1 Samuel 15:13 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 15:13 mean?

1 Samuel 15:13 describes the moment when Samuel meets Saul after Saul’s battle with the Amalekites. Saul greets Samuel warmly and claims that he has carried out the LORD’s command as instructed.

In this scene, Saul is the king of Israel and Samuel is the prophet sent by God. Saul’s greeting, “Blessed be thou of the LORD,” is a formal and positive welcome, suggesting he expects Samuel’s approval. Saul’s statement that he has “performed the commandment of the LORD” sets up the tension in the story, since the reader soon learns Saul has not fully obeyed God’s instructions.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 15:13

• בָּרוּךְ (barukh, “Blessed”): This word is a formal blessing, often used to show respect or to invoke God’s favor. Saul’s use of it here is polite, but may also be an attempt to appear righteous before Samuel.
• קוּם (qum, “performed”): This word literally means “to rise” or “to stand,” but here it is used in the sense of carrying out or establishing something. Saul claims to have “stood up to” or fulfilled God’s command, which highlights the seriousness of his claim.
• דָּבָר (davar, “commandment”): This word means “word,” “matter,” or “command.” In this context, it refers specifically to the instruction God gave through Samuel.

Why 1 Samuel 15:13 matters

• This verse highlights the contrast between Saul’s confident claim of obedience and the reality that follows, where his actions are shown to fall short of God’s command.
• Saul’s greeting and statement reveal his concern with appearances and approval, both from Samuel and possibly from God, which is a recurring theme in his story.
• The verse sets the stage for Samuel’s response and the unfolding of Saul’s disobedience, which becomes a turning point in Saul’s kingship and relationship with God.