1 Samuel Chapter 22 · Verse 12
And Saul said, Hear now, thou son of Ahitub. And he answered, Here I am, my lord.
Original Language Analysis
שְֽׁמַֽע
Hear
H8085
שְֽׁמַֽע
Hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
3 of 9
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
נָ֖א
H4994
נָ֖א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
4 of 9
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
בֶּן
now thou son
H1121
בֶּן
now thou son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 9
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Historical Context
The formula 'Here I am' (hinneni) was a standard response indicating readiness to obey. Its use by Ahimelech demonstrates proper respect for the king while unknowingly echoing sacred covenant language used in encounters with God.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Ahimelech's respectful response teach about maintaining dignity before hostile authorities?
- How does innocent trust in corrupt institutions parallel Christ standing before His accusers?
Analysis & Commentary
And Saul said, Hear now, thou son of Ahitub. And he answered, Here I am, my lord.
The brief exchange reveals devastating contrasts. Saul's address 'son of Ahitub' refuses to use Ahimelech's name, reducing him to a lineage marker—dehumanizing prelude to murder. The Hebrew 'shema-na' (hear now) echoes his earlier address to the Benjamites (v. 7), treating the priest as another subordinate to interrogate. Ahimelech's response 'hinneni adoni' (Here I am, my lord) expresses complete availability and respect—the same words Abraham used in response to God (Genesis 22:1). The priest's humble submission to royal authority makes the coming slaughter more horrific. Innocence stands before corrupt power, ready to serve, about to die.