God here initiates Samuel’s stern message of rejection toward Saul because of his deliberate disregard of the divine command.
Then the word of the LORD came to Samuel, saying, (v.10). This statement occurs immediately after King Saul’s disobedience concerning the Amalekites, when he failed to fully carry out God’s instructions to destroy them and all their possessions (1 Samuel 15:2, 9). Saul’s disobedience revealed his misplaced fear of the people over the commands of the LORD. Samuel (born around 1105 BC and ministering until about 1010 BC) was the last of Israel’s judges and a pivotal prophet who bridged the period of the judges with the establishment of the monarchy. This verse marks the moment when God begins to speak to Samuel about Saul’s rebellion, leading up to God’s ultimate rejection of Saul as king.
By the time we arrive at verse 10, the prophet Samuel already suspects Saul’s unfaithfulness. The LORD’s words underscore that God values obedience more than outward ritual (1 Samuel 15:22). Disobedience goes beyond merely breaking a rule; it reveals a rebellious heart that trusts itself or others above the God who delivered Israel from Egypt. In the larger context of 1 Samuel 15, God uses His spokesman Samuel to confront Saul’s rationalizing and remind him that leadership over the LORD’s people carries a serious responsibility: humility and faithfulness to the One True King.
Saul’s failure to heed God’s command sets a tragic precedent for the remainder of his reign. Nevertheless, in these few words—“Then the word of the LORD came to Samuel”—we see God’s intervening grace, sending a prophet to confront wrongdoing in hopes of calling His people and their leaders to repent. The verse underscores the LORD’s active involvement in the affairs of Israel and His righteous judgment upon those who are unwilling to submit to His authority.
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1 Samuel 15:10 meaning
Then the word of the LORD came to Samuel, saying, (v.10). This statement occurs immediately after King Saul’s disobedience concerning the Amalekites, when he failed to fully carry out God’s instructions to destroy them and all their possessions (1 Samuel 15:2, 9). Saul’s disobedience revealed his misplaced fear of the people over the commands of the LORD. Samuel (born around 1105 BC and ministering until about 1010 BC) was the last of Israel’s judges and a pivotal prophet who bridged the period of the judges with the establishment of the monarchy. This verse marks the moment when God begins to speak to Samuel about Saul’s rebellion, leading up to God’s ultimate rejection of Saul as king.
By the time we arrive at verse 10, the prophet Samuel already suspects Saul’s unfaithfulness. The LORD’s words underscore that God values obedience more than outward ritual (1 Samuel 15:22). Disobedience goes beyond merely breaking a rule; it reveals a rebellious heart that trusts itself or others above the God who delivered Israel from Egypt. In the larger context of 1 Samuel 15, God uses His spokesman Samuel to confront Saul’s rationalizing and remind him that leadership over the LORD’s people carries a serious responsibility: humility and faithfulness to the One True King.
Saul’s failure to heed God’s command sets a tragic precedent for the remainder of his reign. Nevertheless, in these few words—“Then the word of the LORD came to Samuel”—we see God’s intervening grace, sending a prophet to confront wrongdoing in hopes of calling His people and their leaders to repent. The verse underscores the LORD’s active involvement in the affairs of Israel and His righteous judgment upon those who are unwilling to submit to His authority.