1 Samuel 9:26
And they arose early: and it came to pass about the spring of the day, that Samuel called Saul to the top of the house, saying, Up, that I may send thee away. And Saul arose, and they went out both of them, he and Samuel, abroad.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּשְׁכִּ֗מוּ
And they arose early
H7925
וַיַּשְׁכִּ֗מוּ
And they arose early
Strong's:
H7925
Word #:
1 of 19
literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e., to start early in the morning
וַיְהִ֞י
H1961
וַיְהִ֞י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 19
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כַּֽעֲל֤וֹת
and it came to pass about the spring
H5927
כַּֽעֲל֤וֹת
and it came to pass about the spring
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
3 of 19
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
וַיִּקְרָ֨א
called
H7121
וַיִּקְרָ֨א
called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
5 of 19
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
וּשְׁמוּאֵ֖ל
of them he and Samuel
H8050
וּשְׁמוּאֵ֖ל
of them he and Samuel
Strong's:
H8050
Word #:
6 of 19
shemuel, the name of three israelites
הַגָּ֣גָ
to the top of the house
H1406
הַגָּ֣גָ
to the top of the house
Strong's:
H1406
Word #:
9 of 19
a roof; by analogy, the top of an altar
וַיָּ֣קָם
Up
H6965
וַיָּ֣קָם
Up
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
11 of 19
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
וַֽאֲשַׁלְּחֶ֑ךָּ
that I may send thee away
H7971
וַֽאֲשַׁלְּחֶ֑ךָּ
that I may send thee away
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
12 of 19
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
וַיָּ֣קָם
Up
H6965
וַיָּ֣קָם
Up
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
13 of 19
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
וַיֵּֽצְא֧וּ
and they went out
H3318
וַיֵּֽצְא֧וּ
and they went out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
15 of 19
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
ה֥וּא
H1931
ה֥וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
17 of 19
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
Historical Context
Early rising was common practice in the ancient world where daylight determined working hours. Dawn was considered an auspicious time for important undertakings. The 'spring of the day' refers to the moment when morning light first breaks over the horizon. Samuel's practice of early rising for prayer and ministry established patterns later prophets would follow.
Questions for Reflection
- What new 'dawn' might God be calling you to arise and embrace?
- How does the partnership of prophet and king model spiritual oversight of leadership?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And they arose early: and it came to pass about the spring of the day, that Samuel called Saul to the top of the house, saying, Up, that I may send thee away. And Saul arose, and they went out both of them, he and Samuel, abroad.
The early rising 'about the spring of the day' (alot hashachar, the dawning or ascending of dawn) carries symbolic resonance: as a new day dawns, a new era for Israel begins. Samuel's summons 'Up' (qumah) employs the same root used in prophetic commissioning contexts, transforming a morning wake-up call into a call to destiny. The phrase 'that I may send thee away' (va'ashallcheka) uses language of commissioning or dispatch, anticipating the anointing that will formally send Saul forth as king. Their emergence together 'abroad' (hachutsah, 'outside' or 'into the open') moves the narrative toward its climax beyond the confines of the house into the open air where the anointing will occur. The shared rising and walking together symbolizes the prophetic-royal partnership that would define early Israelite monarchy.