King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 15:10 Mean?

1 Samuel 15:10 in the King James Version says “Then came the word of the LORD unto Samuel, saying, — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then came the word of the LORD unto Samuel, saying,

1 Samuel 15:10 · KJV


Context

8

And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword.

9

But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly. fatlings: or, second sort

10

Then came the word of the LORD unto Samuel, saying,

11

It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.

12

And when Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning, it was told Samuel, saying, Saul came to Carmel, and, behold, he set him up a place, and is gone about, and passed on, and gone down to Gilgal.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then came the word of the LORD unto Samuel, saying,

The divine word 'came unto Samuel' - not to Saul - underscoring the broken communication between God and king. Samuel receives revelation that will reject the king he anointed. The phrase 'Then came the word of the LORD' introduces solemn prophetic formula typically preceding judgment oracles. God speaks about Saul to His prophet rather than directly to the disobedient king. This mediated communication marks deterioration in divine-royal relationship.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Prophetic reception of divine judgment against kings became a pattern in Israelite history. Samuel's role as intermediary between God and Saul established the prophetic office as conscience to the crown. Later prophets would similarly announce divine verdicts on royal disobedience.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean when God speaks about us to others rather than directly to us?
  2. How does prophetic announcement of judgment function differently than direct divine communication?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וַֽיְהִי֙1 of 6
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

דְּבַר2 of 6

Then came the word

H1697

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

יְהוָ֔ה3 of 6

of the LORD

H3068

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

אֶל4 of 6
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שְׁמוּאֵ֖ל5 of 6

unto Samuel

H8050

shemuel, the name of three israelites

לֵאמֹֽר׃6 of 6

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)


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 15:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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