King James Version
What Does 1 Samuel 9:23 Mean?
“And Samuel said unto the cook, Bring the portion which I gave thee, of which I said unto thee, Set it by thee.”
1 Samuel 9:23 · KJV
Context
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
25
And when they were come down from the high place into the city, Samuel communed with Saul upon the top of the house.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd Samuel said unto the cook, Bring the portion which I gave thee, of which I said unto thee, Set it by thee.
Samuel's prior instruction to the cook reveals the depth of his prophetic preparation. Before Saul arrived, before Samuel even knew specifically who would come, he had reserved a special portion (manah). This detail emphasizes that nothing in this encounter is improvised: God had revealed enough for Samuel to make specific preparations. The cook's role as keeper of the reserved portion makes him an unwitting participant in Israel's political transition. Samuel's command 'Bring the portion' uses the definite article, indicating a specific, previously identified piece of meat set apart for this moment. The Hebrew construction emphasizes deliberate, advance planning: 'which I gave thee... which I said unto thee, Set it by thee.' Every element of this meal had been prophetically arranged, demonstrating how divine foreknowledge works through human preparation.
Samuel's prior instruction to the cook reveals the depth of his prophetic preparation. Before Saul arrived, before Samuel even knew specifically who would come, he had reserved a special portion (manah). This detail emphasizes that nothing in this encounter is improvised: God had revealed enough for Samuel to make specific preparations. The cook's role as keeper of the reserved portion makes him an unwitting participant in Israel's political transition. Samuel's command 'Bring the portion' uses the definite article, indicating a specific, previously identified piece of meat set apart for this moment. The Hebrew construction emphasizes deliberate, advance planning: 'which I gave thee... which I said unto thee, Set it by thee.' Every element of this meal had been prophetically arranged, demonstrating how divine foreknowledge works through human preparation.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Sacrificial meals involved specific portions designated for various purposes: parts for God (burned), parts for priests, parts for the one offering the sacrifice, and parts for guests. The cook's role in managing these portions was important for maintaining proper ritual procedure. Samuel's advance arrangement demonstrates prophetic authority over the entire sacrificial process.
Reflection Questions
- How does Samuel's advance preparation challenge us to be ready for what God has revealed?
- What does the reserved portion symbolize about God's sovereign provision for those He calls?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 15 wordsלַטַּבָּ֔ח3 of 15
“unto the cook”
H2876properly, a butcher; hence, a lifeguardsman (because he was acting as an executioner); also a cook (usually slaughtering the animal for food)
אֶת5 of 15
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמָּנָ֔ה6 of 15
“the portion”
H4490properly, something weighed out, i.e., (generally) a division; specifically (of food) a ration; also a lot
אֲשֶׁ֥ר7 of 15
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לָ֑ךְ9 of 15
H0אֲשֶׁר֙10 of 15
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שִׂ֥ים13 of 15
“unto thee Set”
H7760to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
אֹתָ֖הּ14 of 15
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עִמָּֽךְ׃15 of 15
H5973adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
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 9:23 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 9:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge