1 Samuel 16:22
And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favour in my sight.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח
sent
H7971
וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח
sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 13
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
יַֽעֲמָד
I pray thee stand
H5975
יַֽעֲמָד
I pray thee stand
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
6 of 13
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
נָ֤א
H4994
נָ֤א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
7 of 13
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
לְפָנַ֔י
before
H6440
לְפָנַ֔י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
9 of 13
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
10 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מָ֥צָא
me for he hath found
H4672
מָ֥צָא
me for he hath found
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
11 of 13
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
Historical Context
Standing before the king indicated official court position and continuous availability for service. Such positions brought family honor and potential economic benefit. Jesse's agreement would have been given readily, as royal service elevated the entire clan's status.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you navigate the tension between family obligations and new callings?
- What does finding favor with authorities teach about God's sovereign direction of human affairs?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favour in my sight.
Saul's request that David 'stand before me' ('amad lepanay) denotes permanent court service, a formal appointment beyond temporary assistance. Finding 'favour' (chen) in the king's eyes recalls how Noah, Joseph, and others found grace with those in power. Jesse's consent would be necessary for the youngest son to leave family responsibilities. Divine favor with earthly authorities often advances kingdom purposes.