This verse marks the pivotal moment where Samuel halts Saul’s self-justification and prepares to declare God’s solemn judgment.
“Then Samuel said to Saul, ‘Wait, and let me tell you what the LORD said to me last night.’ And he said to him, ‘Speak!’” (v.16)
In this verse, Samuel, the last judge and a prominent prophet (circa 1105 - 1010 BC), speaks directly to King Saul, who reigned from about 1050 - 1010 BC. The command “Wait” signals the importance of the moment. Samuel wants Saul to pause and listen carefully, for God has spoken a word regarding Saul’s actions, most immediately connected to Saul’s failure to fully obey God’s command to destroy the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:9). Saul’s partial disobedience set him on a path where he would hear dreadful news from the LORD, delivered through Samuel. Here, Samuel is about to reveal the LORD’s pronouncement of judgment, foreshadowing Saul’s rejection as Israel’s king because he rejected the word of God (1 Samuel 15:22-23).
Samuel had faithfully mentored Saul since he first anointed him, hoping Saul would humble himself under God’s instructions (1 Samuel 10:1). Saul, however, continually struggled to submit to God, choosing instead to heed the voice of the people more than the voice of the LORD (1 Samuel 15:24). Yet, the prophet’s stance in this verse is firm—no matter how Saul tries to excuse or justify his behavior, Samuel insists that the king pay attention to the authoritative message of the LORD, emphasizing that obedience is more desirable to God than any ritual offering (1 Samuel 15:22). This scene reminds us that righteous leadership in Israel demanded trust in and faithfulness to God’s revealed word.
In a broader biblical context, the theme of listening to God’s voice runs throughout the scriptures (John 10:27). Rebelling against God’s word carries consequences (Deuteronomy 28:15), whereas those who respond repentantly find mercy (Isaiah 55:7). Samuel’s insistence that Saul should “Wait” and “Speak!” underscores how urgent and dire it is for everyone—even a king—to heed God’s truth wholeheartedly rather than superficially.
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1 Samuel 15:16 meaning
“Then Samuel said to Saul, ‘Wait, and let me tell you what the LORD said to me last night.’ And he said to him, ‘Speak!’” (v.16)
In this verse, Samuel, the last judge and a prominent prophet (circa 1105 - 1010 BC), speaks directly to King Saul, who reigned from about 1050 - 1010 BC. The command “Wait” signals the importance of the moment. Samuel wants Saul to pause and listen carefully, for God has spoken a word regarding Saul’s actions, most immediately connected to Saul’s failure to fully obey God’s command to destroy the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:9). Saul’s partial disobedience set him on a path where he would hear dreadful news from the LORD, delivered through Samuel. Here, Samuel is about to reveal the LORD’s pronouncement of judgment, foreshadowing Saul’s rejection as Israel’s king because he rejected the word of God (1 Samuel 15:22-23).
Samuel had faithfully mentored Saul since he first anointed him, hoping Saul would humble himself under God’s instructions (1 Samuel 10:1). Saul, however, continually struggled to submit to God, choosing instead to heed the voice of the people more than the voice of the LORD (1 Samuel 15:24). Yet, the prophet’s stance in this verse is firm—no matter how Saul tries to excuse or justify his behavior, Samuel insists that the king pay attention to the authoritative message of the LORD, emphasizing that obedience is more desirable to God than any ritual offering (1 Samuel 15:22). This scene reminds us that righteous leadership in Israel demanded trust in and faithfulness to God’s revealed word.
In a broader biblical context, the theme of listening to God’s voice runs throughout the scriptures (John 10:27). Rebelling against God’s word carries consequences (Deuteronomy 28:15), whereas those who respond repentantly find mercy (Isaiah 55:7). Samuel’s insistence that Saul should “Wait” and “Speak!” underscores how urgent and dire it is for everyone—even a king—to heed God’s truth wholeheartedly rather than superficially.