God never changes His mind or breaks a promise, demonstrating His absolute faithfulness and unchanging nature.
In 1 Samuel 15, the prophet Samuel confronts King Saul for disobeying the LORD’s instructions. As part of this confrontation, Samuel states, “Also the Glory of Israel will not lie or change His mind; for He is not a man that He should change His mind.” (v.29) Here, the phrase “the Glory of Israel” refers to God, emphasizing His complete sovereignty over Israel and beyond. Samuel lived during the 11th century BC, serving as the final judge of Israel and ushering in the nation’s monarchy under Saul and later David. Although his words focus on God’s nature, they also highlight Israel’s reliance on a King who is transcendent, pure, and utterly trustworthy.
The teaching found in “the Glory of Israel will not lie or change His mind” (v.29) conveys a powerful truth about God’s immutability. Unlike people, who often act on limited information and shifting emotions, God remains fixed in His attributes and decisions. This passage reassures us that God’s righteousness and promise-keeping character stand firm throughout history (James 1:17). In the context of King Saul’s disobedience—when he kept spoils from battle instead of utterly destroying them—the message underlines that God’s design and instructions are unchanging, and His pronouncements over Saul’s kingship will not be revoked.
Moreover, this verse echoes the broader scriptural testimony that God’s word is eternally dependable. This foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, who said He came not to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them (Matthew 5:17). In the New Testament, believers are reminded that God’s constancy undergirds their faith, as “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Through this lens, 1 Samuel 15:29 teaches us about the unwavering assurance found in God’s nature, both for ancient Israel and for those who trust in Him today.
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1 Samuel 15:29 meaning
In 1 Samuel 15, the prophet Samuel confronts King Saul for disobeying the LORD’s instructions. As part of this confrontation, Samuel states, “Also the Glory of Israel will not lie or change His mind; for He is not a man that He should change His mind.” (v.29) Here, the phrase “the Glory of Israel” refers to God, emphasizing His complete sovereignty over Israel and beyond. Samuel lived during the 11th century BC, serving as the final judge of Israel and ushering in the nation’s monarchy under Saul and later David. Although his words focus on God’s nature, they also highlight Israel’s reliance on a King who is transcendent, pure, and utterly trustworthy.
The teaching found in “the Glory of Israel will not lie or change His mind” (v.29) conveys a powerful truth about God’s immutability. Unlike people, who often act on limited information and shifting emotions, God remains fixed in His attributes and decisions. This passage reassures us that God’s righteousness and promise-keeping character stand firm throughout history (James 1:17). In the context of King Saul’s disobedience—when he kept spoils from battle instead of utterly destroying them—the message underlines that God’s design and instructions are unchanging, and His pronouncements over Saul’s kingship will not be revoked.
Moreover, this verse echoes the broader scriptural testimony that God’s word is eternally dependable. This foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, who said He came not to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them (Matthew 5:17). In the New Testament, believers are reminded that God’s constancy undergirds their faith, as “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Through this lens, 1 Samuel 15:29 teaches us about the unwavering assurance found in God’s nature, both for ancient Israel and for those who trust in Him today.