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1 Samuel 10:20

1 Samuel 10:20 in Multiple Translations

Thus Samuel had all the tribes of Israel come forward, and the tribe of Benjamin was selected.

And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken.

So Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, and the tribe of Benjamin was taken.

So Samuel made all the tribes of Israel come near, and the tribe of Benjamin was taken.

Samuel had all Israel come forward by tribes, and the tribe of Benjamin was chosen by lot.

And when Samuel had gathered together all the tribes of Israel, the tribe of Beniamin was taken.

And Samuel bringeth near the whole tribes of Israel, and the tribe of Benjamin is captured,

So Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, and the tribe of Benjamin was chosen.

And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken.

And Samuel brought to him all the tribes of Israel, and the lot fell on the tribe of Benjamin.

When those representatives came near to Samuel, God indicated that he had chosen someone from the tribe descended from Benjamin.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 10:20

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Samuel 10:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יַּקְרֵ֣ב שְׁמוּאֵ֔ל אֵ֖ת כָּל שִׁבְטֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וַ/יִּלָּכֵ֖ד שֵׁ֥בֶט בִּנְיָמִֽן
וַ/יַּקְרֵ֣ב qârab H7126 to present Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
שְׁמוּאֵ֔ל Shᵉmûwʼêl H8050 Shemuel N-proper
אֵ֖ת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms
שִׁבְטֵ֣י shêbeṭ H7626 tribe N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper
וַ/יִּלָּכֵ֖ד lâkad H3920 to capture Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שֵׁ֥בֶט shêbeṭ H7626 tribe N-ms
בִּנְיָמִֽן Binyâmîyn H1144 Benjamin N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 10:20

וַ/יַּקְרֵ֣ב qârab H7126 "to present" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.
Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.
שְׁמוּאֵ֔ל Shᵉmûwʼêl H8050 "Shemuel" N-proper
Shemuel was the name of three Israelites, including a judge and prophet of Israel during the time of King Saul and King David. His name means his name is El and he was the son of Elkanah and Hannah.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Issachar living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, only mentioned at 1Ch.7.2; son of: Tola (H8439); brother of: Uzzi (H5813H), Rephaiah (H7509I), Jeriel (H3400), Jahmai (H3181) and Ibsam (H3005) § Samuel = "his name is El" 1) son of Elkanah by his wife Hannah and judge or prophet of Israel during the days of Saul and David 2) son Ammihud and the prince of the tribe of Simeon who was chosen to divide the land of Canaan between the tribes. Spelled 'Shemuel' 3) son of Tola and grandson of Issachar. Spelled 'Shemuel'
Usage: Occurs in 120 OT verses. KJV: Samuel, Shemuel. See also: Numbers 34:20; 1 Samuel 12:1; Psalms 99:6.
אֵ֖ת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
שִׁבְטֵ֣י shêbeṭ H7626 "tribe" N-mp
This word means a stick or staff, but also a clan or tribe, and can refer to a symbol of authority or a tool for punishing. It is used in the Bible to describe the rods used by shepherds or the scepters of kings.
Definition: : tribe 1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe 1a) rod, staff 1b) shaft (of spear, dart) 1c) club (of shepherd's implement) 1d) truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority) 1e) clan, tribe
Usage: Occurs in 178 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] correction, dart, rod, sceptre, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 24:2; Psalms 2:9.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
וַ/יִּלָּכֵ֖ד lâkad H3920 "to capture" Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to capture or seize, often using a net or trap. In the Bible, it is used to describe taking control of something or someone, and is also used figuratively to describe being caught or stuck in a situation.
Definition: 1) to capture, take, seize 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to capture, seize 1a2) to capture (of men) (fig.) 1a3) to take (by lot) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be caught (of men in trap, snare) (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) to grasp each other
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, catch (self), be frozen, be holden, stick together, take. See also: Numbers 21:32; 2 Kings 18:10; Psalms 9:16.
שֵׁ֥בֶט shêbeṭ H7626 "tribe" N-ms
This word means a stick or staff, but also a clan or tribe, and can refer to a symbol of authority or a tool for punishing. It is used in the Bible to describe the rods used by shepherds or the scepters of kings.
Definition: : tribe 1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe 1a) rod, staff 1b) shaft (of spear, dart) 1c) club (of shepherd's implement) 1d) truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority) 1e) clan, tribe
Usage: Occurs in 178 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] correction, dart, rod, sceptre, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 24:2; Psalms 2:9.
בִּנְיָמִֽן Binyâmîyn H1144 "Benjamin" N-proper
Benjamin means son of the right hand, referring to the youngest son of Jacob and the tribe that descended from him. The term is first used in Genesis 35:18. Benjamin was a brother of Joseph and a half-brother of Reuben and others.
Definition: § Benjamin = "son of the right hand" a gate in Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 160 OT verses. KJV: Benjamin. See also: Genesis 35:18; 1 Samuel 9:21; Psalms 68:28.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 10:20

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Joshua 7:16–18 So Joshua arose early the next morning and had Israel come forward tribe by tribe, and the tribe of Judah was selected. He had the clans of Judah come forward, and the clan of the Zerahites was selected. He had the clan of the Zerahites come forward, and the family of Zabdi was selected. And he had the family of Zabdi come forward man by man, and Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was selected.
2 Acts 1:24–26 And they prayed, “Lord, You know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two You have chosen to take up this ministry and apostleship, which Judas abandoned to go to his rightful place.” Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.
3 1 Samuel 14:41 So Saul said to the LORD, the God of Israel, “Why have You not answered Your servant this day? If the fault is with me or my son Jonathan, respond with Urim; but if the fault is with the men of Israel, respond with Thummim.” And Jonathan and Saul were selected, but the people were cleared of the charge.

