1 Samuel 15:35

And to the day of his death, Samuel never again visited Saul. Samuel mourned for Saul, and the LORD regretted that He had made Saul king over Israel.

Study Bible

And to the day of his death, Samuel never again visited Saul.
This phrase highlights the finality of the broken relationship between Samuel and Saul. Samuel, the last judge and a prophet, had anointed Saul as king under God's direction. However, Saul's disobedience led to God's rejection of him as king. The separation signifies a divine judgment and a shift in leadership, as God prepares to anoint David. This also underscores the seriousness of Saul's disobedience and the resulting consequences. The phrase reflects the gravity of divine rejection and the end of a prophetic relationship.

Samuel mourned for Saul,
Samuel's mourning indicates his deep sorrow over Saul's failure and the resulting consequences for Israel. Despite Saul's disobedience, Samuel's grief shows his compassion and concern for the nation and its leadership. This mourning can be compared to the grief of God over human sinfulness, reflecting a heart aligned with God's purposes. Samuel's lamentation is reminiscent of other biblical figures who mourned over the spiritual state of God's people, such as Jeremiah and Jesus.

and the LORD regretted that He had made Saul king over Israel.
The term "regretted" here is anthropopathic, attributing human emotions to God to convey His displeasure with Saul's actions. This does not imply a change in God's nature or plan but highlights the seriousness of Saul's failure to fulfill his role as king. The regret is a reflection of God's holiness and justice, as well as His desire for obedience from His chosen leaders. This phrase connects to other instances where God expresses regret or sorrow over human sin, such as in Genesis 6:6 before the flood. It also foreshadows the coming of a king after God's own heart, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who perfectly obeys the Father.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Samuel
A prophet and judge of Israel who anointed Saul as the first king. He represents God's voice and authority in Israel.

2. Saul
The first king of Israel, chosen by God but later rejected due to his disobedience. His reign marks a significant period in Israel's history.

3. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, who expresses regret over Saul's kingship due to Saul's failure to obey His commands.

4. Israel
The nation chosen by God, which demanded a king to be like other nations, leading to Saul's anointment.

5. Mourning
Samuel's emotional response to Saul's rejection, indicating the gravity of Saul's disobedience and its impact on Israel.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Disobedience
Saul's account is a powerful reminder that disobedience to God's commands can lead to severe consequences, including the loss of divine favor.

The Role of Godly Leadership
Samuel's mourning for Saul underscores the importance of godly leadership and the impact of a leader's failure on the community.

Divine Regret and Human Responsibility
God's regret over Saul's kingship highlights the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. It calls believers to align their actions with God's will.

The Importance of Repentance
While Saul's disobedience led to his rejection, the opportunity for repentance and restoration is a recurring theme in Scripture, urging believers to seek God's forgiveness.

The Sovereignty of God
Despite human failures, God's plans prevail. The transition from Saul to David demonstrates God's control over history and His ability to bring about His purposes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Samuel's mourning for Saul reflect the emotional and spiritual impact of disobedience on a community?

2. In what ways does Saul's account serve as a warning for leaders today regarding the importance of obedience to God?

3. How can we reconcile the concept of God's regret with His omniscience and sovereignty, and what does this teach us about our relationship with Him?

4. What lessons can we learn from the transition of leadership from Saul to David about God's criteria for choosing leaders?

5. How can we apply the principle of repentance in our lives when we recognize areas of disobedience to God's commands?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 13
Details Saul's earlier disobedience, setting the stage for his ultimate rejection by God.

1 Samuel 16
Introduces David, whom God chooses as Saul's successor, highlighting the transition of leadership.

Genesis 6
God's regret over humanity's wickedness parallels His regret over Saul, emphasizing divine sorrow over human sin.

Acts 13
Paul references Saul's rejection and David's anointment, illustrating God's sovereign choice in leadership.