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Exodus 10:17
Now therefore forgive, I pray thee, my sin only this once, and intreat the LORD your God, that he may take away from me this death only.

and return with me
Saul's request for Samuel to return with him indicates his desire for public validation and restoration of his status as king. In the historical context, a prophet's presence would signify divine approval, which Saul desperately seeks. This reflects the importance of public perception and authority in ancient Near Eastern cultures. Saul's focus on appearances rather than genuine repentance contrasts with the biblical ideal of a contrite heart, as emphasized inIsaiah 66:2.

so I can worship the LORD.
Worship in ancient Israel involved sacrifices and rituals performed at designated places, often under the guidance of a prophet or priest. Saul's desire to worship the LORD may be seen as an attempt to restore his relationship with God, though it also suggests a superficial understanding of true worship, which requires obedience and a sincere heart. This connects to the broader biblical theme that God desires obedience over sacrifice, as stated in1 Samuel 15:22. Saul's failure to grasp this principle foreshadows the eventual rise of David, a man after God's own heart, who embodies the true spirit of worship and obedience.

– Saul has just heard Samuel’s sharp rebuke and the divine verdict: “Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king” (1 Samuel 15:23).

– “Now” signals a moment of crisis; everything has come to a head, and Saul must respond immediately.

– Similar turning-point moments appear when Nathan confronts David (“Then David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the LORD,’”2 Samuel 12:13) and when Peter preaches at Pentecost (“Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart,”Acts 2:37).

– The word “therefore” reminds us that consequences follow choices; obedience brings blessing, disobedience brings loss (Deuteronomy 11:26-28).

– Saul finally uses the word “sin,” acknowledging wrongdoing in leaving Amalek’s king alive and keeping the best livestock (1 Samuel 15:9).

– Yet his confession seems pressured by exposure rather than heartbroken repentance, unlike David’s heartfelt plea, “Have mercy on me, O God… against You, You only, have I sinned” (Psalm 51:1-4).

– True forgiveness requires:

• Honest admission (Proverbs 28:13)

• Turning from sin (Isaiah 55:7)

• Faith in God’s mercy (1 John 1:9)

– Saul asks Samuel to grant forgiveness, forgetting that only the LORD can pardon. Samuel functioned as prophet-priest, but genuine absolution rests in God Himself (Micah 7:18-19).

– Saul wants Samuel to accompany him back to the people. Why?

• Restore public honor—he fears losing face before Israel’s elders (1 Samuel 15:30).

• Appear spiritually sound—prophet at his side implies divine approval (compare2 Kings 4:30).

– The request sounds humble yet reveals a heart still clinging to status. Samuel had turned to leave (1 Samuel 15:27); Saul clutches at renewed partnership instead of full repentance.

– Scripture warns against outward religious show divorced from obedience (Isaiah 29:13;Matthew 23:27).

– Saul’s desire to offer sacrifice seems pious, but Samuel has already declared, “To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22).

– Worship that pleases God springs from surrendered hearts:

• “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit” (Psalm 51:17).

• “Those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24).

– By sparing Agag and the spoil, Saul undercut the very worship he now seeks to perform; obedience and worship cannot be separated (James 1:22).

Saul’s words sound contrite—“Now therefore, please forgive my sin and return with me so I can worship the LORD”—yet the surrounding narrative exposes a conflicted heart. He recognizes sin but fears disgrace more than God’s displeasure. He seeks Samuel’s presence to bolster image rather than pursuing wholehearted obedience. Scripture’s lesson is clear: genuine repentance turns from sin, submits to God’s authority, and expresses worship through obedient living.

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