1 Samuel 9:23
And Samuel said unto the cook, Bring the portion which I gave thee, of which I said unto thee, Set it by thee.
Original Language Analysis
לַטַּבָּ֔ח
unto the cook
H2876
לַטַּבָּ֔ח
unto the cook
Strong's:
H2876
Word #:
3 of 15
properly, a butcher; hence, a lifeguardsman (because he was acting as an executioner); also a cook (usually slaughtering the animal for food)
נָתַ֖תִּי
Bring
H5414
נָתַ֖תִּי
Bring
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
4 of 15
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמָּנָ֔ה
the portion
H4490
הַמָּנָ֔ה
the portion
Strong's:
H4490
Word #:
6 of 15
properly, something weighed out, i.e., (generally) a division; specifically (of food) a ration; also a lot
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נָתַ֖תִּי
Bring
H5414
נָתַ֖תִּי
Bring
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
8 of 15
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֲשֶׁר֙
H834
אֲשֶׁר֙
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שִׂ֥ים
unto thee Set
H7760
שִׂ֥ים
unto thee Set
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
13 of 15
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
Historical Context
Sacrificial meals involved specific portions designated for various purposes: parts for God (burned), parts for priests, parts for the one offering the sacrifice, and parts for guests. The cook's role in managing these portions was important for maintaining proper ritual procedure. Samuel's advance arrangement demonstrates prophetic authority over the entire sacrificial process.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Samuel's advance preparation challenge us to be ready for what God has revealed?
- What does the reserved portion symbolize about God's sovereign provision for those He calls?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Samuel said unto the cook, Bring the portion which I gave thee, of which I said unto thee, Set it by thee.
Samuel's prior instruction to the cook reveals the depth of his prophetic preparation. Before Saul arrived, before Samuel even knew specifically who would come, he had reserved a special portion (manah). This detail emphasizes that nothing in this encounter is improvised: God had revealed enough for Samuel to make specific preparations. The cook's role as keeper of the reserved portion makes him an unwitting participant in Israel's political transition. Samuel's command 'Bring the portion' uses the definite article, indicating a specific, previously identified piece of meat set apart for this moment. The Hebrew construction emphasizes deliberate, advance planning: 'which I gave thee... which I said unto thee, Set it by thee.' Every element of this meal had been prophetically arranged, demonstrating how divine foreknowledge works through human preparation.