1 Samuel 8
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1 IWhen SamuelII became old,III
Notes on verse 1a
I {untranslated} = hayah. This is to be or become, to happen.
II “Samuel” = Shemuel. From shem (name, fame, renown; indicating something essential about a person; honor, authority, or character); {may be from sim (to put, place, set)} + El (God, a god) OR from shama (hear, call, consent, or consider; implies listening intelligently, giving attention; obedience and action are often implied) + El (God, a god).This is Samuel meaning either the “name of God” or “heard of God.”
III “became old” = zaqen. From the same as zaqan (beard or chin – the beard represents old age). This is to be old or grow old.
he madeIV his sonsV judgesVI over Israel.VII
Notes on verse 1b
IV “made” = sim. Related to “Samuel” in v1. See note II above.
V “sons” = ben. From banah (to build or obtain children). This is son, age, child. It is son in a literal or figurative sense.
VI “judges” = shaphat. This is to judge, defend, pronounce judgment, condemn, or govern. It can refer to God judging or to human judges. This is pronouncing a verdict in favor or against so it implies consequences or punishment. It can also mean to litigate or govern as one with authority.
VII “Israel” = Yisrael. Related to “Samuel” in v1. From sarah (to persist, exert oneself, contend, persevere, wrestle, prevail) + El (see note II above). This is Israel, meaning God strives or one who strives with God; new name for Jacob and for his offspring. This refers to the people and to the land.
2 The nameVIII of his firstbornIX son wasX Joel,XI
Notes on verse 2a
VIII “name” = shem. Related to “Samuel” and “made” in v1. See note II above.
IX “firstborn” = bekor. From bakar (to bear fruit, be firstborn, firstling, that which opens the womb, give the birthright to). This is firstborn or chief.
X “was” = hayah. Same as {untranslated} in v1. See note I above.
XI “Joel” = Yoel. Related to {untranslated} in v1 & to “Samuel” and “Israel” in v1. 19x in OT. From YHVH (the name of the God of Israel, the self-existent and eternal one, the tetragrammaton; pronunciation has been lost to time so “Lord” is generally used in its place); {from havah (to be, become) or hayah (see note I above)} + El (see note II above). This is Joel, which means “the Lord is God.”
and the name of his secondXII was Abijah;XIII they were judgesXIV in Beer-sheba.XV
Notes on verse 2b
XII “second” = mishneh. From shanah (to fold, repeat, double, alter, or disguise). This is double, second, next, duplicate. It can also be second in rank or age.
XIII “Abijah” = Abiyyah. Related to {untranslated} in v1 & “Joel” in v2. From ab (father, chief, ancestor; father in a literal or figurative sense) + Yah (the shortened form of the name of the God of Israel; God, Lord); {from YHVH (see note XI above)}. This is Abijah or Abiah, a name that means “the Lord is my father,” which is to say someone who worships the Lord.
XIV “were judges” = shaphat. Same as “judges” in v1. See note VI above.
XV “Beer-sheba” = Beerah shaba. From beer (a well or pit); {from baar (to make plain; to dig; can also mean to engrave or figuratively to explain)} + perhaps from shaba (to swear, curse, vow, make a covenant; properly, to be complete; this is to seven oneself – as in affirming something so strongly it is as though it were said seven times) {perhaps from sheba (seven – the number of perfection/sacred fullness)}. This is Beersheba – meaning either “well of seven” or “well of an oath.”
3 Yet his sons did not followXVI in his waysXVII but turned asideXVIII afterXIX gain;XX
Notes on verse 3a
XVI “follow” = halak. This is go, come, walk. It is walk literally and figuratively and includes people and animals. It can be used figuratively for one’s moral life – how we walk according to God’s way or against it. It can also refer to the walk of life as in the course one’s life takes, the choices we make, etc.
XVII “ways” = derek. From darak (to tread, march, to walk. Can also mean affixing a string to a box since one needs to step on it to bend it in the process; so also an archer). This is a road as a thing that is walked on. Can be used figuratively for the path that one’s life takes or how one chooses to live one’s life.
XVIII “turned aside” = natah. This is to stretch or spread out, to extend, or bend. In can also imply moral deflection.
XIX “after” = achar. From achar (to remain behind, linger, continue, be behind, or delay; can also imply procrastination). This is after or the last part, following.
XX “gain” = betsa. From batsa (to break or cut off, to acquire violently, break ranks, greedy, fulfill; usually, it means to plunder). This is dishonest gain or gain from violence. It can also be plunder or profit.
they tookXXI bribesXXII and pervertedXXIII justice.XXIV
Notes on verse 3b
XXI “took” = laqach. This is to take, accept, carry away, receive. It can also have the sense of take a wife or take in marriage.
