1 Samuel 28:17
And the LORD hath done to him, as he spake by me: for the LORD hath rent the kingdom out of thine hand, and given it to thy neighbour, even to David:
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֤עַשׂ
hath done
H6213
וַיַּ֤עַשׂ
hath done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
יְהוָ֤ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֤ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דִּבֶּ֣ר
to him as he spake
H1696
דִּבֶּ֣ר
to him as he spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
5 of 14
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
מִיָּדֶ֔ךָ
by me
H3027
מִיָּדֶ֔ךָ
by me
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
6 of 14
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
וַיִּקְרַ֨ע
hath rent
H7167
וַיִּקְרַ֨ע
hath rent
Strong's:
H7167
Word #:
7 of 14
to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)
יְהוָ֤ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֤ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמַּמְלָכָה֙
the kingdom
H4467
הַמַּמְלָכָה֙
the kingdom
Strong's:
H4467
Word #:
10 of 14
dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)
מִיָּדֶ֔ךָ
by me
H3027
מִיָּדֶ֔ךָ
by me
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
11 of 14
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
וַֽיִּתְּנָ֖הּ
and given
H5414
וַֽיִּתְּנָ֖הּ
and given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
12 of 14
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
Historical Context
This confirmation references 1 Samuel 15:28 where Samuel told Saul the kingdom would be given to 'a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou.' The use of 'neighbour' (rea') rather than David's name maintains the vocabulary of the earlier prophecy.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the consistency of God's word across time strengthen your confidence in Scripture?
- What prophecies or promises are you waiting to see fulfilled?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Samuel's message confirms previous prophecy: 'The LORD hath done to him, as he spake by me.' The Hebrew 'ka'asher dibber beyadi' (as he spoke through me) references Samuel's earlier announcement of kingdom transfer (chapter 15). The naming of David as recipient ('thy neighbour') removes any ambiguity about the successor. Samuel's words from beyond the grave confirm rather than alter previous revelation. God's word through the prophet in life remains binding after the prophet's death, demonstrating the permanent authority of divine pronouncement.