1 Samuel 15:26 Meaning and Explanation
“And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Samuel refuses to return with Saul and confirms his rejection as king.
What Does 1 Samuel 15:26 Mean?
Samuel will not go back with Saul, and he repeats the verdict: because Saul rejected the word of the LORD, the LORD has rejected him from being king. The prophet cannot undo what God has spoken.
There is a solemn correspondence here between Saul's choice and its outcome. To turn from God's word is, in the end, to step out from under the calling it carried. The faithfulness of a true prophet is measured by his refusal to soften God's word for the sake of a friend's comfort, even when it grieves him to speak it.
1 Samuel 15:26 in the Original Language
maas (מָאַס), 'rejected' -- to refuse, despise, or cast away; the same verb describes both Saul's act and its consequence.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 15:26
What does 1 Samuel 15:26 mean?
Samuel refuses to return with Saul and confirms his rejection as king.