1 Samuel 15:35
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Samuel 15:35
35 And Samuel came no more to see Saul until the day of his death: nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul: and the LORD repented that he had made Saul king over Israel.
Chapter Context
1 Samuel 15 is a biographical narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of covenant, judgment, discipleship. Written during the transition to monarchy (c. 1050-1010 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Israel transitioned from tribal confederacy to monarchy while facing Philistine military pressure.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-35: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Samuel and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Samuel 15:35
35 And Samuel came no more to see Saul until the day of his death: nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul: and the LORD repented that he had made Saul king over Israel.
Analysis
And Samuel came no more to see Saul until the day of his death: nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul: and the LORD repented that he had made Saul king over Israel.
The chapter concludes with profound grief: 'Samuel came no more to see Saul until the day of his death: nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul.' The Hebrew aval ('mourned') describes grief as for the dead. Samuel mourns not Saul's death but the death of what Saul could have been. The final note - 'and the LORD repented that he had made Saul king over Israel' - returns to verse 11's theme. Divine grief bookends this chapter of rejection. God and prophet together mourn the tragedy of rejected grace.
Historical Context
Samuel's mourning reflects the depth of his investment in Saul. As the prophet who anointed him and announced God's choice, Samuel bore personal grief at Saul's failure. This ongoing mourning would require divine intervention to end (16:1).
Reflection
- What does it mean to mourn for the living - for what someone could have been?
- How do divine grief and prophetic grief together witness to the tragedy of rejected grace?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Kingdom: 1 Samuel 15:11, 16:1
- Creation: Genesis 6:6
- Parallel theme: 1 Samuel 19:24, Philippians 3:18