Saul's Disobedience and Rejection as King
1 Samuel 15:1-35
1 S.15.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אתי: PRON,1,sg
- שלח: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- למשחך: VERB,qal,inf,2,m,sg
- למלך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועתה: CONJ
- שמע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לקול: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דברי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,1,c,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Sam 9:16 (verbal): God tells Samuel he will send a man from Benjamin whom Samuel must anoint as leader over Israel—directly anticipates/echoes Samuel's statement that the LORD sent him to anoint Saul.
- 1 Sam 10:1 (quotation): Samuel actually anoints Saul with oil and declares that the LORD has anointed him to be captain over his inheritance—an immediate, verbal parallel to 15:1's claim of divine commissioning.
- Deut 17:15 (thematic): The Torah law that Israel may set over itself a king chosen by the LORD provides the legal/theological background for Samuel’s claim that God sent him to anoint a king.
- 1 Kings 19:16 (allusion): God’s instruction to anoint Jehu (and later Elisha) through a prophet parallels the prophetic role of Samuel in divinely appointing kings—structurally similar commissioning by the LORD through a prophet.
Alternative generated candidates
- Samuel said to Saul, "Come, for the LORD has sent me to anoint you king over his people Israel; now listen to the word of the LORD."
- And Samuel said to Saul, "The LORD has sent me to anoint you king over his people Israel; now heed the voice of the words of the LORD."
1 S.15.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- צבאות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- פקדתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עמלק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לישראל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- שם: ADV
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- בדרך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בעלתו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ממצרים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 17:8-16 (allusion): Narrative of Amalek's attack on Israel shortly after the exodus; God pronounces judgment and instructs that the memory of Amalek be blotted out—background incident to 1 Sam 15:2's reference to what Amalek did 'on the way'.
- Deuteronomy 25:17-19 (verbal): Direct legal/ethical injunction to remember Amalek's ambush 'when you came out of Egypt' and to 'blot out the remembrance of Amalek,' language and theme echoed in 1 Sam 15:2.
- 1 Samuel 15:3 (quotation): Immediate continuation of the divine oracle in 1 Sam 15:2: God commands Saul to go and utterly destroy Amalek—directly applies the promised punishment mentioned in v.2.
- 1 Chronicles 4:42-43 (thematic): Later historical note of Israelite tribes pursuing and striking Amalekite survivors; reflects the ongoing hostility and attempts to carry out vengeance against Amalek recalled in 1 Sam 15:2.
Alternative generated candidates
- Thus says the LORD of hosts: I have remembered what Amalek did to Israel—how he ambushed them on the way when they came up out of Egypt.
- Thus says the LORD of hosts: I have taken note of what Amalek did to Israel—how he met him on the way when he came up from Egypt.
1 S.15.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- עתה: ADV
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- והכיתה: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- עמלק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והחרמתם: VERB,hiph,perf,2,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- תחמל: VERB,qal,impf,2,ms
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- והמתה: VERB,hiph,perf,2,m,pl
- מאיש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- אשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מעלל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- יונק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- משור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- שה: PRON,rel
- מגמל: PART,m,sg
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- חמור: PNOUN,m,sg
Parallels
- Exodus 17:14-16 (thematic): Earlier confrontation with Amalek and God's declaration to blot out Amalek's remembrance—provides the theological/historical background for God's command to destroy Amalek.
- Deuteronomy 25:17-19 (verbal): Direct injunction to remember what Amalek did and to 'blot out the remembrance of Amalek'—echoes the same aim and language of total destruction.
- Deuteronomy 20:16-18 (structural): Law concerning herem (devotion to destruction) of certain peoples and their animals when entering the land—legal precedent for commands to utterly destroy populations and livestock.
- Joshua 6:21 (verbal): Account of the herem at Jericho using similar wording ('utterly destroy; men and women, young and old, ox and sheep')—a parallel instance of devoted destruction.
- 1 Samuel 15:8-23 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel and consequence: Saul's partial obedience (spares Agag and the best animals) and Samuel's rebuke—shows the command's intended execution and its violation.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now go and strike Amalek and devote to destruction (herem) all that they have; do not spare them, but kill man and woman, infant and nursing babe, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.
- Now go and strike Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have; do not spare them, but put to death both man and woman, infant and nursing child, ox and sheep, camel and ass.
1 S.15.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישמע: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויפקדם: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בטלאים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מאתים: NUM,m,pl,abs
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- רגלי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- ועשרת: CONJ+NUM,card,m,pl,const
- אלפים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 8:4-5 (thematic): The people's demand for a king (and Samuel's warning) explains the context in which Saul 'listened to the people'—both passages stress Saul/Israel acting according to popular will rather than divine guidance.
- 1 Samuel 11:7-11 (thematic): Earlier episode where Saul musters Israelite forces to relieve Jabesh‑Gilead; parallels the mobilization of large infantry forces and Saul's role as military leader.
- 1 Samuel 13:2 (verbal): An earlier description of Saul's initial military strength (small bands chosen under his command) that contrasts with the much larger levy described in 15:4, highlighting expansion of forces under his kingship.
- Exodus 17:8-16 (allusion): Record of Israel's first conflict with Amalek and God's declaration of ongoing enmity toward Amalek—background to Saul's campaign against Amalek in 1 Samuel 15.
- Deuteronomy 25:17-19 (allusion): Divine injunction to remember and blot out Amalek; provides the legal/ideological rationale behind the command and Saul's mobilization against Amalek in 1 Samuel 15.
Alternative generated candidates
- Saul mustered the people and numbered them at Telaim—two hundred thousand footmen, and ten thousand men of Judah.
- Saul mustered the people and numbered them at Telaim: two hundred thousand footmen, and ten thousand from Judah.
1 S.15.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- עיר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עמלק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וירב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בנחל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,const
Parallels
- Exodus 17:8-16 (thematic): Amalek's earlier attack on Israel at Rephidim establishes the longstanding enmity and background for Israel's later campaign against Amalek (the conflict Saul now engages).
- Deuteronomy 25:17-19 (thematic): The injunction to remember what Amalek did and to blot out their memory provides the legal/theological rationale underlying Samuel's command to Saul to attack Amalek.
- 1 Samuel 15:1-3 (quotation): Samuel's direct commission from the LORD ordering Saul to go and utterly destroy Amalek is the immediate directive that leads to Saul's arrival and battle as described in v.5.
