King James Version
What Does 1 Samuel 9:25 Mean?
“And when they were come down from the high place into the city, Samuel communed with Saul upon the top of the house.”
1 Samuel 9:25 · KJV
Context
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.
26
And they arose early: and it came to pass about the spring of the day, that Samuel called Saul to the top of the house, saying, Up, that I may send thee away. And Saul arose, and they went out both of them, he and Samuel, abroad.
27
And as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us, (and he passed on,) but stand thou still a while, that I may shew thee the word of God. a while: Heb. to day
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd when they were come down from the high place into the city, Samuel communed with Saul upon the top of the house.
After the public feast, Samuel seeks private conversation with Saul on the rooftop, a typical setting for confidential discourse in ancient Israel. The Hebrew vayedabber ('communed' or 'spoke') suggests extended, meaningful conversation rather than brief exchange. The move from 'high place' to 'top of the house' maintains elevation imagery while shifting from public sacred space to private domestic space. This rooftop conversation likely included instruction about kingship, warning about its responsibilities, and preparation for the morning's anointing. Samuel, who had himself been reluctant about the monarchy, now faithfully prepares God's chosen king. The intimacy of this setting, under the stars of a Judean night, creates a sacred moment of mentorship as the aging prophet shares divine wisdom with the young man about to assume unprecedented responsibility.
After the public feast, Samuel seeks private conversation with Saul on the rooftop, a typical setting for confidential discourse in ancient Israel. The Hebrew vayedabber ('communed' or 'spoke') suggests extended, meaningful conversation rather than brief exchange. The move from 'high place' to 'top of the house' maintains elevation imagery while shifting from public sacred space to private domestic space. This rooftop conversation likely included instruction about kingship, warning about its responsibilities, and preparation for the morning's anointing. Samuel, who had himself been reluctant about the monarchy, now faithfully prepares God's chosen king. The intimacy of this setting, under the stars of a Judean night, creates a sacred moment of mentorship as the aging prophet shares divine wisdom with the young man about to assume unprecedented responsibility.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Flat rooftops in ancient Israelite homes served multiple purposes: drying goods, sleeping in summer heat, and private conversation away from household activity. Important conversations often occurred on rooftops (cf. Joshua 2:6; Acts 10:9). The 'coming down' from the high place reflects the typical geography of sanctuary sites on elevated ground with towns below.
Reflection Questions
- What role does private instruction and mentorship play in preparing for public leadership?
- How might Samuel's personal struggles with Israel's request for a king have informed his counsel to Saul?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 8 wordsוַיֵּֽרְד֥וּ1 of 8
“And when they were come down”
H3381to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
הָעִ֑יר3 of 8
“into the city”
H5892a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר4 of 8
“Samuel communed”
H1696perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
עִם5 of 8
H5973adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
עַל7 of 8
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
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 9:25 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 9:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge