Did Samuel Sin? -- By: Peter N. Greenhow

Journal: Grace Journal
Volume: GJ 11:2 (Spring 1970)
Article: Did Samuel Sin?
Author: Peter N. Greenhow


Did Samuel Sin?

Peter N. Greenhow

[The author holds the B.S.A. and M.S.A. degrees from the University of Toronto, and is presently pursuing postgraduate study in theology at Grace Theological Seminary.]

One of the many ways in which the Bible distinguishes itself from other ancient literature as being a direct revelation from God is in the biographical accounts of many of the great Old Testament saints. Time and time again the sins of the most godly men are exposed and denounced. Such a frank admission of personal sin and error is probably without parallel in ancient literature.

If this great objectivity in the Biblical accounts is an indication of revelation, then we, as interpreters, must ever be on guard that we suppress our natural tendencies to elevate a hero and be frank to admit sin and error where it indeed exists.

Samuel the prophet played no small role in the history of Israel living as he did at a time of transition from a theocracy to a monarchy. His virtues were many and yet his life was not without sin. He turned the hearts of many to the Lord and yet his own sons walked amiss, took bribes, and perverted the ways of the Lord. Doubtless Samuel’s life was blemished with sin in many areas as is the life of every saint of God. It is to one of these questionable incidents that this paper is directed. Our quest will be to attempt to show that Samuel was in error when he turned to worship with Saul after Saul had committed his great sin in refusing to slay utterly the Amalekites at the command of the Lord.

Our considerations will be directed primarily to 1 Samuel 15:26 and 31 with their context. “And Samuel said to Saul, ‘I will not return with you…’ …So Samuel turned back after Saul; and Saul worshipped the Lord.”

The Setting

It is hard to imagine a setting with more profound and serious overtones than that of 1 Samuel 15. The occasion is familiar. Saul had disobeyed the command of the Lord in refusing to slay utterly the

Amalekites. This sin seemed to be the culmination of a life of disobedience which brought upon him the condemnation of the Lord. Verses 25 and 28 embody the pronouncement of judgment. “…Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king…. The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from you this day, and has given it to a neighbour of yours, who is better than you.”

Within such a context of Divine judgment we do well to note...

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