- 1 Samuel 15:7-9 (verbal): The narrative continuation showing Saul's defeat of the Amalekites and his taking/spared spoil/king directly parallels v.5's report that Saul came to the Amalekite city and fought in the valley, linking action and outcome.
Alternative generated candidates
- Saul came to the city of Amalek and encamped in the valley.
- And Saul came to the city of Amalek, and lay in wait in the valley.
1 S.15.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- הקיני: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לכו: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
- סרו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- רדו: VERB,qal,imperative,2,m,pl
- מתוך: PREP
- עמלקי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- פן: CONJ
- אספך: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ואתה: CONJ+PRON,2,m,sg
- עשיתה: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- חסד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עם: PREP
- כל: DET
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בעלותם: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs+3,m,pl
- ממצרים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ויסר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- קיני: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מתוך: PREP
- עמלק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 17:8-16 (thematic): Describes the original attack of Amalek on Israel and Yahweh’s response (and Moses’ altar 'The LORD is my banner'), providing the foundational context for Israel’s hostility to Amalek that underlies Saul’s campaign.
- Deuteronomy 25:17-19 (verbal): Divine injunction to 'remember what Amalek did' and to blot out their memory; this legal/ethical mandate is the background rationale for Saul’s orders against Amalek and for separating allies (the Kenites) from the doomed people.
- 1 Samuel 15:9 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel/contrast in the same episode: here Saul spares Agag and the best livestock, showing the very disobedience to the command against Amalek that 15:6 presumes he is carrying out.
- Judges 1:16 (allusion): Identifies the Kenites as kin to Moses’ father‑in‑law and connected with Israel’s earlier movements; helps explain Saul’s reason for honoring the Kenites’ 'kindness' to Israel when they left Egypt.
- Exodus 18:1-6 (thematic): Account of Jethro (identified in later tradition with the Kenites) rejoicing and showing hospitality to Moses/Israel after the exodus; this provides historical/thematic support for the claim that the Kenites had shown kindness to Israel in the wilderness.
Alternative generated candidates
- Saul said to the Kenites, "Go, depart; get down from among the Amalekites, lest I destroy you with them, for you showed kindness to all the sons of Israel when they came up out of Egypt." So the Kenites departed from among the Amalekites.
- Saul said to the Kenites, "Go, depart; withdraw yourselves from among the Amalekites, lest I destroy you with them— for you showed kindness to all the people of Israel when they came up out of Egypt." So the Kenites departed from among the Amalekites.
1 S.15.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- עמלק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מחוילה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בואך: PREP,when+NOUN,m,sg+PRON,2,m,sg
- שור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- על: PREP
- פני: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 17:8-16 (allusion): The first recorded Israelite battle with Amalek; God declares perpetual hostility and promises to blot out Amalek—background for later royal campaign 'from Havilah to Shur.'
- Deuteronomy 25:17-19 (thematic): Law instructs Israel to remember Amalek's attack and to 'blot out the memory' of Amalek—provides the covenantal mandate behind the command to destroy Amalekite populations and possessions.
- 1 Samuel 15:3 (verbal): Samuel's divine command to Saul to 'utterly destroy' Amalek (men, women, infants, and livestock) is the immediate instructional parallel to Saul's action described in 15:7.
- 1 Samuel 15:9 (structural): Reports Saul's failure to fully execute the command—he spares Agag and the best flocks—contrasting with the statement in 15:7 about striking Amalek broadly and highlighting incomplete obedience.
- 1 Samuel 30:1-2 (thematic): A later Amalekite raid on Ziklag (and the ongoing attacks by Amalekites) continues the motif of persistent Amalek hostility and its repercussions for Israel and David.
Alternative generated candidates
- Saul struck the Amalekites from Havilah to Shur, which is before Egypt.
- Saul struck Amalek from Havilah as you go toward Shur, which is before Egypt.
1 S.15.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתפש: VERB,hitpael,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אגג: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- עמלק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חי: ADJ,m,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- כל: DET
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- החרים: NOUN,prop,m,pl,def
- לפי: PREP
- חרב: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 15:3 (quotation): God's command to Saul to “utterly destroy” Amalek—direct divine order that 15:8 is presented as carrying out.
- 1 Samuel 15:9 (structural): Immediate context: reports Saul and the people spared Agag and the best livestock—an apparent contradiction/contrast with 15:8's wording.
- 1 Samuel 15:33 (structural): Samuel ultimately executes Agag; this later action resolves the fate of Agag mentioned in 15:8 and highlights judicial enforcement of the command.
- Deuteronomy 25:17-19 (thematic): Command to remember Amalek’s attack and to blot out their name—provides the legal/theological rationale for annihilating Amalek.
- Exodus 17:8-16 (thematic): The initial Amalek attack and Yahweh’s declaration of ongoing war against Amalek—background narrative framing later commands and actions against Amalek.
Alternative generated candidates
- They captured Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and they devoted all the people to destruction by the sword.
- He took Agag king of Amalek alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword.
1 S.15.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויחמל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והעם: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,def
- על: PREP
- אגג: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- מיטב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הצאן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והבקר: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- והמשנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- הכרים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- כל: DET
- הטוב: ADJ,m,sg,def
- ולא: CONJ
- אבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- החרימם: VERB,hiph,inf+3,m,pl
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- המלאכה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- נמבזה: VERB,niphal,perf,3,f,sg
- ונמס: VERB,niphal,perf,3,f,sg
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- החרימו: VERB,piel,perf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 15:3 (quotation): God's explicit command to Saul to 'utterly destroy' Amalek and spare nothing — the directive that Saul's sparing in v.9 violates.
- 1 Samuel 15:8 (verbal): Immediate narrative parallel describing Saul taking Agag alive and sparing the best of the flocks — the same action summarized in v.9.
- 1 Samuel 15:33 (structural): Samuel personally executes Agag, providing the narrative resolution and contrast to Saul's earlier failure to carry out the herem in v.9.
- Deuteronomy 25:17-19 (thematic): Covenantal injunction to remember Amalek and 'blot out the memory' of their attack — the ideological background for the command to destroy Amalek.
- Deuteronomy 7:2 (thematic): Language of herem ('utterly destroy' and show no mercy) used of enemies to be driven out of the land, paralleling the theological rationale for total destruction in 1 Sam 15.