1 Samuel 10:20 Summary

[This verse shows how Samuel, following God's guidance, had all the tribes of Israel come forward to select a king, and the tribe of Benjamin was chosen. This was a significant step in Israel's history, as they transitioned from being ruled directly by God to having a human king, as also noted in 1 Samuel 8:7. The selection of the tribe of Benjamin was part of God's plan, and it ultimately led to the selection of Saul as their first king, as seen in 1 Samuel 10:21-24. By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can have confidence that He is working out His plan in our lives, even when we don't understand the details, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the tribe of Benjamin being selected in this verse?

The selection of the tribe of Benjamin is a key step in the process of choosing a king for Israel, as guided by the Lord through Samuel, as seen in 1 Samuel 10:20. This is part of God's sovereign plan, as also noted in Romans 8:28.

How does this event relate to the Israelites' previous rejection of God as their King?

The selection of a king from the tribe of Benjamin is a direct result of the Israelites' rejection of God as their King, as stated in 1 Samuel 10:19, where they asked for a human king to rule over them instead of God.

What can we learn from Samuel's role in this process?

Samuel's role in this process demonstrates his obedience to God's will, as he follows God's instructions to select a king for Israel, as seen in 1 Samuel 10:20, and this is in line with his character as a faithful servant of God, as noted in 1 Samuel 3:9-10.

How does this event fit into the larger story of Israel's history?

The selection of a king from the tribe of Benjamin marks a significant turning point in Israel's history, as it transitions from a theocracy, where God is the direct ruler, to a monarchy, as also noted in Deuteronomy 17:14-20 and 1 Samuel 8:7.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways in which I may be rejecting God's sovereignty in my life, and how can I surrender to His will?
  2. How can I, like Samuel, be obedient to God's instructions, even when they seem difficult or uncertain?
  3. What are some lessons that can be learned from the Israelites' desire for a human king, and how can I apply those lessons to my own life?
  4. In what ways can I trust in God's sovereign plan, even when the outcome is uncertain, as seen in this verse and in Proverbs 3:5-6?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 10:20

And when Samuel had caused all the tribes to come near,.... The heads and representatives of them, to the place where the lots were cast: the tribe of Benjamin was taken; the lot fell upon that tribe

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 10:20

And said unto the children of Israel, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 10:20

To come near unto the place appointed for the casting of lots. This tribe was now preferred before Judah, because the kingdom was freely promised by God to Judah, and was to be given to him in love; but now the kingdom was in a manner forced from God, and given to them in anger, , and therefore conferred upon an obscure tribe.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 10:20

1 Samuel 10:20 And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken.Ver. 20. To come near.] As Joshua 7:14. See there. The tribe of Benjamin was taken,] viz., By lot, as the word signifieth, which is governed by God, and is not therefore to be used ad lucrum aut lusum, but only in matters of weight. Josephus saith it was done by lots, lib. vi. cap. 5.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 10:20

(20) The tribe of Benjamin was taken.—How the “lots” were taken is not said; usually it was by throwing tablets (Joshua 18:6; Joshua 18:8), but sometimes by drawing from a vessel or urn, as in Numbers 33:54. The latter, from the Hebrew word used, was probably the method employed on this occasion.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 10:20

20. We are not told expressly by what process the selection was made, but it was probably by casting lots. Compare Joshua 7:14 ff. The lot was in common use among all nations of antiquity. It is regarded in Scripture not as a chance decision, but as a legitimate method of ascertaining the divine will (Proverbs 16:33). We read of its being used— (1) To select an attacking force (Judges 20:9-10). (2) For the allotment of conquered territory or spoil (Joshua 18:10; cp. Joe 3:3). (3) To detect criminals (Joshua 7:14; 1 Samuel 14:42). (4) For the choice of officers, &c. (1 Chronicles 24:5; Luke 1:9; Acts 1:26). (5) For the selection of the scape-goat (Leviticus 16:8; Leviticus 16:10). (6) For the settlement of disputes generally (Proverbs 18:18).

Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 10:20

Caused ... to come near ... was taken - The Hebrew phrases are exactly the same as in Joshua 7:16-17, where the King James Version renders the first has “brought.”

Sermons on 1 Samuel 10:20

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Freddy Bafuka King Saul--the Hardening of the Heart by Freddy Bafuka Freddy Bafuka explores the tragic story of King Saul, who began his reign with promise but ultimately fell due to disobedience and a hardened heart. He emphasizes that while starti
David Daniel Baggage! by David Daniel In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of the Israelites' conquest of the city of Jericho and their subsequent defeat at the city of Ai. The speaker highlights the role of
David Wilkerson How Far Are You Prepared to Trust God by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for believers to make serious changes in their lives if they want to get closer to God. He criticizes the influence of negative medi
Martin Luther Paul, an Apostle, (Not of Men, etc.) by Martin Luther Martin Luther emphasizes the importance of a divine call to the ministry, distinguishing between those called by men, by man, and directly by Jesus Christ like the apostles. He hig
A.K. Curtis The Young and the Tireless by A.K. Curtis A.K. Curtis preaches about Anna Nitschmann, a young Moravian girl chosen by God to be a leader among the single women in Herrnhut, despite her age and humble background. Through An
C.H. Mackintosh The Olivet Discourse Part 2c – Christendom: the Talents by C.H. Mackintosh C.H. Mackintosh preaches on the importance of divine appointment and ability in ministry, emphasizing that only Christ can call and equip individuals for His work. He highlights th
J.H. Newman The Episcopal Church Apostolical by J.H. Newman J.H. Newman preaches about the importance of Apostolic Succession in the Church, emphasizing the divine providence in preserving this Succession throughout history. He argues that

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