1 Samuel 15:34
Then Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house to Gibeah of Saul.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ
H1980
וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 9
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
עָלָ֥ה
went up
H5927
עָלָ֥ה
went up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
5 of 9
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
בֵּית֖וֹ
to his house
H1004
בֵּית֖וֹ
to his house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
7 of 9
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
Historical Context
Ramah (modern er-Ram) was approximately five miles north of Jerusalem; Gibeah was three miles north of Jerusalem. These neighboring towns would host the separated prophet and king for the remainder of their ministries. Their proximity made the relational distance more poignant.
Questions for Reflection
- What does geographic separation symbolize about spiritual relationships?
- How do we understand continuing to function in our roles after fundamental relationships are broken?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Then Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house to Gibeah of Saul.
The paths separate: 'Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house to Gibeah of Saul.' Each returns to his own place, their relationship severed. Ramah was Samuel's hometown and prophetic headquarters; Gibeah was Saul's capital. The geographic separation symbolizes the spiritual divide. The phrase 'Gibeah of Saul' rather than simply 'Gibeah' emphasizes Saul's identification with the place - he returns to his own domain, cut off from prophetic guidance.