1 Samuel 15:23

“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, etc.] Or divination f308, in whatsoever way it was exercised; for there were various sorts of it among the Heathens, and all condemned by the law of God, (<051810>Deuteronomy 18:10). Now rebellion against God, or disobeying his commands, though in things otherwise, were they not forbidden by him, lawful to be done, is as heinous a sin as to be guilty of witchcraft, or any kind of divination forbidden by the law of God, and deserves as sore a punishment: and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry: for a man, when he has committed a sin, to persist in it obstinately, or to vindicate himself in it, and insist on his innocence, which was Saul’s case,…”

“The meaning is “Rebellion is as bad as the sin of divination, and stubbornness is as bad as worshipping false gods (iniquity), and teraphim (idolatry).” return to 'Top of Page'”

“Rebellion - Disobedience to God's command. Stubbornness - Contumacy in sin, justifying it, and pleading for it. Iniquity - Or, the iniquity of idolatry. Rejected - Hath pronounced the sentence of rejection: for that he was not actually deposed by God before, plainly appears, because not only the people, but even David, after this, owned him as king. Those are unworthy to rule over men, who are not willing that God should rule over them. 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 15:24”

“15:23 Rebellion . . . and stubbornness, sins of the heart, are as bad as the sinful practices of idolatrous pagans. • Scripture condemns witchcraft (see study note on Deut 18:10).”

“rebellion: Sa1 12:14, Sa1 12:15; Num 14:9; Deu 9:7, Deu 9:24; Jos 22:16-19; Job 34:37; Psa 107:11; Jer 28:16, Jer 29:32; Eze 2:5-8 witchcraft: Heb. divination, Exo 22:18; Lev 20:6, Lev 20:27; Deu 18:10, Deu 18:11; Isa 8:19, Isa 19:3; Rev 22:15 stubbornness: Co2 6:16; Gal 5:20; Rev 21:8 thou hast rejected: Sa1 2:30, Sa1 13:14, Sa1 16:1; Kg2 17:15-20; Ch1 28:9 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 15:24”