Alternative generated candidates
- But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep and of the oxen, the fatlings and the choicest of the flock, and all that was good; they would not devote them to destruction. Everything that was despised and worthless they devoted to destruction.
- But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep and of the oxen, the fatlings, the lambs, and all that was good—they would not utterly destroy them; everything that was despised and worthless they utterly destroyed.
1 S.15.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
Parallels
- 1Sam.3.11 (verbal): Same exact prophetic formula — 'And the word of the LORD came to Samuel, saying...' — a direct divine communication to Samuel.
- 2Sam.7.4 (verbal): Uses the same construction 'And the word of the LORD came to Nathan' — parallel structural formula for a prophetic revelation announcing God's will.
- 1Kings.17.2 (verbal): 'And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite…' — another instance of the recurring prophetic formula introducing divine instruction to a prophet.
- Jer.1.4 (thematic): 'Now the word of the LORD came unto me' introduces a prophetic call and revelation; thematically parallels the function of God addressing and commissioning a prophet.
Alternative generated candidates
- The word of the LORD came to Samuel, saying,
- And the word of the LORD came to Samuel, saying,
1 S.15.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- נחמתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,sg
- כי: CONJ
- המלכתי: VERB,hiph,perf,1,c,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למלך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- שב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מאחרי: PREP
- ואת: CONJ
- דברי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,1,c,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- הקים: VERB,hiph,perf,3,m,sg
- ויחר: VERB,qal,imf,3,m,sg
- לשמואל: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויזעק: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- הלילה: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Gen.6.6 (verbal): Uses the same root of 'regret/repent' (נחם): God 'regretted' making humanity after seeing wickedness—parallels divine remorse expressed in 1 Sam 15:11.
- Exod.32.14 (verbal): God 'repented' of the evil He had intended after Moses' intercession (וַיִּנָּחֶם)—similar language of God changing His mind/regretting an action.
- 1Sam.15.35 (verbal): Later verse in the same narrative that repeats the claim that 'the LORD was sorry that He had made Saul king,' echoing 15:11 and framing Saul's ongoing rejection.
- 1Sam.15.26 (thematic): Samuel declares that because Saul rejected the word of the LORD, the LORD has rejected Saul as king—connects divine regret to the theme of reversal and rejection for disobedience.
- 1Sam.13.14 (thematic): Contrasts Saul's failed kingship: God looks for 'a man after his own heart' who will rule—anticipates the consequence of God's regret over making Saul king.
Alternative generated candidates
- "I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following me and has not carried out my words." Samuel was angry, and he cried out to the LORD all night.
- "I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following me and has not carried out my words." Samuel was angry, and he cried out to the LORD all that night.
1 S.15.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישכם: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לקראת: PREP
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בבקר: PREP
- ויגד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לשמואל: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הכרמלה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והנה: ADV
- מציב: VERB,qal,ptc,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- יד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויסב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ויעבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- וירד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- הגלגל: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Genesis 28:18 (verbal): Jacob 'rose up early' and 'set up a pillar' (matstsebah) as a memorial after a divine encounter—parallels the language and motif of erecting a monument to mark an event.
- Joshua 4:20-24 (thematic): Stones set up at Gilgal as a memorial after crossing the Jordan; connects the place Gilgal with practices of erecting commemorative stones and remembering covenant events.
- Judges 8:27 (thematic): Gideon makes an ephod/monument after victory which becomes a problematic cultic object—analogous to Saul’s setting up a monument as a self-commemoration with potentially problematic overtones.
- 1 Samuel 13:8-14 (structural): Saul at Gilgal offering sacrifices and being confronted by Samuel; parallels the setting at Gilgal and the pattern of Saul’s improper/prideful religious action followed by Samuel’s rebuke.
Alternative generated candidates
- Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning. It was reported to Samuel, "Saul came to Carmel and behold, he set up a monument and turned and passed on, and went down to Gilgal."
- Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning. It was told Samuel, "Saul came to Carmel, and behold, he set up a monument for himself, and turned and passed on, and went down to Gilgal."
1 S.15.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ברוך: ADJ,m,sg
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- הקימתי: VERB,hif,perf,1,_,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 15:20–21 (structural): Immediate continuation of the scene in which Saul defends himself—he admits having spared the best of the spoil and shifts blame to the people, exposing the falsehood of his claim to have obeyed the LORD.
- 1 Samuel 15:22–23 (quotation): Samuel's rebuke 'To obey is better than sacrifice' directly counters Saul's statement and declares the primacy of obedience over ritual claims—central theological response to Saul's claim.
- 1 Samuel 13:13–14 (thematic): An earlier prophetic rebuke where Samuel confronts Saul for disobedience (improvident sacrifice/failed command) and announces his rejection—shows a recurrent pattern of Saul's professed actions but actual failure to keep God's commands.
- Proverbs 21:3 (verbal): 'To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice' echoes the language and valuation in 1 Sam 15:22, highlighting obedience/ethical action over mere ritual.
- Matthew 7:21 (thematic): Jesus' warning that verbal profession ('Lord, Lord') is insufficient unless one does the Father's will parallels Saul's empty claim of having carried out God's command—theme of genuine obedience versus lip-service.
Alternative generated candidates
- Samuel went to meet Saul, and Saul said to him, "Blessed are you of the LORD; I have carried out the word of the LORD."
- Samuel went to Saul, and Saul said to him, "Blessed be you before the LORD; I have carried out the command of the LORD."
1 S.15.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ומה: CONJ+PRON,int
- קול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הצאן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- באזני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,cstr
- וקול: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הבקר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אנכי: PRON,1,sg
- שמע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 15:21 (verbal): Saul’s direct answer explaining the noise: he confesses the people spared the best of the sheep and oxen to sacrifice to the LORD, which explains the bleating Samuel heard.
- 1 Samuel 15:23 (thematic): Samuel’s ensuing rebuke that rebellion is like divination and stubbornness like idolatry — parallels the prophetic confrontation after the discovery of the animals.
- 2 Samuel 12:1-4 (thematic): Nathan’s parable confronting David for seizing a poor man’s lamb; thematically similar as a prophet exposes royal wrongdoing involving livestock and sacrificial/possessive abuse.
