1 Samuel 10:23
And they ran and fetched him thence: and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּרֻ֙צוּ֙
And they ran
H7323
וַיָּרֻ֙צוּ֙
And they ran
Strong's:
H7323
Word #:
1 of 11
to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)
וַיִּקָּחֻ֣הוּ
and fetched
H3947
וַיִּקָּחֻ֣הוּ
and fetched
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
2 of 11
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
מִשָּׁ֔ם
H8033
מִשָּׁ֔ם
Strong's:
H8033
Word #:
3 of 11
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
וַיִּתְיַצֵּ֖ב
him thence and when he stood
H3320
וַיִּתְיַצֵּ֖ב
him thence and when he stood
Strong's:
H3320
Word #:
4 of 11
to place (any thing so as to stay); reflexively, to station, offer, continue
הָעָ֔ם
than any of the people
H5971
הָעָ֔ם
than any of the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
6 of 11
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וַיִּגְבַּהּ֙
he was higher
H1361
וַיִּגְבַּהּ֙
he was higher
Strong's:
H1361
Word #:
7 of 11
to soar, i.e., be lofty; figuratively, to be haughty
מִכָּל
H3605
מִכָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָעָ֔ם
than any of the people
H5971
הָעָ֔ם
than any of the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
9 of 11
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
Historical Context
Height and physical appearance signified leadership capacity in the ancient Near East. Egyptian and Mesopotamian art depicted kings as larger than subjects. Israel's desire for an impressive-looking king reflected cultural values God would later subvert in choosing David, the youngest and least impressive of Jesse's sons.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you evaluate leaders - by external impressiveness or internal character?
- What does Saul's height foreshadow about his failure against another tall opponent, Goliath?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And they ran and fetched him thence: and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward.
The people 'ran' (ruts) to retrieve Saul, suggesting eager excitement at discovering their king. When presented, his physical stature immediately distinguished him: 'higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward' (gavoah mikol-ha'am mishikmo vamalah). This impressive appearance fulfills Israel's desire for a king 'like the nations' (8:5, 20) - outwardly impressive, visually commanding. Samuel earlier warned that Israel evaluated by external appearance (16:7: 'man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart'). Saul's height satisfied human expectations but did not guarantee internal qualification. This physical description foreshadows the Goliath narrative where another exceptionally tall figure would terrify Israel - including Saul, who should have been their champion. Physical impressiveness without spiritual courage proves worthless against true threats.