And Samuel called the people together unto the LORD to Mizpeh;

1 SAMUEL 10:17KJV
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1 Samuel 10:17 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 10:17 mean?

1 Samuel 10:17 describes the prophet Samuel gathering the people of Israel together before the LORD at a place called Mizpeh. This meeting sets the stage for an important announcement or event involving the whole community and God’s guidance.

Samuel, acting as a leader and prophet, calls the Israelites to assemble at Mizpeh, a significant location for national gatherings and seeking God’s will. This verse marks the beginning of a public moment where Samuel will address the people about God’s choice for their future king, following their request for a monarchy.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 10:17

  • Samuel (שְׁמוּאֵל, Shemu’el): The name means “heard by God” or “God has heard.” Samuel’s role as the one who calls the people together highlights his authority as both a prophet and a judge at this key moment.
  • called (קָרָא, qara’): This word often means to summon or invite with purpose. Here, it emphasizes that Samuel is not just gathering people socially, but calling them together for a solemn, God-centered reason.
  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): The use of God’s personal name underlines that this assembly is not just a political meeting, but one held in the presence and authority of Israel’s covenant God.
  • Mizpeh (מִצְפָּה, Mitzpeh): This place name means “watchtower” or “lookout.” Mizpeh was a traditional site for important national events, making it a fitting location for a gathering where Israel’s future leadership will be addressed.

Why 1 Samuel 10:17 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the process of choosing a king was done publicly and with God’s involvement, not in secret or by human decision alone.
  • The mention of Mizpeh connects this event to earlier moments in Israel’s history when the nation gathered for repentance or guidance, showing continuity in how the people sought God’s direction.
  • By highlighting Samuel’s role and the LORD’s presence, the verse sets a tone of seriousness and reverence for what is about to happen, reminding readers that leadership in Israel was meant to be under God’s authority.

Where else these words appear

“Mizpeh” Hebrew H4709 · used in 31 verses

  • Genesis 31:49 And Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.
  • 1 Samuel 7:6 And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh.
  • Nehemiah 3:19 And next to him repaired Ezer the son of Jeshua, the ruler of Mizpah, another piece over against the going up to the armoury at the turning of the wall.

“called” Hebrew H6817 · used in 53 verses

  • Genesis 4:10 And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.
  • Deuteronomy 26:7 And when we cried unto the LORD God of our fathers, the LORD heard our voice, and looked on our affliction, and our labour, and our oppression:
  • 2 Kings 8:5 And it came to pass, as he was telling the king how he had restored a dead body to life, that, behold, the woman, whose son he had restored to life, cried to the king for her house and for her land. And Gehazi said, My lord, O king, this is the woman, and this is her son, whom Elisha restored to life.

“Samuel” Hebrew H8050 · used in 120 verses

  • Numbers 34:20 And of the tribe of the children of Simeon, Shemuel the son of Ammihud.
  • 1 Samuel 9:15 Now the LORD had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying,
  • 1 Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.