- 1 Samuel 13:13-14 (structural): Earlier episode where Samuel confronts Saul for disobedience (offering the sacrifice); structurally parallels the pattern of prophetic reprimand and the king’s failure to obey God’s command.
Alternative generated candidates
- Samuel said, "What then is that bleating of the sheep in my ears, and the lowing of oxen that I hear?"
- Samuel said, "And what is this bleating of the sheep in my ears, and the lowing of the oxen that I hear?"
1 S.15.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מעמלקי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הביאום: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אשר: PRON,rel
- חמל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- על: PREP
- מיטב: NOUN,m,sg,construct
- הצאן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והבקר: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- למען: PREP
- זבח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- אלהיך: NOUN,m,sg,prsuf-2ms
- ואת: CONJ
- היותר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- החרמנו: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,pl
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 15:9 (verbal): Earlier in the chapter the narrator records that Saul and the people spared Agag and "the best of the sheep and oxen," the same action that 15:15 describes from Saul's speech.
- 1 Samuel 15:21 (verbal): Saul's spoken excuse to Samuel repeats the claim that the people spared the best of the livestock to sacrifice to the LORD—essentially the same wording and defense found in 15:15.
- 1 Samuel 15:3 (thematic): God's original command to Saul to utterly destroy Amalek and all they have (herem) provides the direct background and theological conflict behind Saul's taking of the best animals.
- Deuteronomy 25:17-19 (thematic): The law's command to remember Amalek's attack and to blot out their memory frames Israel's longstanding injunction to oppose Amalek—the rationale behind the divine command cited in 1 Sam 15.
- 1 Samuel 15:22 (thematic): Samuel's rebuke—'to obey is better than sacrifice'—directly counters Saul's justification that the spared animals were intended for sacrifice, addressing the exact reasoning in 15:15.
Alternative generated candidates
- Saul said, "They have brought them from the Amalekites; the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen to sacrifice to the LORD your God, and the rest we devoted to destruction."
- Saul said, "They have brought them from the Amalekites; the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen to sacrifice to the LORD your God, and the rest we have utterly destroyed."
1 S.15.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הרף: VERB,hif,imp,2,m,sg
- ואגידה: VERB,qal,impf,1,c,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אשר: PRON,rel
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- הלילה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1Sam.15.11 (verbal): God tells Samuel in the night that He regrets making Saul king (״ועם שֹׁמֵר לִ֖י״); directly parallels Samuel’s offer to report ‘what the LORD said to me last night.’
- 1Sam.15.22-23 (verbal): Samuel’s ensuing rebuke and declaration that disobedience, not sacrifice, is the LORD’s concern — this is the content Samuel is about to bring to Saul after saying he will tell him what God said.
- 1Sam.13.13-14 (thematic): Earlier prophetic confrontation of Saul by Samuel, announcing loss of his kingdom for unfaithfulness; thematically parallels the present rebuke and divine judgment motif.
- 2Sam.12.1-7 (thematic): Nathan’s confrontation of David (ʼYou are the manʼ) functions like Samuel’s role here: a prophet directly accuses the king and announces God’s verdict — a parallel instance of prophetic indictment of a monarch.
- 1Sam.9.15-17 (structural): God’s prior revelation to Samuel about Saul’s coming (God informed Samuel what would happen) parallels the narrative pattern of divine disclosure to the prophet that Samuel now reports to Saul.
Alternative generated candidates
- Samuel said to Saul, "Stay; I will tell you what the LORD said to me last night." "Tell me," he replied.
- Samuel said to Saul, "Stop! I will tell you what the word of the LORD said to me last night." And Samuel said to him, "Speak on."
1 S.15.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הלוא: PART
- אם: CONJ
- קטן: ADJ,m,sg
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- בעיניך: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,const,2,ms
- ראש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שבטי: NOUN,m,pl,con
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- וימשחך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg+PRON,2,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- למלך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 9:21 (verbal): Saul's own words—'Am I not a Benjamite, from the least of the tribes?'—echo the charge in 15:17 that he was 'small in your own eyes.'
- 1 Samuel 9:16 (allusion): God told Samuel earlier that He had 'provided a man' (to be leader), reflecting the divine choice of Saul despite his low status.
- 1 Samuel 10:1 (verbal): Samuel's anointing of Saul—'Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?'—parallels 15:17's reminder that the LORD anointed him king over Israel.
- 1 Samuel 13:14 (thematic): The theme of God's selection of a ruler appears here ('the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart...appointed him ruler'), contrasting divine choice with human failings—relevant to Samuel's rebuke in 15:17.
- Psalm 78:70-72 (thematic): God's choice of a shepherd/king from humble origins (David) and the idea of divine selection and anointing echoes the motif in 15:17 of God raising someone 'small' to kingship.
Alternative generated candidates
- Samuel said, "Is it not because you were small in your own eyes? You have become the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed you king over Israel.
- Samuel said, "Was it not that you were small in your own eyes? You are the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed you king over Israel.
1 S.15.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלחך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg+OBJ:2,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בדרך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- והחרמתה: VERB,hifil,impf,2,m,sg+OBJ:3,f,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- החטאים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- את: PRT,acc
- עמלק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ונלחמת: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- עד: PREP
- כלותם: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON:3,m,pl
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 15:3 (quotation): God's explicit command to Saul to 'smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have'—virtually the same instruction Samuel cites.
- Exodus 17:8-16 (verbal): First encounter with Amalek; Exodus 17:14 records God's vow to 'blot out the remembrance of Amalek,' language echoed in the command to annihilate them.
- Deuteronomy 25:17-19 (thematic): Mandate to remember Amalek's attack and to wipe out their memory from under heaven—legal/theological background for the commanded extermination.
- 1 Samuel 15:9 (structural): Narrative contrast: Saul spares Agag and the best of the livestock, directly violating the order in 15:3/15:18 to devote Amalek to destruction.
- 1 Samuel 30:1-20 (thematic): Later episode in which Amalekites raid Ziklag and are pursued by David—another Israelite confrontation with Amalek that reflects the ongoing enmity and divine command motif.
Alternative generated candidates
- The LORD sent you on a mission and said, 'Go and utterly destroy the sinners, Amalek, and fight against them until they are consumed.'
- The LORD sent you on a mission and said, 'Go, devote to destruction the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight them until they perish.'
