King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 10:17 Mean?

1 Samuel 10:17 in the King James Version says “And Samuel called the people together unto the LORD to Mizpeh; — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Samuel called the people together unto the LORD to Mizpeh;

1 Samuel 10:17 · KJV


Context

15

And Saul's uncle said, Tell me, I pray thee, what Samuel said unto you.

16

And Saul said unto his uncle, He told us plainly that the asses were found. But of the matter of the kingdom, whereof Samuel spake, he told him not.

17

And Samuel called the people together unto the LORD to Mizpeh;

18

And said unto the children of Israel, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and of them that oppressed you:

19

And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes, and by your thousands.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Samuel called the people together unto the LORD to Mizpeh;

Samuel's convocation at Mizpah (Mitzpah, meaning 'watchtower') shifts from private anointing to public selection. The phrase 'unto the LORD' (el-YHWH) emphasizes the sacred, covenantal nature of this assembly - it was not merely political convention but religious convocation. Mizpah held significant history: Jacob and Laban made their covenant there (Genesis 31:49); Israel assembled there during the Benjamite civil war (Judges 20-21); and Samuel previously gathered Israel there for repentance and deliverance from Philistines (1 Samuel 7:5-6). This continuity of sacred space underscored that establishing monarchy occurred within, not apart from, Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. Samuel, as prophet and judge, possessed the authority to summon all Israel. The gathering's purpose would be to confirm through lot-casting what God had already revealed privately - a pattern showing that divine sovereignty works through human processes.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Mizpah, likely Tell en-Nasbeh north of Jerusalem, served as an important assembly site throughout Israel's history. Its elevated location ('watchtower') provided practical advantages for large gatherings and symbolic significance as a place of covenant vigilance. Archaeological excavations reveal substantial fortifications from this period.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does God often confirm privately revealed purposes through public processes?
  2. How does the sacred nature of Israel's political assembly challenge modern secular assumptions about governance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וַיַּצְעֵ֤ק1 of 7

called

H6817

to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly)

שְׁמוּאֵל֙2 of 7

And Samuel

H8050

shemuel, the name of three israelites

אֶת3 of 7
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָעָ֔ם4 of 7

the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אֶל5 of 7
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָ֖ה6 of 7

together unto the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הַמִּצְפָּֽה׃7 of 7

to Mizpeh

H4709

mitspah, the name of two places in palestine


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 10:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 10:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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