Bible Strands
1 Samuel 15:17
And Samuel said, “Although you were once small in your own eyes, have you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The LORD anointed you king over Israel
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Samuel addresses King Saul immediately after halting his departure to deliver a divine message. This occurs during their confrontation over Saul's failure to fully execute God's command against the Amalekites.
The words — The Hebrew term קָטֹן (ka.Ton) literally means "small" or "insignificant," contrasting with רֹאשׁ (rosh), which denotes "head" or "leader." These terms frame Saul's transition from perceived insignificance to appointed authority.
The thread — The motif of divine elevation overriding human assessment appears in Saul's earlier acknowledgment of his Benjamite lineage as the smallest tribe (1 Samuel 9:21) and his subsequent concealment during his selection (1 Samuel 10:22). It also recalls Samuel's initial commission to anoint Saul (1 Samuel 15:1).
Why it lands — The text demands recognition that human status or self-perception does not dictate divine appointment. It requires the reader to acknowledge that authority originates from God's anointing rather than personal merit or background.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the Lord anointed thee king over Israel?
Cross-references
- 1 Samuel 9:21 Saul replied, “Am I not a Benjamite from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of Benjamin? So why would you say such a thing to me?”
- 1 Samuel 10:22 So again they inquired of the LORD, “Has the man come here yet?” And the LORD replied, “Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage.”
- 1 Samuel 15:1 Then Samuel said to Saul, “The LORD sent me to anoint you king over His people Israel. Now therefore, listen to the words of the LORD.
- 1 Samuel 10:1 Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, “Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?
- Judges 6:15 “Please, my Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I save Israel? Indeed, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house.”
- Matthew 18:4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
- Hosea 13:1 When Ephraim spoke, there was trembling; he was exalted in Israel. But he incurred guilt through Baal, and he died.