1 S.15.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולמה: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- שמעת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- בקול: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ותעט: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- השלל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ותעש: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,f,sg
- הרע: ADJ,m,sg,def
- בעיני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 13:13-14 (verbal): Samuel uses nearly identical language to rebuke Saul for failing to obey Yahweh’s command — both passages confront Saul’s disobedience and predict its consequences.
- Deuteronomy 20:16-18 (thematic): Law concerning herem (the ban): when God commands total destruction of certain peoples, Israelites must not spare persons or take spoil — the legal background for Samuel’s charge against Saul.
- Deuteronomy 25:17-19 (allusion): The command to remember Amalek and blot out their memory provides the specific ancient mandate behind Saul’s order to destroy Amalek, which Saul failed to carry out fully.
- 2 Samuel 12:7-12 (thematic): Nathan’s prophetical rebuke of David similarly confronts a king with his failure before God — both scenes feature a prophet exposing royal disobedience and announcing divine judgment.
Alternative generated candidates
- Why then did you not obey the voice of the LORD, but rushed on the spoil and did what was evil in the sight of the LORD?"
- Why then did you not obey the voice of the LORD, but swooped down on the spoil, and did what was evil in the sight of the LORD?"
1 S.15.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- שמעתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,sg
- בקול: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ואלך: CONJ+PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- בדרך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- שלחני: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ואביא: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אגג: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- עמלק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- עמלק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- החרמתי: VERB,hif,perf,1,_,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 15:2-3 (quotation): God's original command to Saul to attack Amalek and 'utterly destroy' them—this is the directive Saul claims to have obeyed in v.20.
- 1 Samuel 15:9 (verbal): Narrative counterpoint: Saul spares Agag and the best of the spoil, directly contradicting his claim in v.20 that he brought Agag and destroyed Amalek.
- 1 Samuel 15:23 (thematic): Samuel's rebuke contrasts claimed obedience with true rebellion—emphasizes that disobedience (not ritual) is the grave offense Saul tries to cover in v.20.
- Deuteronomy 25:17-19 (thematic): Earlier Israelite injunction to 'blot out the memory of Amalek' provides the covenantal/legal background for the command Saul asserts he followed.
- Exodus 17:14-16 (allusion): The first recorded conflict with Amalek and God's vow to oppose them establishes the longstanding enmity and divine mandate behind Saul's mission and his claim of obedience.
Alternative generated candidates
- Saul answered Samuel, "I did obey the voice of the LORD; I went the way the LORD sent me, and I brought Agag king of Amalek, and I utterly destroyed the Amalekites."
- Saul said to Samuel, "I did obey the voice of the LORD; I went the way the LORD sent me, and brought Agag king of Amalek, and utterly destroyed the Amalekites."
1 S.15.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מהשלל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- צאן: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ובקר: CONJ,NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ראשית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- החרם: VERB,qal,perf,1,pl
- לזבח: VERB,qal,inf
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- אלהיך: NOUN,m,sg,prsuf-2ms
- בגלגל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 15:9 (verbal): Same chapter: report that Saul and the people spared the best of the sheep and oxen—verbal parallel to the claim that these were kept for sacrifice.
- 1 Samuel 15:15 (verbal): Saul's earlier explanation to Samuel that the soldiers took spoil to sacrifice to the LORD—repeats the defense found in v.21.
- 1 Samuel 15:3 (quotation): God's command to Saul to utterly destroy Amalek and all that they have—quoted/implicit contrast to Saul's retention of spoil for sacrifice.
- Numbers 31:19-24, 28-30 (thematic): Regulations for the handling, purification, and dedication of war spoil and the LORD's share—provides legal/ritual background for claims about dedicating spoils to God.
- Deuteronomy 20:16-18 (thematic): Law prescribing complete destruction of certain peoples (no spoils kept) — thematic contrast to Saul's policy of sparing and repurposing spoil for sacrifice.
Alternative generated candidates
- But the people took of the spoil—sheep and oxen, the best of the devoted things—to sacrifice to the LORD your God at Gilgal.
- But the people took of the spoil sheep and oxen, the choicest of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to the LORD your God at Gilgal.
1 S.15.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- החפץ: PTCP,qal,act,m,sg
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- בעלות: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וזבחים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- כשמע: CONJ
- בקול: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הנה: PART
- שמע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מזבח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- טוב: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- להקשיב: VERB,qal,inf
- מחלב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אילים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Hosea 6:6 (verbal): God values steadfast love/mercy and knowledge of God more than sacrifice—language closely parallels 'to obey is better than sacrifice.'
- Proverbs 21:3 (thematic): Doing righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice, echoing the primacy of obedience over ritual offerings.
- Psalm 51:16-17 (thematic): God does not delight in sacrifices apart from a contrite heart; repentance and obedience are preferred to ritual slaughter.
- Isaiah 1:11-17 (thematic): God rejects meaningless multitudes of sacrifices while calling for justice, repentance, and ethical behavior instead of empty ritual.
- Psalm 40:6-8 (quotation): The psalmist declares that God does not desire sacrifice but rather obedience to his will—language later cited in the NT as contrasting sacrifice and doing God's will.
Alternative generated candidates
- Samuel said, "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
- Samuel said, "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.
1 S.15.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- חטאת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- קסם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מרי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואון: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ותרפים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- הפצר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- יען: CONJ
- מאסת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- וימאסך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ממלך: VERB,qal,inf
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 15:22 (structural): Immediate context: Samuel’s contrast of obedience and sacrifice sets up v.23’s identification of rebellion and stubbornness as equivalent to serious sins.
- 1 Samuel 8:7 (verbal): God’s statement that Israel has not rejected Samuel but has ‘rejected me’ as king parallels v.23’s consequence—because Saul rejected Yahweh’s word, Yahweh rejects him from kingship.
- Deuteronomy 18:10-12 (thematic): The law’s prohibition and condemnation of divination and related practices underlines the comparison in 15:23 that rebellion is ‘as the sin of divination.’
- Proverbs 29:1 (thematic): The proverb linking repeated rebuke, a hard neck (stubbornness), and sudden ruin echoes 15:23’s equation of stubbornness with destructive sin.
- Jeremiah 7:24 (verbal): Jeremiah’s language about not listening or inclining the ear and persisting in stubborn counsels parallels the motif of rejecting God’s word and the attendant judgment in 15:23.
Alternative generated candidates
- For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and stubbornness is as idolatry and arrogance. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you from being king."
