23 For [a]rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and transgression is wickedness and idolatry. Because thou hast cast away the word of the Lord, therefore he hath cast away thee from being king.

24 Then Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the Commandment of the Lord, and thy words, because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.

25 Now therefore I pray thee, take away my [b]sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the Lord.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Samuel 15:23 God hateth nothing more than the disobedience of his Commandment, though the intent seems never so good to man.
  2. 1 Samuel 15:25 This was not true repentance, but dissimulation, fearing the loss of his kingdom.

23 For rebellion is like the sin of divination,(A)
    and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.
Because you have rejected(B) the word of the Lord,
    he has rejected you as king.”

24 Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned.(C) I violated(D) the Lord’s command and your instructions. I was afraid(E) of the men and so I gave in to them. 25 Now I beg you, forgive(F) my sin and come back with me, so that I may worship the Lord.”

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