XXII “bribes” = shochad. From shachad (to give a present, reward, or bribe; to donate or hire). This is a present, reward, or bribe. It is some kind of donation positive or negative.
XXIII “perverted” = natah. Same as “turned aside” in v3. See note XVIII above.
XXIV “justice” = mishpat. Related to “judges” in v1. From shaphat (see note VI above). This is a verdict or formal sentence whether from humans or from God. It includes the act of judging as well as the place that judging takes place, the suit itself, and the penalty. Abstractly, this is justice, which includes the rights of the participants.
4 Then allXXV the eldersXXVI of Israel gathered togetherXXVII and cameXXVIII to Samuel at RamahXXIX
Notes on verse 4
XXV “all” = kol. From kalal (to complete). This is all or every.
XXVI “elders” = zaqen. Related to “became old” in v1. From the same as zaqan (see note III above). This is old, aged, or elder.
XXVII “gathered together” = qabats. This is to collect, assemble, heap, grasp, or gather.
XXVIII “came” = bo. This is to enter, come in, advance, fulfill, bring offerings, enter to worship, attack. It can also have a sexual connotation.
XXIX “Ramah” = Ramah. From rum (to be high, rise, exalt self, extol, be haughty; to rise literally or figuratively) OR from ramah (properly, to loosen; figuratively, to deceive to various degrees). This is Ramah, meaning “height” or “lofty place” or “deceit” or “established” or “loose.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Ramah.html
5 and saidXXX to him, “XXXIYou are old, and your sons do not follow in your ways; appointXXXII for us, then,XXXIII
Notes on verse 5a
XXX “said” = amar. This is to speak, say, answer, command, promise, report.
XXXI {untranslated} = hinneh. From hen (lo! Behold! If, though; an expression of surprise). This is to draw attention, show suddenness or surprise, or to emphasize the importance of the coming statement. See! Lo! Behold!
XXXII “appoint” = sim. Same as “made” in v1. See note IV above.
XXXIII “then” = attah. Perhaps from et (a period or season; whenever or continually); probably from anah (to answer, sing, announce); from ad (forever, all, old); from adah (to pass on, advance, decorate oneself). This is now, from now on.
a kingXXXIV to governXXXV us, like otherXXXVI nations.”XXXVII
Notes on verse 5b
XXXIV “king” = melek. From malak (to be or become king or queen, to rise to the throne, to be crowned; by implication, to take counsel). This is king or royal.
XXXV “govern” = shaphat. Same as “judges” in v1. See note VI above.
XXXVI “other” = kol. Same as “all” in v4. See note XXV above.
XXXVII“nations” = goy. From the same root as gevah (the back, person, or body); related to gev (among); related to gaah (to rise up). This is nation or people. Often used to refer to Gentiles or foreign nations. It can also be used figuratively for a group of animals. This is where the Yiddish “goy” comes from.
6 But the thingXXXVIII displeasedXXXIX XLSamuel when they said, “GiveXLI us a king to govern us.”
Notes on verse 6a
XXXVIII “thing” = dabar. From dabar (to speak, declare, discuss). This is speech, a word, a matter, an affair, charge, command, message, promise, purpose, report, request. It is a word, which implies things that are spoken of in a wide sense.
XXXIX “displeased” = ra’a’. This is to be evil, bad, afflict. Properly, it means to spoil – to destroy by breaking into pieces. Figuratively, it is to cause something to be worthless. It is bad in a physical, social, or moral sense – something that displeases, does harm or mischief, punishes or vexes.
XL {untranslated} = ayin. This is eye in a literal or figurative sense so eye, appearance, favor, or a fountain (the eye of the landscape).
XLI “give” = natan. This is to give, put, set, offer. It is to give literally or figuratively.
Samuel prayedXLII to the Lord,XLIII 7 and the Lord said to Samuel, “ListenXLIV to the voiceXLV of the peopleXLVI in all that they say to you,
Notes on verses 6b-7a
XLII “prayed” = palal. This is to judge for oneself or in an official capacity. It can also mean to pray or make supplication, to entreat.
XLIII “Lord” = YHVH. Related to {untranslated} in v1 & “Joel” and “Abijah” in v2. See note XI above.
XLIV “listen” = shama. Related to “Samuel” in v1. See note II above.
XLV “voice” = qol. This is a sound, used often for human voices. Also used when God speaks or angels, animals or instruments. It can be a cry or a noise, thunder or earthquakes and so on.
