1 Samuel 15:26

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

שְׁמוּאֵל֙

H8050

And Samuel

shemuel, the name of three israelites

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שָׁא֔וּל

H7586

unto Saul

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אָשׁ֖וּב

H7725

I will not return

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

עִמָּ֑ךְ

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

כִּ֤י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

וַיִּמְאָֽסְךָ֣

H3988

hath rejected

to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear

#10

אֶת

H853

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

#11

דְּבַ֣ר

H1697

the word

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

#12

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

and the LORD

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

#13

וַיִּמְאָֽסְךָ֣

H3988

hath rejected

to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear

#14

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

and the LORD

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

#15

מִֽהְי֥וֹת

H1961

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

#16

מֶ֖לֶךְ

H4428

thee from being king

a king

#17

עַל

H5921

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

#18

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

over Israel

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Samuel.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Samuel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

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