Definition: Samuel also said unto Saul, The LORD sent me to anoint thee [to be] king over his people, over Israel: now therefore hearken thou unto the voice of the words of the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 15:1. It’s a really important part of God’s plan for David and the nation of Israel! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says: “God told me to make Saul king over Israel.” Let’s unpack that a bit: “1 Samuel also said unto Saul…” : This is just a way of saying "God spoke to David." “…The LORD sent me to anoint thee [to be] king over his people, over Israel:” : This means God chose David to be the king. He specifically told him this – he was chosen as the king of Israel. “now therefore hearken thou unto the voice of the words of the LORD.” : This is a very important instruction. It's telling David to listen carefully to what God says. It’s like saying, “Listen to what I have to tell you!” What does this all mean? This verse tells us that God had a plan for David. He wasn’t just any ordinary man; he was chosen by God to be king of Israel. God gave him the responsibility and told him to listen to God’s voice – his word – and do what was right. Why is this important? This verse sets the stage for a big problem. David's brother, Saul, was already King of Israel. He had been making bad decisions and leading Israel into conflict with other nations. God wanted to stop that before it could happen. By choosing David, God was sending him to take over the throne and put an end to Saul’s reign. In a nutshell: God chose David to be king, and he needs to listen to God's instructions to ensure peace and prosperity for Israel. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this verse in more detail?

Definition: Then came the word of the LORD unto Samuel, saying,

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this very short verse from 1 Samuel 15:10. It’s a really important part of understanding God’s plan for Israel! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Verse Says: “Then came the word of the LORD unto Samuel, saying…” What’s happening? God is talking to Samuel – he’s likely the king of Israel – and telling him something important. So, essentially, God is saying: "I'm going to tell you about a big problem, and I need your help to fix it." The Problem: Israel was in a really bad situation – they were constantly fighting with their neighbors, they weren’t prospering, and they were facing a difficult time. God’s Solution (and the verse’s focus): God is going to change things. He's going to remove the source of this trouble - it’s likely the location of the temple in Jerusalem. He wants to move it somewhere else, and that will bring peace and prosperity back to Israel. The Promise: This isn't just about a change of location; it’s about a change in God’s plan for his people. It means a time of peace, abundance, and happiness for the Israelites. In short, this verse is a message of hope – God is going to fix things and bring good things back to Israel. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Talk about the context of 1 Samuel 15?

Definition: It repenteth me that I have set up Saul [to be] king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 15:11. It’s a really important passage about forgiveness and God’s plan. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Samuel was worried: Samuel, the high priest, was concerned that Saul, who had been appointed king, wasn't following God’s instructions and rules. Saul disobeyed: Saul didn’t do what Samuel asked him to do – he started making choices that went against God’s will. Samuel felt angry: Samuel was deeply disappointed and upset because his judgment was being ignored. What happened next: God heard Samuel's plea: God, in His wisdom, listened to Samuel's words and recognized Saul's disobedience. He knew Saul needed a serious change. God decided to act: God wanted Saul to be king, but he didn’t want him to be a bad king. So, God made a decision to remove Saul from the throne. It grieved Samuel: Samuel was deeply troubled and saddened by this decision because it meant Saul would no longer be king. What happened after that? Samuel cried out to God: Samuel went to sleep at night, pleading with God for forgiveness and guidance. He wasn't asking for a quick fix; he was begging for a way to make things right. He was essentially saying, "Please, God, let this situation be resolved." In short, the verse is about God’s judgment and his desire for Saul to repent (change his ways) and return to following God's will. It highlights God's justice and His plan of restoring things to a proper order. --- Does that explanation make sense? Would you like me to: Explain another part of the passage? Compare it to another story or example in the Bible?

Definition: And when Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning, it was told Samuel, saying, Saul came to Carmel, and, behold, he set him up a place, and is gone about, and passed on, and gone down to Gilgal.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 15:12. It’s a really important passage about God's plan for Israel and its leader, Saul. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: Basically, it means: “Samuel was going to meet with Saul – a powerful king – in the morning. But Saul left Carmel (a place of significance) and went away. He was busy, exploring, and eventually disappeared.” Let's unpack it a little further: “Samuel rose early…” : Samuel was getting ready to see Saul. “…to meet Saul in the morning” : This is the key part. It’s a scheduled meeting. “it was told Samuel, saying…” : Samuel received this information from someone else – likely a prophet or messenger. “…Saul came to Carmel…” : Saul was traveling to a specific place called Carmel. It's important because Carmel is linked to a significant event in the Old Testament. "...and, behold, he set him up a place…” : This is a dramatic phrase. Saul created a place for himself at Carmel. It implies he made it his own. "...and is gone about, and passed on, and gone down to Gilgal." : This describes Saul’s actions after he left Carmel. He continued exploring and moved away. "Gone about" means he was busy with something. “Passed on” means he continued his journey. “Gone down to Gilgal” refers to a specific location – likely a place of significance for the Israelites in that time. What's the big takeaway? This verse is a promise from God. God wants to remove a powerful, troublesome king (Saul) from Israel. God is saying, "We are going to take away this person and their influence." It’s about God’s plan of deliverance and establishing a new order. In essence, it's a story of divine intervention and God’s judgment – but also a testament to God’s faithfulness. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of Carmel in more detail?

