1 Samuel 9:25
1 Samuel 9:25 in Multiple Translations
And after they had come down from the high place into the city, Samuel spoke with Saul on the roof of his house.
¶ And when they were come down from the high place into the city, Samuel communed with Saul upon the top of the house.
And when they were come down from the high place into the city, he communed with Saul upon the housetop.
And when they had come down from the high place into the town, where a bed was made ready for Saul, he went to rest.
Once they had returned from the high place to the town, Samuel spoke with Saul on the roof of his house.
And when they were come downe from the hie place into the citie, he communed with Saul vpon the top of the house.
And they come down from the high place to the city, and he speaketh with Saul on the roof.
When they had come down from the high place into the city, he talked with Saul on the housetop.
And when they had come down from the high place into the city, Samuel communed with Saul upon the top of the house.
And they went down from the high place into the town, and he spoke with Saul upon the top of the house: and he prepared a bed for Saul on the top of the house, and he slept.
After they finished eating, they returned to the town. Then Samuel took Saul up to the flat roof of his house, and fixed a bed for him.
Later on, they came back from the top of the hill to Samuel’s house, and Samuel took Saul up on to the flat roof, to a clear place, so they could talk to each other. It was cool up on the roof at night, so Saul and his working man slept up there.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 9:25
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 9:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּרְד֥וּ
מֵ/הַ/בָּמָ֖ה
הָ/עִ֑יר
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֥ר
עִם
שָׁא֖וּל
עַל
הַ/גָּֽג
וַ/יֵּרְד֥וּ
yârad
H3381
to go down
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
מֵ/הַ/בָּמָ֖ה
bâmâh
H1116
high place
Prep | Art | N-fs
הָ/עִ֑יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
שָׁא֖וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/גָּֽג
gâg
H1406
roof
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 9:25
וַ/יֵּרְד֥וּ
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
מֵ/הַ/בָּמָ֖ה
bâmâh
H1116
"high place"
Prep | Art | N-fs
A high place or elevation, often referring to a cultic platform or mountain. In the Bible, it can also refer to battlefields or funeral mounds, as seen in various passages.
Definition: 1) high place, ridge, height, bamah (technical name for cultic platform) 1a) high place, mountain 1b) high places, battlefields 1c) high places (as places of worship) 1d) funeral mound?
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: height, high place, wave. See also: Leviticus 26:30; 1 Chronicles 16:39; Psalms 18:34.
הָ/עִ֑יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
שָׁא֖וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/גָּֽג
gâg
H1406
"roof"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for roof, or the top of an altar, like the one in the temple in Jerusalem.
Definition: 1) roof, top, housetop 1a) roof (of house) 1b) top (of altar of incense)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: roof (of the house), (house) top (of the house). See also: Exodus 30:3; 2 Kings 23:12; Psalms 102:8.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 9:25
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 9:25 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 9:25
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 9:25
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:25
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:25
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:25
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:25
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 9:25
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:25
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 9:25
Context — Saul Chosen as King
23And Samuel said to the cook, “Bring the portion I gave you and told you to set aside.”
24So the cook picked up the leg and what was attached to it and set it before Saul. Then Samuel said, “Here is what was kept back. It was set apart for you. Eat, for it has been kept for you for this occasion, from the time I said, ‘I have invited the people.’” So Saul dined with Samuel that day.
25And after they had come down from the high place into the city, Samuel spoke with Saul on the roof of his house.
26They got up early in the morning, and just before dawn Samuel called to Saul on the roof, “Get ready, and I will send you on your way!” So Saul got ready, and both he and Samuel went outside together. 27As they were going down to the edge of the city, Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the servant to go on ahead of us, but you stay for a while, and I will reveal to you the word of God.” So the servant went on.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 10:9 | The next day at about the sixth hour, as the men were approaching the city on their journey, Peter went up on the roof to pray. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 22:8 | If you build a new house, you are to construct a railing around your roof, so that you do not bring bloodguilt on your house if someone falls from it. |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 11:2 | One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around on the roof of the palace. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing—a very beautiful woman. |
| 4 | Nehemiah 8:16 | And the people went out, brought back branches, and made booths on their own rooftops, in their courtyards, in the court of the house of God, and in the squares by the Water Gate and by the Gate of Ephraim. |
| 5 | Matthew 10:27 | What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the housetops. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 19:13 | The houses of Jerusalem and the houses of the kings of Judah will be defiled like that place, Topheth—all the houses on whose rooftops they burned incense to all the host of heaven and poured out drink offerings to other gods.” |
1 Samuel 9:25 Summary
In 1 Samuel 9:25, Samuel and Saul have a private conversation on the roof of Samuel's house after coming down from the high place where they had worshiped and eaten together. This conversation was an important moment in Saul's journey to becoming king of Israel, as Samuel was guiding and preparing him for his future role (1 Samuel 9:15-16). Just as Samuel spoke with Saul in a private setting, we can learn to listen to God's voice in the quiet moments of our lives (Psalm 46:10). By prioritizing private conversations with God and with spiritual leaders, we can deepen our relationship with Him and gain guidance for our lives (Proverbs 11:14).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Samuel speak with Saul on the roof of his house in 1 Samuel 9:25?
Samuel spoke with Saul on the roof of his house to have a private conversation with him, away from the crowds, as seen in other biblical instances where rooftops were used for private meetings (Joshua 2:6, Acts 10:9).
What is the significance of the high place in 1 Samuel 9:25?
The high place in 1 Samuel 9:25 refers to a location where the people of Israel would worship and offer sacrifices, as mentioned in other parts of the Bible, such as Leviticus 26:30 and Deuteronomy 12:2-3.
