1 Samuel 7 15

1 Samuel 7:15 kjv

And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life.

1 Samuel 7:15 nkjv

And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life.

1 Samuel 7:15 niv

Samuel continued as Israel's leader all the days of his life.

1 Samuel 7:15 esv

Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life.

1 Samuel 7:15 nlt

Samuel continued as Israel's judge for the rest of his life.

1 Samuel 7 verses

1 Samuel 7 15 Meaning

1 Samuel 7:15 declares that Samuel continuously exercised his judicial and leadership role over Israel throughout his entire lifetime. This highlights his enduring faithfulness and the divinely appointed nature of his service, even as Israel transitioned towards monarchy. His consistent oversight provided stability and righteousness after the apostasy seen in earlier times.

1 Samuel 7 15 Context

1 Samuel chapter 7 follows a period of Philistine oppression and Israel's spiritual decline marked by the loss of the Ark of the Covenant. The chapter details Israel's repentance under Samuel's spiritual leadership at Mizpah, culminating in God's miraculous deliverance from the Philistines (Ebenezer). This victory solidifies Samuel's position as the leading figure in Israel, serving not only as a spiritual guide but also as an administrator of justice. The verse establishes the enduring nature of his authority, bridging the gap between the chaotic era of the judges and the dawn of the monarchy. Historically, this period signifies a pivotal moment as Israel yearns for a king "like all the nations," a request Samuel would later navigate with God's guidance, thus highlighting his continued influence despite the changing political landscape.

1 Samuel 7 15 Word analysis

• And (וְ - ve): A simple conjunction connecting this verse to the preceding narrative. It implies continuity of Samuel's role directly after the national repentance and divine deliverance, showing his judgeship as the natural outcome of the spiritual revival.
• Samuel (שְׁמוּאֵל - Shemu'el): Meaning "heard of God" or "name of God." This prophet, priest, and judge was called by God from his youth. His name underscores his divine appointment and close relationship with God, making him a fitting figure to lead God's people.
• judged (שָׁפַט - shaphat): This Hebrew verb signifies much more than merely arbitrating legal disputes. It encompasses leading, governing, delivering, administering justice, maintaining order, and providing moral and spiritual guidance. Samuel functioned as a God-appointed national leader, upholding God's law and mediating His will among the people. His "judging" implied his all-encompassing leadership over Israel.
• Israel (יִשְׂרָאֵל - Yisra'el): The name of the covenant people of God, often understood as "he strives with God" or "God contends." Samuel judged all twelve tribes, representing the entire nation under God's covenant, providing unified leadership for a people often divided.
• all the days of his life (כָּל־ יְמֵי חַיָּיו - kol-yeme chayyayw): This phrase emphasizes the lifelong duration and consistent nature of Samuel's service. Unlike some judges who rose for specific deliverances, Samuel's role was continuous. It implies unwavering dedication, consistent righteousness, and an unbroken commitment to his divine calling until his death, providing stable leadership even during monumental transitions in Israel's history. This highlights his enduring fidelity and sets him apart.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "And Samuel judged Israel": This phrase succinctly states the primary and active role Samuel held over the nation. It highlights that his authority was comprehensive, extending to the whole of Israel, not just a localized area or tribe, characteristic of later judges.
• "all the days of his life": This extended phrase powerfully conveys the sustained and complete dedication of Samuel. It contrasts with the often episodic leadership of previous judges and sets the stage for Samuel's continued influence, even through the people's demand for a king and the subsequent establishment of the monarchy. His consistent service underlines the steadfastness of God's chosen leader amidst the changing dynamics of the nation.

1 Samuel 7 15 Bonus section

The consistent nature of Samuel's judgeship also distinguishes him as a singular figure, bridging the era of the judges and the monarchy. His annual circuit through Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah, returning to Ramah, signifies an organized administration of justice and leadership that was absent during the latter part of the Judges period. This methodical approach reflects his dedication to God's order and righteousness across the entire nation, not just localized influence. This stable and divinely sanctioned leadership offered a stark contrast to the often decentralized and inconsistent governance prior, preparing the nation for a unified, if different, form of leadership under kings. Samuel effectively laid the spiritual and administrative groundwork for the future kingdom, even while acting as a living embodiment of the divine alternative to human kingship "like all the nations."

1 Samuel 7 15 Commentary

1 Samuel 7:15 is a terse yet profoundly significant verse, summarizing Samuel's enduring and comprehensive leadership. Following the national revival at Mizpah, Samuel is firmly established not merely as a deliverer, but as Israel's chief judge, prophet, and spiritual leader for the remainder of his life. This signifies a return to a more stable form of leadership after the chaotic period of the Judges. Samuel's rule was distinct: he traversed Israel annually to administer justice, a methodical approach not recorded of previous judges. His authority stemmed from divine appointment and his unwavering commitment to God's law. Even when Israel desired a king, Samuel, though grieved, continued to serve God and the people, facilitating the transition while maintaining his prophetic and judicial oversight. His lifelong tenure served as a consistent moral and spiritual anchor for the nation during a critical epoch in their history.