1 Samuel Chapter 28 · Verse 14
And he said unto her, What form is he of? And she said, An old man cometh up; and he is covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground, and bowed himself.
Original Language Analysis
מַֽה
H4100
מַֽה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
3 of 20
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
אִ֤ישׁ
man
H376
אִ֤ישׁ
man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
6 of 20
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
עֹלֶ֔ה
cometh up
H5927
עֹלֶ֔ה
cometh up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
8 of 20
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
וְה֥וּא
H1931
וְה֥וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
9 of 20
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
עֹטֶ֖ה
and he is covered
H5844
עֹטֶ֖ה
and he is covered
Strong's:
H5844
Word #:
10 of 20
to wrap, i.e., cover, veil, clothe, or roll
וַיֵּ֤דַע
perceived
H3045
וַיֵּ֤דַע
perceived
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
12 of 20
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
14 of 20
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שְׁמוּאֵ֣ל
that it was Samuel
H8050
שְׁמוּאֵ֣ל
that it was Samuel
Strong's:
H8050
Word #:
15 of 20
shemuel, the name of three israelites
ה֔וּא
H1931
ה֔וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
16 of 20
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
וַיִּקֹּ֥ד
and he stooped
H6915
וַיִּקֹּ֥ד
and he stooped
Strong's:
H6915
Word #:
17 of 20
to shrivel up, i.e., contract or bend the body (or neck) in deference
אַפַּ֛יִם
with his face
H639
אַפַּ֛יִם
with his face
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
18 of 20
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
Historical Context
The mantle was the characteristic garment of prophets, later associated with Elijah and Elisha. Samuel's me'il served as a recognition marker and symbol of prophetic authority throughout his career.
Questions for Reflection
- What identifying marks reveal someone's true identity and calling?
- How do we respond differently to God's messengers in desperate situations than in prosperous ones?
Analysis & Commentary
The identifying details, 'an old man covered with a mantle' (Hebrew: 'me'il'), connect to Samuel's characteristic prophetic garb. The mantle (me'il) was specifically associated with Samuel from when his mother made him a little robe (2:19) to when Saul tore his mantle symbolizing the torn kingdom (15:27). Saul's immediate perception that 'it was Samuel' and his prostration (Hebrew: 'wayyiqqod') indicate recognition and reverence. The king bows before the prophet he once resisted, now seeking what he previously rejected.