1 Samuel 9:22
And Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought them into the parlour, and made them sit in the chiefest place among them that were bidden, which were about thirty persons.
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶֽת
H853
וְאֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נַעֲר֔וֹ
and his servant
H5288
נַעֲר֔וֹ
and his servant
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
6 of 16
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
וַיְבִיאֵ֖ם
and brought
H935
וַיְבִיאֵ֖ם
and brought
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
7 of 16
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
לִשְׁכָּ֑תָה
them into the parlour
H3957
לִשְׁכָּ֑תָה
them into the parlour
Strong's:
H3957
Word #:
8 of 16
a room in a building (whether for storage, eating, or lodging)
וַיִּתֵּ֨ן
and made them sit
H5414
וַיִּתֵּ֨ן
and made them sit
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
9 of 16
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
מָקוֹם֙
place
H4725
מָקוֹם֙
place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
11 of 16
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
בְּרֹ֣אשׁ
in the chiefest
H7218
בְּרֹ֣אשׁ
in the chiefest
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
12 of 16
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
הַקְּרוּאִ֔ים
among them that were bidden
H7121
הַקְּרוּאִ֔ים
among them that were bidden
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
13 of 16
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
Historical Context
The lishkah was a chamber attached to sacred sites, used for storing offerings and hosting sacred meals. Similar structures have been identified archaeologically at various Israelite sites. The number thirty was often associated with official delegations or representative groups in ancient Israel (cf. Judges 14:11). Seating position indicated social rank, with the 'head' position reserved for the most honored guest.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God sometimes publicly honor those He has privately chosen?
- What does the inclusion of Saul's servant in this honor teach about the scope of God's blessing?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought them into the parlour, and made them sit in the chiefest place among them that were bidden, which were about thirty persons.
Samuel's actions speak louder than words as he physically elevates Saul and even his servant to the 'chiefest place' (rosh, literally 'head') among the thirty invited guests. This public honor before the assembled community signals Saul's new status without explicit announcement. The 'parlour' (lishkah) was a hall or chamber associated with the sanctuary, used for sacrificial meals and sacred gatherings. The inclusion of Saul's servant in this honor demonstrates grace extending beyond the chosen individual to his household, foreshadowing how the king's blessing would affect his entire family and nation. The number thirty suggests a significant gathering of community leaders, making Saul's sudden prominence all the more remarkable. This public seating arrangement prepared the community to accept Saul's coming revelation as king.