And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him.
1 SAMUEL 13:10KJVWhat does 1 Samuel 13:10 mean?
1 Samuel 13:10 describes the moment when Saul finishes offering a burnt sacrifice, and immediately afterward, Samuel arrives. Saul goes out to meet Samuel, intending to greet or honor him.
The setting is a tense situation: Saul, the king of Israel, has just performed a religious duty that was meant for the prophet Samuel, because Samuel was delayed in coming. As soon as Saul completes the offering, Samuel appears, highlighting the timing and setting up the confrontation that follows. This verse marks a turning point, showing Saul’s impatience and the arrival of Samuel at a critical moment.
The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 13:10
- "end" (כָּלָה, kalah): This word means to finish or complete. The verse emphasizes that Saul had just finished the act, underscoring the immediacy of Samuel’s arrival.
- "offering" (עָלָה, ‘alah) and "offering" (עֹלָה, ‘olah): The first word is often used for "to offer" or "to go up," while the second refers specifically to a burnt offering. The use of both words highlights both the act of offering and the type of sacrifice Saul made.
- "salute" (בָּרַךְ, barakh): This word usually means "to bless." Here, it is used for Saul’s intention to greet or honor Samuel, suggesting a formal or respectful meeting rather than just a casual greeting.
Why 1 Samuel 13:10 matters
- The verse highlights Saul’s impatience and his decision to act outside his role, which becomes a key issue in the following verses when Samuel confronts him.
- The timing—Samuel arriving just after Saul finishes—shows how close Saul was to waiting long enough, emphasizing the consequences of acting hastily.
- The use of the word "salute" (barakh) suggests Saul is trying to show respect or smooth things over with Samuel, possibly aware that he has overstepped his bounds.