1 Samuel 9:17
And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people.
Original Language Analysis
רָאָ֣ה
saw
H7200
רָאָ֣ה
saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
2 of 14
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַֽיהוָ֣ה
the LORD
H3068
וַֽיהוָ֣ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עָנָ֔הוּ
said
H6030
עָנָ֔הוּ
said
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
6 of 14
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
הָאִישׁ֙
unto him Behold the man
H376
הָאִישׁ֙
unto him Behold the man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
8 of 14
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
The divine voice speaking directly to prophets (rather than through dreams or visions alone) characterized Samuel's prophetic ministry. This immediacy of revelation distinguished Israel's prophetic tradition from divination practices in surrounding cultures. The moment parallels other divine identifications of chosen leaders (Moses, Gideon, David).
Questions for Reflection
- How do you discern God's confirmation in decisions you face?
- What does it mean that God continued to call Israel 'my people' even when they were rejecting His direct rule?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people.
The divine voice interrupts the visual moment, confirming Saul's identity to Samuel with emphatic certainty: 'Behold the man!' (hinneh ha'ish). This direct divine communication while Samuel looked upon Saul demonstrates the prophetic gift in action: seeing with physical eyes while receiving spiritual revelation. The verb 'reign' (atsar) literally means 'to restrain' or 'to rule,' suggesting that the king's function was to bring order and restraint to Israel's chaotic situation. Notably, God still calls Israel 'my people,' refusing to abandon them despite their rejection. The moment is charged with both promise and foreboding: Saul is God's chosen instrument, yet earlier chapters have established the problematic nature of Israel's request. Samuel receives clear divine confirmation, removing any doubt about Saul's identity while leaving future questions of Saul's character to unfold.