1 Samuel 7:2
And it came to pass, while the ark abode in Kirjath-jearim, that the time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֗י
H1961
וַיְהִ֗י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 17
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הַיָּמִ֔ים
And it came to pass while
H3117
הַיָּמִ֔ים
And it came to pass while
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
2 of 17
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
שֶׁ֤בֶת
abode
H3427
שֶׁ֤בֶת
abode
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
3 of 17
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
יְעָרִ֔ים
in Kirjathjearim
H7157
יְעָרִ֔ים
in Kirjathjearim
Strong's:
H7157
Word #:
6 of 17
kirjath-jearim or kirjath-arim, a place in palestine
הַיָּמִ֔ים
And it came to pass while
H3117
הַיָּמִ֔ים
And it came to pass while
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
8 of 17
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
וַיִּֽהְי֖וּ
H1961
וַיִּֽהְי֖וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
9 of 17
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
וַיִּנָּה֛וּ
lamented
H5091
וַיִּנָּה֛וּ
lamented
Strong's:
H5091
Word #:
12 of 17
to groan, i.e., bewail; hence (through the idea of crying aloud), to assemble (as if on proclamation)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
13 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בֵּ֥ית
and all the house
H1004
בֵּ֥ית
and all the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
14 of 17
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
15 of 17
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
Cross References
Jeremiah 31:9They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.Jeremiah 3:13Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD.Matthew 5:4Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.Judges 2:4And it came to pass, when the angel of the LORD spake these words unto all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voice, and wept.
Historical Context
The twenty years likely overlapped with Philistine domination mentioned in Judges 13:1. During this period, Samuel matured from child to established prophet, Eli's house fell, and Israel experienced the consequences of faithless leadership. This era bridges the judges period and the emerging monarchy.
Questions for Reflection
- How do extended seasons of spiritual hunger prepare hearts for genuine revival?
- What role does corporate lamentation play in national spiritual renewal?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And it came to pass, while the ark abode in Kirjath-jearim, that the time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD.
Twenty years represents a generation of spiritual dormancy. The Hebrew 'wayyinnahu' (lamented) derives from 'nahah', expressing mournful longing or groaning. Israel collectively yearned for restored relationship with Yahweh, their hearts turning toward what they had lost. This extended period of lamentation prepared the nation for genuine repentance. Like the prodigal son 'coming to himself,' Israel's prolonged suffering under Philistine oppression and spiritual emptiness created readiness for revival. The phrase 'all the house of Israel' indicates national scope - this was not isolated pockets of faithfulness but widespread spiritual hunger. God uses extended seasons of discipline to produce the brokenness that precedes renewal. The twenty-year wait was not divine neglect but patient preparation.