- For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you from being king."
1 S.15.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- חטאתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- עברתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- פי: NOUN,m,sg,construct
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- דבריך: NOUN,m,pl,abs+2ms
- כי: CONJ
- יראתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואשמע: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- בקולם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,pl
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 15:23 (structural): Samuel's immediate reply: disobeying God's command is equivalent to rejecting God—direct theological and narrative response to Saul's confession of sin.
- Proverbs 29:25 (thematic): “The fear of man lays a snare” parallels Saul's stated motive (“I feared the people”) and highlights the moral hazard of yielding to human fear instead of obeying God.
- 1 Samuel 13:13-14 (thematic): An earlier episode where Saul disobeys God (acting presumptuously in offering sacrifice) and is rebuked by Samuel—shows a recurring pattern of Saul's failure to obey divine commands.
- Matthew 10:28-31 (thematic): Jesus' teaching not to fear those who can kill the body but not the soul contrasts with Saul's excuse of fearing people; both passages address the moral consequences of fearing humans rather than God.
Alternative generated candidates
- Saul said to Samuel, "I have sinned; I have transgressed the command of the LORD and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice.
- Saul said to Samuel, "I have sinned; I have transgressed the command of the LORD and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice.
1 S.15.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועתה: CONJ
- שא: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- נא: PART
- את: PRT,acc
- חטאתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- ושוב: CONJ+VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- עמי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1s
- ואשתחוה: VERB,hitpael,impf,1,sg
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 12:13 (verbal): David confesses 'I have sinned against the LORD,' and Nathan replies 'The LORD also hath put away thy sin'—a close verbal parallel to pleading for one’s sin to be removed.
- Psalm 51:1-2 (verbal): A penitential plea—'Have mercy... blot out my transgressions'—echoes the request to have sin taken away and to be restored for worship.
- Isaiah 6:5-7 (allusion): Isaiah’s confession of impurity followed by a seraph’s purifying touch ('thy iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged') parallels removal of sin enabling worship.
- Psalm 32:5 (thematic): The pattern of confession ('I acknowledged my sin unto thee') and subsequent forgiveness corresponds thematically to pleading for sin’s removal and restored relationship with God.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now therefore, please take my guilt upon me and return with me, that I may worship the LORD."
- Now therefore, please pardon my sin and return with me, that I may worship the LORD."
1 S.15.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- אשוב: VERB,qal,impf,1,?,sg
- עמך: NOUN,m,sg,suff-2m
- כי: CONJ
- מאסתה: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- וימאסך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg+PRON,2,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מהיות: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- על: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 15:23 (verbal): Almost identical statement of cause and effect: Saul 'rejected the word of the LORD' and therefore 'the LORD has rejected you' as king.
- 1 Samuel 13:13-14 (thematic): Samuel earlier declares that because Saul acted foolishly he will lose the kingdom; God has sought 'a man after his own heart,' anticipating the replacement of Saul.
- 1 Samuel 16:1, 16:13 (structural): Following Saul's rejection, God instructs Samuel to anoint David as king (16:1) and Samuel anoints David, after which the Spirit of the LORD comes upon him (16:13).
- 1 Chronicles 10:13-14 (thematic): Saul's death is ascribed to unfaithfulness and failure to keep the word of the LORD, echoing the reason given for God's rejection of Saul in 1 Samuel 15:26.
- Acts 13:22 (allusion): The NT recounts Israel's monarchy, citing God's finding 'a man after his own heart' (David) — an interpretive summary of God's rejection of Saul and choice of David found in 1 Samuel.
Alternative generated candidates
- But Samuel said to Saul, "I will not return with you; for you have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you from being king over Israel."
- Samuel said to Saul, "I will not return with you; for you have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you from being king over Israel."
1 S.15.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויסב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ללכת: VERB,qal,inf
- ויחזק: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בכנף: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מעילו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ויקרע: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Kings 2:12 (verbal): Elisha ‘rent his clothes’ when Elijah was taken up — the same verb/gesture (tearing a garment) by a prophet as an expression of shock, mourning, or prophetic significance.
- 2 Samuel 1:11-12 (structural): David and his men tear their clothes on hearing of Saul and Jonathan’s death — same narrative cycle around Saul where tearing garments signals grief and public reaction to Saul’s fate.
- Job 1:20 (thematic): Job ‘rent his mantle’ and shaved his head on hearing tragic news — a parallel use of tearing clothing as an undoubted expression of intense grief and lamentation.
- Matthew 26:65 (allusion): The high priest rends his garments at Jesus’ claim — a later Jewish/Christian echo of the ancient gesture of tearing clothes to indicate outrage, grief, or the gravity of a prophetic claim.
Alternative generated candidates
- As Samuel turned to go away, he laid hold of the hem of his robe, and it tore.
- Samuel turned to go, and he tore his robe into two pieces.
1 S.15.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- קרע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- ממלכות: NOUN,f,pl,cs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מעליך: PREP,2,m
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ונתנה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לרעך: PREP
- הטוב: ADJ,m,sg,def
- ממך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 13:14 (thematic): Samuel’s declaration that God will replace Saul resonates with 13:14’s verdict that the LORD has sought ‘a man after his own heart’ and has appointed him to be prince over his people — the idea of divinely choosing a replacement king.
- 1 Samuel 16:13 (structural): David’s anointing by Samuel (16:13) is the concrete fulfillment of 15:28: the kingdom is taken from Saul and the LORD anoints another to reign.
- 1 Samuel 24:20 (allusion): Saul’s later acknowledgment of David — blessing him and predicting he will be king over Israel — echoes Samuel’s earlier pronouncement that the kingdom will be given to one ‘better’ than Saul.
- Psalm 78:70–72 (thematic): This psalm recounts God’s choice of David from the sheepfolds to shepherd Israel, reflecting the theme of God removing one leader and establishing another faithful leader.
- Acts 13:22 (quotation): In the New Testament, Paul cites the tradition that God ‘sought out a man after his own heart’ (referring to David). This citation connects the motif of divine replacement in Samuel to the early Christian reading of Israel’s kingship history.
Alternative generated candidates
- Samuel said to him, "The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you this day and has given it to your neighbor who is better than you.
- And Samuel said to him, "The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you this day and has given it to your neighbor, who is better than you.
