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1 Samuel 15:11

1 Samuel 15:11 in Multiple Translations

“I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned away from following Me and has not carried out My instructions.” And Samuel was distressed and cried out to the LORD all that night.

It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.

It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king; for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And Samuel was wroth; and he cried unto Jehovah all night.

It is no longer my pleasure for Saul to be king; for he is turned back from going in my ways, and has not done my orders. And Samuel was very sad, crying to the Lord in prayer all night.

“I'm sorry I made Saul king, for he has given up following me and hasn't done as I ordered.” Samuel was upset, and he cried out to the Lord all through the night.

It repenteth me that I haue made Saul King: for he is turned from me, and hath not performed my commandements. And Samuel was mooued, and cryed vnto the Lord all night.

'I have repented that I caused Saul to reign for king, for he hath turned back from after Me, and My words he hath not performed;' and it is displeasing to Samuel, and he crieth unto Jehovah all the night.

“It grieves me that I have set up Saul to be king, for he has turned back from following me, and has not performed my commandments.” Samuel was angry; and he cried to the LORD all night.

I repent that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried to the LORD all night.

It repenteth me that I have made Saul king: for he hath forsaken me, and hath not executed my commandments. And Samuel was grieved, and he cried unto the Lord all night.

“I am sorry that I appointed Saul to be your king, because he has turned away from me and has not obeyed what I commanded him to do.” Samuel was very disturbed/upset when he heard that, and he cried out to Yahweh all that night.

“Saul didn’t listen to me. He’s turned away from me. Now I’m sorry that I picked him to be the big boss.” Samuel heard that message, and he was very angry and upset. All night he talked to God about it.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 15:11

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Samuel 15:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB נִחַ֗מְתִּי כִּֽי הִמְלַ֤כְתִּי אֶת שָׁאוּל֙ לְ/מֶ֔לֶךְ כִּֽי שָׁב֙ מֵ/אַֽחֲרַ֔/י וְ/אֶת דְּבָרַ֖/י לֹ֣א הֵקִ֑ים וַ/יִּ֨חַר֙ לִ/שְׁמוּאֵ֔ל וַ/יִּזְעַ֥ק אֶל יְהוָ֖ה כָּל הַ/לָּֽיְלָה
נִחַ֗מְתִּי nâcham H5162 to be sorry V-Niphal-Perf-1cs
כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj
הִמְלַ֤כְתִּי mâlak H4427 to reign V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
שָׁאוּל֙ Shâʼûwl H7586 Shaul N-proper
לְ/מֶ֔לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Prep | N-ms
כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj
שָׁב֙ shûwb H7725 to return V-Qal-Perf-3ms
מֵ/אַֽחֲרַ֔/י ʼachar H310 after Prep | Prep | Suff
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
דְּבָרַ֖/י dâbâr H1697 Chronicles N-mp | Suff
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part
הֵקִ֑ים qûwm H6965 -kamai V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
וַ/יִּ֨חַר֙ chârâh H2734 to be incensed Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לִ/שְׁמוּאֵ֔ל Shᵉmûwʼêl H8050 Shemuel Prep | N-proper
וַ/יִּזְעַ֥ק zâʻaq H2199 to cry out Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms
הַ/לָּֽיְלָה layil H3915 night Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 15:11

