Bible Strands
1 Samuel 7:15
So Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrator records Samuel’s ongoing administrative role immediately after the Philistine defeat and the restoration of Israelite territory. This statement functions as a narrative summary of national stability following covenant renewal.
The words — וַיִּשְׁפֹּט (va-yishpot) literally means "and he judged," denoting sustained judicial and governing action. כָּל יְמֵי חַיָּיו (kol yemei chayav) translates to "all the days of his life," establishing the indefinite duration of this tenure.
The thread — This permanent leadership period bridges the era of the judges and the monarchy, reflected in Acts 13:20 and Judges 2:16. It directly follows the national fasting and assembly at Mizpah detailed in 1 Samuel 7:6.
Why it lands — The text declares a fixed, lifelong judicial administration, requiring the reader to note the structural transition in Israel’s governance. It demands recognition of localized, continuous authority preceding the establishment of kingship.
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 judged Israel all the days of his life.
Cross-references
- 1 Samuel 7:6 When they had gathered at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the LORD. On that day they fasted, and there they confessed, “We have sinned against the LORD.” And Samuel judged the Israelites at Mizpah.
- Acts 13:20 All this took about 450 years. After this, God gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet.
- Judges 2:16 Then the LORD raised up judges, who saved them from the hands of those who plundered them.
- Judges 3:10 The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he became Israel’s judge and went out to war. And the LORD delivered Cushan-rishathaim king of Aram into the hand of Othniel, who prevailed against him.
- 1 Samuel 12:1 Then Samuel said to all Israel, “I have listened to your voice in all that you have said to me, and I have set over you a king.
- 1 Samuel 12:11 So the LORD sent Jerubbaal, Barak, Jephthah, and Samuel, and He delivered you from the hands of your enemies on every side, and you dwelt securely.
- 1 Samuel 25:1 When Samuel died, all Israel gathered to mourn for him; and they buried him at his home in Ramah. Then David set out and went down to the Wilderness of Paran.