1 Samuel 28:17

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:

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}:

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,

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.

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

Context

This verse delivers a powerful message of divine judgment to King Saul, spoken through the spirit of the prophet Samuel during Saul's desperate consultation with the medium (often called the Witch) of Endor. Facing a formidable Philistine army and having been abandoned by God due to his repeated disobedience, Saul sought forbidden spiritual counsel. Samuel's appearance, which was unexpected even by the medium, served to confirm God's irreversible decision concerning Saul's kingship. This particular statement echoes prophecies Samuel had delivered earlier, notably in 1 Samuel 15:28, where Samuel first declared that the LORD had torn the kingdom from Saul.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Consequences: The verse highlights the severe consequences of Saul's persistent disobedience to God's commands. His rejection of God's word led directly to the rejection of his kingship, a stark reminder that God holds leaders accountable.
  • God's Sovereignty: It unequivocally states that "the LORD hath done to him," emphasizing God's ultimate control over human affairs and the destiny of nations. The transfer of the kingdom is not a random event but a deliberate act of God's will.
  • Prophetic Fulfillment: Samuel's words serve as a painful fulfillment of earlier prophecies, reinforcing the reliability and certainty of God's declarations. What God speaks, He brings to pass.
  • The Rise of David: The verse explicitly names David as Saul's "neighbour" to whom the kingdom would be given. This points to God's chosen successor, the shepherd boy whom God had already anointed through Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13).

Linguistic Insight

The KJV phrase "hath rent the kingdom" uses the archaic word "rent," which means to tear violently or forcibly. This emphasizes the decisive and irreversible nature of God's action. It wasn't a gentle transition but a forceful removal, reflecting the severity of Saul's spiritual breach with the LORD and the finality of his rejection as king.

Significance and Application

For believers today, 1 Samuel 28:17 serves as a sober warning about the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God. Saul's story illustrates that even those in positions of authority are subject to God's standards, and persistent rebellion has severe consequences. It also powerfully affirms God's sovereignty; despite human failings and political turmoil, God works out His purposes and establishes His chosen leaders. The transition from Saul to David foreshadows God's ultimate plan of salvation and the establishment of an eternal kingdom through Christ, the true King, who is of the lineage of David. This narrative reminds us that God's promises and judgments are sure, and His kingdom will ultimately prevail, as seen in the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom.

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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 15:27 (3 votes)

    And as Samuel turned about to go away, he laid hold upon the skirt of his mantle, and it rent.

  • 1 Samuel 15:29 (3 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 16:4 (2 votes)

    ¶ The LORD hath made all [things] for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

  • 1 Samuel 16:13 (2 votes)

    Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.

  • 1 Samuel 13:13 (2 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 Samuel 13:14 (2 votes)

    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.

  • 1 Samuel 24:20 (2 votes)

    And now, behold, I know well that thou shalt surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand.