1 Samuel 11:5
And, behold, Saul came after the herd out of the field; and Saul said, What aileth the people that they weep? And they told him the tidings of the men of Jabesh.
Original Language Analysis
שָׁא֔וּל
And behold Saul
H7586
שָׁא֔וּל
And behold Saul
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
2 of 19
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
אַֽחֲרֵ֤י
after
H310
אַֽחֲרֵ֤י
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
4 of 19
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
הַבָּקָר֙
the herd
H1241
הַבָּקָר֙
the herd
Strong's:
H1241
Word #:
5 of 19
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
6 of 19
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
שָׁא֔וּל
And behold Saul
H7586
שָׁא֔וּל
And behold Saul
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
9 of 19
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
מַה
H4100
מַה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
10 of 19
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
לָּעָ֖ם
What aileth the people
H5971
לָּעָ֖ם
What aileth the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
11 of 19
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
וַיְסַ֨פְּרוּ
And they told
H5608
וַיְסַ֨פְּרוּ
And they told
Strong's:
H5608
Word #:
14 of 19
properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
16 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
דִּבְרֵ֖י
him the tidings
H1697
דִּבְרֵ֖י
him the tidings
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
17 of 19
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
Historical Context
Cattle herding was a primary occupation in the hill country of Benjamin. Saul's continued agricultural work after his anointing reflects the gradual nature of his assumption of royal authority. Unlike later Israelite kings, Saul had no palace, court, or standing army at this point.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Saul's humble work ethic before assuming power instruct leaders today?
- In what ways does God prepare His servants through ordinary labor before calling them to greater tasks?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And, behold, Saul came after the herd out of the field; and Saul said, What aileth the people that they weep? And they told him the tidings of the men of Jabesh.
The detail that Saul 'came after the herd out of the field' emphasizes his humble circumstances despite his anointing. He had not yet assumed royal duties but continued his ordinary agricultural work. This image of the farmer-king recalls Cincinnatus of Rome and anticipates David the shepherd-king. Saul's question 'What aileth the people?' shows he was not present when the messengers arrived, underscoring the providential timing of his return at this precise moment.