1 samuel 15:24 - Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned; for I have transgressed the commandment of Yahweh, and your words, because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.

Generated Verse: 1 samuel 15:24

What does "1 samuel 15:24" mean?


This verse, 1 Samuel 15:24, is a pivotal moment in the story of King Saul's downfall. Let's break down its meaning:

"Saul said to Samuel, 'I have sinned;'" This is Saul's initial confession of wrongdoing. He acknowledges that he has committed a sin.

"for I have transgressed the commandment of Yahweh, and your words," This clarifies the nature of Saul's sin. He's admitting to disobeying both God's direct command (Yahweh is the personal name of God in the Old Testament) and the instructions that Samuel, as God's prophet, had relayed to him. Specifically, this refers back to God's command through Samuel to completely destroy the Amalekites and all their possessions (verse 3). Saul failed to do this.

"because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice." This is the crucial part that explains Saul's motive and the core of his transgression. Saul's explanation is that he didn't carry out God's command fully because he was afraid of the people (his soldiers and the public). He prioritized their desires (likely to keep some of the livestock and plunder) over obedience to God. He yielded to popular opinion instead of adhering to divine authority.

In essence, the verse signifies:

Disobedience: Saul openly admits to disobeying God's clear command.
Prioritization of Human Opinion over Divine Will: Saul's primary motivation for disobedience was fear of the people and a desire to please them. He valued human approval more than God's approval.
Lack of Leadership: A leader should be obedient to God. Saul's actions demonstrated a weakness in his leadership, as he allowed the desires of the people to sway him from his duty to God.
Consequences: This moment is significant because it marks a turning point. God rejects Saul as king because Saul rejected God's word. Saul's fear of the people had dire consequences for his reign and the future of Israel.

The verse highlights the importance of obedience to God, even when it is difficult or unpopular. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing human desires over divine commands and a warning against leaders who prioritize popularity over principles.

What categories does "1 samuel 15:24" have?