And Samuel said to Saul, “The LORD sent me to anoint you king over his people Israel; now therefore listen to the words of the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights a crucial moment: Samuel isn't just delivering a message; he's reminding Saul of his divine appointment and calling him to immediate obedience. The emphasis isn't on Saul's existing kingship, but on the fact that God initiated it and now requires him to listen to His specific instructions.
And Samuel said to Saul, “The LORD sent me to anoint you king over his people Israel; now therefore listen to the words of the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Just before this, Saul had won a significant victory against the Ammonites, and the people were excited about him as their king. Now, the LORD is giving Saul a very specific and serious command: to utterly destroy the Amalekites, a people who had previously attacked Israel. This directive is a crucial test of Saul's obedience, laying the groundwork for his later failures.
Kingship in ancient Israel wasn't a popularity contest or a coup. It was a divine appointment. See how God personally launched Saul's reign.
God's Initiative in Leadership
This verse kicks off a pivotal moment, reminding us that God is the one who initiates leadership. Samuel, the prophet, is God's messenger, explicitly stating, 'The LORD sent me to anoint you king...' This wasn't Saul's idea, nor was it a popular uprising. It was God's sovereign choice and plan for Israel. This sets a crucial precedent: leaders are ultimately accountable to God, not just the people they govern. It highlights the sacred trust placed in those God raises up.
The Call to Obedience
The second part of the verse is the immediate command: '...now therefore listen to the words of the LORD.' This isn't a suggestion; it's the core requirement of Saul's new office. True kingship, in God's eyes, is defined by obedience to His word. This sets the stage for the conflict to come, as Saul's future actions will be measured against this foundational command.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
Ask a follow-up
The personal name of the one true God of Israel, revealing His covenant faithfulness, eternal self-existence, and holiness.
mashach · Hebrew Verb
To consecrate or set apart a person or object for a specific divine office or task, usually through the application of oil, signifying the Holy Spirit's enablement and empowerment.
This verse marks a pivotal moment where Saul's understanding of his divine appointment clashes with his flawed execution of God's commands, highlighting the profound importance of obedience over mere position.
c. 1050 BC
Saul Anointed King
Samuel, acting on God's behalf, secretly anoints Saul as king, marking the transition from judges to monarchy.
c. 1040 BC
Saul's Early Reign and Victories
Saul establishes his rule, leading Israel in significant victories against the Ammonites and other enemies, consolidating his power.
c. 1040 BC— this verse
The Amalekite Campaign Begins
Saul rallies the Israelite army for a major military campaign against the Amalekites, a long-standing enemy of Israel.
c. 1040 BC
Saul Disobeys God's Command
Saul spares King Agag and the best of the livestock, directly disobeying Samuel's command, which was God's command, to utterly destroy the Amalekites.
c. 1040 BC
God Rejects Saul as King
Because of Saul's disobedience, Samuel informs him that the LORD has rejected him as king over Israel, a devastating pronouncement.
c. 1040 BC
David Anointed as Future King
Following Saul's rejection, Samuel goes to Bethlehem and anoints the young David, of the tribe of Judah, as the future king of Israel.
This passage echoes God's promise to raise up a prophet like Moses, who would speak God's words, just as Samuel is doing here for Saul.
1 Samuel 9:15-16This passage shows God's direct instruction to Samuel to anoint Saul, establishing the divine origin of Saul's kingship and Samuel's mission.
1 Samuel 13:13-14This passage highlights Saul's earlier disobedience and the consequence that his kingdom would not continue, providing context for why obedience is so critical now.
Jeremiah 7:23This verse from Jeremiah emphasizes the core command God gave His people: to listen and obey His voice, reinforcing the central theme of Samuel's message to Saul.
This verse highlights a crucial moment: Samuel isn't just delivering a message; he's reminding Saul of his divine appointment and calling him to immediate obedience. The emphasis isn't on Saul's existing kingship, but on the fact that God initiated it and now requires him to listen to His specific instructions.
Just before this, Saul had won a significant victory against the Ammonites, and the people were excited about him as their king. Now, the LORD is giving Saul a very specific and serious command: to utterly destroy the Amalekites, a people who had previously attacked Israel. This directive is a crucial test of Saul's obedience, laying the groundwork for his later failures.
Just before this, Saul had won a significant victory against the Ammonites, and the people were excited about him as their king. Now, the LORD is giving Saul a very specific and serious command: to utterly destroy the Amalekites, a people who had previously attacked Israel. This directive is a crucial test of Saul's obedience, laying the groundwork for his later failures.
"And Samuel said to Saul, “The LORD sent me to anoint you king over his people Israel; now therefore listen to the words of the LORD." — This verse highlights a crucial moment: Samuel isn't just delivering a message; he's reminding Saul of his divine appointment and calling him to immediate obedience. The emphasis isn't on Saul's ex…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026