1 Samuel 3 20

1 Samuel 3:20 kjv

And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD.

1 Samuel 3:20 nkjv

And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel had been established as a prophet of the LORD.

1 Samuel 3:20 niv

And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba recognized that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the LORD.

1 Samuel 3:20 esv

And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established as a prophet of the LORD.

1 Samuel 3:20 nlt

And all Israel, from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south, knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the LORD.

1 Samuel 3 verses

1 Samuel 3 20 Meaning

The verse conveys that the recognition of Samuel as a genuine prophet of the LORD was not confined to a specific area but was a widely accepted truth throughout the entire nation of Israel. This widespread acknowledgment, from its northernmost boundary (Dan) to its southernmost (Beersheba), signifies a complete and national consensus, affirming God's anointing and confirmation of Samuel's prophetic office.

1 Samuel 3 20 Context

1 Samuel 3:20 concludes a pivotal moment in Israel's history, immediately following the divine call of Samuel in 1 Samuel 3:1-18. Up to this point, the Word of the LORD was "rare in those days" (1 Sam 3:1), and Israel was suffering under the corrupt priesthood of Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who "knew not the LORD" (1 Sam 2:12). The spiritual leadership was failing. Amidst this backdrop, God uniquely calls the young Samuel, prophesying judgment against Eli's house and entrusting Samuel with future divine messages. This verse establishes Samuel's transition from a boy serving in the temple to a publicly acknowledged prophet, the one true voice of God in a nation largely devoid of authentic spiritual guidance. His recognized authority directly contrasts with the disrepute of Eli's sons, signaling a new era where God directly raises His chosen instrument.

1 Samuel 3 20 Word analysis

• And all Israel: This phrase (כָּל־יִשְׂרָאֵל, kol-Yisra'el) denotes comprehensive inclusion, signifying not just a few individuals or tribes but the entire nation collectively acknowledging Samuel's prophetic status. It indicates a unified understanding.
• from Dan even to Beersheba: This well-known idiom (מִדָּן עַד־בְּאֵר שָׁבַע, mi-Dan ad-Be'er Sheva) metaphorically represents the geographical full extent of the Israelite territory, from its northernmost city to its southernmost. Its use emphasizes that the recognition was truly universal, permeating every corner of the land and all sectors of society.
• knew: The Hebrew word used here is יָדַע (yada'), which means more than mere intellectual assent or casual awareness. It signifies experiential knowledge, intimate acquaintance, and full acknowledgment or recognition. The people experienced Samuel as a prophet; his words proved true and were confirmed by God, leading to an undeniable public understanding of his divine appointment.
• that Samuel: שְׁמוּאֵל (Shmu'el) means "heard of God" or "God hears." This is profoundly fitting, as he was the one through whom God's voice would once again be clearly heard by Israel, and he was the one who consistently sought to hear from God on Israel's behalf.
• was established: This comes from the Hebrew root אָמַן ('aman), here in the Niphal participle, נֶאֱמָן (ne'eman), meaning "proven faithful," "confirmed," "trustworthy," or "firmly set." It implies that Samuel's prophetic office was not just assumed but divinely affirmed and publicly validated. God's own actions and faithfulness in bringing Samuel's words to pass were what "established" him.
• to be a prophet: The term נָבִיא (navi') designates a spokesperson or mouthpiece for God. A navi' receives divine revelation and delivers it directly to the people. Samuel's role was distinct from the priesthood of Aaron, marking a shift towards prophets as primary bearers of God's direct word in this period.
• of the LORD: Referring to YHWH (יְהוָה), the covenant name of God. This indicates that Samuel's authority was not humanly derived or self-proclaimed but originated from and was authenticated by the one true God of Israel, highlighting divine initiative and authority behind Samuel's ministry.

1 Samuel 3 20 Bonus section

The concept of "knowing" (yada') here implies that the recognition was not merely based on hearsay but on the demonstrable accuracy of Samuel's prophetic utterances, confirmed by the Lord. This divine validation was crucial in distinguishing a true prophet from any false claimants, particularly important in a society where charismatic figures could arise. This universal acceptance also implies a renewal of spiritual consciousness across Israel, an openness to the divine word after a period of famine for it. The immediate, nationwide confirmation of Samuel signifies God preparing Israel for major national changes, including the eventual institution of kingship, all to be mediated through Samuel, His trusted prophet.

1 Samuel 3 20 Commentary

This verse powerfully affirms Samuel's divine accreditation and national recognition, setting him apart as God's chosen spokesman for a spiritually fragmented nation. The widespread acknowledgment, from Dan to Beersheba, signifies a unity of perception that stood in stark contrast to the spiritual disunity prevalent during the period of the Judges. It was a clear demonstration that God had decisively established Samuel, a child ministering at the sanctuary, as a reliable voice in a time when divine communication had been scarce and priesthood corrupted. Samuel's trustworthiness stemmed directly from the fact that the LORD was "with him" (1 Sam 3:19), confirming every word he uttered. This collective understanding by "all Israel" reflects God's own intent to have a universally recognized intermediary for His divine will, restoring spiritual order and paving the way for the establishment of the monarchy under divine guidance.