1 Samuel 15:14
And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?
Original Language Analysis
וּמֶ֛ה
H4100
וּמֶ֛ה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
הַצֹּ֥אן
of the sheep
H6629
הַצֹּ֥אן
of the sheep
Strong's:
H6629
Word #:
5 of 12
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
הַזֶּ֖ה
H2088
בְּאָזְנָ֑י
in mine ears
H241
בְּאָזְנָ֑י
in mine ears
Strong's:
H241
Word #:
7 of 12
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
הַבָּקָ֔ר
of the oxen
H1241
הַבָּקָ֔ר
of the oxen
Strong's:
H1241
Word #:
9 of 12
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
Historical Context
The sounds of livestock would have been unmistakable. Saul could not hide the evidence of his disobedience. Samuel's rhetorical question forces Saul to acknowledge what his claim to obedience attempted to deny.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'bleating' in your life testifies against claims of obedience?
- How does evidence-based confrontation differ from theoretical theological argument?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?
Samuel's devastating question - 'What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?' - lets reality expose self-deception. The spared animals testify against Saul's claim of obedience. Samuel does not argue theology; he simply points to evidence. The Hebrew verbs for animal sounds (qol, 'voice') ironically suggests the livestock 'testifies' against the king. Evidence-based confrontation remains the most effective response to self-deception.