Bible Strands
1 Samuel 15:29
Moreover, the Glory of Israel does not lie or change His mind, for He is not a man, that He should change His mind.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Samuel delivers this declaration to Saul immediately after announcing that the Lord has removed the kingdom from him. The statement functions as a theological boundary before Saul’s request for public honor in 1 Samuel 15:30.
The words — נֵצַח יִשְׂרָאֵל (netzach Yisrael) translates to "the eminence/glory of Israel." יְשַׁקֵּר (yeshaker) means "he will deal falsely," coupled with יִנָּחֵם (yinnachem), "he will regret or change His mind."
The thread — The phrasing parallels Numbers 23:19, which explicitly contrasts God with human unreliability. It reinforces the pattern in Ezekiel 24:14 and Titus 1:2 where divine speech and promise remain fixed.
Why it lands — The text states that God’s nature prevents Him from lying or reversing His word, regardless of human failure. It requires the reader to accept that divine judgments and commitments stand independent of human reaction or regret.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent.
Cross-references
- Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?
- Ezekiel 24:14 I, the LORD, have spoken; the time is coming, and I will act. I will not refrain or show pity, nor will I relent. I will judge you according to your ways and deeds,’ declares the Lord GOD.”
- Titus 1:2 in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began.
- 2 Timothy 2:13 if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.
- Hebrews 6:18 Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.
- Psalms 95:11 So I swore on oath in My anger, “They shall never enter My rest.”
- Joel 3:16 The LORD will roar from Zion and raise His voice from Jerusalem; heaven and earth will tremble. But the LORD will be a refuge for His people, a stronghold for the people of Israel.
- 2 Corinthians 12:9 But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.
- Psalms 68:35 O God, You are awesome in Your sanctuary; the God of Israel Himself gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God!
- Isaiah 45:24 Surely they will say of Me, ‘In the LORD alone are righteousness and strength.’” All who rage against Him will come to Him and be put to shame.