And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD.

1 SAMUEL 3:20KJV
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1 Samuel 3:20 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 3:20 mean?

1 Samuel 3:20 says that everyone in Israel, from the northernmost city of Dan to the southernmost city of Beersheba, recognized that Samuel had truly been chosen and confirmed as a prophet of the LORD. The verse highlights that Samuel’s role as God’s spokesperson was widely accepted across the entire nation.

This verse comes after God calls Samuel as a young boy and begins to speak to him directly. The people of Israel, who had not heard from prophets for some time, now see clear evidence that Samuel is established by God to deliver His messages. The mention of Dan and Beersheba shows that Samuel’s reputation reached every part of Israel, not just his hometown.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 3:20

  • יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisra'el, “Israel”): This word refers to the whole nation, emphasizing that Samuel’s recognition was not limited to a local area but was national.
  • דָּן (Dan) and בְּאֵר שֶׁבַע (Be’er Sheva): These are the traditional northern and southern boundaries of Israel, so the phrase “from Dan even to Beersheba” means “everywhere in Israel.”
  • נֶאֱמָן (ne’eman, “established”): This word means to be confirmed, proven, or shown to be trustworthy. It stresses that Samuel’s role as prophet was not just assumed but demonstrated over time.
  • נָבִיא (navi’, “prophet”): This term means someone who speaks on behalf of God. The verse makes clear that Samuel was recognized in this special role by all.

Why 1 Samuel 3:20 matters

  • The verse clears up any idea that Samuel’s calling was private or doubted; it was publicly recognized and accepted throughout Israel.
  • The use of “from Dan even to Beersheba” shows the unity and reach of Samuel’s influence, marking a new era of prophetic leadership after a period of spiritual silence.
  • This recognition sets the stage for Samuel’s later role as a leader who will guide Israel through major changes, including the transition from judges to kings.

Where else these words appear

“Beersheba” Hebrew H884 · used in 33 verses

  • Genesis 21:14 And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave it unto Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.
  • Joshua 15:28 And Hazarshual, and Beersheba, and Bizjothjah,
  • 2 Kings 12:1 In the seventh year of Jehu Jehoash began to reign; and forty years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Zibiah of Beersheba.

“Dan” Hebrew H1835 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 14:14 And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan.
  • Deuteronomy 27:13 And these shall stand upon mount Ebal to curse; Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.
  • 2 Samuel 17:11 Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine own person.

“established” Hebrew H539 · used in 102 verses

  • Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
  • 2 Kings 17:14 Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God.
  • Psalms 106:24 Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word:

“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 9:17 And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people.
  • 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.