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.

1 SAMUEL 15:26KJV
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1 Samuel 15:26 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 15:26 mean?

1 Samuel 15:26 means that the prophet Samuel refuses to go back with King Saul because Saul has turned away from obeying what God commanded. As a result, Samuel tells Saul that God has rejected him from being king over Israel.

In this verse, Samuel is speaking directly to Saul after Saul has disobeyed God's instructions regarding the destruction of the Amalekites. Samuel’s refusal to return with Saul is a sign that the relationship between Saul and God has been broken. The verse highlights the seriousness of rejecting God's word and shows that Saul’s kingship is being taken away as a direct consequence of his actions.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 15:26

  • "Rejected" (מָאַס, ma'as): This word is used twice in the verse—first for Saul rejecting God's word, and then for God rejecting Saul as king. The repetition emphasizes that Saul’s own rejection of God’s command leads directly to his own rejection by God.
  • "Word" (דָּבָר, davar): This term often means a message, command, or matter. Here, it refers specifically to God’s instructions given to Saul, underlining that Saul’s failure was not just a mistake, but a refusal to heed God’s direct command.
  • "King" (מֶלֶךְ, melech): The word for king reminds the reader that Saul’s authority was given by God, and now that authority is being withdrawn because of his disobedience.

Why 1 Samuel 15:26 matters

  • This verse makes clear that leadership and authority in Israel depend on obedience to God, not just on holding a title or position.
  • It shows that rejecting God’s instructions has real and serious consequences, even for someone as important as the king.
  • The verse sets up the transition in the story, as Saul’s rejection by God leads to the search for a new king, which will soon focus on David.

Where else these words appear

“rejected” Hebrew H3988 · used in 69 verses

  • Leviticus 26:15 And if ye shall despise my statutes, or if your soul abhor my judgments, so that ye will not do all my commandments, but that ye break my covenant:
  • Job 31:13 If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me;
  • Isaiah 41:9 Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.

“Samuel” Hebrew H8050 · used in 120 verses

  • Numbers 34:20 And of the tribe of the children of Simeon, Shemuel the son of Ammihud.
  • 1 Samuel 9:15 Now the LORD had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying,
  • 1 Samuel 15:20 And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.