Old Testament
1 Samuel 15:35
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Samuel never went to see Saul again until the day of his death, but Samuel mourned for Saul. And the LORD repented that he had made Saul king over Israel.
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And Samuel came no more to see Saul until the day of his death: nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul: and the LORD repented that he had made Saul king over Israel.
What 1 Samuel 15:35 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, we see the deep emotional connection between Samuel and Saul. Samuel, a prophet, had invested his life in Saul's leadership, and now he feels a profound sense of loss. Despite Saul's failures, Samuel mourns for him, showing that compassion can exist even in disappointment. The verse also reveals God's regret over choosing Saul as king, highlighting the weight of leadership decisions. God’s change of heart signifies that even divine plans can be affected by human actions. This moment is a reminder that our choices have consequences, and sometimes, we must face the sadness of what could have been. Samuel's mourning reflects the pain of seeing someone we care about fail, reminding us of the importance of empathy in our relationships. Ultimately, this passage invites us to reflect on our own leadership and the impact we have on others, encouraging us to lead with wisdom and compassion, knowing that our decisions matter deeply to those we influence and to God.
How to apply 1 Samuel 15:35 to your life
When we see someone we care about struggling, it’s important to show compassion, just like Samuel did for Saul. Reflect on your own leadership roles, whether at work or in your community. Consider how your decisions affect others and strive to lead with empathy and understanding, recognizing the weight of your influence on their lives. Remember, it’s okay to mourn the losses we experience in relationships and leadership, as it helps us grow.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Samuel Summary
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Illustrated scene from Samuel's story: To Obey Is Better Than Sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:1–35)
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Samuel
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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Keep studying 1 Samuel 15:35
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of 1 Samuel
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad
- Written
- Around 930 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites of the early monarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Samuel 15:35 mean about God's regret?
In 1 Samuel 15:35, the phrase 'the LORD repented that he had made Saul king' indicates that God felt sorrow over Saul's failures as king. This shows that God's decisions can be influenced by human actions, highlighting the seriousness of leadership and the consequences of choices. It emphasizes that even divine plans can be affected by the behavior of those in power.
Why did Samuel mourn for Saul?
Samuel mourned for Saul because he had invested emotionally and spiritually in Saul's leadership. Despite Saul's shortcomings and failures, Samuel's compassion reflects a deep bond and concern for Saul's well-being. This mourning illustrates the pain that can come from witnessing someone we care about struggle and fail, reminding us of the importance of empathy in relationships.
What can we learn about leadership from this verse?
1 Samuel 15:35 teaches us that leadership carries significant weight and responsibility. It reminds us that our decisions can have profound effects on others. Samuel's mourning for Saul encourages leaders to lead with compassion and empathy, recognizing that their choices impact the lives of those they influence. It serves as a call to reflect on our leadership styles and the importance of making wise, thoughtful decisions.
How does this verse relate to the theme of loss?
The theme of loss in 1 Samuel 15:35 is evident in Samuel's mourning for Saul, symbolizing the emotional toll of witnessing a loved one fail. This loss is not just personal but also reflects the broader implications of failed leadership. It invites readers to consider their own experiences of loss in relationships and leadership, encouraging a compassionate response to those who struggle.
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