1 Samuel 15:35 – “Until the day Samuel died, he did not go to see Saul again, though Samuel mourned for him. And the Lord regretted that he had made Saul king over Israel.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

In 1 Samuel 15:35, we reach a deeply emotional moment in the story of Saul’s kingship. Samuel, the prophet who had anointed Saul, never saw him again after their final confrontation regarding Saul’s disobedience. Despite this, Samuel mourned for Saul, grieving over the king’s failure and the consequences that had befallen him. Samuel’s mourning shows that, while Saul had disobeyed God, there was still a sense of sorrow for what could have been. This verse also mentions that God “regretted” making Saul king, which can be understood as God expressing sorrow over the direction Saul’s choices had taken. It does not mean God made a mistake, but rather that He grieved over the outcomes of Saul’s rebellion.

Historical Context

This verse comes at the conclusion of a pivotal chapter in Saul’s reign. Saul’s disobedience in sparing King Agag and keeping the best of the livestock marked a turning point in his relationship with God. As a result, God rejected him as king, and Samuel delivered this news to Saul with a heavy heart. The relationship between Saul and Samuel, which had once been one of mentorship and guidance, was now broken. Samuel’s mourning reflects the grief of seeing someone with potential fall due to their poor choices. Meanwhile, God’s regret over making Saul king points back to the people’s earlier demand for a king, which God had granted despite warning them of the consequences.

Theological Implications

This verse speaks to the gravity of disobedience and its lasting effects on both human relationships and our relationship with God. Saul’s disobedience led to his rejection by God and the loss of Samuel’s spiritual guidance. This illustrates the broader truth that sin creates separation not only between us and God but also between us and the people He places in our lives for guidance and support. Furthermore, the mention of God’s regret shows that God is not indifferent to the choices we make. He desires our obedience and mourns when we choose a path of disobedience. God’s regret does not reflect a change in His perfect plan but rather His response to human choices that lead to sorrow and brokenness.

Literary Analysis

The language in this verse is poignant and sorrowful. The phrase “Samuel mourned for him” conveys the deep emotional impact of Saul’s failure, not just on Saul but on Samuel and the nation. Samuel’s mourning contrasts with Saul’s earlier attempts to justify his actions, highlighting that Saul’s downfall was not a mere political matter but a spiritual tragedy. The mention of God “regretting” making Saul king uses anthropomorphic language, meaning that it describes God’s emotions in human terms to help us understand the seriousness of the situation. The finality of “Samuel did not go to see Saul again” signifies the end of Saul’s spiritual leadership and the beginning of his eventual decline as king.

Biblical Cross-References

• Genesis 6:6 – “The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled,” another instance where God expresses sorrow over human sin and disobedience.
• 1 Samuel 16:1 – God instructs Samuel to anoint David as the new king, showing that while Saul’s reign was over, God’s plan for Israel would continue through David.
• Hosea 11:8 – God expresses deep sorrow over Israel’s rebellion, reflecting the tension between His love for His people and their persistent disobedience.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For today’s Christians, this verse is a powerful reminder of the consequences of persistent disobedience. Saul’s downfall was not the result of one isolated act but a pattern of failing to fully submit to God’s will. This challenges believers to examine their own lives and consider whether they are truly walking in obedience or allowing compromises to creep in. The grief that both Samuel and God felt over Saul’s disobedience also serves as a reminder that God’s heart breaks when we choose sin over faithfulness. However, this verse also gives hope because, as seen later, God’s plan to raise up David shows that He always works to fulfill His purposes, even when human leaders fail.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is evident in His response to Saul’s disobedience. Although Saul had failed, God’s sorrow over the situation shows His deep care for His people and their leaders. God did not simply cast Saul aside without feeling; His regret reflects the pain of watching someone with potential fall short of their calling. This shows that God’s love is not mechanical or detached; He deeply desires for His people to live in obedience and relationship with Him. Even when we fail, God’s love is constant, and He continues to work out His purposes for His people, as He did through the eventual anointing of David.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse contrasts Saul’s failure with the perfect kingship of Jesus Christ. While Saul disobeyed and was rejected, Jesus perfectly obeyed the will of the Father, even to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). Where Saul’s disobedience led to separation from God and Samuel, Jesus’ obedience leads to reconciliation between God and humanity. Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of what Saul was meant to be—a king who would lead God’s people in righteousness. Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection make it possible for all who trust in Him to be restored to a right relationship with God, overcoming the separation caused by sin.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does Samuel’s mourning for Saul challenge us to consider how sin affects not only us but those around us?
2. In what areas of your life are you struggling with partial obedience, as Saul did, and how can you surrender fully to God’s will?
3. How does the mention of God “regretting” making Saul king help you understand the seriousness of disobedience in your relationship with God?
4. What can we learn from this passage about the importance of godly leadership and the consequences of failing to lead with integrity?
5. How does Jesus’ perfect obedience contrast with Saul’s failure, and how can His example inspire us to live in greater faithfulness to God’s commands?