CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 15:23 For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/15-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/09_1Sa_15_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 15:23 - Samuel Denounces Saul" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/15-23.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/15-23.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/15.htm">Chapter 15</a> > Verse 23</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/15-22.htm" title="1 Samuel 15:22">◄</a> 1 Samuel 15:23 <a href="/1_samuel/15-24.htm" title="1 Samuel 15:24">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_samuel/15.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/15.htm">New International Version</a> For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/15.htm">New Living Translation</a> Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols. So because you have rejected the command of the LORD, he has rejected you as king.” <a href="/esv/1_samuel/15.htm">English Standard Version</a> For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has also rejected you from being king.” <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/15.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king.” <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/15.htm">King James Bible</a> For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/15.htm">New King James Version</a> For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He also has rejected you from being king.” <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “For rebellion is as reprehensible as the sin of divination, And insubordination is as reprehensible as false religion and idolatry. Since you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has also rejected you from being king.” <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/15.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220For rebellion is as the sin of divination, And insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has also rejected you from being king.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “For rebellion is as the sin of divination, And insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has also rejected you from being king.” <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For rebellion is as the sin of divination, And insubordination is as wickedness and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of Yahweh, He has also rejected you from being king.” <a href="/amp/1_samuel/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “For rebellion is as [serious as] the sin of divination (fortune-telling), And disobedience is as [serious as] false religion and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He also has rejected you as king.” <a href="/csb/1_samuel/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and defiance is like wickedness and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king. <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and defiance is like wickedness and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king. <a href="/asv/1_samuel/15.htm">American Standard Version</a> For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as idolatry and teraphim. Because thou hast rejected the word of Jehovah, he hath also rejected thee from being king. <a href="/cev/1_samuel/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Rebelling against God or disobeying him because you are proud is just as bad as worshiping idols or asking them for advice. You refused to do what God told you, so God has decided that you can no longer be king." <a href="/erv/1_samuel/15.htm">English Revised Version</a> For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as idolatry and teraphim. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The sin of black magic is rebellion. Wickedness and idolatry are arrogance. Because you rejected the word of the LORD, he rejects you as king." <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/15.htm">Good News Translation</a> Rebellion against him is as bad as witchcraft, and arrogance is as sinful as idolatry. Because you rejected the LORD's command, he has rejected you as king." <a href="/isv/1_samuel/15.htm">International Standard Version</a> Indeed, rebellion is the sin of divination, and arrogance is iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected this message from the LORD, he has rejected you from being king." <a href="/msb/1_samuel/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king.? <a href="/net/1_samuel/15.htm">NET Bible</a> For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and presumption is like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king." <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has also rejected you from being king." <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. <a href="/web/1_samuel/15.htm">World English Bible</a> For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as idolatry and teraphim. Because you have rejected Yahweh’s word, he has also rejected you from being king.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for rebellion [is as] a sin of divination, and stubbornness [is as] iniquity and teraphim; because you have rejected the word of YHWH, He also rejects you from [being] king.” <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for a sin of divination is rebellion, and iniquity and teraphim is stubbornness; because thou hast rejected the word of Jehovah, He also doth reject thee from being king.' <a href="/slt/1_samuel/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For the sin of divination, rebellion; and deceit, and the family gods of stubbornness. Because thou didst reject the word of Jehovah, and he will reject thee from being king.