1 S.15.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וגם: CONJ
- נצח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- ישקר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- ינחם: VERB,niphal,impf,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- אדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- להנחם: INF,niphal
Parallels
- Num.23.19 (verbal): Nearly identical wording: 'God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent.' Direct verbal echo and probable intertextual source.
- Ps.89.34 (thematic): Affirms God's faithfulness and refusal to revoke promises: 'I will not violate my covenant or alter the word that went forth from my lips,' paralleling Samuel's claim that God does not lie or repent.
- Mal.3.6 (thematic): Declares divine immutability ('For I the LORD do not change'), providing the theological basis for saying God does not repent or mislead as a human would.
- Heb.6.18 (thematic): New Testament reflection on God's unchangeableness and trustworthiness—'it is impossible for God to lie'—echoing the same concern with divine fidelity and the impossibility of divine deceit or regret.
- Titus 1:2 (thematic): Speaks of God 'who cannot lie' as the guarantor of promised eternal life; a Pauline affirmation of the same attribute asserted in 1 Samuel 15:29.
Alternative generated candidates
- Moreover, the Glory of Israel will not lie or change his mind; for he is not a man that he should repent."
- Moreover, the Glory of Israel does not lie nor change his mind; for he is not a man, that he should repent."
1 S.15.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- חטאתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- עתה: ADV
- כבדני: VERB,piel,imp,2,m,sg
- נא: PART
- נגד: PREP
- זקני: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- עמי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1s
- ונגד: CONJ+PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושוב: CONJ+VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- עמי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1s
- והשתחויתי: CONJ+VERB,hitpael,perf,1,,sg
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- אלהיך: NOUN,m,sg,prsuf-2ms
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 12:13 (verbal): David's direct confession 'I have sinned against the LORD' after Nathan's rebuke parallels Saul's brief admission 'I have sinned' in response to Samuel's rebuke.
- Psalm 51:1-4,10 (thematic): David's penitential psalm centers on admission of sin, plea for restoration, and inner humility—themes echoed in Saul's confession and request to worship before Israel.
- Jonah 3:8-10 (structural): The people's corporate repentance—public humiliation, fasting, and seeking God's mercy—parallels Saul's appeal for communal return and worship despite his sin.
- 2 Chronicles 33:12-13 (thematic): King Manasseh's humiliation and turning to the LORD after judgment resembles Saul's contrite request to be honored and to lead worship before Israel despite his failure.
Alternative generated candidates
- Saul said, "I have sinned. Yet honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel, and return with me, that I may worship the LORD your God."
- Then Saul said, "I have sinned; yet honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel, and return with me, that I may worship the LORD your God."
1 S.15.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אחרי: PREP
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וישתחו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Exod.4.31 (verbal): Same verb of worship/bowing after divine action: "and the people believed... and bowed down and worshipped" (Heb. וַיִּשְׁתָּחוּ), paralleling the brief report that Saul worshipped YHWH.
- Gen.24.26 (verbal): Abraham’s servant "bowed down his head and worshipped the LORD"—a similar succinct formula (bowing/worship) used to mark a pious response to God's guidance.
- 1Chron.29.20 (structural): David and the assembly bow and worship after a royal liturgical moment; parallels the image of a king (Saul) publicly bowing to YHWH in the aftermath of a prophetic encounter.
- 1Kgs.21.27-29 (thematic): Ahab’s humbled/penitent response to prophetic judgment (tearing clothes, fasting, humbling) echoes the theme of a monarch reacting to prophetic rebuke—Saul’s worship here functions as a royal response to Samuel’s word.
Alternative generated candidates
- Samuel returned after Saul, and Saul worshiped the LORD.
- So Samuel returned after Saul, and Saul worshiped the LORD.
1 S.15.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הגישו: VERB,hiphil,perf,3,m,pl
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אגג: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- עמלק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- אגג: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מעדנת: ADV
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אגג: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אכן: ADV
- סר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המות: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 15:3 (quotation): God's command to Saul to 'destroy Amalek... put to death both man and woman, child and infant'—the divine order that explains why Agag is to be brought before Samuel.
- 1 Samuel 15:33 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation where Samuel executes Agag—clarifies the outcome implicit in 15:32 and completes the scene.
- Exodus 17:8-16 (thematic): The first divine confrontation with Amalek (battle at Rephidim) and God's declaration (v.14) to blot out the remembrance of Amalek—provides theological background for Israel's enmity toward Amalek.
- Deuteronomy 25:17-19 (thematic): A legal/ethical injunction to remember Amalek's attack and to 'blot out the remembrance of Amalek'—echoes the motive and mandate behind Saul's campaign and Agag's capture.
- Psalm 83:7-8 (thematic): A psalmic petition that lists Amalek among Israel's enemies to be dealt with—reflects the enduring tradition of Amalek as a nation to be opposed, resonating with the Agag episode.
Alternative generated candidates
- Samuel said, "Bring me Agag king of the Amalekites." Agag came to him with a gleeful countenance, and Agag said, "Surely the bitterness of death is past."
- Samuel said, "Bring me Agag king of Amalek." Agag came to him cheerfully; and Agag said, "Surely the bitterness of death is past."
1 S.15.33 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- כאשר: CONJ
- שכלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- נשים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- חרבך: NOUN,f,sg,abs+2ms_suff
- כן: ADV
- תשכל: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- מנשים: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- אמך: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- וישסף: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- אגג: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לפני: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בגלגל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 15:2–3 (quotation): The earlier divine command to Saul to utterly destroy Amalek and its king Agag provides the legal/authoritative basis for Samuel’s execution of Agag in 15:33.
- 1 Samuel 15:32 (structural): Immediate narrative context: Agag is brought before Samuel alive, setting the scene for Samuel’s fatal act in 15:33.
- Exodus 17:14–16 (thematic): Yahweh’s declaration of war against Amalek and the command to blot out Amalek’s memory establishes the theological precedent for Israelite destruction of Amalekite leaders like Agag.
- Deuteronomy 25:17–19 (thematic): The injunction to remember Amalek’s attack and to blot out their memory echoes the rationale for complete destruction of Amalekite peoples and rulers in Samuel’s execution of Agag.
- 1 Samuel 30:16–19 (thematic): David’s total defeat of the Amalekites (slaying and recovery of spoil) parallels the motif of complete annihilation of Amalek as seen in Samuel’s killing of Agag.
