1 Samuel 28:24
And the woman had a fat calf in the house; and she hasted, and killed it, and took flour, and kneaded it, and did bake unleavened bread thereof:
Original Language Analysis
עֵֽגֶל
calf
H5695
עֵֽגֶל
calf
Strong's:
H5695
Word #:
2 of 11
a (male) calf (as frisking round), especially one nearly grown (i.e., a steer)
בַּבַּ֔יִת
in the house
H1004
בַּבַּ֔יִת
in the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
4 of 11
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
וַתְּמַהֵ֖ר
and she hasted
H4116
וַתְּמַהֵ֖ר
and she hasted
Strong's:
H4116
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e., (by implication)
וַתִּזְבָּחֵ֑הוּ
and killed
H2076
וַתִּזְבָּחֵ֑הוּ
and killed
Strong's:
H2076
Word #:
6 of 11
to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)
וַתִּקַּח
it and took
H3947
וַתִּקַּח
it and took
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
7 of 11
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
Historical Context
A fatted calf was reserved for special occasions; its sacrifice here indicates the woman recognized the significance of her guest. Unleavened bread could be prepared quickly and was common in hospitality contexts when time was limited.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the woman's generous hospitality suggest about common grace in unexpected places?
- How do ordinary meals become significant in crisis moments?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The 'fat calf in the house' suggests the woman was not impoverished despite her dangerous profession. Her hasty preparation of both meat and unleavened bread (no time for rising) demonstrates the urgency of the situation. The detail of kneading and baking personally indicates this was not a wealthy household with servants. This simple meal, prepared by a condemned practitioner for a condemned king, becomes Saul's last supper before his death. The domestic details humanize the tragic narrative.