For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry — Samuel equates Saul's disobedience with grave sins: rebellion ('marad) is compared to witchcraft ('qesem), and stubbornness ('perudim, breaking or dividing) to idolatry ('awen). The comparison elevates disobedience to the level of spiritual transgression. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king — because Saul has 'rejected' (ma'asta, spurned) God's word, God has 'rejected' him from the kingship. The parallelism is exact: Saul's rejection of God's word brings God's rejection of Saul.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

Publish a note on this verse