1 Samuel 9:25
And when they were come down from the high place into the city, Samuel communed with Saul upon the top of the house.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּֽרְד֥וּ
And when they were come down
H3381
וַיֵּֽרְד֥וּ
And when they were come down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
1 of 8
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
הָעִ֑יר
into the city
H5892
הָעִ֑יר
into the city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
3 of 8
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר
Samuel communed
H1696
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר
Samuel communed
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
4 of 8
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
5 of 8
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
Cross References
Acts 10:9On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:Deuteronomy 22:8When thou buildest a new house, then thou shalt make a battlement for thy roof, that thou bring not blood upon thine house, if any man fall from thence.Nehemiah 8:16So the people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths, every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the street of the water gate, and in the street of the gate of Ephraim.2 Samuel 11:2And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.
Historical Context
Flat rooftops in ancient Israelite homes served multiple purposes: drying goods, sleeping in summer heat, and private conversation away from household activity. Important conversations often occurred on rooftops (cf. Joshua 2:6; Acts 10:9). The 'coming down' from the high place reflects the typical geography of sanctuary sites on elevated ground with towns below.
Questions for Reflection
- What role does private instruction and mentorship play in preparing for public leadership?
- How might Samuel's personal struggles with Israel's request for a king have informed his counsel to Saul?
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Analysis & Commentary
And when they were come down from the high place into the city, Samuel communed with Saul upon the top of the house.
After the public feast, Samuel seeks private conversation with Saul on the rooftop, a typical setting for confidential discourse in ancient Israel. The Hebrew vayedabber ('communed' or 'spoke') suggests extended, meaningful conversation rather than brief exchange. The move from 'high place' to 'top of the house' maintains elevation imagery while shifting from public sacred space to private domestic space. This rooftop conversation likely included instruction about kingship, warning about its responsibilities, and preparation for the morning's anointing. Samuel, who had himself been reluctant about the monarchy, now faithfully prepares God's chosen king. The intimacy of this setting, under the stars of a Judean night, creates a sacred moment of mentorship as the aging prophet shares divine wisdom with the young man about to assume unprecedented responsibility.