1 Samuel 15:26
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.
Original Language Analysis
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אָשׁ֖וּב
I will not return
H7725
אָשׁ֖וּב
I will not return
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
6 of 18
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
עִמָּ֑ךְ
H5973
עִמָּ֑ךְ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
7 of 18
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
וַיִּמְאָֽסְךָ֣
hath rejected
H3988
וַיִּמְאָֽסְךָ֣
hath rejected
Strong's:
H3988
Word #:
9 of 18
to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
דְּבַ֣ר
the word
H1697
דְּבַ֣ר
the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
11 of 18
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָ֔ה
and the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
and the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
12 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַיִּמְאָֽסְךָ֣
hath rejected
H3988
וַיִּמְאָֽסְךָ֣
hath rejected
Strong's:
H3988
Word #:
13 of 18
to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear
יְהוָ֔ה
and the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
and the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
14 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מִֽהְי֥וֹת
H1961
מִֽהְי֥וֹת
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
15 of 18
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
Cross References
Hosea 4:6My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.1 Samuel 13:14But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee.1 Samuel 16:1And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Beth-lehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.Jeremiah 6:19Hear, O earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it.1 Samuel 15:23For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.1 Samuel 2:30Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.1 Samuel 15:31So Samuel turned again after Saul; and Saul worshipped the LORD.2 John 1:11For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.Genesis 42:38And he said, My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he is left alone: if mischief befall him by the way in the which ye go, then shall ye bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave.
Historical Context
Prophetic withdrawal from kings marked divine judgment throughout Israel's history. Elijah's flight from Ahab and prophetic opposition to various kings followed this pattern. Samuel's refusal established the precedent.
Questions for Reflection
- When should religious leaders withdraw from lending legitimacy to disobedient leadership?
- What does Samuel's refusal teach about the relationship between prophetic ministry and royal authority?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
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.
Samuel's refusal - 'I will not return with thee' - withdraws prophetic support from Saul's reign. The prophet restates the verdict: 'thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel.' The repetition emphasizes finality. Samuel's withdrawal is not personal rejection but prophetic witness to divine verdict. By refusing to accompany Saul to worship, Samuel demonstrates that religious ritual cannot proceed as if nothing has changed when fundamental covenant violation has occurred.