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Introduction to 1 Samuel

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of 1 Samuel

  1. Samuel as judge over Israel (1:17:17)
  • Samuel as a child (1:13:21)
  • Shiloh priesthood; the fall and death of Eli the priest (4:122)
  • The ark of God and the war with the Philistines (5:16:21)
  • Mizpah; Samuels rule over Israel (7:117)
  1. Saul and Samuel (8:115:35)
  • Samuel lets the people seek a king (8:122)
  • Saul anointed king (9:110:27)
  • Battle and victory over the Ammonites (11:115)
  • Samuels farewell (12:125)
  • Sauls weakness and failures (13:115:35)
  1. David and his conflicts with Saul (16:131:13)
  • Gods choice of David to be king (16:123)
  • David fights Goliath (17:158)
  • Sauls jealousy of David; David and Jonathan (18:120:42)
  • David in the wilderness; David in Philistia (21:130:31)
  • Death of Saul (31:113)

What is the Book of 1 Samuel about?

The Book of 1 Samuel is about Samuel, Saul, and David. Samuel was the last of the judges over Israel. Saul was the first king of Israel. Much of the book is about how Saul became king, then how he later sinned against God and died. God chose David to be king after Saul. This book shows how God protected David when Saul tried to kill him.

How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators can use the traditional title “1 Samuel” or “First Samuel.” Or, translators may consider a clearer title such as “The First Book About Samuel, Saul, and David.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

What is the purpose of the Book of 1 Samuel?

The purpose of 1 Samuel is to give an account of the events leading up to David becoming king of Israel. In 1 Samuel, the twelve tribes of Israel unite under the first king of Israel, Saul. But Saul does not obey Yahwehs commands. So God uses Samuel to choose David as a king who will trust and obey Yahweh.

Who wrote the Book of 1 Samuel?

It is uncertain who wrote 1 Samuel. It may have been someone alive soon after King Solomon died. When Solomon died, the kingdom of Israel split into two kingdoms. The author probably lived in the southern kingdom of Judah. A descendant of David continued to rule over the southern kingdom. The author may have written 1 Samuel to defend Davids right to be king. This would prove that Davids descendant was the rightful king of Gods people.

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

Who is “Yahwehs anointed”?

The writer of 1 Samuel often speaks of “Yahwehs anointed.” This refers to the one whom Yahweh chose to be the king of his people. Also, the phrase “Yahwehs anointed” would make later readers think about the future descendant of David who would become king of Gods people. This person who Yahweh chose would be known as the Messiah. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/anoint]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/peopleofgod]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/christ]])

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

What are curses, as found in 1 Samuel and elsewhere?

A curse is a strong statement a person makes to cause bad things to happen to the person or thing being cursed. A curse usually has this pattern: “May God do so to you, and even more, if you hide anything from me of all the words that he spoke to you” (1 Sam. 3:17). Other instances of curses in 1 and 2 Samuel are found in 1 Sam 14:44; 20:13; 25:22; 2 Sam 3:9, 35; and 19:13. The translator should represent a curse in the project language in as strong a way as possible.

How is the name “Israel” used in the Bible?

The name “Israel” is used in many different ways in the Bible. Jacob was the son of Isaac. God changed his name to Israel. The descendants of Jacob became a nation also called Israel. Eventually, the nation of Israel split into two kingdoms. The northern kingdom was named Israel. The southern kingdom was named Judah. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/israel]])

The Book of 1 Samuel has two references to Israel and Judah (1 Samuel 17:52, 1 Samuel 18:16). However, these references appear in the text long before the two kingdoms split apart. It seems clear that the references to Israel and Judah are in the text because the author wrote at a time after the kingdoms split. He wanted the readers to understand that all the twelve tribes had supported David.

What is the meaning of the phrase “to this day”?

This phrase was used by the narrator to refer to the time when he was writing. The translator should be aware that “to this day” refers to a time already passed. He must avoid giving the impression that the present day of the translations readers is meant. The translator might decide to say, “to this day, at the time when this is being written” or “to this day, at the time of writing.” This phrase occurs in 1 Samuel 5:5; 6:18: 27:6; 30:25.

31:introcj3l0

1 Samuel 01 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter introduces Samuel. It is the beginning of the section 1 Samuel 1-7 which tells about Samuel, the religious leader of Israel.

Special concepts in this chapter

Two wives

This was a common practice in the ancient Near East. It was against the law of Moses. The men of Israel would have sinned if they married more than one woman. This type of marriage always creates problems because of jealousy. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/jealous]])

“Pay his vow”

It was customary for Israelites to promise God to make a sacrifice to him if God answered special prayers. Making such a sacrifice was called paying ones vow. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/vow]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Idioms

When Hannah wanted to assure Eli she was telling the truth, she used the idiom “as you live.” This is a type of oath formula meaning “I promise you I am telling the truth.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

The author also uses the phrase “call to mind.” This is a common idiom meaning “remember.”

41:1xa1trc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a small village possibly located eight kilometers northwest of Jerusalem. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

51:1mwm2rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a people group that descended from Zuph. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

61:1cjl8rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

71:2g5tkrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a woman. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

81:3zzb50

“This man” refers to Elkanah.

91:3wr8l0

This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.

101:3w8serc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

111:5xq4vrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is a womans name. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 1:2. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

121:5b7ri0

“made her barren” or “prevented her from becoming pregnant”

131:6f5cg0

The other wife would often grieve and shame Hannah.

141:7bzk30

This is Peninnah, the other wife of Elkanah. A rival is someone who competes against another person. In this case Peninnah was competing against Hannah to try to get Elkanah to love her best.

151:8nz4vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

These rhetorical questions can be translated as statements, if necessary. Alternate translation: “Hannah, you should not weep. You should eat, and your heart should be glad because I am better to you than ten sons!” or “You have little reason for sadness. I favor you and that should be enough.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

161:8tt3yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole0

Elkanah is exaggerating to emphasize how important Hannah is to him. Alternate translation: “than any son could be” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

171:9s3gh0

Hannah begins to pray to Yahweh, and Eli watches.

181:9kgv8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

Implicit information here can be made explicit. Either Hannahs tent was next to the tabernacle tent or she walked from her tent to the tabernacle to pray. Alternate translation: “Hannah rose up and went to the house of Yahweh to pray after” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

191:9hic6rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

“Now” is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here the author tells about a new person in the story. This person is the priest Eli. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

201:9qdl60

The “temple” was actually a tent, but it was where the people worshiped, so it is best to translate as “temple” here.

