15:1 The Lord sent me to anoint you. Samuel mentions his role in anointing Saul to set the context for his continuing service as mediator of God’s orders to Saul (10:1 note).

listen to the words of the Lord. The Hebrew word translated “listen” is repeated several times in this chapter, underscoring the central theme of obedience (“listen,” “hear,” “obey,” and “voice,” “bleating,” “lowing” in vv. 1, 14, 19, 20, 22, 24).