נִחַ֗מְתִּי nâcham H5162 "to be sorry" V-Niphal-Perf-1cs
To comfort means showing pity or sympathy, as seen in God's actions throughout the Bible, such as in Isaiah 40. The word can also imply regret or remorse, like in the story of Jonah, who was sorry for his actions. It involves easing someone's pain or discomfort.
Definition: : comfort 1) to be sorry, console oneself, repent, regret, comfort, be comforted 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be sorry, be moved to pity, have compassion 1a2) to be sorry, rue, suffer grief, repent 1a3) to comfort oneself, be comforted 1a4) to comfort oneself, ease oneself 1b) (Piel) to comfort, console 1c) (Pual) to be comforted, be consoled 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to be sorry, have compassion 1d2) to rue, repent of 1d3) to comfort oneself, be comforted 1d4) to ease oneself Also means: na.cham (נָחַם ": relent" H5162H)
Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: comfort (self), ease (one's self), repent(-er,-ing, self). See also: Genesis 5:29; Isaiah 12:1; Psalms 23:4.
כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
הִמְלַ֤כְתִּי mâlak H4427 "to reign" V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
To advise or counsel is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to reign or rule as a king. It is used in the Bible to describe the actions of leaders, like King Solomon, who sought wisdom to rule God's people. This word is found in the book of 1 Kings.
Definition: 1) to be or become king or queen, reign 1a) (Qal) to be or become king or queen, reign 1b) (Hiphil) to make one king or queen, cause to reign 1c) (Hophal) to be made king or queen
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: consult, [idiom] indeed, be (make, set a, set up) king, be (make) queen, (begin to, make to) reign(-ing), rule, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 36:31; 2 Kings 8:15; 2 Chronicles 10:17.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
שָׁאוּל֙ Shâʼûwl H7586 "Shaul" N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
לְ/מֶ֔לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
שָׁב֙ shûwb H7725 "to return" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
מֵ/אַֽחֲרַ֔/י ʼachar H310 "after" Prep | Prep | Suff
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
דְּבָרַ֖/י dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" N-mp | Suff
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
הֵקִ֑ים qûwm H6965 "-kamai" V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
וַ/יִּ֨חַר֙ chârâh H2734 "to be incensed" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To be incensed means to be very angry or furious, like a fire burning. It describes strong emotions like anger, zeal, or jealousy, and is used to express intense feelings in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to be hot, furious, burn, becomeangry, be kindled 1a) (Qal) to burn, kindle (anger) 1b) (Niphal) to be angry with, be incensed 1c) (Hiphil) to burn, kindle 1d) (Hithpael) to heat oneself in vexation
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: be angry, burn, be displeased, [idiom] earnestly, fret self, grieve, be (wax) hot, be incensed, kindle, [idiom] very, be wroth. See H8474 (תַּחָרָה). See also: Genesis 4:5; 1 Samuel 15:11; Psalms 18:8.
לִ/שְׁמוּאֵ֔ל Shᵉmûwʼêl H8050 "Shemuel" Prep | N-proper
Shemuel was the name of three Israelites, including a judge and prophet of Israel during the time of King Saul and King David. His name means his name is El and he was the son of Elkanah and Hannah.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Issachar living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, only mentioned at 1Ch.7.2; son of: Tola (H8439); brother of: Uzzi (H5813H), Rephaiah (H7509I), Jeriel (H3400), Jahmai (H3181) and Ibsam (H3005) § Samuel = "his name is El" 1) son of Elkanah by his wife Hannah and judge or prophet of Israel during the days of Saul and David 2) son Ammihud and the prince of the tribe of Simeon who was chosen to divide the land of Canaan between the tribes. Spelled 'Shemuel' 3) son of Tola and grandson of Issachar. Spelled 'Shemuel'
Usage: Occurs in 120 OT verses. KJV: Samuel, Shemuel. See also: Numbers 34:20; 1 Samuel 12:1; Psalms 99:6.
וַ/יִּזְעַ֥ק zâʻaq H2199 "to cry out" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to cry out for help or announce something publicly, often in a loud voice, like a herald calling people together. It is used in the Bible to describe people crying out to God for aid. It can also mean to summon or assemble people.
Definition: 1) to cry, cry out, call, call for help 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call (to one's aid) 1a2) to cry, cry out (in need) 1b) (Niphal) to be assembled, be called together, be joined together 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to call, call out, call together, summon 1c2) to make a crying, proclaim 1c3) to have a proclamation made 1c4) to call out to, call out at Aramaic equivalent: ze.iq (זְעִ֑ק "to cry out" H2200)
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: assemble, call (together), (make a) cry (out), come with such a company, gather (together), cause to be proclaimed. See also: Exodus 2:23; Nehemiah 9:28; Psalms 22:6.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַ/לָּֽיְלָה layil H3915 "night" Art | N-ms
Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.
Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 15:11

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Samuel 13:13 “You have acted foolishly,” Samuel declared. “You have not kept the command that the LORD your God gave you; if you had, the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time.
2 Genesis 6:6 And the LORD regretted that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.
3 2 Samuel 24:16 But when the angel stretched out his hand to destroy Jerusalem, the LORD relented from the calamity and said to the angel who was destroying the people, “Enough! Withdraw your hand now!” At that time the angel of the LORD was by the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.
4 Psalms 119:136 My eyes shed streams of tears because Your law is not obeyed.
5 Psalms 36:3 The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful; he has ceased to be wise and well-doing.
6 Jeremiah 9:18 Let them come quickly and take up a lament over us, that our eyes may overflow with tears, and our eyelids may gush with water.
7 1 Samuel 15:3 Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them. Do not spare them, but put to death men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.’”
8 1 Samuel 15:9 Saul and his troops spared Agag, along with the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves and lambs, and the best of everything else. They were unwilling to destroy them, but they devoted to destruction all that was despised and worthless.
9 1 Samuel 15:35–1
10 Psalms 109:4 In return for my love they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer.

