King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 7:2 Mean?

1 Samuel 7:2 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, while the ark abode in Kirjathjearim, that the time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the ... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And it came to pass, while the ark abode in Kirjathjearim, that the time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD.

1 Samuel 7:2 · KJV


Context

1

And the men of Kirjathjearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD.

2

And it came to pass, while the ark abode in Kirjathjearim, that the time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD.

3

And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.

4

Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass, while the ark abode in Kirjath-jearim, that the time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD.

Twenty years represents a generation of spiritual dormancy. The Hebrew 'wayyinnahu' (lamented) derives from 'nahah', expressing mournful longing or groaning. Israel collectively yearned for restored relationship with Yahweh, their hearts turning toward what they had lost. This extended period of lamentation prepared the nation for genuine repentance. Like the prodigal son 'coming to himself,' Israel's prolonged suffering under Philistine oppression and spiritual emptiness created readiness for revival. The phrase 'all the house of Israel' indicates national scope - this was not isolated pockets of faithfulness but widespread spiritual hunger. God uses extended seasons of discipline to produce the brokenness that precedes renewal. The twenty-year wait was not divine neglect but patient preparation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The twenty years likely overlapped with Philistine domination mentioned in Judges 13:1. During this period, Samuel matured from child to established prophet, Eli's house fell, and Israel experienced the consequences of faithless leadership. This era bridges the judges period and the emerging monarchy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do extended seasons of spiritual hunger prepare hearts for genuine revival?
  2. What role does corporate lamentation play in national spiritual renewal?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיְהִ֗י1 of 17
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הַיָּמִ֔ים2 of 17

And it came to pass while

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

שֶׁ֤בֶת3 of 17

abode

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

הָֽאָרוֹן֙4 of 17

the ark

H727

a box

בְּקִרְיַ֣ת5 of 17
H0
יְעָרִ֔ים6 of 17

in Kirjathjearim

H7157

kirjath-jearim or kirjath-arim, a place in palestine

וַיִּרְבּוּ֙7 of 17

was long

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

הַיָּמִ֔ים8 of 17

And it came to pass while

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

וַיִּֽהְי֖וּ9 of 17
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עֶשְׂרִ֣ים10 of 17

for it was twenty

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

שָׁנָ֑ה11 of 17

years

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

וַיִּנָּה֛וּ12 of 17

lamented

H5091

to groan, i.e., bewail; hence (through the idea of crying aloud), to assemble (as if on proclamation)

כָּל13 of 17
H3605

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

בֵּ֥ית14 of 17

and all the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל15 of 17

of Israel

H3478

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

אַֽחֲרֵ֥י16 of 17

after

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

יְהוָֽה׃17 of 17

the LORD

H3068

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


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 7:2 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 7:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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