King James Version
What Does 1 Samuel 9:22 Mean?
“And Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought them into the parlour, and made them sit in the chiefest place among them that were bidden, which were about thirty persons.”
1 Samuel 9:22 · KJV
Context
20
And as for thine asses that were lost three days ago, set not thy mind on them; for they are found. And on whom is all the desire of Israel? Is it not on thee, and on all thy father's house? three: Heb. to day three days
21
And Saul answered and said, Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou so to me? so: Heb. according to this word
22
And Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought them into the parlour, and made them sit in the chiefest place among them that were bidden, which were about thirty persons.
23
And Samuel said unto the cook, Bring the portion which I gave thee, of which I said unto thee, Set it by thee.
24
And the cook took up the shoulder, and that which was upon it, and set it before Saul. And Samuel said, Behold that which is left! set it before thee, and eat: for unto this time hath it been kept for thee since I said, I have invited the people. So Saul did eat with Samuel that day. left: or, reserved
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought them into the parlour, and made them sit in the chiefest place among them that were bidden, which were about thirty persons.
Samuel's actions speak louder than words as he physically elevates Saul and even his servant to the 'chiefest place' (rosh, literally 'head') among the thirty invited guests. This public honor before the assembled community signals Saul's new status without explicit announcement. The 'parlour' (lishkah) was a hall or chamber associated with the sanctuary, used for sacrificial meals and sacred gatherings. The inclusion of Saul's servant in this honor demonstrates grace extending beyond the chosen individual to his household, foreshadowing how the king's blessing would affect his entire family and nation. The number thirty suggests a significant gathering of community leaders, making Saul's sudden prominence all the more remarkable. This public seating arrangement prepared the community to accept Saul's coming revelation as king.
Samuel's actions speak louder than words as he physically elevates Saul and even his servant to the 'chiefest place' (rosh, literally 'head') among the thirty invited guests. This public honor before the assembled community signals Saul's new status without explicit announcement. The 'parlour' (lishkah) was a hall or chamber associated with the sanctuary, used for sacrificial meals and sacred gatherings. The inclusion of Saul's servant in this honor demonstrates grace extending beyond the chosen individual to his household, foreshadowing how the king's blessing would affect his entire family and nation. The number thirty suggests a significant gathering of community leaders, making Saul's sudden prominence all the more remarkable. This public seating arrangement prepared the community to accept Saul's coming revelation as king.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The lishkah was a chamber attached to sacred sites, used for storing offerings and hosting sacred meals. Similar structures have been identified archaeologically at various Israelite sites. The number thirty was often associated with official delegations or representative groups in ancient Israel (cf. Judges 14:11). Seating position indicated social rank, with the 'head' position reserved for the most honored guest.
Reflection Questions
- How does God sometimes publicly honor those He has privately chosen?
- What does the inclusion of Saul's servant in this honor teach about the scope of God's blessing?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 16 wordsאֶת3 of 16
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶֽת5 of 16
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נַעֲר֔וֹ6 of 16
“and his servant”
H5288(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
לִשְׁכָּ֑תָה8 of 16
“them into the parlour”
H3957a room in a building (whether for storage, eating, or lodging)
וַיִּתֵּ֨ן9 of 16
“and made them sit”
H5414to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לָהֶ֤ם10 of 16
H0מָקוֹם֙11 of 16
“place”
H4725properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
בְּרֹ֣אשׁ12 of 16
“in the chiefest”
H7218the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
הַקְּרוּאִ֔ים13 of 16
“among them that were bidden”
H7121to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
אִֽישׁ׃16 of 16
“persons”
H376a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
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 9:22 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 9:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge