40 Minutes In The Old Testament 1 Samuel 15:10-29 (Episode 239)
Nov 2, 2020
The hosts dive into the complexities of divine regret, exploring how God’s feelings differ from human emotions. They analyze Saul’s decision to spare livestock, which leads to God rejecting him as king. A humorous pizza analogy illustrates the tension between foreknowledge and regret. The discussion also highlights Samuel's anger, questioning whether it's aimed at God or Saul, and unpacks the critical message that obedience surpasses sacrifice. The conversation is filled with insights on God’s emotional nature, showcasing a relatable and loving Creator.
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Divine Regret Is Theologically Complex
- The Hebrew verb naham (regret/change mind) appears three times and creates theological tension about God's immutability.
- Chad Bird argues the tension shows biblical language personalizes God rather than making him a cold, impassive deity.
God Knows Yet Still Regrets
- Daniel Emery Price explains God's regret doesn't conflict with omniscience and sovereignty because God can knowingly choose and still grieve outcomes.
- He compares it to knowingly eating a last pizza slice: you predict regret yet still choose the act for reasons beyond foresight.
The Last Pizza Slice Example
- Daniel Emery Price uses a pizza-eating personal example to illustrate knowing you'll regret something yet doing it anyway.
- The story shows foreknowledge doesn't prevent choices that later cause remorse.