211:10b85frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

Hannah was deeply troubled or grieved because of not having any children and being ridiculed regularly by Peninnah, her husbands other wife. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

221:11peh30

Hannahs prayer to Yahweh continues.

231:11ri9rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns0

The abstract noun “affliction” can be translated as a verbal phrase. This refers either to (1) Hannah being unable to become pregnant. Alternate translation: “how I am suffering because I cannot become pregnant” or (2) the way Peninnah always insulted her. Alternate translation: “how that woman is afflicting me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

241:11l71a0

This is a special plea to God to take action on Hannahs behalf. God does know what is happening to Hannah; he has not forgotten.

251:11ee3hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism0

This phrase says almost the same thing as “call me to mind.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

261:12js4qrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

Eli was the chief priest, so he was in the tabernacle of God and in charge of it. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

271:15qnz50

“I am a woman who is deeply sad”

281:15fzi6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

This is an idiom that means “telling Yahweh my deepest emotions.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

291:16a5rzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person0

Hannah speaks of herself in the second person to show her humility. It can be stated in first person. Alternate translation: “Do not consider me, your servant, to be” or “Do not consider me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

301:16lf9rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns0

This is another way of saying that she has a “sorrowful spirit,” as in 1:15. The abstract nouns “abundance,” “concern,” and “provocation” can be translated as adjectives and verbs. Alternate translation: “I have been speaking because I am very sad, and my rival has greatly provoked me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

311:16j8n8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet0

These words both mean that Hannah is sad and annoyed because her rival has been provoking her. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

321:16t7tp0

Peninnah irritates and annoys her.

331:16l6kn0

Hannah is referring to the grief and shame she feels because Peninnah is being cruel to her.

341:17a5u20

Eli was the head priest residing over the tabernacle.

351:18sl27rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person0

Hannah speaks of herself in the second person to show respect for Eli, the head priest. This can be stated in the first person. Alternate translation: “Let me, your servant, find” or “Let me find” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

361:18tu8xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Here “find favor” is an idiom that means be approved of or that he is pleased with her. Here the eyes are a metonym for sight, and seeing represents judging or deciding the value of something. Alternate translation: “evaluated me and approve” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

371:18us1urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche0

Here “her face” represents Hannah herself. You can make this a separate sentence, if needed. Alternate translation: “ate. She was” or “ate. People could see that she was” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

381:19rw2yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism0

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “Elkanah had sexual relations with Hannah” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

391:19r2kg0

God knew what was happening to Hannah; he had not forgotten her. See how you translated similar words in 1 Samuel 1:11.

401:20n4840

“Hannah became pregnant”

411:21v7jyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

The word “house” is a metonym for the people who lived in the house. Alternate translation: “his family” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

421:22n9zg0

stops drinking milk and starts eating only solid food

431:22ui7y0

Hannah had promised God that she would allow Samuel to live and work with Eli the priest in the temple (1 Samuel 1:11).

441:23t6a90

“gave her son milk”

451:24u3axrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume0

An ephah is about 22 liters of dry material. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume]])

461:24dn9w0

Wine was kept in animal skins, not glass bottles.

471:26r835rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

Here the idiom “As you live” shows that Hannah is being sincere and truthful. Alternate translation: “Sir, what I am going to tell you is certainly true” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

481:27m76rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns0

The noun “petition” refers to a formal request for another person to do something. It can be translated with a verb. The idiom “to give a petition” means to do what the person requests. Alternate translation: “has agreed to do what I solemnly requested that he do” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

491:28fp77rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “I am loaning him to Yahweh” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

501:28f1d4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche0

Possible meanings: (1) “He” refers to Elkanah or (2) “he” is a synecdoche referring to both Elkanah and his family. Alternate translation: “Elkanah and his family” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

512:introfe7v0

1 Samuel 02 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with Hannahs poetic prayer in 2:1-10 .

Special concepts in this chapter

Hannahs song of praise to God

This song is about how God protects the weak and strengthens them. He humbles the rich, provides for the poor, and defeats his enemies.

Elis Sons

Eli, the chief priest, had two sons. They were ungodly priests who continually sinned and did not honor God. Eli corrected them but they did not listen. A prophet warned Eli that God would stop his family from being priests and his sons would both die on the same day. At the same time, Samuel was growing up and serving God. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/godly]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

This chapter has many figures of speech because the first part of the chapter is a song and the last part of the chapter is a prophecy. Songs and prophecy tend to have many figures of speech.

Synecdoches

“My heart” and “my mouth” are synecdoches referencing the speaker. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

Metonymies

Body parts are often used to stand for activities involving that part of the body. “The feet of his faithful people” is a metonym meaning what they are doing or where they are going. Place names are often used for people in that place such as “the ends of the earth” meaning the people living in the ends of the earth. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

Metaphors

Hannah used many military metaphors: “rock,” representing protection; “the bows of the mighty men are broken,” representing military defeat; “the horn of his anointed,” representing the power of the one that God has chosen to be king. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Rhetorical questions

God used three rhetorical questions to correct and condemn Eli. “Did I not reveal myself to the house of your ancestor, when they were in Egypt in bondage to Pharaohs house?” “Why then do you scorn my offerings that I required in the place where I live?” “Why do you honor your sons above me by making yourselves fat with the best of every offering of my people Israel?” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

522:1e9ksrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism0

Hannah recites a song to Yahweh. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

532:1aq770

“I have great joy”

542:1j5ts0

“because of who Yahweh is” or “because Yahweh is so great”

552:1s8ymrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

A horn is a symbol of strength. Alternate translation: “I am now strong” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

562:2v6e5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism0

Hannah continues to recite a song to Yahweh. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

572:2tvt6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

This is another way of saying that God is strong and faithful. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

582:2xqh20

This is a rock large enough to hide behind or to stand on and so be high above ones enemies.

592:3k2uprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism0

Hannah continues to recite a song to Yahweh. She speaks as if other people were listening to her. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

602:3l38w0

“no arrogant words”

612:3tzn5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “he weighs peoples actions” or “he understands why people act as they do” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

622:4v82qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism0

Hannah continues to recite a song to Yahweh. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

632:4rd1s0

Possible meanings are (1) the bows themselves are broken or (2) the men who carry the bows are prevented from acting. Alternate translation: “Mighty bowmen are kept from acting”

642:4re5wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh breaks the bows of the mighty men” or “Yahweh can make even the strongest of people weak” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

652:4nr6lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

This metaphor means they will no longer stumble, but their strength will remain with them as tightly as a belt. Alternate translation: “he will make those who stumble strong” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

662:4u7850

This is the general term for putting something around ones waist to prepare for work.