1 Samuel 15:11 Summary

[This verse shows that God is grieved when we disobey Him, just like a parent is grieved when their child disobeys them. God had made Saul king, but Saul turned away from following Him, which caused God to regret His decision (as seen in 1 Samuel 15:11). This reminds us that our choices have consequences, and that we should strive to follow God's instructions, just like the Israelites were instructed to do in Deuteronomy 13:18. By following God, we can avoid the consequences of disobedience and experience His love and blessing, as promised in Psalm 119:2-3.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that God regretted making Saul king?

This verse shows that God's regret is not like human regret, but rather a change in His plans due to human disobedience, as seen in Genesis 6:6-7 where God was grieved by human wickedness.

Why was Samuel distressed and crying out to the Lord?

Samuel was distressed because he had anointed Saul as king and had invested his heart in Saul's success, and now he saw Saul's disobedience, which reminded him of the importance of obedience as seen in Deuteronomy 13:18.

How does this verse relate to God's sovereignty and human freedom?

This verse highlights the tension between God's sovereignty and human freedom, showing that God's plans can be affected by human choices, as seen in Exodus 32:10-14 where God relented from destroying the Israelites due to Moses' intercession.

What can we learn from God's statement that Saul turned away from following Him?

We can learn that following God is not a one-time decision, but a continuous choice, and that turning away from God can have serious consequences, as seen in Joshua 24:20 where the Israelites were warned that if they forsake God, He will do them harm and consume them.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I have turned away from following God, and how can I return to Him?
  2. How can I, like Samuel, cry out to the Lord in distress when I see disobedience and sin in myself or others?
  3. What does it mean to 'follow' God, and how can I practically do that in my daily life?
  4. How does this verse encourage me to depend on God's sovereignty and wisdom in my life, even when I don't understand His plans?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 15:11

It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king,.... Which is not to be understood of any change of mind, counsel, purpose, or decree in God, which is not consistent with his unchangeable nature;

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 15:11

It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:11

It repenteth me: repentance properly notes grief of heart, and change of counsels, and therefore cannot be in God, who is unchangeable, most wise, and most blessed; but it is ascribed to God in such cases, when men give God cause to repent, and when God alters his course and method of dealing, and treats a person as if he did indeed repent of all the kindness he had showed to him. He cried unto the Lord all night, to implore his pardoning mercy for Saul, and for the people; so far was he from rejoicing in their calamities, as an envious and self-seeking person would have done.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:11

1 Samuel 15:11 It repenteth me that I have set up Saul [to be] king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.Ver. 11. It repenteth me that I have set up Saul.] This is humaniths dictum, spoken after the manner of men: as man when he altereth anything that he did before, seemeth to repent. It hath been elsewhere noted, that God’ s repentance is not a change of his will, but of his work. Repentance with man, is the changing of his will; repentance with God, is the willing of a change. And it grieved Samuel] Heb., And Samuel kindled; viz., with anger and grief together; anger against Saul, and grief for him, See a like mixture of holy passions in our Saviour against the hard-hearted Jews, Mark 3:5. And he cried unto the Lord all night.] That God would not cast away Saul, but give him repentance unto life. Here was no envy at his new successor, but fervent charity.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:11