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Because it is like the sin of witchcraft, to rebel: and like the crime of idolatry, to refuse to obey. Forasmuch therefore as thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, the Lord hath also rejected thee from being king. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Therefore, it is like the sin of paganism to rebel. And it is like the crime of idolatry to refuse to obey. For this reason, therefore, because you have rejected the word of the Lord, the Lord has also rejected you from being king.” <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/15.htm">New American Bible</a> For a sin of divination is rebellion, and arrogance, the crime of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, the LORD in turn has rejected you as king.” <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For rebellion is no less a sin than divination, and stubbornness is like iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has also rejected you from being king.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For divination is a rebellion, and divination is a grievous iniquity. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has also rejected you from being king. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/15.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Because rebellion is the sin of divination, and divination is severe evil; because you despised the Word of LORD JEHOVAH, he shall reject you from the Kingdom!”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/15.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as idolatry and teraphim. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, He hath also rejected thee from being king.' <a href="/sep/1_samuel/15.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> For sin is as divination; idols bring on pain and grief. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, the Lord also shall reject thee from being king over Israel. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/15-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=4236" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/15.htm">Samuel Denounces Saul</a> …22But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams. 23<a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For</a> <a href="/hebrew/4805.htm" title="4805: me·rî (N-ms) -- Rebellion. From marah; bitterness, i.e. rebellion; concretely, bitter, or rebellious.">rebellion</a> <a href="/hebrew/2403.htm" title="2403: ḥaṭ·ṭaṯ- (N-fsc) -- Or chattacth; from chata'; an offence, and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also an offender.">is like the sin</a> <a href="/hebrew/7081.htm" title="7081: qe·sem (N-ms) -- Divination. From qacam; a lot: also divination, oracle.">of divination,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6484.htm" title="6484: hap̄·ṣar (V-Hifil-InfAbs) -- To push, press. A primitive root; to peck at, i.e. stun or dull.">and arrogance</a> <a href="/hebrew/205.htm" title="205: wə·’ā·wen (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- From an unused root perhaps meaning properly, to pant; strictly nothingness; also trouble. Vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol.">is like the wickedness</a> <a href="/hebrew/8655.htm" title="8655: ū·ṯə·rā·p̄îm (Conj-w:: N-mp) -- (a kind of idol) perhaps household idol. Plural from rapha'; a healer; Teraphim a family idol.">of idolatry.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3282.htm" title="3282: ya·‘an (Adv) -- From an unused root meaning to pay attention; properly, heed; by implication, purpose; used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause.">Because</a> <a href="/hebrew/3988.htm" title="3988: mā·’as·tā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- To spurn, to disappear. A primitive root; to spurn; also to disappear.">you have rejected</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: də·ḇar (N-msc) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">the word</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of the LORD,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3988.htm" title="3988: way·yim·’ā·sə·ḵā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms:: 2ms) -- To spurn, to disappear. A primitive root; to spurn; also to disappear.">He has rejected you</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: mim·me·leḵ (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">as king.”</a> <div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/isaiah/1-19.htm">Isaiah 1:19-20</a> If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best of the land. / But if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken. <a href="/jeremiah/7-23.htm">Jeremiah 7:23-24</a> but this is what I commanded them: Obey Me, and I will be your God, and you will be My people. You must walk in all the ways I have commanded you, so that it may go well with you. / Yet they did not listen or incline their ear, but they followed the stubborn inclinations of their own evil hearts. They went backward and not forward. <a href="/hosea/6-6.htm">Hosea 6:6</a> For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. <a href="/proverbs/21-3.htm">Proverbs 21:3</a> To do righteousness and justice is more desirable to the LORD than sacrifice. <a href="/matthew/7-21.htm">Matthew 7:21-23</a> Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. / Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ / Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’ <a href="/acts/5-29.htm">Acts 5:29</a> But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men. <a href="/james/4-17.htm">James 4:17</a> Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin. <a href="/hebrews/10-26.htm">Hebrews 10:26-27</a> If we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains, / but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume all adversaries. <a