24 Saul gave in and confessed, "I've sinned. I've trampled roughshod over God's Word and your instructions. I cared more about pleasing the people. I let them tell me what to do. 25 Oh, absolve me of my sin! Take my hand and lead me to the altar so I can worship God!" 26 But Samuel refused: "No, I can't come alongside you in this. You rejected God's command. Now God has rejected you as king over Israel." 27 As Samuel turned to leave, Saul grabbed at his priestly robe and a piece tore off. 28 Samuel said, "God has just now torn the kingdom from you, and handed it over to your neighbor, a better man than you are. 29 Israel's God-of-Glory doesn't deceive and he doesn't dither. He says what he means and means what he says." 30 Saul tried again, "I have sinned. But don't abandon me! Support me with your presence before the leaders and the people. Come alongside me as I go back to worship God." 31 Samuel did. He went back with him. And Saul went to his knees before God and worshiped.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:24-31
Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:24-31
(Read 1 Samuel 15:24-31)
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.