Alternative generated candidates
- Samuel said, "As your sword has made women childless, so shall your mother be childless among women." And Samuel hewed Agag to pieces before the LORD at Gilgal.
- Samuel said, "As your sword has made women childless, so shall your mother be childless among women." And Samuel hewed Agag to pieces before the LORD at Gilgal.
1 S.15.34 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הרמתה: NOUN,prop,f,sg,abs+3,f,sg
- ושאול: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- ביתו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גבעת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 16:13 (structural): After Samuel anoints David he 'returned to Ramah' — parallels Samuel's return to Ramah here, showing Ramah as Samuel's habitual residence/base.
- 1 Samuel 7:17 (structural): Earlier description of Samuel's circuit and residence at Ramah ('Samuel judged Israel... and would return to Ramah') — parallels the note that Samuel goes back to Ramah.
- 1 Samuel 10:26 (verbal): States that 'Saul went home to Gibeah' (or 'to his house at Gibeah') — a near verbal parallel to Saul's return to his house at Gibeah in 15:34.
- 1 Samuel 9:1–2 (thematic): Introduces Saul as 'Saul son of Kish... a Benjamite of Gibeah of Saul' — thematically connects to 15:34's identification of Saul's home as Gibeah.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then Samuel went to Ramah, but Saul went up to his house at Gibeah of Saul.
- Then Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house at Gibeah of Saul.
1 S.15.35 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולא: CONJ
- יסף: VERB,qal,juss,3,m,sg
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לראות: VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- יום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מותו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- התאבל: VERB,hitp,perf,3,m,sg
- שמואל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויהוה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נחם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- המליך: VERB,hif,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 15:11 (verbal): Earlier in the same chapter God tells Samuel He 'regrets' having made Saul king (same root נחם/repent), a direct verbal parallel to v.35's statement that the LORD was sorry.
- 1 Samuel 16:1 (structural): Immediately follows the narrative of Samuel's mourning: God asks how long Samuel will grieve for Saul and sends him to anoint David, continuing the structural development from Saul's rejection to David's rise.
- Genesis 6:6 (verbal): Uses the same verb of divine regret ('And the LORD regretted/was sorry...') where God regrets creating humanity—parallels the language and concept of God's sorrow over a prior divine decision.
- Jonah 3:10 (verbal): Describes God 'repenting' or relenting after Nineveh's repentance; parallels the motif of divine change of mind/relenting (נחם) in response to human circumstances or actions.
- 2 Samuel 1:17-27 (thematic): David's lament over Saul and Jonathan echoes Samuel's mourning for Saul—both passages present sorrow and lamentation at Saul's death and the end of his reign.
Alternative generated candidates
- Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death, though Samuel mourned for Saul. And the LORD regretted that he had made Saul king over Israel.
- Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death; Samuel mourned for Saul, and the LORD regretted that he had made Saul king over Israel.
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. Thus says the LORD of hosts: I will punish Amalek for what he did to Israel, how he opposed them on the way when they came up from Egypt. Now go and strike Amalek and devote to destruction all that they have; do not spare them, but put to death man and woman, infant and nursing child, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.
Saul mustered the people and numbered them at Telaim: two hundred thousand foot soldiers, and ten thousand men of Judah.
Saul came to the city of Amalek and set an ambush in the valley.
Saul said to the Kenites, "Go, depart; withdraw from among the Amalekites, lest I destroy you with them; for you showed kindness to all the people of Israel when they came up out of Egypt." So the Kenites departed from among the Amalekites.
Saul struck Amalek from Havilah to Shur, which is before Egypt.
He took Agag king of Amalek alive, and devoted to destruction all the people with the edge of the sword. But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep and of the oxen and of the fattened calves and of the lambs and of all that was good; these they kept to sacrifice to the LORD your God; but everything that was despised and worthless they devoted to destruction.
Then the word of the LORD came to Samuel:
"I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following me and has not carried out my commandments." Samuel was angry, and he cried out to the LORD all night.
Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning. And it was told Samuel, "Saul came to Carmel and set up a monument for himself; then he turned and passed on down to Gilgal."
When Samuel came to Saul, Saul said to him, "Blessed be you before the LORD! I have carried out the command of the LORD."
Samuel said, "Then what is this bleating of sheep in my ears, and the lowing of oxen that I hear?"
Saul said, "The people took of the plunder, sheep and oxen, the best of the devoted things, to sacrifice to the LORD your God; but the rest we utterly destroyed."
Samuel said to Saul, "Stay; let me tell you what the LORD said to me last night." And Samuel said to him, "Speak on."
Samuel said, "Is it not because you were little in your own eyes that you were made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed you king over Israel? And the LORD sent you on a mission and said, 'Go, and utterly destroy the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are consumed.'"
Why then did you not obey the voice of the LORD? Why did you rush upon the spoil and do evil in the sight of the LORD?"
Saul said to Samuel, "I have obeyed the voice of the LORD; I went on the mission on which the LORD sent me, and I brought back Agag king of Amalek, and I have utterly destroyed the Amalekites." But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the best of the devoted things, to sacrifice to the LORD your God at Gilgal.
Samuel said, "Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.
For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and stubbornness is as idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you from being king."
Saul said to Samuel, "I have sinned; for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD and your words, because I feared the people and listened to their voice. Now therefore forgive my sin, and return with me, that I may worship the LORD."
Samuel said to Saul, "I will not return with you, for you have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you from being king over Israel."
As Samuel turned to go away, he laid hold of the skirt of his robe, and it tore. And Samuel said to him, "The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to your neighbor, who is better than you.
Moreover the Glory of Israel will not lie or change his mind; for he is not a man, that he should change his mind."
Then Saul said, "I have sinned; yet honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel, and return with me, that I may worship the LORD your God." So Samuel turned back after Saul; and Saul worshiped the LORD.
Samuel said, "Bring me Agag king of the Amalekites." And Agag came to him delicately. And Agag said, "Surely the bitterness of death is past." But Samuel said, "As your sword has made women childless, so shall your mother be childless among women." And Samuel hewed Agag in pieces before the LORD at Gilgal.
Then Samuel went to Ramah, and Saul went up to his house at Gibeah of Saul. And Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death. Samuel mourned for Saul, and the LORD regretted that he had made Saul king over Israel.