1 Samuel 3:20
And all Israel from Dan even to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּ֙דַע֙
knew
H3045
וַיֵּ֙דַע֙
knew
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
1 of 12
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
And all Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
And all Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
3 of 12
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
מִדָּ֖ן
from Dan
H1835
מִדָּ֖ן
from Dan
Strong's:
H1835
Word #:
4 of 12
dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them
וְעַד
H5704
וְעַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
5 of 12
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
כִּ֚י
H3588
כִּ֚י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נֶֽאֱמָ֣ן
was established
H539
נֶֽאֱמָ֣ן
was established
Strong's:
H539
Word #:
9 of 12
properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen
Cross References
Judges 20:1Then all the children of Israel went out, and the congregation was gathered together as one man, from Dan even to Beer-sheba, with the land of Gilead, unto the LORD in Mizpeh.2 Samuel 3:10To translate the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beer-sheba.
Historical Context
The phrase 'from Dan to Beer-sheba' represents the full extent of Israelite territory, from northernmost to southernmost points. Its use here indicates comprehensive recognition - every region of Israel acknowledged Samuel's prophetic authority.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God authenticate His servants before those they are called to lead?
- What role does consistent faithfulness play in establishing trustworthy leadership?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Recognition spreads throughout Israel: 'from Dan even to Beer-sheba' - the traditional boundaries indicating all Israel. Samuel is 'established' (ne'eman, proven trustworthy) as a prophet. The phrase 'prophet of the LORD' becomes his official designation. This national recognition ends the prophetic drought noted in verse 1. Israel again has a reliable prophetic voice. The progression from sanctuary servant to recognized prophet is complete. Hannah's song of the LORD raising the humble finds fulfillment in her son's elevation.