Then Samuel went to RamahRamah was Samuel's hometown and a significant location in his life and ministry. It was situated in the hill country of Ephraim, approximately five miles north of Jerusalem. Ramah served as a center for Samuel's prophetic activities and was where he built an altar to the Lord (
1 Samuel 7:17). This return to Ramah signifies Samuel's withdrawal from Saul, marking a turning point in Israel's leadership. Samuel's departure underscores the severance of his relationship with Saul after Saul's disobedience to God's command regarding the Amalekites. This act of returning to Ramah can be seen as a retreat to a place of spiritual significance and reflection.
but Saul went up to his home in Gibeah of Saul
Gibeah, known as "Gibeah of Saul," was Saul's hometown and the location of his royal residence. It was located in the territory of Benjamin, about three miles north of Jerusalem. This phrase highlights the physical and symbolic separation between Samuel and Saul. Saul's return to Gibeah signifies his continued reign as king, despite God's rejection of him. Gibeah had historical significance as a place of previous moral failure in Israel (Judges 19-21), which foreshadows Saul's own failures as king. The mention of "Gibeah of Saul" emphasizes Saul's personal association with the city, marking it as a center of his kingship and a reminder of his initial anointing by Samuel. This separation between Samuel and Saul also prefigures the eventual rise of David, who would be anointed by Samuel as the new king of Israel.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SamuelA prophet and judge of Israel, Samuel was instrumental in anointing the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David. In this passage, he is returning to Ramah, his hometown, after confronting Saul about his disobedience to God's command.
2.
SaulThe first king of Israel, Saul was chosen by God but later rejected due to his disobedience. In this verse, Saul returns to his home in Gibeah after being rebuked by Samuel.
3.
RamahA town in the territory of Benjamin, Ramah was the home of Samuel. It served as a place of refuge and reflection for him.
4.
Gibeah of SaulThis is Saul's hometown and the place where he established his royal residence. It symbolizes Saul's return to his own ways and separation from God's guidance through Samuel.
5.
EventThis verse follows the event where Saul disobeyed God's command to completely destroy the Amalekites and their possessions. Samuel's departure to Ramah signifies a turning point where God's favor shifts away from Saul.
Teaching Points
Obedience Over RitualGod values obedience to His commands more than religious rituals or sacrifices. This is a call for believers to prioritize following God's will in their lives.
Consequences of DisobedienceSaul's account serves as a warning that disobedience to God can lead to a loss of His favor and blessings. It encourages self-reflection on areas where we may be resisting God's guidance.
Separation from GodSamuel's departure from Saul symbolizes the spiritual separation that occurs when we choose our own path over God's. It challenges us to seek reconciliation and alignment with God's will.
Leadership and AccountabilityAs leaders, whether in the church, community, or family, we are accountable to God for our actions. Saul's failure reminds us of the importance of integrity and responsibility in leadership.
God's Sovereign PlanDespite human failure, God's plan prevails. This reassures us that God is in control and His purposes will be accomplished, even when we falter.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 15:34?
2.How does 1 Samuel 15:34 reflect Samuel's dedication to God's will?
3.What can we learn from Samuel's actions about obedience to God?
4.How does Samuel's journey to Ramah connect with God's plan for Israel?
5.How can we apply Samuel's commitment to God's commands in our lives?
6.What does Samuel's return to Ramah teach about leadership and accountability?
7.Why did Samuel and Saul part ways in 1 Samuel 15:34?
8.What does 1 Samuel 15:34 reveal about God's judgment on disobedience?
9.How does 1 Samuel 15:34 reflect the theme of divine rejection?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 15?
11.If Saul reportedly destroyed the Amalekites earlier (1 Samuel 15), why do they reappear here in 1 Samuel 30?
12.What is Gibeah's significance in the Bible?
13.Are there any historical or archaeological records supporting the total destruction of the Amalekites described in 1 Samuel 15?
14.In 1 Chronicles 15:29, Michal criticizes David's dance--does this episode conflict with the portrayal of Michal in 2 Samuel, creating an inconsistency in her character and motives?What Does 1 Samuel 15:34 Mean
Then Samuel went to Ramah• Ramah was Samuel’s native town and the place from which he judged Israel (1 Samuel 7:17). After the confrontation with Saul over the incomplete destruction of Amalek (1 Samuel 15:13-23), Samuel’s departure signals a decisive break.
• By returning to Ramah, Samuel visibly steps back from public ministry to Saul. From this point forward he will grieve over the king (1 Samuel 15:35) but will no longer walk beside him.
• The scene echoes earlier moments when prophets distanced themselves from disobedient leaders—compare Moses separating himself from Korah’s rebellion (Numbers 16:26) or Elijah retreating after confronting Ahab (1 Kings 19:3-4).
• Samuel’s move also highlights that his authority remains intact even though Saul’s does not; God’s word stands, and Samuel continues to serve from a place God appointed.
but Saul went up to his home in Gibeah of Saul• Gibeah had become Saul’s royal base since his anointing (1 Samuel 10:26). Returning there, he clings to position even as he has lost divine approval (1 Samuel 15:26-28).
• The phrase “of Saul” underscores the contrast: Saul still possesses the city and the throne, yet not the favor of the LORD. Similar irony appears when the ark rests in Shiloh though glory has departed (1 Samuel 4:21-22).
• Saul’s isolation foreshadows his troubled future—tormented by an evil spirit (1 Samuel 16:14), pursuing David from this same Gibeah (1 Samuel 19:9-10), and eventually dying separated from God’s guidance (1 Samuel 28:15-18; 31:4).
• The split routes of prophet and king illustrateAmos 3:3: “Can two walk together without agreeing to meet?” Partnership with God’s messenger ends when obedience ends.
summarySamuel’s return to Ramah and Saul’s retreat to Gibeah mark an unmistakable parting of ways between faithful prophet and disobedient king. The verse captures the moment God’s judgment becomes visible: Samuel withdraws with divine authority intact, while Saul remains on the throne yet stripped of heavenly endorsement.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Then Samuelשְׁמוּאֵ֖ל(šə·mū·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8050:Samuel -- 'name of God', a prophet of Israelwentוַיֵּ֥לֶךְ(way·yê·leḵ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1980:To go, come, walkto Ramah,הָרָמָ֑תָה(hā·rā·mā·ṯāh)Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 7414:Ramah -- 'height', the name of several places in Israelbut Saulוְשָׁא֛וּל(wə·šā·’ūl)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586:Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israeliteswent upעָלָ֥ה(‘ā·lāh)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5927:To ascend, in, activelytoאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, tohis homeבֵּית֖וֹ(bê·ṯōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1004:A housein Gibeahגִּבְעַ֥ת(giḇ·‘aṯ)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1390:Gibeah -- 'hill', three cities in Palestineof Saul.שָׁאֽוּל׃(šā·’ūl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586:Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites
Links
1 Samuel 15:34 NIV1 Samuel 15:34 NLT1 Samuel 15:34 ESV1 Samuel 15:34 NASB1 Samuel 15:34 KJV
1 Samuel 15:34 BibleApps.com1 Samuel 15:34 Biblia Paralela1 Samuel 15:34 Chinese Bible1 Samuel 15:34 French Bible1 Samuel 15:34 Catholic Bible
OT History: 1 Samuel 15:34 Then Samuel went to Ramah (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) 
