1 Samuel 8:21
And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע
heard
H8085
וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע
heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 9
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֵ֖ת
H853
אֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
דִּבְרֵ֣י
all the words
H1697
דִּבְרֵ֣י
all the words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
5 of 9
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הָעָ֑ם
of the people
H5971
הָעָ֑ם
of the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
6 of 9
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וַֽיְדַבְּרֵ֖ם
and he rehearsed
H1696
וַֽיְדַבְּרֵ֖ם
and he rehearsed
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
7 of 9
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
Historical Context
The prophetic role as covenant mediator involved two-way communication between God and people. Moses established this pattern (Exodus 19:3-8; 20:19), which Samuel continues. The phrase "in the ears of the LORD" appears also in Numbers 11:1 and 14:28, emphasizing that human words reach divine hearing.
Questions for Reflection
- When your godly counsel is rejected, do you respond with prayerful intercession or with wounded withdrawal?
- How does Samuel's example of bringing others' words to God shape your understanding of intercessory prayer?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the LORD.
Samuel's response to rejection models prophetic faithfulness. Rather than arguing, manipulating, or retaliating, he brings the people's words directly to God. The phrase "rehearsed them" (Hebrew "vayedabbrem") literally means he "spoke them"—giving the people's exact words back to God. This is intercessory ministry at its most honest: presenting the situation to God without spin or self-justification. Though personally wounded by the rejection (verse 6), Samuel does not let his feelings color his representation. The expression "in the ears of the LORD" anthropomorphically emphasizes intimate communication—Samuel speaks directly into God's hearing. This verse also demonstrates that prophetic ministry involves not only speaking God's word to the people but bringing the people's response back to God. Samuel serves as a true mediator, faithfully transmitting in both directions. His example teaches that when our counsel is rejected, our recourse is prayer, not force.