1 Samuel 15:16
Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on.
Original Language Analysis
הֶ֚רֶף
Stay
H7503
הֶ֚רֶף
Stay
Strong's:
H7503
Word #:
5 of 16
to slacken (in many applications, literal or figurative)
וְאַגִּ֣ידָה
and I will tell
H5046
וְאַגִּ֣ידָה
and I will tell
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
6 of 16
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
אֵת֩
H853
אֵת֩
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דַּבֵּֽר׃
hath said
H1696
דַּבֵּֽר׃
hath said
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
10 of 16
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
יְהוָ֛ה
thee what the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
thee what the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
11 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הַלָּ֑יְלָה
to me this night
H3915
הַלָּ֑יְלָה
to me this night
Strong's:
H3915
Word #:
13 of 16
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
Historical Context
The prophetic formula 'what the LORD hath said' claimed divine authority for the following words. Samuel's nighttime revelation established that prophets received God's verdicts before confronting kings. This pattern continued throughout Israelite monarchy.
Questions for Reflection
- When do our excuses need to be interrupted by God's word?
- What is the proper response when prophetic correction cuts off self-justification?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on.
Samuel's interruption - 'Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night' - announces prophetic revelation superseding royal excuse. The word 'Stay' (raphah, 'sink down' or 'let alone') commands Saul to stop his self-justification and listen. Samuel claims direct divine communication 'this night' - while Saul erected monuments, God spoke judgment. The authority of prophetic word over royal word establishes a fundamental principle: kings are accountable to God through His prophets.