672:5t7agrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism0

Hannah continues to recite a song to Yahweh. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

682:5q5su0

“gives birth to seven children”

692:5uun50

becomes weak and sad and lonely

702:6rlw4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism0

Hannah continues to recite a song to Yahweh. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

712:6wy38rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism0

Yahweh is in control of everything. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

722:7rdi6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism0

Hannah continues to recite a song to Yahweh. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

732:7p7ghrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism0

Yahweh is in control of everything. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

742:8ui1hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism0

Hannah continues to recite a song to Yahweh. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

752:8x5qkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

These are metaphors for the lowest position in society. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

762:8kfa70

people who do not have the things that they need

772:9n8u2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism0

Hannah continues to recite a song to Yahweh. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

782:9qa5rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Here “feet” is a metonym for the way a person walks, which in turn is a metaphor for the way a person decides how to live his life. Alternate translation: “keep his faithful people from making foolish decisions” or “enable his faithful people to make wise decisions” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

792:9c576rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism0

This polite way of saying that Yahweh will kill the wicked can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will put the wicked to silence in darkness” or “Yahweh will put the wicked in the dark and silent world of the dead” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

802:9tij9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

The words “be put to silence” are an idiom for “be made silent.” This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will make them silent” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

812:9ms180

“because he is strong”

822:10mph9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism0

Hannah continues to recite a song to Yahweh. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

832:10k6zwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will break those who oppose him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

842:10q5jvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

This idiom means “defeated.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

852:10zja3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

This is an idiom that means everywhere. Alternate translation: “the whole earth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

862:10ui4drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

A horn is a symbol of strength. See how you translated similar words in 1 Samuel 2:1. Alternate translation: “he will make the leader he has chosen stronger than his enemies” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

872:10zv7zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

This speaks of the person that Yahweh chose and empowered for his purposes as if Yahweh had anointed the person with oil. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the one he has anointed” or “the one he has chosen” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

882:12q8jj0

When people would offer animals as sacrifices, they would first burn the animals fat and then boil the meat and eat it.

892:12xbf40

“did not listen to Yahweh” or “did not obey Yahweh”

902:13j81a0

A custom is an action that people regularly do.

912:14pa2z0

These are containers in which food could be cooked. If your language does not have separate words for these items it can be stated more generally. Alternate translation: “into whatever the people were cooking the meat in”

922:14r3hj0

a small metal container for boiling and cooking

932:14ye8t0

a large, heavy metal container for boiling and cooking

942:14y3g80

a large, heavy metal container for boiling and cooking

952:14u3la0

a clay container for cooking

962:15q7b60

When people would offer animals as sacrifices, they would first burn the animals fat and then boil the meat, give some to the priest, and eat the rest.

972:15a5zh0

“They even did something worse than that. Before”

982:15j2myrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

The person who actually did the burning can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “the man who was sacrificing took his sacrifice to the priests and the priests burned” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

992:15f4np0

“Give me some meat so I can give it to the priest so he can roast it”

1002:15a5aa0

cook over a fire

1012:15c19i0

cooked in water

1022:15y5r20

not cooked

1032:17yx430

The young men did not like Yahwehs instructions regarding the offering and paid no attention to them.

1042:20tc3y0

Hannah had asked Yahweh for a baby and promised him that she would give the baby to serve in the temple.

1052:21k1xe0

This means where Yahweh could see him and Samuel could learn about Yahweh.

1062:22lbj3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism0

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “they were having sexual relations with the women” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

1072:23tv62rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “It is terrible that you do such things!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1082:25lkz7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “there is certainly no one who can speak for him.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1092:25eb5j0

“ask Yahweh to have mercy on him”

1102:25cvx3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche0

Here the fathers “voice” represents the father. Alternate translation: “their father” or “what their father said” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1112:27f6z60

This phrase usually means a prophet of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “a man who hears and tells words from God”

1122:27r882rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should know that I revealed myself … house.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1132:27k8srrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

The word “house” is a metonym for the people who lived in the house. Alternate translation: “the family of your ancestor” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1142:27u5410

Aaron

1152:28z66e0

This refers to making an offering to Yahweh.

1162:28vv14rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

The words “wear an ephod” are a metonym for the work of the priests who wear the ephod. Alternate translation: “to do what I had commanded the priests to do” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1172:29tk440

The man of God continues to speak to Eli.

1182:29rx55rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

This rhetorical question is a rebuke. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not scorn my sacrifices … where I live.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1192:29ai4j0

“the place where my people bring offerings to me”

1202:29en930

The best part of the offering was to be burned up as an offering to Yahweh, but the priests were eating it.

1212:30b5d5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

The word “house” is a metonym for the people who lived in the house. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 2:27. Alternate translation: “the family of your ancestor” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1222:30url1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

This is an idiom that means “live in obedience to me.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1232:30agt30

“I will certainly not allow your family to serve me forever”

1242:30hd3erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony0

The words “lightly esteemed” is an ironic euphemism for “greatly despised.” This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I will lightly esteem those who despise me” or “I will greatly despise those who despise me” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-irony]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1252:31wg4e0

“Listen carefully to what I am about to say” or “What I am about to say is very important”

1262:31h1axrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism0

The words “cut off … strength” are probably a euphemism for the death of strong, young men; the words “your fathers house” are a metonym for “your family.” Alternate translation: “I will kill you and all strong, young male descendants in your family” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1272:31l1i20

“be any old men” or “be any men who grow old”

1282:33l8ta0

“cause you to lose your eyesight” or “cause you to go blind”

1292:35vaw9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “I will cause a man to become priest” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1302:35i1g2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “to serve me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1312:35zj6d0

“what I want him to do and what I tell him to do”

1322:35bg77rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

Here “house” is an idiom used for “descendants.” Alternate translation: “I will ensure that he always has a descendant who serves as high priest” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1332:36tmh40

the faithful priest whom God will raise up

1342:36y912rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche0

Here “piece of bread” is used for “food. “Alternate translation: “so I can have something to eat” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1353:introriy20

1 Samuel 03 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

God speaks to Samuel

God spoke at night to Samuel when he was a small boy, telling him that he would punish Elis family. As Samuel grew up, God gave him many messages. People came from all over Israel to find out what God had to say.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metonymy

In order to show respect when talking to God, Samuel calls himself “your servant” when referring to himself. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

Idioms

One characteristic of prophecy is the use of figures of speech. In this passage there are two idioms: “ears will shake,” meaning “will shock everyone who hears” and “carry out,” meaning “do.” (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

In order to be sure Samuel would tell him the whole truth, Eli used the standard formula for a curse: “may God do to you, and even more, if,” meaning “God will punish severely if the person does what the curse says he will do.” (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/curse]])

1363:1w5tu0

“Yahweh did not often speak to people”

1373:3vl1e0

This is the seven-candle lampstand in the holy place of the tabernacle that burned every day and through the night until it was empty.

1383:3vv3t0

The “temple” was actually a tent, but it was where the people worshiped, so it is best to translate the word as “temple” here. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 1:9.

1393:6mt8grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

Eli was not Samuels true father. Eli speaks as if he were Samuels father to show Samuel that he is not angry but that Samuel needs to listen to him. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1403:7s4parc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “nor had Yahweh ever revealed any message to him” or “and Yahweh had never revealed any message to him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1413:9m2t2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns0

Eli tells Samuel to speak to Yahweh as if Samuel were another person so that Samuel would show respect to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “I am” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])

1423:10tcr30

Possible meanings are (1) Yahweh actually appeared and stood before Samuel or (2) Yahweh made his presence known to Samuel.

1433:10z33mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns0

Samuel speaks to Yahweh as if Samuel were another person to show respect to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “I am” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])

1443:11huj9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

Here “ears … will tingle” is an idiom that means everyone will be shocked by what they hear. Alternate translation: “that will shock everyone who hears it” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1453:11z6qj0

This means to feel like someone is gently poking with small, sharp objects, usually because of the cold or because someone has slapped that body part with their hand.

1463:12z75yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism0

This is a merism for completeness. Alternate translation: “absolutely everything” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

1473:13dp7i0

“did those things which Yahweh had said he would punish those who did them”

1483:14x5qurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “there is no sacrifice or offering that anyone can offer that will atone for the sins of his house” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1493:14n75w0

“the sins that the people in his family have committed”

1503:15ma130

The “house” was actually a tent, but it would be best to translate “house” here.

1513:16p47brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

Eli was not Samuels true father. Eli speaks as if he were Samuels father to show Samuel that he is not angry but that Samuel needs to answer him. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 1:6. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1523:17w2ne0

“the message Yahweh gave”

1533:17s4uqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

This is an idiom to emphasize how serious Eli is. Alternate translation: “May God punish you the same way he said he will punish me, and even more” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1543:19rz12rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

Here messages that do not come true are spoken of as if they fell to the ground. This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: “he made all the things he prophesied happen” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

1553:20km4x0

“All the people in Israel”

1563:20q8csrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism0

This is a merism for “in every part of the land.” Alternate translation: “from one end of the land to the other” or “from Dan in the very north to Beersheba in the very south” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

1573:20v6xmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh had appointed” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1584:introa7dh0

1 Samuel 04 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The Ark of the Covenant in Philistine country

This chapter begins a new section on the Ark and the Philistines. It recounts two battles between Israel and the Philistines. In both battles, Israel was badly defeated and, in the second, the Ark was captured.

Special concepts in this chapter

The Ark is captured

The Philistine army invaded Israel, and Israels army went to fight them but was defeated. Israel decided that if they took the Ark into the next battle, God would cause them to win. When Elis sons took the Ark into the next battle and the Philistines won the battle, they killed Elis two sons and captured the Ark. When Eli heard the Ark was captured, he fell over, broke his neck, and died. Hearing this news, his daughter-in-law named her baby “the glory has departed.”

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical Question

The Philistines expressed their fear using a rhetorical question: “Who will protect us from the strength of this mighty God?” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1594:1ahq8rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

These are the names of places. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1604:2in3qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “the Philistines defeated the Israelites and killed” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1614:2c78lrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers0

Here the number four thousand is a round number. There may have been a few more than that or a few less than that. The word “about” shows that it is not an exact number. Alternate translation: “about 4,000 men” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1624:3v2ec0

the soldiers who had been fighting the battle

1634:3d9z90

The elders truly did not know why Yahweh had defeated them, but they wrongly thought they knew how to make sure it did not happen again, by bringing the ark to be with them.

1644:4s4ksrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

You may need to make explicit that the cherubim are those on the lid of the ark of the covenant. The biblical writers often spoke of the ark of the covenant as if it were Yahwehs footstool upon which he rested his feet as he sat on his throne in heaven above. Alternate translation: “who sits on his throne above the cherubim on the ark of the covenant” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1654:4vz4l0

This Phinehas is not the same as the grandson of Aaron in Exodus and Numbers.

1664:4w7gp0

were in Shiloh

1674:5ym2qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

“When the people carried the ark of the covenant of Yahweh into the camp” Some languages may need to add understood information to make the meaning clear. Alternate translation: “The people, along with Hophni and Phinehas, picked up the ark of the covenant of Yahweh and carried it into the camp. When the people carried the ark into the camp” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1684:6hsc80

“the people had carried the ark of Yahweh into the camp”

1694:7hw970

“they said to themselves … They said to each other” or “they said to each other … They said to each other.” The second clause clearly refers to what the Philistines said to each other. The first clause probably refers to what they thought, though it could also refer to what they said to each other. If possible, avoid stating who was spoken to.

1704:7n37yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns0

The Philistines worshiped many gods, so they probably believed that one of those gods, or one whom they did not worship, had come into the camp. Another possible meaning is that they were speaking the proper name of the God of Israel: “Yahweh has come.” Because 4:8 speaks of “gods,” some translations read, “Gods have come,” that is, “It is gods who have come.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])

1714:8xaq3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

This rhetorical question is an expression of deep fear. It can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “There is no one who can protect us from these mighty gods.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1724:8rx6yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns0

Because the word “god” (or “God”) in 4:7 is singular, many translations read “this mighty god … the god who attacked,” referring to any one of many possible gods, or “this mighty God … the God who attacked,” using the proper name of the God of Israel. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])

1734:9b9tgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “be strong and fight” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1744:10bt9krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be stated in active form. Also, “Israel” refers to the army of Israel. Alternate translation: “they defeated the army of Israel” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1754:11s6sxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The Philistines also took the ark of God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1764:12x3210

This is a way to express deep mourning in Israelite culture.

