1 Samuel 9 26

1 Samuel 9:26 kjv

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 nkjv

They arose early; and it was about the dawning of the day that Samuel called to Saul on the top of the house, saying, "Get up, that I may send you on your way." And Saul arose, and both of them went outside, he and Samuel.

1 Samuel 9:26 niv

They rose about daybreak, and Samuel called to Saul on the roof, "Get ready, and I will send you on your way." When Saul got ready, he and Samuel went outside together.

1 Samuel 9:26 esv

Then at the break of dawn Samuel called to Saul on the roof, "Up, that I may send you on your way." So Saul arose, and both he and Samuel went out into the street.

1 Samuel 9:26 nlt

At daybreak the next morning, Samuel called to Saul, "Get up! It's time you were on your way." So Saul got ready, and he and Samuel left the house together.

1 Samuel 9 verses

1 Samuel 9 26 Meaning

This verse describes the dawn following Saul's night with Samuel, detailing the prophet's call for Saul to ascend to the rooftop for a final, private instruction before sending him on his way. It marks the transition from communal interaction to a secluded, significant moment of commissioning for Israel's first king.

1 Samuel 9 26 Context

This verse is positioned at a pivotal juncture in the narrative of Saul's divine appointment. Chapter 9 describes how Saul, a humble man seeking his father's lost donkeys, is divinely directed by God to encounter Samuel. The Lord had previously informed Samuel of Saul's arrival and destiny as Israel's first king. Samuel honors Saul by seating him at the head of a special feast and hosting him overnight. Verse 26, immediately preceding Saul's anointing in Chapter 10, initiates the critical final preparation and private revelation of Saul's kingship.

Culturally, ancient Israelite rooftops (Hebrew: gag) were versatile spaces—used for sleeping to escape heat, quiet contemplation, socializing, and even for public declarations or, unfortunately, idolatry (Jer 19:13). Their elevation provided privacy and a broader view. "Rising early" (Hebrew: shakam) in biblical contexts often signifies importance, urgency, or divine initiative, especially before significant journeys or divine encounters, emphasizing a state of readiness for what God is about to do. This particular instruction to go to the rooftop creates an exclusive setting, reinforcing the profound personal significance of the imminent conversation, highlighting that Saul's transition into leadership was directly mediated by God's chosen prophet, Samuel.

1 Samuel 9 26 Word analysis

• And they arose early:
  • "And they arose" (וַיַּשְׁכִּמוּ - vayyashkîmû): From the root שׁכם (shakam), meaning "to rise early" or "to be alert/diligent." This term signifies urgency and preparedness. It implies that important actions are about to unfold, requiring immediate attention. Biblical narratives often use this phrase to set the scene for significant events or divine encounters (Gen 22:3; Mar 1:35).
  • "early": Emphasizes the crucial, time-sensitive nature of the upcoming instructions concerning Saul's destiny as king.
• and it came to pass, when they were come down out of the city:
  • "came to pass" (וַיְהִי - vayehi): A common Hebrew narrative marker, indicating a sequential progression of events and often preceding a significant development.
  • "come down out of the city": This implies leaving the direct confines of the main populated area or a particular building within it, possibly moving towards a more open space, like the city gate, prior to Saul's full departure. The movement signals a transition from general hospitality to specific preparation for dismissal and commissioning.
• Samuel called Saul to the top of the house:
  • "Samuel called" (וַיִּקְרָא - wayyiqrāʾ): From the verb קרא (qara), "to call, summon." Samuel retains the prophetic initiative and authority, summoning Saul for the specific divine message.
  • "Saul": The individual chosen by God, soon to be anointed as Israel's first king.
  • "to the top of the house" (הַגָּגָה - haggāgāh): From גג (gag), meaning "rooftop." The rooftop in ancient Israelite homes was often a flat space used for various purposes, including privacy, prayer, contemplation, and important discussions (Deu 22:8; Mat 10:27). Its elevation offered both physical and symbolic removal from the common, allowing for a confidential and sacred imparting of the divine will.
• saying, Up, that I may send thee away:
  • "saying, Up" (לֵאמֹר קוּם - lēʾmōr qûm): "Arise," "Get up." An imperative command (קוּם - qum), signifying a call to immediate action or preparation for a task or journey. It often introduces a new, significant directive (Judg 6:14).
  • "that I may send thee away" (וַאֲשַׁלְּחֶךָ - waʾăshalchekkā): From שׁלח (shalach), "to send, send forth, dismiss." Here, it's more than a mere dismissal; it carries the weight of a divine commissioning. Samuel, as God's representative, is dispatching Saul on his divine mission as king.
• And Saul arose.
  • "And Saul arose" (וַיָּקָם שָׁאוּל - wayyāqām shāʾûl): From קוּם (qum), "to rise, stand up." Saul's immediate and unhesitating response demonstrates his obedience and readiness to comply with the prophet's instruction.

Words-Group analysis

• "And they arose early: and it came to pass, when they were come down out of the city": This phrase emphasizes a concerted action, undertaken with urgency and intention at dawn, followed by a seemingly ordinary movement. This setting creates a deliberate narrative pace, heightening the unexpected command that follows and underscoring the shift from typical daily activities to a moment of unique spiritual import.
• "Samuel called Saul to the top of the house, saying, Up, that I may send thee away": This sequence marks the pivotal action of the verse. Samuel's decisive call to the specific, elevated "rooftop" space denotes privacy and significance. The command "Up, that I may send thee away" is a solemn declaration from God's prophet, framing Saul's impending departure not merely as a farewell but as a formal commissioning for the extraordinary role of king over Israel.
• "And Saul arose": This short, concluding phrase demonstrates Saul's immediate obedience and willingness. His prompt response to Samuel’s authoritative summons sets the stage for the profound anointing and the subsequent signs of divine confirmation he would receive, underscoring his initial posture of receptivity to God's will mediated through the prophet.

1 Samuel 9 26 Bonus section

• The transition from a public feast (1 Sam 9:22-24) to a private rooftop conversation before dawn emphasizes the intimate and sacred nature of God's dealings with His chosen leaders. This progression highlights that while divine appointment might have a public acknowledgment, the most critical instructions and anointing often occur in a space of secluded intimacy with God's representative.
• The specific mention of "rising early" for this encounter aligns with a consistent biblical theme of starting important tasks or seeking divine encounters at the break of day, suggesting a spiritual readiness and a consecrated approach to God's will.

1 Samuel 9 26 Commentary

1 Samuel 9:26 is a carefully orchestrated moment that precedes Saul's anointing. After a night of preparations, Samuel strategically brings Saul to the privacy of the rooftop for the final, crucial encounter. This rooftop setting underscores the profound nature of what is to be communicated—it’s not a casual send-off, but a solemn, confidential, and sacred imparting of God's divine will to the chosen vessel. Samuel’s directive, "Up, that I may send thee away," carries the authority of a divine commissioning, preparing Saul not just for a journey home, but for his destiny as Israel's first king. It highlights the divine appointment and the structured transfer of authority from God through His prophet.