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The interview between Samuel and Saul was now ended. "It was a fearful meeting; it was followed by a lifelong parting." The earlier course of Saul (from the time the prophet met him in the gate at Ramah) was marked by modesty, prudence, generosity, and lofty spiritual impulses, and was one of brilliant promise. His subsequent course (from his first wrong step before the war of Michmash), although distinguished by external prosperity, was marked, by self-will, presumption, disobedience, and selfishness, and was one of rapid degeneracy. How must the prophet have lamented as he saw the wreck of that early brightened life!" On his part, more especially, the separation was -

I. NEEDFUL. A good man is compelled to separate from those to whom he has given his counsel and aid

1. When from lack of sympathy and opposition of aim he can no longer effectively cooperate with them.

2. When he cannot hope to exert a beneficial influence upon them.

3. When his continuance with them affords a sanction to a course which he cannot approve. His parting' is a condemnation of it, and is rendered necessary by truth and righteousness. "God's ambassador was recalled from him; the intercourse of the God of Israel came to an end because Saul, sinking step by step away from God, had by continued disobedience and increasing impenitence given up communion with God" (Erdmann). "Had he spared this spiritual child, when to spare him would have been contrary to the fundamental law of the theocracy, the worst possible precedent would have been afforded for future ages by this first king" (Ewald).

II. RESPECTFUL. Samuel acceded to the request of Saul to honour him before the people; and although it is not stated how far he participated with him in worship, yet he evidently avoided an open and violent rupture with him, and gave him honour, as civil ruler, to the last. Respect is due "not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward," on account of -

1. The authority and power that may be intrusted to them in the providence of God (Romans 13:1).

2. The natural dignity of man - great in ruin, capable of restoration, and susceptible to the influence of kindness or contempt. Jesus did not resent the kiss with which Judas betrayed him, but said, "Friend, wherefore comest thou hither?"

3. The requirements of social order and peace. Saul was even yet the best king the people were fit to receive, and the conduct of Samuel indicated the duty of submission, which, in the spirit of their king, they were not always disposed to render (ver. 24; 1 Samuel 14:45).

III. SORROWFUL. "Nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul." With heavy heart and weary feet the old prophet took his way up from Gilgal to Ramah, and mourned for Saul, who, on the opposite hill of Gibeah, pursued his wilful way, bringing upon himself and Israel inevitable and overwhelming woe; alive, yet dead; so near, yet so completely lost.

1. What object is more mournful than a soul "going astray" from God?

2. What sorrow is too great at such a sight?

3. How vast is that Divine sorrow of which the human is the product and reflection! "And the Lord repented," etc. The prophetic spirit is one of wide and deep sympathy at once with God and man, and it was perfectly possessed by "the Man of sorrows." "Samuel mourned for Saul, but we do not hear that Saul mourned for himself."

IV. FINAL. He "came no more to see Saul" - gave him counsel no more as aforetime, which indeed was not desired; and he only saw him once again, when he forced himself into his presence (ch. 19:24). When good men are compelled by the conduct of the wicked to separate from them, the parting -

1. Deprives the latter of incalculable benefits, however lightly they may be estimated at the time.

2. Tends to increase the moral distance between them, and render the restoration of their intercourse more and more impossible.

3. Is certain to be hereafter bitterly but vainly regretted (ch. 28:15, 18). Oh, the sad and perpetual separations that are caused by sin! The paths of Samuel and Saul (like those of Moses and Pharaoh, Paul and Demas) may be compared to the courses of two ships that meet on the ocean, and sail near each other for a season, not without danger of collision, and then part asunder, the one to reach a "desired haven," the other to make shipwreck and become a castaway. - D.

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KJV: Then Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house to Gibeah of Saul.

WEB: Then Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house to Gibeah of Saul.