1 Samuel 9:24
And the cook took up the shoulder, and that which was upon it, and set it before Saul. And Samuel said, Behold that which is left! set it before thee, and eat: for unto this time hath it been kept for thee since I said, I have invited the people. So Saul did eat with Samuel that day.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּ֣רֶם
took up
H7311
וַיָּ֣רֶם
took up
Strong's:
H7311
Word #:
1 of 27
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
הַ֠טַּבָּח
And the cook
H2876
הַ֠טַּבָּח
And the cook
Strong's:
H2876
Word #:
2 of 27
properly, a butcher; hence, a lifeguardsman (because he was acting as an executioner); also a cook (usually slaughtering the animal for food)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 27
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְהֶֽעָלֶ֜יהָ
H5921
וְהֶֽעָלֶ֜יהָ
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 27
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
שִׂים
set
H7760
שִׂים
set
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
6 of 27
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
לְפָנֶ֣יךָ
it before
H6440
לְפָנֶ֣יךָ
it before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
7 of 27
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
הַנִּשְׁאָר֙
Behold that which is left
H7604
הַנִּשְׁאָר֙
Behold that which is left
Strong's:
H7604
Word #:
11 of 27
properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant
שִׂים
set
H7760
שִׂים
set
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
12 of 27
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
לְפָנֶ֣יךָ
it before
H6440
לְפָנֶ֣יךָ
it before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
13 of 27
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
כִּ֧י
H3588
כִּ֧י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
15 of 27
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לַמּוֹעֵ֛ד
for unto this time
H4150
לַמּוֹעֵ֛ד
for unto this time
Strong's:
H4150
Word #:
16 of 27
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
שָֽׁמוּר
hath it been kept
H8104
שָֽׁמוּר
hath it been kept
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
17 of 27
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
הָעָ֣ם׀
the people
H5971
הָעָ֣ם׀
the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
20 of 27
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
קָרָ֑אתִי
I have invited
H7121
קָרָ֑אתִי
I have invited
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
21 of 27
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
24 of 27
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
Historical Context
The shoulder (thigh) was designated for Aaron and his sons in Levitical law as a wave offering. Samuel's giving this portion to Saul either indicates prophetic authority to modify ritual for special purposes or suggests this was a variant practice at high places before temple centralization. The symbolic weight of receiving priestly food would not have been lost on the assembled guests.
Questions for Reflection
- What does receiving the 'priestly portion' suggest about the sacred nature of leadership in God's people?
- How does the concept of something 'kept for you' since before you knew about it illustrate divine election?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the cook took up the shoulder, and that which was upon it, and set it before Saul. And Samuel said, Behold that which is left! set it before thee, and eat: for unto this time hath it been kept for thee since I said, I have invited the people. So Saul did eat with Samuel that day.
The shoulder (shoq) was the priestly portion according to Levitical law (Leviticus 7:32-34), making its presentation to Saul highly significant. By giving Saul the portion normally reserved for priests, Samuel symbolically indicates Saul's sacred calling and special relationship to God. The phrase 'that which is left' (hanishar) may indicate the portion remaining after proper priestly portions were taken, or it may emphasize that this specific piece was 'reserved' or 'kept back.' Samuel's declaration that it had been 'kept for thee' (shamur leka) emphasizes divine appointment: from the moment Samuel planned this feast, this portion was designated for an unknown guest whom God would send. Saul's eating with Samuel establishes covenant fellowship between prophet and future king, consecrating their relationship.