1 Samuel 15:17
And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel?
Original Language Analysis
הֲל֗וֹא
H3808
הֲל֗וֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
4 of 16
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
קָטֹ֤ן
When thou wast little
H6996
קָטֹ֤ן
When thou wast little
Strong's:
H6996
Word #:
5 of 16
abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)
בְּעֵינֶ֔יךָ
in thine own sight
H5869
בְּעֵינֶ֔יךָ
in thine own sight
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
7 of 16
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
רֹ֛אשׁ
wast thou not made the head
H7218
רֹ֛אשׁ
wast thou not made the head
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
8 of 16
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
שִׁבְטֵ֥י
of the tribes
H7626
שִׁבְטֵ֥י
of the tribes
Strong's:
H7626
Word #:
9 of 16
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
10 of 16
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וַיִּמְשָֽׁחֲךָ֧
anointed
H4886
וַיִּמְשָֽׁחֲךָ֧
anointed
Strong's:
H4886
Word #:
12 of 16
to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint
יְהוָ֛ה
and the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
and the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
13 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
1 Samuel 9:21And Saul answered and said, Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou so to me?1 Samuel 10:22Therefore they enquired of the LORD further, if the man should yet come thither. And the LORD answered, Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff.1 Samuel 10:1Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?Matthew 18:4Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.Hosea 13:1When Ephraim spake trembling, he exalted himself in Israel; but when he offended in Baal, he died.Judges 6:15And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.
Historical Context
Saul's initial humility impressed Samuel and was part of why God chose him. His tribe (Benjamin) was smallest; his family was 'least' in the tribe. This external smallness reflected internal humility that qualified him for elevation. That qualification no longer applies.
Questions for Reflection
- How does growth in position sometimes destroy the humility that qualified us for that position?
- What happens when leaders become great in their own sight?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel?
Samuel's rhetorical question - 'When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel?' - recalls Saul's earlier humility (9:21; 10:22). Being 'little in thine own sight' (qatan) described Saul's self-assessment when God chose him. The LORD's anointing responded to this humility. By implication, Saul is no longer 'little in his own sight' - his monument-building suggests the opposite. Growth in position produced growth in self-importance that undermined the humility God honored.