This verse highlights how disobedience to God’s commands led to irreversible separation and sorrow in both earthly and spiritual dimensions.
In this verse we read the sobering words: “Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death; for Samuel grieved over Saul. And the LORD regretted that He had made Saul king over Israel.” (v.35) Samuel, who lived around the 11th century BC as a prophet and judge in ancient Israel, had been God’s instrument for anointing Saul as the nation’s first king (circa 1050-1010 BC). This geographical setting of ancient Israel encompasses the tribal territories in Canaan where the people were transitioning from the period of the Judges to a monarchy. Here, we learn how Samuel’s once-closeness to Saul turned into sorrow and separation after Saul’s repeated disobedience. The stark note that God “regretted” His decision underscores the seriousness of failing to submit to divine authority.
“Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death; for Samuel grieved over Saul.” (v.35) reveals the deep emotional wound this rift inflicted upon Samuel. He had dedicated his life to guiding Israel according to the LORD’s commands, and Saul’s unfaithfulness deeply pained him. The severed relationship between the prophet and the king symbolizes a breach in covenant obedience—one that carries both spiritual and relational consequences. This distress also foreshadows Israel’s need for a more faithful king, ultimately pointing toward Jesus in the New Testament, who would be the truly obedient King and Shepherd of His people (reference John 10:14).
“And the LORD regretted that He had made Saul king over Israel.” (v.35) emphasizes how Saul’s continued disregard of God’s commands eroded the very foundation of his kingship. Though God’s regret is not the same as human remorse, the verse still stresses God’s displeasure when blessings are misused. In time, David would replace Saul, leading directly to the lineage from which Jesus would come (reference Matthew 1:1).
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1 Samuel 15:35 meaning
In this verse we read the sobering words: “Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death; for Samuel grieved over Saul. And the LORD regretted that He had made Saul king over Israel.” (v.35) Samuel, who lived around the 11th century BC as a prophet and judge in ancient Israel, had been God’s instrument for anointing Saul as the nation’s first king (circa 1050-1010 BC). This geographical setting of ancient Israel encompasses the tribal territories in Canaan where the people were transitioning from the period of the Judges to a monarchy. Here, we learn how Samuel’s once-closeness to Saul turned into sorrow and separation after Saul’s repeated disobedience. The stark note that God “regretted” His decision underscores the seriousness of failing to submit to divine authority.
“Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death; for Samuel grieved over Saul.” (v.35) reveals the deep emotional wound this rift inflicted upon Samuel. He had dedicated his life to guiding Israel according to the LORD’s commands, and Saul’s unfaithfulness deeply pained him. The severed relationship between the prophet and the king symbolizes a breach in covenant obedience—one that carries both spiritual and relational consequences. This distress also foreshadows Israel’s need for a more faithful king, ultimately pointing toward Jesus in the New Testament, who would be the truly obedient King and Shepherd of His people (reference John 10:14).
“And the LORD regretted that He had made Saul king over Israel.” (v.35) emphasizes how Saul’s continued disregard of God’s commands eroded the very foundation of his kingship. Though God’s regret is not the same as human remorse, the verse still stresses God’s displeasure when blessings are misused. In time, David would replace Saul, leading directly to the lineage from which Jesus would come (reference Matthew 1:1).