1 Samuel 7:15
And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁפֹּ֤ט
judged
H8199
וַיִּשְׁפֹּ֤ט
judged
Strong's:
H8199
Word #:
1 of 7
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
4 of 7
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
כֹּ֖ל
H3605
כֹּ֖ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
1 Samuel 7:6And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh.Judges 2:16Nevertheless the LORD raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them.
Historical Context
The Philistines, part of the 'Sea Peoples' who settled the coastal plain around 1200 BCE, possessed superior iron technology and organized military forces. Their pentapolis (five major cities: Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, Gath) controlled coastal trade routes and threatened Israelite settlements in the hill country. The Philistine threat created the political pressure that would eventually lead to Israel's demand for centralized monarchy.
Questions for Reflection
- What does divine judgment in this passage reveal about God's holiness, justice, and intolerance of persistent rebellion?
- What specific heart attitudes, thought patterns, or life practices does this passage call you to examine or change?
- How does divine judgment in this passage drive us to appreciate Christ's substitutionary atonement on our behalf?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life.
This narrative marks the transition from priestly to prophetic leadership in Israel. Samuel's calling demonstrates that God raises up servants according to His sovereign purposes, often choosing unexpected persons during dark spiritual times. The rarity of prophetic revelation ('the word of the LORD was precious in those days') underscores the spiritual bankruptcy of the era. God's threefold call emphasizes both divine initiative and human response—Samuel must learn to recognize God's voice and respond in faithful obedience.