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1 Samuel 10:17

1 Samuel 10:17 in Multiple Translations

After this, Samuel summoned the people to the LORD at Mizpah

¶ And Samuel called the people together unto the LORD to Mizpeh;

And Samuel called the people together unto Jehovah to Mizpah;

Then Samuel sent for the people to come together before the Lord at Mizpah;

Samuel called the people of Israel to come before the Lord at Mizpah.

And Samuel assembled the people vnto the Lord in Mizpeh,

And Samuel calleth the people unto Jehovah to Mizpeh,

Samuel called the people together to the LORD to Mizpah;

And Samuel called the people together to the LORD to Mizpeh;

And Samuel called together the people to the Lord in Maspha:

Later Samuel summoned the people of Israel to gather at Mizpah to hear a message from Yahweh.

After that, Samuel told the Israel mob to come together at the place called Mizpah. So they met together at that place.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 10:17

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Samuel 10:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יַּצְעֵ֤ק שְׁמוּאֵל֙ אֶת הָ/עָ֔ם אֶל יְהוָ֖ה הַ/מִּצְפָּֽה
וַ/יַּצְעֵ֤ק tsâʻaq H6817 to cry Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
שְׁמוּאֵל֙ Shᵉmûwʼêl H8050 Shemuel N-proper
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הָ/עָ֔ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
הַ/מִּצְפָּֽה Mitspâh H4709 Mizpah Art | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 10:17

וַ/יַּצְעֵ֤ק tsâʻaq H6817 "to cry" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To cry or cry out is the meaning of this verb, often used to express distress or need, as seen in the Psalms where people cry out to God for help.
Definition: 1) to cry, cry out, call, cry for help 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cry, cry out (for help) 1a2) to cry, cry out (in distress or need) 1a3) to make outcry, clamour 1b) (Niphal) to be summoned 1c) (Piel) to cry aloud (in grief) 1d) (Hiphil) to call together
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, call together, cry (out), gather (selves) (together). See also: Genesis 4:10; 1 Samuel 13:4; Psalms 34:18.
שְׁמוּאֵל֙ Shᵉmûwʼêl H8050 "Shemuel" N-proper
Shemuel was the name of three Israelites, including a judge and prophet of Israel during the time of King Saul and King David. His name means his name is El and he was the son of Elkanah and Hannah.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Issachar living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, only mentioned at 1Ch.7.2; son of: Tola (H8439); brother of: Uzzi (H5813H), Rephaiah (H7509I), Jeriel (H3400), Jahmai (H3181) and Ibsam (H3005) § Samuel = "his name is El" 1) son of Elkanah by his wife Hannah and judge or prophet of Israel during the days of Saul and David 2) son Ammihud and the prince of the tribe of Simeon who was chosen to divide the land of Canaan between the tribes. Spelled 'Shemuel' 3) son of Tola and grandson of Issachar. Spelled 'Shemuel'
Usage: Occurs in 120 OT verses. KJV: Samuel, Shemuel. See also: Numbers 34:20; 1 Samuel 12:1; Psalms 99:6.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/עָ֔ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
הַ/מִּצְפָּֽה Mitspâh H4709 "Mizpah" Art | N-proper
Mitspah means watchtower, referring to a place in Palestine near Mount Hermon. It appears in the Bible as a location. The name is associated with a place of observation.
Definition: § Mizpah = "watchtower" a place near Mount Hermon
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: Mitspah. (This seems rather to be only an orthographic variation of H4708 (מִצְפֶּה) when 'in pause'.) See also: Genesis 31:49; 1 Samuel 10:17; Jeremiah 40:10.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 10:17

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Judges 20:1 Then all the Israelites from Dan to Beersheba and from the land of Gilead came out, and the congregation assembled as one man before the LORD at Mizpah.
2 1 Samuel 7:5–6 Then Samuel said, “Gather all Israel to Mizpah, and I will pray to the LORD on your behalf.” When they had gathered at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the LORD. On that day they fasted, and there they confessed, “We have sinned against the LORD.” And Samuel judged the Israelites at Mizpah.

1 Samuel 10:17 Summary

In 1 Samuel 10:17, Samuel calls the people to gather before the Lord at Mizpah, a special place of worship and communion with God. This gathering is significant because it marks a turning point in the Israelites' relationship with God, as they transition from being led by judges to having a king. Just like the Israelites, we need to remember God's faithfulness and covenant promises, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:9 and Psalm 105:8, and seek His presence and guidance in our lives. By doing so, we can prioritize God's will and sovereignty, just as Samuel did, and trust in His goodness and love, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Samuel summon the people to the LORD at Mizpah in 1 Samuel 10:17?

Samuel summoned the people to the LORD at Mizpah to address their request for a king, as seen in the context of 1 Samuel 8:4-9, and to remind them of their covenant with God, similar to the gatherings in Deuteronomy 31:11-13.

What is the significance of Mizpah in the Bible?

Mizpah was a significant location in the Bible, often associated with gatherings and covenant renewals, as seen in Judges 20:1 and 21:1, and it symbolized a place of worship and communion with God, much like the tabernacle in Exodus 25:8.

How does this verse relate to the rest of 1 Samuel 10?

This verse is a pivotal moment in 1 Samuel 10, as it transitions from Saul's private anointing by Samuel in 1 Samuel 10:1-16 to the public declaration of Saul as king in 1 Samuel 10:17-27, highlighting God's sovereignty in the process, as stated in Proverbs 21:1.

What can we learn from Samuel's leadership in this verse?

Samuel's leadership in 1 Samuel 10:17 demonstrates his obedience to God and his commitment to guiding the people according to God's will, as seen in 1 Samuel 3:9-10, and serves as an example for leaders today, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's direction, as in Proverbs 3:5-6.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can gather with other believers to seek God's presence and guidance, just like the Israelites did at Mizpah?
  2. How can I balance my desire for human leadership with my need for God's sovereignty in my life, as seen in the context of 1 Samuel 8-10?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I need to remember God's faithfulness and covenant promises, just as Samuel reminded the Israelites in 1 Samuel 10:18-19?
  4. In what ways can I, like Samuel, use my influence to point others to God and His Word, rather than seeking to elevate myself or human leaders?
  5. How can I apply the principles of 1 Samuel 10:17 to my own life, seeking to prioritize God's presence and guidance in my decisions and actions?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 10:17

And Samuel called the people together unto the Lord at Mizpeh.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 10:17

And Samuel called the people together unto the LORD to Mizpeh; And Samuel called the people together unto the LORD to Mizpeh; Samuel called the people together ... to Mizpeh - a shaft-like hill near Hebron, 500 feet in height.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 10:17

Unto the Lord; to appear before the Lord. So he speaks, either, 1. Because the ark was carried thither upon this occasion. Or, 2. Because God is present in all the assemblies of his people, whereof this was an eminent one: see . Or, 3. Because they did in a manner erect a tribunal for God; and entreated, and consequently obtained, his presence there to supervise and direct the whole business by his sentence, which also he did, , &c. See of this phrase 20:1. To Mizpeh; a city of Benjamin, , where all Israel had met before upon a public and solemn occasion, .

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 10:17

1 Samuel 10:17 And Samuel called the people together unto the LORD to Mizpeh;Ver. 17. To Mizpeh.] Whither also, for the purpose, he had appointed the ark to be brought, and the high priest to repair with Urim and Thummim, to ask counsel of God, and to cast lots, as Junius here noteth.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 10:17

(17) Samuel called the people together.—“Samuel does all that further lies in his power to promote the great cause. He calls a national assembly to Mizpeh. Here the sacred lot, it is stated, fell, among all the tribes of Israel, upon Benjamin; and, in an ever narrowing circle, at length upon Saul, the son of Kish. If we consider the general use in those ages of the sacred lot, we shall find that, taking the whole account in this connection, it exhibits nothing but the great truth that for the full and auspicious acknowledgment of Saul as king, his mysterious interview with the seer did not alone suffice—publicly, in solemn national assembly, was it necessary for the Spirit of the Eternal to choose him out, and to make him known as the Eternal’s man.”—Ewald.Mizpah (for so the name should be spelt) was chosen by Samuel for the solemn assembly of the tribes on the occasion of the electing their first king, on account of the glorious memories of his own victory, many years before, at that place. The words, “unto the Lord” probably signify that the mysterious Urim and Thummim, by which inquiry was used to be made of the Eternal, had been brought there by the high priest, or, on the supposition that the office was then vacant, by the priest who temporarily replaced him.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 10:17

17–27. The Public election of Saul as King The thread of the narrative in ch. 8, which has been temporarily dropped in order to give an account of the circumstances by which Samuel was privately made acquainted with the man whom Jehovah had chosen to rule his people, is now resumed, and Saul’s public election by lot to the regal office described. Since the revelation to Samuel and the choice by lot were equally declarations of Jehovah’s will, there could be no contradiction between them: the latter publicly confirmed the former for the satisfaction of the people.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 10:17

17. Unto the Lord — This expression does not necessarily imply that the ark was present. Compare Judges 11:11, note. Samuel publicly invokes the divine presence and blessing, and has everything done as in the presence of Jehovah.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 10:17

SermonDescription
Chuck Smith The Anointing of Saul by Chuck Smith In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the anointing of Saul as the first king of Israel. The people of Jabish were under threat from their enemies and sought help from the I

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