knowing that "the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent" provides immense assurance. We can fully trust God's promises of salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life because His word is steadfast and His character is unchanging.
  2. Seriousness of Obedience: Just as Saul faced irreversible consequences for his disobedience, this verse reminds us that while God is merciful, His standards are not arbitrary. Our actions have consequences, and genuine faith is demonstrated through obedience.
  3. Understanding Divine Nature: It deepens our understanding of God's perfection. He is not limited by human frailties or inconsistencies. This understanding should lead to greater reverence and trust in His sovereign plans and purposes for our lives.
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

  • Numbers 23:19 (21 votes)

    God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

  • Ezekiel 24:14 (21 votes)

    I the LORD have spoken [it]: it shall come to pass, and I will do [it]; I will not go back, neither will I spare, neither will I repent; according to thy ways, and according to thy doings, shall they judge thee, saith the Lord GOD.

  • Titus 1:2 (16 votes)

    In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

  • 2 Timothy 2:13 (15 votes)

    If we believe not, [yet] he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

  • Hebrews 6:18 (15 votes)

    That by two immutable things, in which [it was] impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

  • Psalms 95:11 (13 votes)

    Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.

  • Joel 3:16 (11 votes)

    The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD [will be] the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.