1 Samuel 12:6
And Samuel said unto the people, It is the LORD that advanced Moses and Aaron, and that brought your fathers up out of the land of Egypt.
Original Language Analysis
הָעָ֑ם
unto the people
H5971
הָעָ֑ם
unto the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
4 of 17
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
יְהוָ֗ה
It is the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
It is the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשָׂה֙
that advanced
H6213
עָשָׂה֙
that advanced
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
7 of 17
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶֽת
H853
וְאֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַֽאֲשֶׁ֧ר
H834
וַֽאֲשֶׁ֧ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
12 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הֶֽעֱלָ֛ה
and that brought
H5927
הֶֽעֱלָ֛ה
and that brought
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
13 of 17
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲבֹֽתֵיכֶ֖ם
your fathers
H1
אֲבֹֽתֵיכֶ֖ם
your fathers
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
15 of 17
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
Cross References
Micah 6:4For I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of servants; and I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.Exodus 6:26These are that Aaron and Moses, to whom the LORD said, Bring out the children of Israel from the land of Egypt according to their armies.Psalms 105:41He opened the rock, and the waters gushed out; they ran in the dry places like a river.Psalms 99:6Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name; they called upon the LORD, and he answered them.
Historical Context
Moses and Aaron represented the foundational pattern of Israel's leadership: prophetic authority (Moses) combined with priestly mediation (Aaron). Samuel himself embodied both roles, making his transition to monarchy a significant departure from this established pattern.
Questions for Reflection
- How does remembering that God raises up all legitimate leaders affect our view of human authority?
- In what ways do we fail to recognize God as the ultimate source of leadership and deliverance?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Samuel said unto the people, It is the LORD that advanced Moses and Aaron, and that brought your fathers up out of the land of Egypt.
Samuel redirects attention from himself to 'the LORD that advanced Moses and Aaron' - the true King who raised up all legitimate leaders. The Hebrew asah ('advanced' or 'made') emphasizes divine initiative in Israel's leadership history. By beginning his historical review with Moses and Aaron, Samuel establishes that human leaders are always secondary instruments of divine purpose. This theological grounding prepares for his case that requesting a king represented failure to trust God's provision.