1 Samuel 15:28

Authorized King James Version

And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלָיו֙

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שְׁמוּאֵ֔ל

H8050

And Samuel

shemuel, the name of three israelites

קָרַ֨ע

H7167

hath rent

to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)

יְהוָ֜ה

H3068

unto him The LORD

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

אֶֽת

H853

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

מַמְלְכ֧וּת

H4468

the kingdom

dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל

H3478

of Israel

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

מֵֽעָלֶ֖יךָ

H5921

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

#10

הַיּ֑וֹם

H3117

from thee this day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#11

וּנְתָנָ֕הּ

H5414

and hath given

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#12

לְרֵֽעֲךָ֖

H7453

it to a neighbour

an associate (more or less close)

#13

הַטּ֥וֹב

H2896

of thine that is better

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

#14

מִמֶּֽךָּ׃

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing kingdom relates to eschatology and the ultimate purpose of God's redemptive plan and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show imperial and royal imagery familiar to subjects of ancient monarchies, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of kingdom differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding kingdom in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

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Samuel

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