King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 28:17 Mean?

1 Samuel 28:17 in the King James Version says “And the LORD hath done to him, as he spake by me: for the LORD hath rent the kingdom out of thine hand, and given it to ... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the LORD hath done to him, as he spake by me: for the LORD hath rent the kingdom out of thine hand, and given it to thy neighbour, even to David: to him: or, for himself me: Heb. mine hand

1 Samuel 28:17 · KJV


Context

15

And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do. by prophets: Heb. by the hand of prophets

16

Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy?

17

And the LORD hath done to him, as he spake by me: for the LORD hath rent the kingdom out of thine hand, and given it to thy neighbour, even to David: to him: or, for himself me: Heb. mine hand

18

Because thou obeyedst not the voice of the LORD, nor executedst his fierce wrath upon Amalek, therefore hath the LORD done this thing unto thee this day.

19

Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines: and to morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me: the LORD also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Samuel's message confirms previous prophecy: 'The LORD hath done to him, as he spake by me.' The Hebrew 'ka'asher dibber beyadi' (as he spoke through me) references Samuel's earlier announcement of kingdom transfer (chapter 15). The naming of David as recipient ('thy neighbour') removes any ambiguity about the successor. Samuel's words from beyond the grave confirm rather than alter previous revelation. God's word through the prophet in life remains binding after the prophet's death, demonstrating the permanent authority of divine pronouncement.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This confirmation references 1 Samuel 15:28 where Samuel told Saul the kingdom would be given to 'a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou.' The use of 'neighbour' (rea') rather than David's name maintains the vocabulary of the earlier prophecy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the consistency of God's word across time strengthen your confidence in Scripture?
  2. What prophecies or promises are you waiting to see fulfilled?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיַּ֤עַשׂ1 of 14

hath done

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

יְהוָ֤ה2 of 14

And the LORD

H3068

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

ל֔וֹ3 of 14
H0
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר4 of 14
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

דִּבֶּ֣ר5 of 14

to him as he spake

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

מִיָּדֶ֔ךָ6 of 14

by me

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וַיִּקְרַ֨ע7 of 14

hath rent

H7167

to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)

יְהוָ֤ה8 of 14

And the LORD

H3068

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

אֶת9 of 14
H853

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

הַמַּמְלָכָה֙10 of 14

the kingdom

H4467

dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

מִיָּדֶ֔ךָ11 of 14

by me

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וַֽיִּתְּנָ֖הּ12 of 14

and given

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לְרֵֽעֲךָ֥13 of 14

it to thy neighbour

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

לְדָוִֽד׃14 of 14

even to David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse


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 28:17 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 28:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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