And they arose early: and it came to pass about the spring of the day, that Samuel called Saul to the top of the house, saying, Up, that I may send thee away. And Saul arose, and they went out both of them, he and Samuel, abroad.

1 SAMUEL 9:26KJV
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1 Samuel 9:26 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 9:26 mean?

1 Samuel 9:26 describes how Samuel woke Saul early in the morning, called him to the rooftop, and told him to get up so that Samuel could send him on his way. Saul got up, and the two of them—Samuel and Saul—went outside together.

Samuel is the prophet, and Saul is the young man who will soon be Israel’s first king. The verse takes place after Saul spent the night at Samuel’s house. Samuel’s invitation to the rooftop and his words about sending Saul away set up a private moment before Saul returns home, hinting that something important is about to happen between them.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 9:26

  • "early" (שָׁכַם, shakham): This word often means to rise or act early in the morning, showing intentionality and urgency in Samuel’s actions.
  • "spring" (עָלָה, ‘alah): Here, this word is used for the dawning or rising of the day, painting a picture of the very beginning of morning.
  • "abroad" (חוּץ, chuts): This word means "outside" or "outdoors," emphasizing that Samuel and Saul left the house for a more open or public space, possibly for privacy or significance.

Why 1 Samuel 9:26 matters

  • This verse marks the transition from Saul being a guest to being chosen for a new role, setting the stage for Samuel to reveal God’s message to him.
  • The early morning timing and the movement to the rooftop and then outside highlight the importance and privacy of what is about to happen.
  • Understanding the setting helps clarify that Samuel is intentionally creating a moment away from others, preparing Saul for a significant announcement about his future.

Where else these words appear

“day” Hebrew H7837 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 19:15 And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city.
  • Job 38:12 Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place;
  • Isaiah 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

“house” Hebrew H1406 · used in 27 verses

  • Exodus 30:3 And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, the top thereof, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns thereof; and thou shalt make unto it a crown of gold round about.
  • 2 Samuel 11:2 And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.
  • Proverbs 25:24 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.

“early” Hebrew H7925 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 19:2 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.
  • Judges 6:38 And it was so: for he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water.
  • 2 Chronicles 36:15 And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place:

“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.