1 Samuel 10:26
And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and there went with him a band of men, whose hearts God had touched.
Original Language Analysis
וְגַ֨ם
H1571
וְגַ֨ם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
וַיֵּֽלְכ֣וּ
also went
H1980
וַיֵּֽלְכ֣וּ
also went
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
3 of 12
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
לְבֵית֖וֹ
home
H1004
לְבֵית֖וֹ
home
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
4 of 12
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
וַיֵּֽלְכ֣וּ
also went
H1980
וַיֵּֽלְכ֣וּ
also went
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
6 of 12
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
עִמּ֔וֹ
H5973
עִמּ֔וֹ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
7 of 12
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
הַחַ֕יִל
with him a band of men
H2428
הַחַ֕יִל
with him a band of men
Strong's:
H2428
Word #:
8 of 12
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נָגַ֥ע
had touched
H5060
נָגַ֥ע
had touched
Strong's:
H5060
Word #:
10 of 12
properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive
Cross References
1 Samuel 11:4Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul, and told the tidings in the ears of the people: and all the people lifted up their voices, and wept.Joshua 18:28And Zelah, Eleph, and Jebusi, which is Jerusalem, Gibeath, and Kirjath; fourteen cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families.1 Samuel 15:34Then Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house to Gibeah of Saul.
Historical Context
Gibeah (Tell el-Ful), about three miles north of Jerusalem, served as Saul's capital throughout his reign. Archaeological excavations revealed a fortress-like structure from this period. The town's association with the horrific crime of Judges 19-21 gives it a troubled history that Saul's kingship attempted to redeem.
Questions for Reflection
- How has God provided loyal supporters to help you fulfill your calling?
- What does God 'touching hearts' teach about the balance between divine sovereignty and human choice?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and there went with him a band of men, whose hearts God had touched.
Saul returns to Gibeah, his hometown and future capital, accompanied by divinely motivated supporters. The phrase 'whose hearts God had touched' (nega elohim belibam) indicates supernatural influence producing loyalty. The verb 'touched' (nega) implies a gentle contact - God did not compel but inclined these hearts toward Saul. This 'band of men' (chayil, also meaning army or force) formed the nucleus of Saul's administration. God's provision of loyal supporters demonstrates His genuine investment in Saul's success; the king was not set up for failure but supplied with every resource for faithful rule. The reference to 'hearts' creates thematic resonance with verse 9 (Saul's changed heart) and the later contrast with David, a man after God's own heart. Hearts feature prominently in Saul's narrative, tracking the inner dimension of his tragic decline.