XLVI “people” = am. From amam (to darken, hide, associate; creating shadows by huddling together). This is people or nation. It can be used specifically for a tribe, collectively of troops or armies, or figuratively to refer to a flock of animals.
for they have not rejectedXLVII you, but they have rejected me from being kingXLVIII over them. 8 Just asXLIX they have doneL to me from the dayLI
Notes on verses 7b-8a
XLVII “rejected” = ma’as. This is to reject, refuse, despise. It can also be to disappear or melt away.
XLVIII “being king” = malak. Related to “king” in v5. See note XXXIV above.
XLIX “just as” = kol + maaseh. Literally, “according to all the works.” Kol is the same as “all” in v4. See note XXV above. Maaseh is from asah (to do, make, accomplish, become). This is a work – any action whether positive or negative. It can also be a transaction, construction, activity, property, or something that is produced.
L “done” = asah. Related to “just as” in v8. See note XLIX above.
LI “day” = yom. Root may mean being hot. This is the day in a literal or figurative sense. It can also mean birth, age, daylight, continually or other references to time.
I brought them upLII out of EgyptLIII to this day, forsakingLIV me and servingLV otherLVI gods,LVII
Notes on verse 8b
LII “brought…up” = alah. This is to go up, approach, ascend, be high, be a priority; to arise in a literal or figurative sense.
LIII “Egypt” = Mitsrayim. Perhaps from matsor (besieged or fortified place, bulwark, entrenchment; something hemmed in; a siege or distress or fastness); from tsur (to confine, besiege, to cramp). This is Egypt.
LIV “forsaking” = azab. To loosen, relinquish, permit, forsake, fail, leave destitute.
LV “serving” = abad. This is to work, serve, or compel. It can describe any kind of work or service (including religious devotion). Also, till or cultivate. Used causatively, it can mean to enslave or keep in bondage.
LVI “other” = acher. Related to “after” in v3. From achar (see note XIX above). This is following, next, strange, other.
LVII “gods” = elohim. Related to “Samuel” and “Israel” in v1 & “Joel” in v2. From Eloah (God, a god); from El (see note II above). This is most commonly used as a name for God. Technically, it’s in the plural, i.e. gods. It can also mean great, mighty, judge, or ruler.
soLVIII alsoLIX they are doing to you. 9 Now then, listen to their voice; only,LX you shall solemnly warnLXI them
Notes on verses 8c-9a
LVIII “so” = ken. Perhaps from kun (properly, in a perpendicular position; literally, to establish, fix, fasten, prepare; figuratively, it is certainty, to be firm, faithfulness, render sure or prosperous). This is to set upright. Generally used figuratively to mean thus, so, afterwards, rightly so.
LIX “also” = gam. This is also, moreover, again.
LX “only” = ak. Related to “so” in v8. Related to aken (surely, truly, nevertheless); from kun (see note LVIII above). This is a positive statement – surely, also, certainly, alone, only.
LXI “solemnly warn” = ud + ud. This is to repeat, return, do again. This implies testifying something since that is a repetition. It can also mean to charge, admonish, protest, relieve, restore, or lift up. The word is repeated twice – the first time as an Infinitive Absolute. The Infinitive Absolute serves to emphasize the sentiment of the word. It is rather like Foghorn Leghorn’s speech pattern, “I said, I said.”
and showLXII them the waysLXIII of the king who shall reignLXIV over them.”
10 So Samuel reportedLXV all the wordsLXVI of the Lord to the people who were askingLXVII him for a king.
Notes on verses 9b-10
LXII “show” = nagad. This is to declare, make conspicuous, stand in front, manifest, predict, explain.
LXIII “ways” = mishpat. Same as “justice” in v3. See note XXIV above.
LXIV “reign” = malak. Same as “being king” in v7. See note XLVIII above.
LXV “reported” = amar. Same as “said” in v5. See note XXX above.
LXVI “words” = dabar. Same as “thing” in v6. See note XXXVIII above.
LXVII “asking” = shaal. This is to ask, inquire, beg, borrow, desire, request. It can also mean to demand.
11 He said, “These will be the waysLXVIII of the king who will reign over you: he will take your sons and appoint them to his chariotsLXIX and to be his horsemen,LXX and to runLXXI beforeLXXII his chariots,
Notes on verse 11
LXVIII “ways” = mishpat. Same as “justice” in v3. See note XXIV above.
LXIX “chariots” = merkabah. From merkab (chariot, saddle, covering; any seat in a vehicle); from rakab (to ride an animal or in some vehicle; also, bringing on a horse). This is a chariot.
LXX “horsemen” = parash. From parash (to make distinct, separate, scatter; can also imply to wound). This is a horse or a person who rides a horse. A chariot driver or cavalry as a collective.
