1 Samuel 9:27
And as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us, (and he passed on,) but stand thou still a while, that I may shew thee the word of God.
Original Language Analysis
יֽוֹרְדִים֙
And as they were going down
H3381
יֽוֹרְדִים֙
And as they were going down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
2 of 20
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
הָעִ֔יר
of the city
H5892
הָעִ֔יר
of the city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
4 of 20
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
לַנַּ֛עַר
the servant
H5288
לַנַּ֛עַר
the servant
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
10 of 20
(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
וַֽיַּעֲבֹ֑ר
pass on
H5674
וַֽיַּעֲבֹ֑ר
pass on
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
11 of 20
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
לְפָנֵ֖ינוּ
before
H6440
לְפָנֵ֖ינוּ
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
12 of 20
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וַֽיַּעֲבֹ֑ר
pass on
H5674
וַֽיַּעֲבֹ֑ר
pass on
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
13 of 20
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
עֲמֹ֣ד
but stand
H5975
עֲמֹ֣ד
but stand
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
15 of 20
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
כַּיּ֔וֹם
thou still a while
H3117
כַּיּ֔וֹם
thou still a while
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
16 of 20
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
וְאַשְׁמִֽיעֲךָ֖
that I may shew
H8085
וְאַשְׁמִֽיעֲךָ֖
that I may shew
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
17 of 20
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
18 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
The edge of the city provided semi-private space away from the activity of town life while still technically within city limits. The servant's dismissal follows ancient protocol for confidential communications between superiors. 'The word of God' as a technical term would become increasingly significant in prophetic literature, denoting authoritative divine communication that demanded obedience.
Questions for Reflection
- What might God be asking you to 'stand still' to receive from Him?
- How does the dismissal of the servant remind us that our ultimate calling comes from God alone?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us, (and he passed on,) but stand thou still a while, that I may shew thee the word of God.
The chapter concludes with pregnant anticipation as Samuel prepares to reveal 'the word of God' (davar Elohim) to Saul. The dismissal of the servant ensures privacy for what will be Israel's first royal anointing. The command to 'stand thou still' (amod kayom) echoes other moments of divine encounter where stillness precedes revelation (cf. Exodus 14:13; Psalm 46:10). Samuel's phrase 'the word of God' elevates the coming communication beyond personal opinion or political arrangement to divine pronouncement. This servant who had guided Saul throughout the journey must now step aside: what follows is between God, His prophet, and His chosen king alone. The verse ends suspended, pointing forward to chapter 10's anointing, leaving readers with the understanding that everything in chapter 9 has been preparatory for the revelation about to unfold.