1 Samuel 15:10
Then came the word of the LORD unto Samuel, saying,
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיְהִי֙
H1961
וַֽיְהִי֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 6
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
דְּבַר
Then came the word
H1697
דְּבַר
Then came the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
2 of 6
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 6
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
Prophetic reception of divine judgment against kings became a pattern in Israelite history. Samuel's role as intermediary between God and Saul established the prophetic office as conscience to the crown. Later prophets would similarly announce divine verdicts on royal disobedience.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean when God speaks about us to others rather than directly to us?
- How does prophetic announcement of judgment function differently than direct divine communication?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Then came the word of the LORD unto Samuel, saying,
The divine word 'came unto Samuel' - not to Saul - underscoring the broken communication between God and king. Samuel receives revelation that will reject the king he anointed. The phrase 'Then came the word of the LORD' introduces solemn prophetic formula typically preceding judgment oracles. God speaks about Saul to His prophet rather than directly to the disobedient king. This mediated communication marks deterioration in divine-royal relationship.