LXXI “run” = ruts. This is to run or rush, divide quickly, bring swiftly. It can also refer to a footman or guard.
LXXII “before” = paneh. From panah (to turn, face, appear). This is face in a literal or figurative sense. It could be face, presence, anger, respect. It can also be used of God to indicate divine favor or presence.
12 and he will appoint for himself commandersLXXIII of thousandsLXXIV and commanders of fiftiesLXXV and some to plowLXXVI his groundLXXVII
Notes on verse 12a
LXXIII “commanders” = sar. This is chief, leader, ruler, lord, official, governor, prince, military leader. It refers to someone at the top of a rank or class.
LXXIV “thousands” = eleph. Perhaps from the same as eleph (herd, cattle); from alaph (to learn, speak, associate with). This is thousand.
LXXV “fifties” = chamishshim. From chamesh (five, fifth). This is fifty.
LXXVI “plow” = charash. This is to scratch, which implies etching or plowing. It can mean to manufacture regardless of materials used. Figuratively, it can be to devise or conceal. It can also have a sense of secrecy. Hence, being silent or left alone. It can also be speechless.
LXXVII “ground” = charish. Related to “plow” in v12. 3x in OT. From charash (see note LXXVI above). This is plowing or the season in which one plows. It can also refer to the ground.
and to reapLXXVIII his harvestLXXIX and to makeLXXX his implementsLXXXI of warLXXXII
Notes on verse 12b
LXXVIII “reap” = qatsar. This is to cut down, be short, reap, curtail. It is used especially for harvesting grass or grain. Figuratively, it can mean to be discouraged or grieve.
LXXIX “harvest” = qatsiyr. Related to “reap” in v12. From qatsar (see note LXXVIII above). This is branch, harvest, one who harvests. Properly, this means severed, reaped. It is the crop being harvested, the time of harvest or the one who harvests. It can also be a bough.
LXXX “make” = asah. Same as “done” in v8. See note L above.
LXXXI “implements” = keli. From kalah (to end, be finished, complete, prepare, consume, spent, or completely destroyed). This is something that was prepared – any implement, utensil, article, vessel, weapon, or instrument. Also includes jewels, weapons, bags, carriages, and furniture.
LXXXII “war” = milchamah. From lacham (to eat or feed on; figuratively, to battle as a kind of consumption/destruction). This is battle, war, fighting, or one who fights (i.e. a warrior).
and the equipmentLXXXIII of his chariots.LXXXIV 13 He will take your daughtersLXXXV to be perfumersLXXXVI and cooksLXXXVII and bakers.LXXXVIII
Notes on verses 12c-13
LXXXIII “equipment” = keli. Same as “implements” in v12. See note LXXXI above.
LXXXIV “chariots” = rekeb. Related to “chariots” in v11. From rakab (see note LXIX above). This is a vehicle, wagon, or chariot. It can be cavalry or an individual rider.
LXXXV “daughters” = bat. Related to “sons” in v1. From ben (see note V above). This is daughter in a literal or figurative sense.
LXXXVI “perfumers” = raqqachah. 1x in OT. From raqach (to blend oil or ointment; perfumer; apothecary; prepare or combine spices). This is perfumer or confectioner.
LXXXVII “cooks” = tabbachah. 1x in OT. From tabbach (cook or guardsman); from tabach (to slaughter or butcher; of animals or people). This is a cook.
LXXXVIII “bakers” = aphah. This is one who cooks or bakes – particularly one who cooks meat.
14 He will take the bestLXXXIX of your fieldsXC and vineyardsXCI and olive orchardsXCII and give them to his courtiers.XCIII
Notes on verse 14
LXXXIX “best” = tob. From tob (to be pleasing, to be good). This is good, beautiful, pleasant, agreeable, bountiful, at ease. This word is used for goodness as a concept, a good thing, a good person. This can refer to prosperity and welfare as well as joy, kindness, sweetness, and graciousness. So, this is ethically good, but also enjoyably good.
XC “fields” = sadeh. From the same as shadday (almighty, field, land); from shadad (to devastate, ruin, destroy, oppress, be powerful). Or, it may be from a word that means to spread out. This is field, ground, soil, or land. It can be used to mean wild as in a wild animal.
XCI “vineyards” = kerem. This is a vineyard, garden, vines, or a vintage.
XCII “olive orchards” = zayit. This is olive tree, grove, or other parts of the olive tree like the branch or berry.
XCIII “courtiers” = ebed. Related to “serving” in v8. From abad (see note LV above). This is a servant, slave, or bondservant.