Definition: And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed [be] thou of the LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse! It’s a really important one from the Book of Samuel. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about David’s obedience to God’s instructions. It’s essentially David saying, “I understand and agree with God’s commands.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “1 Samuel 15:13” : This refers to a specific event in the Old Testament – a time when David was dealing with King Saul. “And Samuel came to Saul” : Samuel is a person who was God's messenger and often helped guide people. He was speaking to Saul, who was the king of Israel at the time. “and Saul said unto him, Blessed [be] thou of the LORD” : This is where it gets interesting. Saul was being difficult – he wasn’t following God’s instructions well. He was saying "Blessed be the Lord" – which means “Thank you Lord!” – but he wasn't doing what God asked him to do. So, basically, David is acknowledging that he understood and agreed with God’s command. It’s a sign of his faith and loyalty. Why is this important? This verse is significant because it shows that David was willing to obey God, even when it was difficult. It's a key part of the story of how David became King of Israel. It demonstrates his commitment to following God’s will, which ultimately led him to become a powerful leader. In short: David recognized and agreed with God's instructions, showing his faith and loyalty. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about the story of David and Saul?

Definition: And Samuel said, What [meaneth] then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from 1 Samuel 15:14. It's a really important part of a story about David and God’s judgment. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Situation: David was a king who had been making a big deal out of a problem with his brother-in-law, Ishmael. Ishmael was the son-in-law of Saul, the King of Israel. David was angry because Ishmael had been marrying David’s wife ! This was a huge issue for David – it threatened his position and caused him immense distress. Samuel's Question: Samuel, David’s chief advisor, is asking, “What does this bleating of the sheep and lowing of the oxen mean ?” He’s confused because he hears sounds that seem…unpleasant. The Meaning – It’s About a Problem with God: This verse isn't about a problem with animals. It’s a profound message about God’s judgment and how He deals with sin. Here’s the core of it: Sin Brings Consequences: David was making a big deal out of his actions, which he believed were wrong. God sees this behavior as a sign that David wasn't following His laws and principles. God Will Punish Sin: Because of this, God is going to punish David for his disobedience. This verse is essentially saying, "God is going to deal with the problem that I’m creating." The Promise – A Shift in Focus: However, the verse also includes a promise! David’s father, Jesse, tells him, “Then I will trouble God to send rain on his people.” This means that God will not punish David directly. Instead, God will restore things to their proper order by sending rain and causing the land to be fertile again. It's about a shift in focus—God is going to fix the situation, even though David made a mistake. In short: Samuel’s question highlights that when we make serious mistakes or disobey God, He will ultimately bring about a positive outcome – forgiveness and restoration through His grace. --- Resources for Further Understanding: [Bible Gateway](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/1Samuel/15/14) - This is a great place to read the verse in multiple translations and see how it's interpreted throughout history. [Wikipedia - 1 Samuel 15]: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chapter_15_of_1 Samuel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chapter_15_of_1 Samuel) Would you like me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, or perhaps explore a related aspect of the story?

Definition: And Saul said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 1 Samuel 15:15. It’s a really important passage about David and his mission as king. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, David is saying that the Israelites (and therefore God) are safe because he’s leaving the land of Israel. Here's a more detailed explanation: “And Saul said…” : This refers to King Saul, who was David’s rival and had been plotting against him. He was feeling insecure about David’s power. “…They have brought them from the Amalekites…” : The Amaleks were an ethnic group that lived south of Israel and were known for being enemies of the Israelites. David’s army had defeated them in a previous battle. “…for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen…” : This is where it gets interesting. The Israelites didn't all die. They were given a choice: they could sacrifice their animals (sheep and oxen) to God as an offering. They chose to do this, even though they were in danger. This shows that they valued God’s presence more than their own safety. “…to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God…” : This means they were going to offer these sacrifices to God – essentially a prayer and dedication of gratitude. "...and the rest we have utterly destroyed." : This is the crucial part. David's army completely destroyed all the Amalekites. This signifies that David was determined to protect his people and show God’s power. The overall message: David is essentially saying, "I'm leaving this land so you can live in peace and safety with God." It's a powerful statement of faith and obedience. Why is this important? This verse is often seen as the reason why David eventually became King of Israel. It demonstrates that he prioritized God’s will above his own desire for power, ultimately leading to his success and blessing the nation. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Discuss its significance in a broader context (like David's reign)?

