King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 9:26 Mean?

1 Samuel 9:26 in the King James Version says “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, ...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Samuel 9:26 · KJV

Context

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

Read 1 Samuel 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

The early rising 'about the spring of the day' (alot hashachar, the dawning or ascending of dawn) carries symbolic resonance: as a new day dawns, a new era for Israel begins. Samuel's summons 'Up' (qumah) employs the same root used in prophetic commissioning contexts, transforming a morning wake-up call into a call to destiny. The phrase 'that I may send thee away' (va'ashallcheka) uses language of commissioning or dispatch, anticipating the anointing that will formally send Saul forth as king. Their emergence together 'abroad' (hachutsah, 'outside' or 'into the open') moves the narrative toward its climax beyond the confines of the house into the open air where the anointing will occur. The shared rising and walking together symbolizes the prophetic-royal partnership that would define early Israelite monarchy.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Early rising was common practice in the ancient world where daylight determined working hours. Dawn was considered an auspicious time for important undertakings. The 'spring of the day' refers to the moment when morning light first breaks over the horizon. Samuel's practice of early rising for prayer and ministry established patterns later prophets would follow.

Reflection Questions

  1. What new 'dawn' might God be calling you to arise and embrace?
  2. How does the partnership of prophet and king model spiritual oversight of leadership?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיַּשְׁכִּ֗מוּ1 of 19

“And they arose early”

H7925

literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e., to start early in the morning

וַיְהִ֞י2 of 19
H1961

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

כַּֽעֲל֤וֹת3 of 19

“and it came to pass about the spring”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

הַשַּׁ֙חַר֙4 of 19

“of the day”

H7837

dawn (literal, figurative or adverbial)

וַיִּקְרָ֨א5 of 19

“called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

וּשְׁמוּאֵ֖ל6 of 19

“of them he and Samuel”

H8050

shemuel, the name of three israelites

אֶל7 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שָׁא֗וּל8 of 19

“And Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

הַגָּ֣גָ9 of 19

“to the top of the house”

H1406

a roof; by analogy, the top of an altar

לֵאמֹ֔ר10 of 19

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

וַיָּ֣קָם11 of 19

“Up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

וַֽאֲשַׁלְּחֶ֑ךָּ12 of 19

“that I may send thee away”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

וַיָּ֣קָם13 of 19

“Up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

שָׁא֗וּל14 of 19

“And Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וַיֵּֽצְא֧וּ15 of 19

“and they went out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

שְׁנֵיהֶ֛ם16 of 19

“both”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

ה֥וּא17 of 19
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וּשְׁמוּאֵ֖ל18 of 19

“of them he and Samuel”

H8050

shemuel, the name of three israelites

הַחֽוּצָה׃19 of 19

“abroad”

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

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 9:26 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 9:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 19:14Joshua 7:13Judges 19:28Genesis 44:4

Test Your Knowledge

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