How does this verse relate to the calling of Saul as king of Israel?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the calling of Saul as king of Israel, as it shows Samuel's intentional guidance and preparation of Saul for his future role, as prophesied in 1 Samuel 9:15-16 and fulfilled in 1 Samuel 10:1 and 10:24.
What can we learn from the way Samuel interacted with Saul in this verse?
We can learn from the way Samuel interacted with Saul that spiritual leaders should prioritize private, personal conversations with those they are mentoring or guiding, as seen in Jesus' interactions with his disciples in Matthew 10:1-4 and Mark 3:13-19.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God speaks to us in private, personal ways, just as Samuel spoke with Saul on the roof of his house?
- How can we create space in our lives for private conversations with God and with spiritual leaders or mentors?
- What are some key qualities of a spiritual leader, as demonstrated by Samuel's interaction with Saul in this verse?
- How can we apply the principle of intentional guidance and preparation, as seen in Samuel's relationship with Saul, to our own relationships and ministries?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 9:25
And when they came down from the high place into the city,.... After the feast was ended; and though Ramah itself was situated on an eminence, yet it seems this high place was higher than that, being
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 9:25
And when they were come down from the high place into the city, Samuel communed with Saul upon the top of the house. Samuel communed with Saul upon the top of the house. Saul was taken to lodge with the prophet for that night.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:25
Samuel communed with Saul, concerning the kingdom designed to him by God, and his duty to expect it patiently, till God actually called him to it; and to administer it piously, and justly, and valiantly. The top of the house was flat, after the manner, ; and so fit for walking, and for secret prayers, , or any private and familiar discourses among friends.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:25
1 Samuel 9:25 And when they were come down from the high place into the city, [Samuel] communed with Saul upon the top of the house.Ver. 25. Samuel communed with Saul.] Gave him good counsel, better than any is to be found in Lipsius’ s "Beehive," Macchiavel’ s "Spider’ s Web," or Castalio’ s "Curialis," the book that Charles V so much delighted in.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:25
(25) And when they were come down.—After the public sacrificial meal at which such signal honours had been shown to the Benjamite stranger and his servant, the prophet-judge detained Saul from continuing his journey homewards, and persuaded him to remain as his guest that night at Ramah. He conducted him to the flat roof of his house, often the favourite locality in the East for quiet conversation or rest, and where frequently the honoured guest was lodged for the night: there the prophet had a long interview with his young guest, The conversation that evening probably did not turn upon the royal dignity, so soon to be conferred on Saul; of that Samuel spoke at length, we know, on the following morning. The solemn words of the old man that evening on the house-top in “Ramah of the Watchers” referred, no doubt, to the sad religious and political decline of the people of God, from which he (Samuel) had laboured, not unsuccessfully, to rescue them, “to the opposition of the heathen nations, the causes of the impotency of Israel to oppose their enemies, the necessity of a religious change in the people, and of a leader thoroughly obedient to the Lord.”—Otto von Gerlach, quoted in Lange. It has been suggested that this conversation was the connecting link between that on the height (1 Samuel 9:19-20) and the communication which Samuel made to Saul the following morning. The LXX. reads here, instead of “communed with Saul on the top of the house,” “they strewed a couch for Saul on the top of the house, and he lay down.” But the Chaldee and Syriac Versions agree with the Hebrew text. The strange LXX. variation is apparently a correction. These Greek translators could not understand a conversation of the prophet and Saul taking place in the evening, when the announcement of the crown was made so formally on the following morning. Why did Samuel not tell Saul of God’s intention during that evening spent together?
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:25
Verse 25. Upon the top of the house.] All the houses in the East were flat-roofed; on these people walked, talked, and frequently slept, for the sake of fresh and cooling air.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 9:25
25–10:8. Saul anointed by Samuel and promised three signs in confirmation of his call 25, 26. Samuel communed with Saul] Preparing him for the announcement which he was going to make next morning. On the housetop they would be open to the public view so that all could see the honour Samuel shewed his guest, while they would have opportunity for undisturbed conversation. The Sept. however reads, “And he came down from the high place into the city: and they prepared a bed for Saul on the housetop and he slept. And it came to pass, &c.” This may perhaps represent the original text, for it seems strange to say first “they arose early,” and then proceed to describe Samuel’s calling Saul. The flat roof of an oriental house is still “resorted to for business, relaxation, or for sleeping … During a large part of he year it is the most agreeable place about the establishment, especially in the morning and evening.” See Thomson’s Land and the Book, p. 39 ff.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:25
25. From the high place into the city — So the place of this sacrifice was outside of the city, and apparently on a hill overhanging it.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 9:25
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Awful Sin of Pride by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of patience and waiting on God's timing. He warns against making impulsive and fleshly decisions that can lead to disaster. T |
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The Path That Pride Leads To by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the destructive nature of pride, which is at the forefront of what God detests. He illustrates how pride leads to impatience and disobedience, using King |
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(1 Peter - Part 16): christ...foreordained, Manifest by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker expresses a deep sense of urgency and awareness of the approaching judgment of God. He emphasizes that the earth is growing old and that a mere blink of |
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Call No Man Common or Unclean by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Peter in Acts 10, starting at verse 9. Peter goes up to pray and becomes hungry, but while waiting for food, he falls into a tr |
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The Abrahamic Faith (1 of 2) by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the brevity of the scriptures and the depth of meaning they contain. The focus is on Genesis 15, where God promises Abram that his descendan |
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(Through the Bible) Acts 10-11 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of the story of Peter's vision being recorded twice in the book of Acts. The preacher emphasizes that God wanted to bear wit |
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Wabanna 1966: Title Unknown 2 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the question of how to truly understand and apply the truth of God's word in our lives. He emphasizes the need for increased spiritual capacit |