Now that Israel has a king they can choose to live faithfully under the Lord’s word, or they can suffer justly under the Lord’s hand.1 Previously, the Lord’s hand was directed against the Philistines (1 Samuel 5:9; 1 Samuel 7:13). Rebellion against his commandments thus results in Israel being in the place of an enemy.2
15 But if you will not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then the hand of the LORD will be against you and your king.