1774:13tx5erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

This is an idiom which means he was very fearful or terribly concerned about something. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1784:13l3myrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

This is a metonym for “all the people in the city.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1794:14p7if0

“The man of Benjamin”

1804:16c94prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

Eli was not the other mans true father. Eli speaks as if he were the mans father to show the man that he is not angry but that the man needs to answer him. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1814:17q67g0

This is a general statement about what happened. The rest of the mans words give details.

1824:17knm80

“I will now tell you something worse … I will now tell you something worse” or “Not only has there been … people, but your two sons”

1834:17b1fyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the Philistines have taken the ark of God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1844:18li8q0

“When the man of Benjamin mentioned”

1854:18duf30

“spoke of”

1864:18gqt1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “His neck broke because he fell” or “He broke his neck when he fell” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1874:19cm810

Elis daughter-in-law

1884:19px5mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the Philistines had captured the ark of God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1894:20c6ct0

“pay any attention to what they said” or “allow herself to feel better”

1904:21eja5rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

The name is actually a phrase that means “no glory.” The name of a person sometimes reveals information about the person, place, or thing it refers to. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1914:21b2amrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “for the Philistines had captured the ark of God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1924:22pea3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “because the Philistines have captured the ark of God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1935:introqnq60

1 Samuel 05 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of the Ark of the Covenant in Philistia continues.

Special concepts in this chapter

The Ark in the Philistine Cities

The Philistines took the Ark of God to Ashdod and put it in their idol temple, but their idol fell down in front of the Ark and the people got sick with bubonic plague. They took it to Gath next, and the people of Gath began dying of the plague. When they took the Ark to Ekron, the people of Ekron were afraid of it too and did not want it there. Finally they decided to send it back to Israel. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/temple]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Idioms

There are two slightly different idioms used in the same way: the “hand was heavy” and the “hand was hard.” Both idioms mean “was severely punished.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1945:1r22j0

This word marks the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a word or phrase that does the same, you could use it here.

1955:1j9ri0

See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 3:3. This is the a same as the “ark of the covenant of Yahweh” in 1 Samuel 4:3.

1965:2ibj10

This refers to the temple of Dagon, the god of the Philistines.

1975:3fn9x0

“they were very surprised to see that Dagon”

1985:3z1gyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

The reader should understand that Yahweh had caused the statue to fall on its face during the night. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1995:4jsj60

The reader should understand that Yahweh had caused Dagon to fall.

2005:4fww10

It was as if Yahweh were a soldier who had defeated his enemy and cut off the enemys head and hands.

2015:5l4marc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background0

The writer is about to give some background information separate from the main story. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

2025:5ey390

Here “today” means up to the day when the author was writing this book.

2035:6l5herc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

This is an idiom. “Yahweh severely judged” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2045:6ddj30

Possible meanings are (1) painful swelling under the skin or (2) hemorrhoids.

2055:6uhg9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

The name of the town is a metonym for the people living in the town. “both the people of Ashdod and the people in the land surrounding Ashdod” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2065:7y9dm0

“the men of Ashdod understood”

2075:7l6t80

See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 3:3. This is the a same as the “ark of the covenant of Yahweh” in 1 Samuel 4:3.

2085:9b7z1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “Yahweh punished” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2095:9buz5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism0

Possible meanings are (1) this is a merism that refers to age. Alternate translation: “men of all ages” or (2) this is a merism that refers social class. Alternate translation: “from the poorest and weakest men to the richest and most powerful men” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

2105:9sxg10

Possible meanings are (1) painful swelling under the skin or (2) hemorrhoids. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 5:6

2115:10gk7mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

Why they cried out can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “cried out in fear” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2125:11cb8i0

See how you translated similar words in 1 Samuel 3:3. This is the a same as the “ark of the covenant of Yahweh” in 1 Samuel 4:3.

2135:11s7pb0

Possible meanings are (1) they were speaking the proper name of the God of Israel or (2) they believed that Israel worshiped one of many gods, “the god of Israel.” See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 5:7.

2145:11se4g0

“people all over the city were afraid that they were going to die”

2155:11vn4hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

The hand is a metonym for God punishing the people. “Yahweh was punishing the people there very severely” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2165:12djg2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

This implies that many men actually died. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2175:12u8uu0

Possible meanings are (1) painful swelling under the skin or (2) hemorrhoids. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 5:6.

2185:12vm1yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

The word “city” is a metonym for the people of the city. Possible meanings are (1) the words “went up to the heavens” is an idiom for “was very great.” Alternate translation: “the people of the city cried out very loudly” or (2) the words “the heavens” is a metonym for the peoples gods. Alternate translation: “the people of the city cried out to their gods” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2196:introz9kg0

1 Samuel 06 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter ends the story of the Ark of the Covenant among the Philistines.

Special concepts in this chapter

The Philistines send the Ark back to Israel

The Philistine leaders asked their priests what they should do with the Ark. The priests said to send it off with an offering. The Philistines put the Ark on a cart drawn by cows and let them go wherever they wanted to go. The cows went straight toward Israel. When some people peeked into the Ark, God killed them. Because of this, the people sent the Ark to Kiriath Jearim.

2206:2rk4s0

These were pagan priests and diviners who worshiped Dagon.

2216:2nd2k0

The Philistines wanted to know how to get rid of the ark without angering Yahweh any further.

2226:3gg7q0

Possible meanings are (1) they were speaking the proper name of the God of Israel or (2) they believed that Israel worshiped one of many gods, “the god of Israel.” See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 5:7.

2236:3nl22rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

The words “by all means” are a forceful way of saying something. Alternate translation: “you must send a guilt offering” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2246:3ly3u0

“you will no longer be ill”

2256:3r6j5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you0

The pronoun “you” is plural, referring to all of the Philistines. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

2266:3g77hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Here “hand” is a metonym used to represent Gods power to afflict or discipline. Alternate translation: “why he has not relieved your suffering” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2276:4ej9d0

Possible meanings are (1) painful swelling under the skin or (2) hemorrhoids. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 5:6.

2286:4kn780

more than one mouse

2296:5b9t40

A model is something that looks like a real thing.

2306:5jv130

Possible meanings are (1) painful swelling under the skin or (2) hemorrhoids. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 5:6.

2316:5n47l0

“that are destroying”

2326:5fu6m0

Possible meanings are (1) they were speaking the proper name of the God of Israel or (2) they believed that Israel worshiped one of many gods, “the god of Israel.” See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 5:7.