(11) It repenteth me . . . —“God does not feel the pain of remorse (says St. Augustine in Psalms 131), nor is He ever deceived, so as to desire to correct anything in which He has erred. But as a man desires to make a change when he repents, so when God is said in Scripture to repent, we may expect a change from Him. He changed Saul’s kingdom when it is said He repented of making him king.”—Bishop Wordsworth.And it grieved Samuel—“Many grave thoughts seem to have presented themselves at once to Samuel, and to have disturbed his mind when he reflected on the dishonour which would be inflicted upon the name of God, and the occasion which the rejection and deposition of Saul would furnish to wicked men for blaspheming the invisible King of Israel . . . For Saul had been chosen by God Himself from all the people, and called by Him to the throne; if, therefore, he was deposed, it seemed likely that the worship of God would be overturned, and the greatest disturbance ensue.”—Calvin, quoted by Keil. Abarbanel tells us respecting Samuel’s grief that he was angry and displeased, because he loved Saul for his beauty and heroism, and as his own creature whom he had made king; and that he prayed all night because God had not revealed to him Saul’s sin, and he wished to know why sentence was pronounced against him. And he cried unto the Lord all night.—This was, no doubt, that “piercing shrill cry” peculiar to Samuel. With this strange cry he seems to have on many a solemn occasion spoken with his God. He is often in this book represented as thus “crying unto God.” (See Stanley’s Lectures on the Jewish Church, Vol. I., 1 Samuel 18)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:11

Verse 11. It repenteth me that I have set up Saul] That is, I placed him on the throne; I intended, if he had been obedient, to have established his kingdom. He has been disobedient; I change my purpose, and the kingdom shall not be established in his family. This is what is meant by God's repenting-changing a purpose according to conditions already laid down or mentally determined.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 15:11

10–23. Saul’s disobedience and its penalty 11. It repenteth me] “God’s repentance is the change of His dispensation.” In the language of the O. T. God is said to repent when a change in the character and conduct of those with whom He is dealing leads to a corresponding change in His plans and purposes towards them. Thus (a) upon man’s penitence God repents and withdraws a threatened punishment (Exodus 32:14; 2 Samuel 24:16): (b) upon man’s faithlessness and disobedience He cancels a promise or revokes a blessing which He had given. The opposite is also true, “God is not a man that he should repent” (1 Samuel 15:29). His repentance is not to be understood as though He who foreknows all things regretted His action, nor is it a sign of mutability. A change in the attitude of man to God necessarily involves a corresponding change in the attitude of God to man. it grieved Samuel] This rendering is probably right, though the word more commonly means “to be angry.” Samuel was grieved at the failure of one from whom he had hoped for so much advantage to the nation. he cried unto the Lord all night] Interceding for Saul if perchance he might he forgiven. For Samuel’s intercessions see ch. 1 Samuel 7:5, and compare Moses’ pleading for Israel (Exodus 32:11-13). Our Lord “continued all night in prayer to God” (Luke 6:12).

Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 15:11

It grieved Samuel - “Samuel was angry, or displeased,” as Jonah was Jonah 4:1, and for a similar reason. Samuel was displeased that the king whom he had anointed should be set aside. It seemed a slur on his prophetic office.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:11

11. It repenteth me — Repentance in God does not imply changeableness in the Divine nature, like the changes oft involved in human life and action; for such a supposition is forbidden by such

Sermons on 1 Samuel 15:11

SermonDescription
Darrell Champlin Death and Disobedience by Darrell Champlin In this sermon, Dr. Darrell Champlin addresses the pursuit of the American dream and the neglect of spreading the gospel. He emphasizes the need for a spiritual awakening and a shi
Charles Bridges Compassion for the Lost by Charles Bridges Charles Bridges preaches on the compassion of Jesus towards those who do not keep God's law, emphasizing the need for Christians to have a tender concern for the honor of God and a
Timothy Tow Knowing God's Will and Doing God's Will by Timothy Tow Timothy Tow preaches on the importance of obeying God's will, contrasting the disobedience of Saul with the obedience of David. He emphasizes the need to delight in obeying God and
David Servant God's Regrets by David Servant David Servant delves into the concept of God's regret and foreknowledge, explaining that God's ability to foreknow is dependent on actual outcomes of free-willed choices. He uses e
David Wilkerson A Time to Do Nothng but Trust by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Jonathan and the Israelites facing a massive army of Philistines. The Israelites were greatly outnumbered and lacked weapons, lea
Timothy Williams Set a Mark Upon the Foreheads by Timothy Williams In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a love for righteousness and a grief over sin. He refers to the story in Ezekiel chapter 9 where the Lord instructs
J.H. Newman The Standing Ordinances of Religion by J.H. Newman J.H. Newman preaches about the importance of adhering to the Standing Ordinances of Religion, emphasizing the perpetuation of doctrines through ordinances, the embodiment of unseen

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