1 Samuel 14:35
And Saul built an altar unto the LORD: the same was the first altar that he built unto the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
לַֽיהוָֽה׃
unto the LORD
H3068
לַֽיהוָֽה׃
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֹת֣וֹ
H853
אֹת֣וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הֵחֵ֔ל
the same was the first
H2490
הֵחֵ֔ל
the same was the first
Strong's:
H2490
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
Cross References
1 Samuel 7:17And his return was to Ramah; for there was his house; and there he judged Israel; and there he built an altar unto the LORD.Hosea 8:14For Israel hath forgotten his Maker, and buildeth temples; and Judah hath multiplied fenced cities: but I will send a fire upon his cities, and it shall devour the palaces thereof.1 Samuel 7:9And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the LORD heard him.1 Samuel 7:12Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Eben-ezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.Judges 21:4And it came to pass on the morrow, that the people rose early, and built there an altar, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings.2 Timothy 3:5Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Historical Context
Altar-building marked significant spiritual moments for patriarchs and leaders throughout Israel's history. That Saul had not built an altar previously is striking given his religious responsibilities. This delayed action suggests reactive rather than proactive piety.
Questions for Reflection
- Can genuine religious acts coexist with fundamental spiritual blindness?
- What does delayed religious devotion suggest about priorities?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Saul built an altar unto the LORD: the same was the first altar that he built unto the LORD.
The notation that Saul 'built an altar unto the LORD: the same was the first altar that he built unto the LORD' suggests religious sincerity coexisting with spiritual failure. Building an altar represents worship, thanksgiving, and covenant recognition. Yet this is Saul's 'first' altar - remarkably late in his reign for such a basic act. His religious impulse appears genuine but inconsistent. The altar addresses his relationship with God without examining the oath that caused his people to sin.