2336:5yp97rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Here “hand” is a metonym used to represent Gods power to afflict or discipline. Alternate translation: “stop punishing you, your gods and your land” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2346:6ix9src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

The priests and diviners use a rhetorical question to urge the Philistines to think very seriously about what will happen if they refuse to obey God. This can be translated as a warning. Alternate translation: “Do not be stubborn like the Egyptians and Pharaoh were!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2356:6txz5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

This is an idiom that means to be stubborn or unwilling to obey God. Alternate translation: “refuse to obey God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2366:6qg9rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

This is another rhetorical question used to remind the Philistines how the Egyptians finally sent the Israelites out of Egypt so that God would stop afflicting the Egyptians. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “remember that the Egyptians sent the Israelites out of Egypt.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2376:7c6760

“two cows that have calves that are still drinking milk”

2386:8d3hf0

Normally the two cows would head back home to their calves.

2396:9n7560

It is unlikely that the cows would choose to wander to Beth Shemesh when their calves are back in the Philistine area.

2406:10vqs40

“two cows that have calves that are still drinking milk” See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 6:7.

2416:11l2qq0

Translated this as in 1 Samuel 6:4.

2426:11hg4l0

“models of their tumors”

2436:11h2re0

Possible meanings are (1) painful swelling under the skin or (2) hemorrhoids. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 5:6.

2446:12d3ub0

Nursing cows would normally return to their calves, but these cows went to Beth Shemesh.

2456:12iv940

Lowing is the noise cows make with their voices.

2466:12kpn80

“they did not wander off of the highway.” This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: “they stayed on the highway” or “they went straight ahead”

2476:13ha2r0

The writer is introducing a new part of the story. If your language has a way of marking the beginning of a new part of the story, you could use it here.

2486:13teg50

These were Israelites.

2496:13f6lwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “looked up” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2506:14dx590

The people used this stone as an altar when they offered the cows as sacrifices.

2516:15u7kn0

This actually happened before they chopped the cart into firewood to use in offering the cows to Yahweh.

2526:15km1p0

According to the law of Moses, only the Levites were permitted to handle the ark.

2536:15lq8f0

“the box containing the gold models of the rats and the tumors”

2546:16ke9z0

“the five Philistine kings”

2556:17rf990

Possible meanings are (1) painful swelling under the skin or (2) hemorrhoids. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 5:6.

2566:18vv5i0

Translated this as in 1 Samuel 6:4.

2576:18j5660

These are cities with high walls around them to protect the people inside from attack by their enemies.

2586:18jy47rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification0

The stone is referred to as if it is a person who can see. Alternate translation: “The great stone … is still there, and people remember what happened on it” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

2596:18z1wlrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is a mans name. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2606:18i2lnrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is what a person from Beth Shemesh is called. Alternate translation: “from Beth Shemesh” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2616:18ksv70

to the time at which the writer wrote the book

2626:19gl4f0

The ark was so holy that no one was permitted to look inside it. Only the priests were allowed to even see the ark.

2636:19vv74rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers0

“fifty thousand and seventy men” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

2646:20zwk1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Possible meanings are (1) this is a rhetorical question that expresses the peoples fear of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “There is no one who can resist Yahweh because he is so holy!” or (2) this is a question asking for information. The phrase “stand before Yahweh” may refer to priests who serve Yahweh. It is implied that the people were looking for a priest whom Yahweh would permit to handle the ark. Alternate translation: “Is there a priest among us who serves this holy God, Yahweh, and is able to handle this ark?” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2656:20bc1zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

This is a question asking for information. It is implied that the people want Yahweh and the ark to go somewhere else so he will not punish them again. Alternate translation: “Where can we send this ark so that Yahweh will not punish us again?” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2666:21n5grrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This was a town in Israel. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2677:introhd2a0

1 Samuel 07 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter completes the section on Samuel leading Israel.

Special concepts in this chapter

Israel begins to worship Yahweh again

Samuel told the people to get rid of all their idols and worship Yahweh alone. The people were obedient. When the Philistines heard the Israelites were all gathered together, the Philistines attacked, but God defeated them. There was a time of peace during which Samuel settled disputes between the people as the judges had done before.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Idioms

Whenever Samuel spoke to a group of people, he used many idioms: “to turn to” means “to worship”; “with your whole heart” means “completely”; and “rescue from the hand” means “rescued from the power.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2687:1vxi4rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2697:1uf4mrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2707:2kwf8rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers0

“20 years” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

2717:3iz8mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

The word “house” is a metonym for the people who live in the house and their descendants. Alternate translation: “all of the descendants of Israel” or “all of the Israelite people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2727:3yb5drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

Here “with your whole heart” is an idiom that means to be completely devoted to something. Alternate translation: “become completely devoted to worshiping and obeying Yahweh only” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2737:5bsu10

“all the people of Israel” or “all the Israelites”

2747:6a817rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

Possible meanings are (1) the people denied themselves water as part of fasting or (2) they got water out of a stream or well and poured it on the ground as an outward sign of being sorry for their sin. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2757:7ey3drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

It can be stated plainly that it was the army and not the rulers by themselves who attacked Israel. Alternate translation: “the Philistine rulers led their army and attacked Israel” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2767:8n5chrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

The “hand” is a metonym for the power of the person. Alternate translation: “save us from the Philistine army” or “keep the Philistine army from harming us” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2777:9b1zp0

a lamb that is still drinking its mothers milk

2787:9w6zg0

“cried out for help”

2797:9plu50

“Yahweh did what Samuel asked him to do”

2807:10k1nw0

This begins to explain what the writer means by “Yahweh answered him” in (1 Samuel 7:9).

2817:10cd8jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

The word “confusion” here is used as a casual way of saying the Philistines were unable to think clearly. Alternate translation: “made them unable to think clearly” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2827:10k6plrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be translated in active form. Possible meanings are (1) “Yahweh routed them before Israel” or (2) “Israel routed them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2837:10i1ra0

To rout people is to defeat them before they can cause any harm.

2847:11h1ei0

This finishes explaining what the writer means by “Yahweh answered him” in (1 Samuel 7:9).

2857:11z9iqrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2867:12wsp20

The Israelites and other peoples in that land would place a large stone where important events had happened as a reminder of Gods help.

2877:12p5qvrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

These are the names of places. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2887:13tts10

The writer has just finished telling how the Philistines were subdued. If your language has a way of marking the end of a description, you could use it here.

2897:13xt6prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh subdued the Philistines” or “Yahweh kept the Philistines from causing harm” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2907:13xr1h0

The Philistines did not enter Israels border to attack them.