href="/romans/6-16.htm">Romans 6:16</a> Do you not know that when you offer yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves to the one you obey, whether you are slaves to sin leading to death, or to obedience leading to righteousness? <a href="/ezekiel/18-30.htm">Ezekiel 18:30-32</a> Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your iniquity will not become your downfall. / Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel? / For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death, declares the Lord GOD. So repent and live! <a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a> He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? <a href="/psalms/51-16.htm">Psalm 51:16-17</a> For You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; You take no pleasure in burnt offerings. / The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. <a href="/matthew/15-8.htm">Matthew 15:8-9</a> ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. / They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’” <a href="/mark/7-6.htm">Mark 7:6-9</a> Jesus answered them, “Isaiah prophesied correctly about you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. / They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’ / You have disregarded the commandment of God to keep the tradition of men.” ... <a href="/luke/6-46.htm">Luke 6:46</a> Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ but do not do what I say?</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has also rejected you from being king.rebellion<a href="/1_samuel/12-14.htm">1 Samuel 12:14,15</a> If ye will fear the LORD, and serve him, and obey his voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall both ye and also the king that reigneth over you continue following the LORD your God: … <a href="/numbers/14-9.htm">Numbers 14:9</a> Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.<a href="/deuteronomy/9-7.htm">Deuteronomy 9:7,24</a> Remember, and forget not, how thou provokedst the LORD thy God to wrath in the wilderness: from the day that thou didst depart out of the land of Egypt, until ye came unto this place, ye have been rebellious against the LORD… witchcraft [heb] divination<a href="/exodus/22-18.htm">Exodus 22:18</a> Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.<a href="/leviticus/20-6.htm">Leviticus 20:6,27</a> And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people… <a href="/deuteronomy/18-10.htm">Deuteronomy 18:10,11</a> There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, … stubbornness<a href="/2_corinthians/6-16.htm">2 Corinthians 6:16</a> And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.<a href="/galatians/5-20.htm">Galatians 5:20</a> Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,<a href="/revelation/21-8.htm">Revelation 21:8</a> But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.thou hast rejected<a href="/1_samuel/2-30.htm">1 Samuel 2:30</a> Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.<a href="/1_samuel/13-14.htm">1 Samuel 13:14</a> But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee.<a href="/1_samuel/16-1.htm">1 Samuel 16:1</a> And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/2-3.htm">Arrogance</a> <a href="/1_samuel/6-2.htm">Arts</a> <a href="/joshua/13-22.htm">Divination</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-19.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/31-16.htm">Idolatry</a> <a href="/1_samuel/3-14.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-22.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-3.htm">Pride</a> <a href="/joshua/24-19.htm">Rebellion</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-19.htm">Rejected</a> <a href="/1_samuel/6-2.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-38.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/31-27.htm">Stubbornness</a> <a href="/judges/18-20.htm">Teraphim</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-16.htm">Use</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-14.htm">Witchcraft</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-16.htm">Word</a> <a href="/1_samuel/7-4.htm">Worship</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_kings/19-28.htm">Arrogance</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-3.htm">Arts</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-17.htm">Divination</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-14.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/21-13.htm">Idolatry</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-1.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-22.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-28.htm">Pride</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-30.htm">Rebellion</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-26.htm">Rejected</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-2.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-24.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/psalms/81-12.htm">Stubbornness</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-13.htm">Teraphim</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-21.htm">Use</a> <a href="/2_kings/9-22.htm">Witchcraft</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-26.htm">Word</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-25.htm">Worship</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 15</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/15-1.htm">Samuel sends Saul to destroy Amalek</a> 6. <a href="/1_samuel/15-6.htm">Saul favors the Kenites</a> 7. <a href="/1_samuel/15-7.htm">He spares Agag and the best of the spoil</a> 10. <a href="/1_samuel/15-10.htm">Samuel denounces unto Saul God's rejection of him for his disobedience</a> 24. <a href="/1_samuel/15-24.htm">Saul's humiliation</a> 32. <a href="/1_samuel/15-32.htm">Samuel kills Agag</a> 34. <a href="/1_samuel/15-34.htm">Samuel and Saul part</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/15.