1 Samuel 15:28
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.
Original Language Analysis
קָרַ֨ע
hath rent
H7167
קָרַ֨ע
hath rent
Strong's:
H7167
Word #:
4 of 14
to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)
יְהוָ֜ה
unto him The LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֜ה
unto him The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מַמְלְכ֧וּת
the kingdom
H4468
מַמְלְכ֧וּת
the kingdom
Strong's:
H4468
Word #:
7 of 14
dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
8 of 14
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
מֵֽעָלֶ֖יךָ
H5921
מֵֽעָלֶ֖יךָ
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַיּ֑וֹם
from thee this day
H3117
הַיּ֑וֹם
from thee this day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
10 of 14
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
וּנְתָנָ֕הּ
and hath given
H5414
וּנְתָנָ֕הּ
and hath given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
11 of 14
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
Historical Context
The transfer to David would not be complete for approximately 15 years, yet Samuel announces it as accomplished 'this day.' Prophetic perspective often telescopes future events as present realities. David is described as 'better' because of his heart attitude (13:14), not moral perfection.
Questions for Reflection
- What does God's giving the kingdom to one 'better' teach about the basis of divine favor?
- How should we understand prophetic 'this day' announcements of events that unfold over years?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
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.
Samuel interprets the torn garment: '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.' Three elements constitute this prophetic oracle: the divine actor ('the LORD hath rent'), the timing ('this day'), and the replacement ('a neighbour... better than thou'). The 'neighbour' is David, though unnamed. 'Better than thou' does not mean sinless but indicates a heart orientation toward God that Saul lacks. The kingdom transfer is presented as accomplished fact, though Saul will reign many more years.