2917:13lb3drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

The word “hand” is a metonym for power. Alternate translation: “Yahweh used his power against the Philistines” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2927:14li9arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are (1) Here “Israel” refers to the “land” of Israel. “Yahweh restored to the land of Israel the towns … from Israel” or (2) “Israel” is a metonym for the people who live there. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel were able to reclaim the towns … from Israel” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2937:16p2sh0

traveled from place to place in a rough circle

2947:16qa190

Disputes are arguments or disagreements between two or more people.

2958:introek6j0

1 Samuel 08 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Saul and Samuel

The section including chapters 8-16 begins a new part of the story. The people wanted a king, and God chose Saul, the man the people wanted, to be their king. He was not the king Yahweh wanted.

Special concepts in this chapter

The people want a king

When Samuel was old, he appointed his sons to be judges. They were corrupt and took bribes, so the people came and asked Samuel to appoint a king for them. Samuel asked God, who gave them a king but warned them what a king would be like. Despite Samuels warning that a king would oppress them, the people still wanted a king. This was sinful because they were rejecting God as their king. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/appoint]], [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/other/oppress]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

2968:3d1qvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

The writer speaks of money that people would give Samuels sons as if it were a person or animal running away from Samuels sons, and he speaks of Samuels sons as if they were physically chasing that person or animal. Alternate translation: “they worked hard to gain money by being dishonest” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2978:3pt6z0

“judged in favor of those who did evil”

2988:5rx69rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

The way a person lives is spoken of as walking on a path. Alternate translation: “do not do the things you do” or “do not do what is just the way you do” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2998:5qj8f0

Possible meanings are (1) “Appoint for us a king like the kings of all the nations so that he can judge us” or (2) “Appoint for us a king who will judge us the way the kings of the nations judge them”

3008:5jwe40

The leaders wrongly believed that a king, and his sons after him, would rule justly.

3018:6z6je0

Samuel was unhappy that the people did not just want him to remove his corrupt sons and to appoint honest judges, but they wanted a king to rule over them like other countries had.

3028:7lz95rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Here “the voice” is a metonym for the will or the desire of the people. Alternate translation: “Do what the people say” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

3038:7a4k70

Yahweh knew that the people were not just rejecting corrupt judges, but they were rejecting Yahweh as their king.

3048:8xfk70

This refers to Yahweh freeing the Israelites from slavery in Egypt many years before.

3058:9dmf60

“Now do what they are asking you to do”

3068:9c3yq0

“be very serious as you warn them”

3078:11lsu40

The practice of the king will be to take. This begins the list of things he will take.

3088:11ah6lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns0

The abstract noun “practice” can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: “This is how the king who will reign over you will act” or “This is what the king who will reign over you will do” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

3098:11s2yh0

“have them drive chariots in battle”

3108:11w2k20

They will ride horses into battle.

3118:13d6m40

Samuel continues to tell what things the king will take.

3128:13m3k50

“to make good-smelling oils to put on his body”

3138:14uib20

“fields of olive trees”

3148:15bsk5rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction0

They will have to divide their grain into ten equal parts and give one of those parts to the kings officers and servants. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])

3158:15l9c7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction0

They will have to divide the wine that they produce in their vineyards into ten equal parts and give one of those parts to the kings officers and servants. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])

3168:15bsq90

These are the leaders of the kings army.

3178:16eii90

Samuel continues to tell what things the king will take.

3188:17yl2brc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction0

They will have to divide their flocks into ten equal parts and give one of those parts to the kings officers and servants. See how you translated “tenth” in 1 Samuel 8:15. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])

3198:17t81y0

“you will feel as if you are his slaves”

3208:18l9mn0

Possible meanings are (1) the people will ask Yahweh to rescue them from the king or (2) the people will ask the king to stop treating them so badly .

3218:21mk43rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche0

Here “the ears of Yahweh” refers to Yahweh. Samuel prayed to Yahweh repeating all that the people said. Alternate translation: “he repeated them to Yahweh” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

3228:22d8pwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Here the metonym “their voice” refers to the will of the people. Alternate translation: “Obey the people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

3238:22s4b60

“make someone king over them.” Use the common term in your language for making someone king.

3248:22vjc20

“go home”

3259:introkus30

1 Samuel 09 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Samuel chooses Saul to be their king

When the donkeys of Sauls father strayed away, Saul went looking for them. When he could not find them, he asked Samuel to ask God where they were. Samuel said the donkeys had been found. He invited Saul as the guest of honor to a feast and gave him a place to sleep for the night.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

Saul uses two rhetorical questions to convince Samuel he is not important: “Am not I a Benjamite, from the smallest of the tribes of Israel? Is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin?” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

3269:1y487rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background0

If your language has a way of telling the reader that the writer is giving background information in these verses, you could use it here. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

3279:1k9kq0

Possible meanings are (1) he was a wealthy man or (2) he was a nobleman or (3) he was a mighty and brave man.

3289:1sxy3rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

These are names of the men of Sauls family line. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

3299:1q9zb0

A Benjamite is someone who belongs to the tribe of Benjamin.

3309:2b5il0

someone who looks good

3319:2vg770

The other tall people in Israel did not even come up to his shoulders.

3329:3cd5a0

The writer has ended the background information that began in (1 Samuel 9:1) and starts a new main part of the story.

3339:3f2dz0

“stop what you are doing and go”

3349:4z5qcrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

These are all areas in Israel. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

3359:4kh3y0

The words “them” and “they” all refer to the donkeys.

3369:5sqm4rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is an area in Israel just north of Jerusalem. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

3379:6vuh90

This phrase usually means a prophet of Yahweh. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 2:27. Alternate translation: “a man who hears and tells words from God”

3389:6bwk40

“which way we should go to find the donkeys”

3399:7mr9g0

Giving a gift is a sign of respect for the man of God.

3409:7mnj10

This phrase usually means a prophet of Yahweh. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 2:27. Alternate translation: “a man who hears and tells words from God”

3419:8hwa8rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney0

“1/4 of a shekel.” A shekel is a type of money used in the Old Testament. (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])

3429:9d7htrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background0

This is cultural information added by the Hebrew author. If it is not natural in your language to state this information here, it can be moved to the end of verse 11. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

3439:9ejv40

“Seer is the old name for what we call a prophet today”

3449:12lk9k0

These are likely the feast or first-fruit sacrifices, not the sin sacrifices, which must be held at the tabernacle.

3459:14uw7s0

This is a place that the people had designated as holy to make sacrifices and offerings to Yahweh. The writer writes as though it were outside the wall that was around the city.

