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Then said Saul, I have sinned: return, my son David; for I will no more do you harm, because my life was precious in your eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly.

Verse Takeaways

1

A Hollow Confession

Commentators unanimously view Saul's confession, "I have sinned," as insincere. They compare it to Pharaoh's forced admissions, noting it stems from a guilty conscience and the immediate circumstance rather than true repentance toward God. As Matthew Henry highlights, Saul's good words lacked the evidence of a changed heart, a crucial distinction for believers to discern.

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Book Overview

1 Samuel

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Commentaries

3

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On 1 Samuel 26:21

19th Century

Bishop

I have played the fool. —There seems something more in these words of Saul than sorrow for the past. He seems to blame hi…

John Gill

John Gill

On 1 Samuel 26:21

17th Century

Pastor

Then said Saul, I have sinned
Which is more than he acknowledged before, and yet, it is to be feared he had no true …

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On 1 Samuel 26:21–25

17th Century

Minister

Saul repeated his good words and good wishes, but he showed no evidence of true repentance towards God. David and Saul parted, to meet no more.