Definition: Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from 1 Samuel 15:16. It’s a really significant verse that speaks about God’s judgment and how He chooses to deal with people who disobey Him. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: Basically, it means: “Samuel told Saul, ‘Stay and I will tell you what the LORD has said to me this night.’ And then he paused, waiting for Saul to respond.” Let’s unpack that a little bit: “Then Samuel said unto Saul…” : This establishes who is speaking – Samuel, God's appointed leader. “…Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night.” : This part is key. Samuel isn't just telling Saul something; he’s revealing a secret message from God. "The LORD" refers to God himself. This is a moment of profound revelation – God is communicating directly with Saul. “And he said unto him, Say on.” : This is the pause. It's like a question mark, indicating that Samuel is waiting for Saul to speak his thoughts or answer the message. He’s essentially saying, “Now tell me what you think about this.” What does this verse mean in context? This is one of the most famous stories in the Bible! It's about a serious problem: Israel was constantly disobeying God. Saul, who was appointed to be King, kept making bad decisions and leading Israel into trouble. God decided that He needed to take action – He needed to remove a source of trouble for his people. So, God revealed this message to Samuel, telling him to speak to Saul. The verse essentially says: “God is going to punish those who disobey Him, and He’s choosing to take direct action against them.” Why is it important? This story highlights the importance of obedience. It shows that God doesn't just tolerate disobedience; He actively intervenes to correct people and protect His people. It's a reminder that we are called to follow God’s will, even when it’s difficult. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of 1 Samuel 15? Talk about the significance of this story in a broader context (like the larger themes of judgment and forgiveness)?

Definition: And Samuel said, When thou [wast] little in thine own sight, [wast] thou not [made] the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 15:17. It’s a really important passage about God’s plan for Israel! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse says: “Samuel knew he wasn’t a powerful leader at first. He didn't think he was the king of Israel. But God saw that he was worthy to be king, and He chose him anyway.” Let's unpack it a little further: "When thou [wast] little in thine own sight..." – This means Samuel started out feeling like he wasn’t good enough, that he didn’t have the ability to lead. He was maybe a bit insecure or worried about his own worthiness. "...and thou not [made] the head of the tribes of Israel…" – This is a big deal! Samuel was not the leader of the tribes – those were the leaders who were chosen by God to lead the people. He wasn’t in charge of the tribe of Judah, for example. "...and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel?" – This is the crucial part. God recognized Samuel's worthiness and declared Him to be king! He saw that his humble beginnings didn't diminish His divine authority. What’s the big takeaway? It’s a powerful message about God’s love and grace. He chose someone who wasn't naturally powerful or impressive, but he still trusted them enough to be king. It shows us that God doesn’t always need us to be the biggest or most powerful – He can use those who are humble and obedient to Him. In a nutshell: Samuel was chosen as king because of his faith and obedience, not because of his own abilities. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about the story of Samuel’s life?

Definition: And the LORD sent thee on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 15:18. It's a really important part of God’s plan for Israel in ancient times. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is telling David (who was the King at the time) to actively drive out the bad people – the Amaleks – from his kingdom. He’s giving him a very specific and challenging mission. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And the LORD sent thee on a journey…” - This means God is choosing David to lead a big task. It’s not just a casual suggestion; he’s being called to do something significant. “…and said, Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed.” – This is the core of the verse. “Sinners” means people who are guilty of wrongdoings, breaking God's rules, or behaving badly. “Amalekites” refers to a specific group of people who had a history of rebellion against Israel and were known for being fierce and violent. The phrase "utterly destroy" means to completely eliminate them – not just punish them, but to get rid of them entirely. “Consumed” means to be utterly destroyed - wiped out completely. What’s the Big Picture? This verse is about repentance and God's judgment. It’s a message of forgiveness and a demonstration of God's power. He’s telling David that he needs to make things right with God by dealing with those who are causing trouble. Why was this verse important in the Bible? It was about cleansing: The Amaleks were a major problem for Israel, and God wanted to clear the land of their influence and remind them of his righteousness. It’s a call to action: It's not just a warning; it's an invitation for David to take bold action. He was being asked to be a warrior for God! In short, this verse tells us that God is actively working to restore peace and justice in Israel, and he wants to punish those who are causing trouble. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the passage? Talk about the context of the story (the exile of the Amalekites)? Discuss what this verse might mean for us today?