What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 15:31? So Samuel went back “Samuel replied, ‘I will not return with you, for you have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you as king over Israel.’ … So Samuel went back with Saul” (1 Samuel 15:26, 31). • The prophet had earlier refused Saul’s request, yet here he turns and accompanies him. This underlines Samuel’s role as God’s representative even when the king is disobedient. Compare Exodus 32:10–14, where Moses remains near a rebellious people, and 2 Kings 20:5–6, where Isaiah returns to Hezekiah with God’s message. • Samuel’s return is not an endorsement of Saul’s rebellion (see 1 Samuel 15:28) but a public act to finish the task of executing Agag (vv. 32–33). The prophet’s loyalty is ultimately to the LORD’s command, not to human leadership (Acts 5:29). • It also models patient, steadfast ministry: Samuel stays long enough to confront sin and call for true repentance (Galatians 6:1). with Saul Saul had pleaded, “Honor me now before the elders of my people” (1 Samuel 15:30). • The king is focused on appearances—wanting the prophet beside him so he does not lose face. Similar concern for public image is seen in King Jeroboam’s cry to the unnamed prophet (1 Kings 13:6) and in Herod’s fear of reputation (Mark 6:26). • God allows Samuel’s presence, but the narrative will soon show the distance between their hearts (1 Samuel 15:35). The companionship is temporary; the rupture in Saul’s relationship with the LORD is not repaired (1 Samuel 16:14). • This scene warns that external associations (religious leaders, rituals, titles) cannot cover inner disobedience (Matthew 23:27). and Saul worshiped the LORD “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22). • Saul bows, offers sacrifice, or engages in liturgy, yet moments earlier he disobeyed clear commands. The tension between outward worship and inward rebellion echoes Isaiah 29:13 and Mark 7:6–7. • True worship springs from submission (Psalm 51:16–17). Saul’s acts may impress observers, but God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). • The clause still reveals God’s mercy: the door to worship is open, even for a flawed king. Yet without repentance, worship becomes empty form (Amos 5:23–24). • Contrast Saul’s performance with Samuel’s decisive obedience in putting Agag to death—an acted sermon that “the word of the LORD endures forever” (1 Peter 1:25). summary 1 Samuel 15:31 records a striking moment: God’s prophet accompanies a disobedient king, allowing public worship while privately pronouncing judgment. Samuel’s return demonstrates faithful ministry; Saul’s desire for honor exposes a heart fixated on image; Saul’s worship highlights the gulf between ceremony and obedience. The verse teaches that God still invites sinners to worship, yet genuine worship must flow from wholehearted submission to His revealed word. |
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