1 Samuel 15:23 net — For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and presumption is like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected th…

NET Bible

"For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and presumption is like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the LORD’s orders, he has rejected you from being king.”"

— 1 Samuel 15:23, NET Bible

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1 Samuel 15:23 in Other Translations

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1 Samuel 15 — Context

20

Then Saul said to Samuel,“But I have obeyed the LORD! I went on the campaign the LORD sent me on. I brought back King Agag of the Amalekites after exterminating the Amalekites.

21

But the army took from the plunder some of the sheep and cattle– the best of what was to be slaughtered– to sacrifice to the LORD your God in Gilgal.”

22

Then Samuel said,“Does the LORD take pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as he does in obedience? Certainly, obedience is better than sacrifice; paying attention is better than the fat of rams.

23

For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and presumption is like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the LORD’s orders, he has rejected you from being king.”

24

Then Saul said to Samuel,“I have sinned, for I have disobeyed what the LORD commanded and your words as well. For I was afraid of the army, and I obeyed their voice.

25

Now please forgive my sin! Go back with me so I can worship the LORD.”

26

Samuel said to Saul,“I will not go back with you, for you have rejected the LORD’s orders, and the LORD has rejected you from being king over Israel!”

1 Samuel 15:23 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Samuel 15:23 say?
1 Samuel 15:23 in the NET Bible reads: “For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and presumption is like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the LORD’s orders, he has rejected you from being king.””
Where is 1 Samuel 15:23 in the Bible?
1 Samuel 15:23 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 15, verse 23.
Who wrote 1 Samuel?
1 Samuel is traditionally attributed to Anonymous (traditionally Samuel, Nathan, and Gad). It was written c. 930–722 BC.
What is the book of 1 Samuel about?
1 Samuel marks Israel's transition from judges to kings. It traces the births and ministries of the prophet Samuel, the rise and tragic fall of Saul as Israel's first king, and the anointing of the shepherd boy David, whose faith makes him a man after God's own heart.
What are the major themes of 1 Samuel?
1 Samuel explores themes including Kingship, Prophet, Faith vs. Fear, God's Sovereign Choice, Anointing. These themes shape the meaning and context of 1 Samuel 15:23.
What translation should I read 1 Samuel 15:23 in?
1 Samuel 15:23 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 1 Samuel 15:23?
1 Samuel 15:23 reads (NET): “For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and presumption is like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the LORD’s orders, he has rejected you from being king.”” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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