King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 7:15 Mean?

1 Samuel 7:15 in the King James Version says “And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life.

1 Samuel 7:15 · KJV


Context

13

So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more into the coast of Israel: and the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.

14

And the cities which the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron even unto Gath; and the coasts thereof did Israel deliver out of the hands of the Philistines. And there was peace between Israel and the Amorites.

15

And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life.

16

And he went from year to year in circuit to Bethel, and Gilgal, and Mizpeh, and judged Israel in all those places. in circuit: Heb. and he circuited

17

And his return was to Ramah; for there was his house; and there he judged Israel; and there he built an altar unto the LORD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life.

This narrative marks the transition from priestly to prophetic leadership in Israel. Samuel's calling demonstrates that God raises up servants according to His sovereign purposes, often choosing unexpected persons during dark spiritual times. The rarity of prophetic revelation ('the word of the LORD was precious in those days') underscores the spiritual bankruptcy of the era. God's threefold call emphasizes both divine initiative and human response—Samuel must learn to recognize God's voice and respond in faithful obedience.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Philistines, part of the 'Sea Peoples' who settled the coastal plain around 1200 BCE, possessed superior iron technology and organized military forces. Their pentapolis (five major cities: Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, Gath) controlled coastal trade routes and threatened Israelite settlements in the hill country. The Philistine threat created the political pressure that would eventually lead to Israel's demand for centralized monarchy.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does divine judgment in this passage reveal about God's holiness, justice, and intolerance of persistent rebellion?
  2. What specific heart attitudes, thought patterns, or life practices does this passage call you to examine or change?
  3. How does divine judgment in this passage drive us to appreciate Christ's substitutionary atonement on our behalf?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וַיִּשְׁפֹּ֤ט1 of 7

judged

H8199

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

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)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל4 of 7

Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

כֹּ֖ל5 of 7
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יְמֵ֥י6 of 7

all the days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

חַיָּֽיו׃7 of 7

of his life

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin


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 7:15 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 7:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study