1 Samuel 9:15
Now the LORD had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying,
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיהוָ֔ה
Now the LORD
H3068
וַֽיהוָ֔ה
Now the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
1 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
גָּלָ֖ה
had told
H1540
גָּלָ֖ה
had told
Strong's:
H1540
Word #:
2 of 11
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֹ֣זֶן
in his ear
H241
אֹ֣זֶן
in his ear
Strong's:
H241
Word #:
4 of 11
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
י֣וֹם
day
H3117
י֣וֹם
day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
6 of 11
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
לִפְנֵ֥י
before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֥י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
8 of 11
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
Cross References
Acts 13:21And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.1 Samuel 15:1Samuel also said unto Saul, The LORD sent me to anoint thee to be king over his people, over Israel: now therefore hearken thou unto the voice of the words of the LORD.Psalms 25:14The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.Job 33:16Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction,Amos 3:7Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.2 Samuel 7:27For thou, O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed to thy servant, saying, I will build thee an house: therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto thee.1 Samuel 20:2And he said unto him, God forbid; thou shalt not die: behold, my father will do nothing either great or small, but that he will shew it me: and why should my father hide this thing from me? it is not so.Acts 27:23For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,1 Samuel 9:17And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people.
Historical Context
The idiom of 'uncovering the ear' appears elsewhere in Scripture (2 Samuel 7:27; Job 33:16; 36:10) and denotes revelation of secrets or divine instruction. Samuel's preparation a full day in advance indicates the deliberate nature of divine planning. The prophetic office involved receiving such advance revelations to guide Israel through critical transitions.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing that God prepares our path before we walk it affect your trust in His guidance?
- What does the intimacy of God 'revealing to Samuel's ear' suggest about prophetic communion with God?
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Analysis & Commentary
Now the LORD had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying,
The narrative now pulls back the curtain to reveal divine activity behind the human drama. The Hebrew phrase galah et-ozen ('uncovered his ear' or 'revealed to his ear') denotes intimate, confidential communication, suggesting God speaking directly into Samuel's consciousness. The timing, 'a day before,' demonstrates that nothing in this story is accidental. Before Saul lost his donkeys, before he began his search, before he considered returning home, God had already prepared Samuel for this encounter. This verse encapsulates the Reformed understanding of divine sovereignty: human choices are real and meaningful, yet they unfold within God's eternal decree. Samuel's prophetic office gave him access to divine foreknowledge that enabled him to recognize and respond to Saul appropriately. The verse functions as theological commentary on the entire narrative, assuring readers that God remains actively involved in Israel's political transition.