1 Samuel 15:26 And Samuel said to Saul, I will not return with you: for you have rejected the word of the LORD… Few characters more blameless than that of Samuel. I. HIS OFFICE. This was to declare the will of God. He was not called to decide or to adjudicate, but to declare. When Saul was called to the kingdom, Samuel was employed to declare to him the call of God (1 Samuel 9:17, 20): He did not select, but declare God's selection. So when Saul was to be set aside. Samuel was employed to declare his deposition (1 Samuel 15:28). He did not depose, but declared God's deposition II. THE SPIRIT IN WHICH HE ACTED. 1. He was faithful to the Lord who sent him. He faithfully convicted Saul of his disobedience (ver. 14, 17). He showed him the hollowness of his vain excuses (vers. 22, 23). He fearlessly and faithfully told him that the Lord had that day rent the kingdom from him (ver. 26). Learn that those who have a message from God must give it faithfully. 2. He was most tender to the sinner to whom he was sent. Had he given way to personal jealousy, he might have been pleased at the fall of Saul; for when he was old the people had asked for a king in a most ungrateful spirit.But he showed no such mean jealousy. 1. When he heard of Saul's fault he was grieved and spent the whole night in prayer (ver. 11). He did not give his reproof in a hard and unfeeling spirit, but with a sorrowing heart. The lips that seemed so severe in declaring judgment had been employed all night in pleading for mercy. 2. When the sentence of God was announced, he did all he could to mitigate the pain. It is the duty of the minister faithfully to denounce sin; but if he would do so effectually, he must prepare the way by tenderness, tears, and prayers; and he must accompany his painful message by a clear evidence of sorrowful tenderness towards the sinner. Nothing tends more to harden sinners than hard denunciation. (E. Horne, M. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel. |
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