1 Samuel 15:35
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It's easy to skim over the emotional weight here, but notice that it's Samuel, not just God, who grieves over Saul. This highlights the deep, personal heartbreak of disloyalty, not just a divine decision being undone. The text emphasizes Samuel's continued sorrow, showing how profoundly Saul's actions impacted those who had invested in him, even after the king's reign was over.
And Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death, but Samuel grieved over Saul. And the LORD regretted that he had made Saul king over Israel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After Saul's disastrous disobedience in the battle against the Amalekites, God declares he is rejecting Saul as king, a decision Samuel deeply grieves over. This rejection marks a turning point where God begins to seek out a new king, foreshadowing the rise of David. Saul's reign is essentially over in God's eyes, even though he still physically sits on the throne for years to come.
We often think of God as distant, but this verse shows a profound emotional response. What does it mean for God to 'regret' something?
The Bible uses human language to help us understand God's actions and feelings. When it says the LORD 'regretted,' it doesn't mean God made a mistake or changed His mind like we do. Instead, it highlights the deep sorrow and pain God felt because of Saul's persistent disobedience. It's about the broken relationship and the disappointment that comes when someone chosen for a sacred purpose turns away.
Think of it like a parent watching their child make destructive choices. The parent doesn't suddenly wish they hadn't had the child, but they grieve the path the child is taking and the potential that is being lost. God's 'regret' here is a powerful expression of His love and His grief over the consequences of sin.
Samuel and Saul's story ends here, marking a definitive break. What does this final scene reveal about consequences?
This verse signifies the tragic end of God's direct relationship with Saul as king. Samuel, God's prophet, would never speak to Saul again. This wasn't a casual parting; it was the culmination of Saul's repeated defiance. God had given Saul multiple chances, but his heart remained hardened.
The finality here is a stark reminder that our choices have lasting consequences. While God is merciful and forgiving, there are times when persistent rebellion leads to separation and a loss of divine favor and purpose. This isn't God abandoning someone, but rather humans rejecting God's leading.
Understand the original words
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abal · Hebrew Verb
A deep, profound emotional distress or sorrow, often associated with loss, sin, or the breaking of a covenant relationship.
nacham · Hebrew Verb
A term expressing God's holy sorrow or profound change of disposition regarding a past action; it does not imply a mistake in God's foreknowledge, but rather His righteous reaction to human rebellion and covenant failure.
This verse captures the profound sorrow and divine regret following Saul's ultimate rejection by God due to persistent disobedience, marking the tragic conclusion of his kingship and Samuel's ministry to him.
c. 1050 BC
Saul Anointed King
Samuel, acting as God's prophet, anoints Saul as the first king of Israel in response to the people's demand for a king like other nations.
c. 1030 BC
Saul's Disobedience at Gilgal
Saul offers a sacrifice prematurely and spares the Amalekite king and livestock against Samuel's direct command, marking a critical turning point in his reign.
c. 1020 BC
David Anointed King
While Saul is still king, Samuel is sent by God to anoint David, the youngest son of Jesse, as the future king of Israel.
c. 1020-1015 BC
Saul Pursues David
Saul, increasingly paranoid and jealous, hunts David relentlessly, viewing him as a threat to his throne, leading to David living as a fugitive.
c. 1015 BC
Saul Consults the Witch of Endor
Desperate before a major battle, Saul seeks out a medium to communicate with the deceased prophet Samuel, an act forbidden by God.
c. 1015 BC— this verse
Saul's Death at Mount Gilboa
Saul and his sons are killed in battle against the Philistines, a tragic end to his tumultuous reign.
This passage shows Samuel confronting Saul for his disobedience, revealing the seeds of Saul's downfall and God's subsequent decision to seek out another king.
2 Samuel 7:14-16This passage describes God's covenant with David, highlighting God's steadfast love and commitment, which contrasts with Saul's rejection due to his persistent disobedience.
Jeremiah 18:7-10This prophetic passage speaks to God's sovereignty and His willingness to change His decree concerning a nation or person based on their actions, mirroring the situation with Saul.
Romans 11:29This New Testament passage emphasizes that God's gifts and His call are irrevocable, offering a different perspective on God's faithfulness in contrast to Saul's unfaithfulness.
It's easy to skim over the emotional weight here, but notice that it's Samuel, not just God, who grieves over Saul. This highlights the deep, personal heartbreak of disloyalty, not just a divine decision being undone. The text emphasizes Samuel's continued sorrow, showing how profoundly Saul's actions impacted those who had invested in him, even after the king's reign was over.
After Saul's disastrous disobedience in the battle against the Amalekites, God declares he is rejecting Saul as king, a decision Samuel deeply grieves over. This rejection marks a turning point where God begins to seek out a new king, foreshadowing the rise of David. Saul's reign is essentially over in God's eyes, even though he still physically sits on the throne for years to come.
After Saul's disastrous disobedience in the battle against the Amalekites, God declares he is rejecting Saul as king, a decision Samuel deeply grieves over. This rejection marks a turning point where God begins to seek out a new king, foreshadowing the rise of David. Saul's reign is essentially over in God's eyes, even though he still physically sits on the throne for years to come.
"And Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death, but Samuel grieved over Saul. And the LORD regretted that he had made Saul king over Israel." — It's easy to skim over the emotional weight here, but notice that it's Samuel, not just God, who grieves over Saul. This highlights the deep, personal heartbreak of disloyalty, not just a divine de…
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Last reviewed October 2026
