King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 15:1 Mean?

1 Samuel 15:1 in the King James Version says “Samuel also said unto Saul, The LORD sent me to anoint thee to be king over his people, over Israel: now therefore heark...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Samuel also said unto Saul, The LORD sent me to anoint thee to be king over his people, over Israel: now therefore hearken thou unto the voice of the words of the LORD.”

1 Samuel 15:1 · KJV

Context

1

Samuel also said unto Saul, The LORD sent me to anoint thee to be king over his people, over Israel: now therefore hearken thou unto the voice of the words of the LORD.

2

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt.

3

Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.

Read 1 Samuel 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Samuel also said unto Saul, The LORD sent me to anoint thee to be king over his people, over Israel: now therefore hearken thou unto the voice of the words of the LORD.

Saul's failure demonstrates that partial obedience is disobedience, and religious activity cannot substitute for heart surrender. His pattern of excuses, blame-shifting, and selective compliance while maintaining outward religious appearance warns against external religion without internal transformation. The pronouncement that 'to obey is better than sacrifice' establishes that God desires humble submission over impressive religious performance. Saul's rejection teaches that prolonged disobedience, even mixed with apparent faithfulness, eventually results in God's withdrawal of calling and blessing.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The establishment of monarchy around 1050-1010 BCE represented a dramatic political and theological shift for Israel. Unlike surrounding nations where kings were considered divine or semi-divine, Israel's kings were supposed to function under God's ultimate authority as laid out in Deuteronomy 17:14-20. The Benjamite tribe occupied strategic territory between Ephraim and Judah, making Saul's selection a politically astute choice to balance tribal rivalries. Archaeological remains from this period show increased fortification and centralization of settlements, confirming the transition to state-level organization.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage clarify the relationship between genuine faith and concrete obedience, and what does it teach about partial compliance?
  2. Are there areas where you practice selective obedience, substituting religious activity for heart-level surrender to God's commands?
  3. How does this passage connect to the larger biblical narrative of redemption and point toward Christ and the gospel?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 18

“also said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שְׁמוּאֵל֙2 of 18

“Samuel”

H8050

shemuel, the name of three israelites

אֶל3 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שָׁא֔וּל4 of 18

“unto Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

אֹתִ֨י5 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שָׁלַ֤ח6 of 18

“sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

יְהוָֽה׃7 of 18

“The LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לִמְשָֽׁחֳךָ֣8 of 18

“me to anoint”

H4886

to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint

לְמֶ֔לֶךְ9 of 18

“thee to be king”

H4428

a king

עַל10 of 18
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

עַמּ֖וֹ11 of 18

“over his people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

עַל12 of 18
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל13 of 18

“over Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וְעַתָּ֣ה14 of 18
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

שְׁמַ֔ע15 of 18

“now therefore hearken”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

לְק֖וֹל16 of 18

“thou unto the voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

דִּבְרֵ֥י17 of 18

“of the words”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְהוָֽה׃18 of 18

“The LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 15:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 15:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 9:161 Samuel 12:14Psalms 2:10-111 Chronicles 22:12-131 Samuel 13:131 Samuel 10:1

Test Your Knowledge

1 Samuel 15 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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