1 Samuel 15 - Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible

Saul's imperfect humiliation.

There were several signs of hypocrisy in Saul's repentance. 1. He besought Samuel only, and seemed most anxious to stand right in his opinion, and to gain his favour. 2. He excuses his fault, even when confessing it; that is never the way of a true penitent. 3. All his care was to save his credit, and preserve his interest in the people. Men are fickle and alter their minds, feeble and cannot effect their purposes; something happens they could not foresee, by which their measures are

broken; but with God it is not so. The Strength of Israel will not lie. (1Sa 15:32-35)