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/15.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>For rebellion is like the sin of divination Rebellion against God is equated with divination, a practice strictly forbidden in the Law (<a href="/deuteronomy/18-10.htm">Deuteronomy 18:10-12</a>). Divination involves seeking knowledge or guidance from sources other than God, often through occult means. This comparison highlights the severity of rebellion, as both acts demonstrate a rejection of God's authority and a desire to control one's own destiny. In the context of <a href="/1_samuel/15.htm">1 Samuel 15</a>, Saul's disobedience in not fully carrying out God's command against the Amalekites is seen as a form of rebellion, akin to seeking guidance from false sources.and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry Arrogance, or presumption, is likened to idolatry, which is the worship of false gods. Idolatry was a pervasive issue in ancient Israel, often leading the people away from the worship of Yahweh. Arrogance places one's own judgment above God's, effectively making oneself an idol. Saul's decision to spare King Agag and the best of the livestock reflects this arrogance, as he prioritized his own understanding over God's explicit command. This mirrors the broader biblical theme that pride leads to downfall (<a href="/proverbs/16-18.htm">Proverbs 16:18</a>).Because you have rejected the word of the LORD Rejecting God's word is a serious offense, as it signifies a deliberate choice to ignore divine instruction. In the historical context, Saul was given a clear command through the prophet Samuel, representing God's direct communication. By not fully obeying, Saul rejected not just the message but the authority of God Himself. This act of disobedience is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, where the Israelites often faced consequences for turning away from God's commands (<a href="/jeremiah/6-19.htm">Jeremiah 6:19</a>).He has rejected you as king. The rejection of Saul as king marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history. Saul's kingship was conditional upon his obedience to God, and his failure to comply led to his rejection. This decision by God sets the stage for the rise of David, a man after God's own heart (<a href="/1_samuel/13-14.htm">1 Samuel 13:14</a>). Theologically, this reflects the principle that leadership in God's kingdom is contingent upon faithfulness and obedience. Saul's rejection also foreshadows the ultimate kingship of Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfills God's will and reigns eternally (<a href="/luke/1-32.htm">Luke 1:32-33</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/samuel.htm">Samuel</a> The prophet who delivers God's message to Saul. He serves as a judge and prophet in Israel, guiding the people and their leaders according to God's will. 2. <a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a> The first king of Israel, anointed by Samuel. His disobedience to God's command leads to his rejection as king. 3. <a href="/topical/a/amalekites.htm">Amalekites</a> The people whom God commanded Saul to completely destroy as a form of divine judgment for their past sins against Israel. 4. <a href="/topical/g/gilgal.htm">Gilgal</a> The location where Samuel confronts Saul about his disobedience and delivers God's judgment. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a> The God of Israel, who commands obedience and rejects Saul due to his rebellion and arrogance.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_seriousness_of_rebellion.htm">The Seriousness of Rebellion</a> Rebellion against God is equated with divination, a grave sin. This highlights the severity of disobedience and the importance of aligning our actions with God's will. <a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_arrogance.htm">The Dangers of Arrogance</a> Arrogance is likened to idolatry, suggesting that pride can lead us to place ourselves above God. We must remain humble and recognize God's authority in our lives. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_disobedience.htm">The Consequences of Disobedience</a> Saul's rejection as king serves as a warning that disobedience to God's word can lead to severe consequences, including the loss of divine favor and position. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience.htm">The Importance of Obedience</a> Obedience to God's commands is crucial for maintaining a right relationship with Him. We must strive to listen and act according to His word. <a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_restoration.htm">Repentance and Restoration</a> While Saul's account ends in rejection, the broader biblical account offers hope for repentance and restoration through Christ. We are encouraged to seek forgiveness and realign with God's purposes.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_15.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 15</a> <a href="/q/bible's_view_on_rebellion.htm">What is the Bible's stance on rebellion?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_stubbornness.htm">What does the Bible say about stubbornness?</a> <a href="/q/what's_the_bible's_view_on_witchcraft.htm">What is the Bible's stance on witchcraft?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_1_sam_19_9_fit_a_good_god.htm">How could an “evil spirit from the Lord” (1 Samuel 19:9) align with a belief in a benevolent God? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/15.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft.--Witchcraft, more literally soothsaying or divination, was a sin constantly held up to reprobation in the Old Testament. It was the greatest of all the dangers to which Israel was exposed, and was in fact a tampering with the idol-worship of the surrounding nations. Impurity, and an utter lack of all the loftier principles of morality which the one true God and His chosen servants would impress on the peoples of the East, characterised the various systems of idol-worship then current in Syria and the adjacent countries. And Samuel here, in this solemn inspired saying, briefly gives the grounds of the Lord's rejection of His Anointed: "Rebellion," or conscious disobedience to the express commands of the Eternal, in the case of Saul, God's chosen king, was nothing else than the deadly sin of idol-worship, for it set aside the true Master of Israel, and virtually acknowledged another. The next sentence still more emphatically expresses the same thought: "Stubbornness," or "intractableness," is in the eyes of the pure God the same thing as worshipping idols and teraphim. The Hebrew word aven, rendered iniquity, literally signifies "nothingness;" it is a word used in the late prophets for an idol (<a href="/hosea/10-8.htm" title="The high places also of Aven, the sin of Israel, shall be destroyed: the thorn and the thistle shall come up on their altars; and they shall say to the mountains, Cover us; and to the hills, Fall on us.">Hosea 10:8</a>; <a href="/isaiah/66-3.htm" title="He that kills an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrifices a lamb, as if he cut off a dog's neck; he that offers an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he that burns incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yes, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delights in their abominations.">Isaiah 66:3</a>). The word in the original translated in the English Version "idolatry," is teraphim. Teraphim were apparently small household gods or idols, venerated as the arbiters of good and evil fortune. In Roman life we find similar idols under the name of "Lares." Teraphim is derived from an unused root, taraph, signifying "to live comfortably;" Arabic, tarafa: compare the Sanscrit trip, and the Greek ???????. These idols appear to have been small human figures of various sizes. The image in <a href="/1_samuel/19-13.htm" title="And Michal took an image, and laid it in the bed, and put a pillow of goats' hair for his bolster, and covered it with a cloth.">1Samuel 19:13</a> was probably nearly life-size. These teraphim were made generally of silver or of wood. It has been suggested that the teraphim which Rachel stole were images of her ancestors. (See Note on <a href="/genesis/31-19.htm" title="And Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the images that were her father's.">Genesis 31:19</a>, and Mr. Whitelaw's comment on ib. in the Pulpit Commentary.) <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/15-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>For כִּ֤י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction rebellion מֶ֔רִי (me·rî) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4805.htm">Strong's 4805: </a> Bitterness, rebellion, bitter, rebellious is like the sin חַטַּאת־ (ḥaṭ·ṭaṯ-) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2403.htm">Strong's 2403: </a> An offence, its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, expiation, an offender of divination, קֶ֙סֶם֙ (qe·sem) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7081.htm">Strong's 7081: </a> A lot, divination, oracle and arrogance הַפְצַ֑ר (hap̄·ṣar) Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6484.htm">Strong's 6484: </a> To peck at, stun, dull is like the wickedness וְאָ֥וֶן (wə·’ā·wen) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_205.htm">Strong's 205: </a> Strictly nothingness, trouble, vanity, wickedness, an idol of idolatry. וּתְרָפִ֖ים (ū·ṯə·rā·p̄îm) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8655.htm">Strong's 8655: </a> (a kind of idol) perhaps household idol Because יַ֗עַן (ya·‘an) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3282.htm">Strong's 3282: </a> Heed, purpose, to indicate the reason, cause you have rejected מָאַ֙סְתָּ֙ (mā·’as·tā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3988.htm">Strong's 3988: </a> To spurn, to disappear the word דְּבַ֣ר (də·ḇar) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> A word, a matter, thing, a cause of the LORD, יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel He has rejected you וַיִּמְאָסְךָ֖ (way·yim·’ā·sə·ḵā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3988.htm">Strong's 3988: </a> To spurn, to disappear as king.” מִמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ (mim·me·leḵ) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/15-23.htm">1 Samuel 15:23 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/15-23.htm">1 Samuel 15:23 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/15-23.htm">1 Samuel 15:23 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/15-23.htm">1 Samuel 15:23 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/15-23.htm">1 Samuel 15:23 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/15-23.htm">1 Samuel 15:23 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/15-23.htm">1 Samuel 15:23 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/15-23.htm">1 Samuel 15:23 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/15-23.htm">1 Samuel 15:23 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/15-23.htm">1 Samuel 15:23 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-23.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 15:23 For rebellion is as the sin (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/15-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 15:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 15:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/15-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 15:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 15:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>