15 He will take one-tenthXCIV of your grainXCV and of your vineyards and give it to his officersXCVI and his courtiers. 16 He will take your maleXCVII and female slavesXCVIII
Notes on verses 15-16a
XCIV “take one-tenth” = asar. 9x in OT. From eser (ten or -teen). This is to tithe, to give or receive a tenth.
XCV “grain” = zera. From zara (to sow or scatter seed; conceive or yield). This is seed or sowing. It can, thus, mean a fruit, plant, sowing time, child, offspring, or posterity.
XCVI “officers” = saris. Root is likely foreign and may mean castrate. So, this could be a eunuch, valet, or other kind of officer.
XCVII “male” = ebed. Same as “courtiers” in v14. See note XCIII above.
XCVIII “female slaves” = shiphchah. Root may mean to spread out – it would be the same root used in mishpachah, which means family or clan. This is maidservant, female slave, or female bondslave.
and the best of your cattleXCIX and donkeysC and putCI them to his work.CII
Notes on verse 16b
XCIX “cattle” = bachur. From bachar (to choose, appoint, try, excellent). This is choice, chosen, selected. It is a youth or young man.
C “donkeys” = chamor. From chamar (to be red, blush). This is a male donkey.
CI “put” = asah. Same as “done” in v8. See note L above.
CII “work” = melakah. From the same as malak (messenger, an angel, or a deputy; human messengers literally or for prophets, priests, or teachers as messengers of God; also supernatural messengers i.e. angels). Properly, this is a deputyship or some kind of work. It can also be the product that comes from labor.
17 He will take one-tenth of your flocks,CIII and you shall be his slaves.CIV 18 And on that day you will cry outCV because ofCVI your king, whom you have chosenCVII for yourselves, but the Lord will not answerCVIII you on that day.”
Notes on verses 17-18
CIII “flocks” = tson. This is a flock of sheep and goats.
CIV “slaves” = ebed. Same as “courtiers” in v14. See note XCIII above.
CV “cry out” = zaaq. This is to cry or call out. It can be a call to assemble or gather together. By analogy, this could refer to a herald who announces a public gathering. It could also be a shriek from pain or danger.
CVI “because of” = paneh. Same as “before” in v11. See note LXXII above.
CVII “chosen” = bachar. Related to “cattle” in v16. See note XCIX above.
CVIII “answer” = anah. Related to “then” in v5. See note XXXIII above.
19 But the people refused to listen to the voice of Samuel; they said, “No! We are determined to haveCIX a king over us, 20 so that we also may be like otherCX nations and that our king may govern us and go outCXI beforeCXII us and fightCXIII our battles.”CXIV
Notes on verses 19-20
CIX “determined to have” = hayah. Same as {untranslated} in v1. See note I above.
CX “other” = kol. Same as “all” in v4. See note XXV above.
CXI “go out” = yatsa. This is to go or come out, bring forth, appear. It is to go out in a literal or figurative sense.
CXII “before” = paneh. Same as “before” in v11. See note LXXII above.
CXIII “fight” = lacham. Related to “war” in v12. See note LXXXII above.
CXIV “battles” = milchamah. Same as “war” in v12. See note LXXXII above.
21 When Samuel heardCXV all the words of the people, he repeatedCXVI them in the earsCXVII of the Lord.
22 The Lord said to Samuel, “Listen to their voice and setCXVIII a king over them.”
Notes on verses 21-22a
CXV “heard” = shama. Same as “listen” in v7. See note XLIV above.
CXVI “repeated” = dabar. Related to “thing” in v6. See note XXXVIII above.
CXVII “ears” = ozen. This is ear, hearing, audience, show. Properly, it is broadness – applied to its ear in reference to its shape.
CXVIII “set” = malak. Same as “being king” in v7. See note XLVIII above.
Samuel then said to the Israelites,CXIX “EachCXX of you returnCXXI home.”CXXII
Notes on verse 22b
CXIX “Israelites” = ish + Yisrael. Literally, “men of Israel.” Ish is perhaps from enosh (human, humankind, mortal); from anash (to be weak, sick, or frail). This is man, husband, another, or humankind. Yisrael is the same as “Israel” in v1. See note VII above.
CXX “each” = ish. Same as “Israelites” in v22. See note CXIX above.
CXXI “return” = halak. Same as “follow” in v3. See note XVI above.
CXXII “home” = iyr. From uwr (to awaken or wake oneself up). This can mean excitement in the sense of wakefulness or city. Properly, this is a place that is guarded. Guards kept schedules according to watches. This sense of the word would include cities as well as encampments or posts that were guarded.
Image credit: “Samuel and Saul” by John Paul Stanley of YO! Ministry.