3469:15uxs4rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background0

The writer stops telling the story and gives background information so the reader can understand what happens next. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

3479:16gzr8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism0

The term prince is used here instead of king. This is the man whom God has chosen to be king of Israel. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

3489:16r7na0

“the land where people from the tribe of Benjamin live”

3499:16d7jmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Here the word “hand” is a metonym for control. Alternate translation: “from the control of the Philistines” or “so the Philistines will no longer control them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

3509:16q8ng0

“My people are suffering and I want to help them”

3519:17g1vw0

“Yahweh told Samuel”

3529:18pwf20

“the prophet of Yahweh”

3539:20fdy4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

These questions are an expression of deep conviction that Saul is the one whom Yahweh wants to be the king that the Israelites are looking for. The questions can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: “You should know that it is on you that all the desires of Israel are set. They are set on you and your fathers family.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

3549:21z2ngrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Saul is expressing surprise because Benjamin was the smallest tribe in Israel, and other Israelites considered the tribe unimportant. Also, Benjamites considered the clan of which Saul was a member as unimportant. These questions can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: “I am from the tribe of Benjamin, the least important of all tribes. And my clan is the least important clan in our tribe. I do not understand why you are saying that the Israelite people want me and my family to do something important.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

3559:22wn3v0

The writer assumes that the reader knows that near the place where they would offer sacrifices there was a large building in which people would eat together.

3569:22rw250

This is the seat of honor.

3579:22tpy7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers0

“30 people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

3589:24s46f0

Possible meanings are (1) the other food that Saul was to eat along with the meat or (2) other parts of the bull.

3599:24v2sc0

In the original language it is not clear who is speaking. It is possible that the cook is speaking to Saul. Alternate translation: “Then the cook said”

3609:25i36v0

This is a normal place for family and guests to eat, visit, and sleep. It tends to be cooler in the evening and at night than the inside of the house.

3619:26r8shrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

What Saul was doing on the rooftop can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “while Saul was sleeping on the rooftop, Samuel called to him and said” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

3629:27yp6k0

It is possible that Samuel speaks all of these words. Alternate translation: “ahead of us, and when he has gone ahead, you must stay”

3639:27e7zg0

“so that I can tell you Gods message for you”

36410:introabca0

1 Samuel 10 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This is the first chapter about King Saul.

Special concepts in this chapter

Saul as the New King

Samuel told Saul that God had chosen him to be king, and on the way home he would meet some prophets. Saul would then begin prophesying and God would give him the Holy Spirit to help him to know what to do. Samuel told everyone to come to Mizpah where he announced that God had chosen Saul to be their king. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/holyspirit]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

This chapter uses rhetorical questions to express different ideas: to state a fact (“Has not Yahweh anointed you to be a ruler over his inheritance?”), to express surprise (“And who is their father?”), to say he is someone very special (“Do you see the man that Yahweh has chosen?”), and to express contempt (“How can this man save us?”). (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

Idioms

Samuel frequently uses idioms when prophesying: “going to God” means “going to worship God”; “take it from their hands” means “accept their gift”; “rush upon you” means “control you”; “hand finds to do” means “what you think you should do”; “God is with you” means “God is directing you”; “another heart” means “a different way of thinking”; “came to pass” means “happened”; “before Yahweh” means “to do work for Yahweh”; and “hearts God had touched” means “God had made them want to help Saul.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

36510:1y1dk0

In Israelite culture, when a prophet poured oil on someones head, that person received a blessing from Yahweh.

36610:1df9v0

a small container made from baked clay

36710:1m8gxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Samuel knows the answer to his question. He is reminding Saul that Yahweh has chosen him to be king of Israel. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has certainly anointed you to be a ruler over his inheritance.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

36810:2ndv7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

36910:2f21q0

Sauls father is now concerned about Saul and wants to find him.

37010:3nc4krc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

37110:4my71rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche0

The hands are a synecdoche for the person. “take from them” or “accept” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

37210:5ha8hrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown0

This is a musical instrument with a head like a drum that can be hit and with pieces of metal around the side that sound when the instrument is shaken. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

37310:6q8hjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

The phrase “rush upon” means that Yahwehs Spirit will influence Saul. In this case it means it means he will make Saul prophesy and act like a different person. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

37410:7drt6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification0

Here Samuel speaks of Sauls hand as if it were a person trying to find things. Alternate translation: “do whatever you think is right to do” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

37510:9ifw6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

God enabled Samuel to think differently from the way he had thought before. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

37610:10lyd4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification0

Samuel speaks as if the Spirit of Yahweh were a person running up to Saul and taking complete control of him. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 10:6. Alternate translation: “the Spirit of Yahweh took complete control of him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

37710:11myw8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Possible meanings are (1) the people are asking for information or (2) this is a rhetorical question that means Saul is not important. Alternate translation: “Kish is not an important person, so it cannot be true that his son has become a prophet!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

37810:11us3j0

“Saul, the son of Kish”

37910:12g5ttrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

This man uses a rhetorical question to remind people that being a prophet has nothing to do with who ones parents are. The question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “It does not matter who the parents of these other prophets are. What matters is that, amazingly, Saul is speaking messages from God.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

38010:12v7kprc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs0

This became a proverb among the Israelites. Apparently people said this to express surprise when a person unexpectedly did something that he had not done before. The implied meaning of the question can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “And that is why, when people cannot believe some report, they think about what happened to Saul and say, Is Saul really one of the prophets?’” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

38110:14kwk60

“Then the brother of Sauls father said to Saul”

38210:16t8y50

“Saul did not tell his uncle that God had appointed him to be the king of Israel”

38310:18j92arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

The name “Israel” is a metonym for the people of Israel. “I brought the people of Israel out of Egypt” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

38410:18yy7rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

The word “hand” is a metonym for power. Alternate translation: “the power of the Egyptians … the power of all the kingdoms” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

38510:19x7u70

Samuel is speaking of the time since Israel had begun to reject God, not only the time since the sun had last set.

38610:19r9bd0

“Give us a king to rule us”

38710:19ut8y0

“gather together by tribes and clans and come to stand before Yahweh”

38810:20qbp1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be translated in active form. It is probably best not to say how the people knew whom Yahweh had chosen. Alternate translation: “Yahweh chose the tribe of Benjamin” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

38910:21f8p3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be translated in active form. It is probably best not to say how the people knew whom Yahweh had chosen. Alternate translation: “Yahweh chose the clan of the Matrites … Yahweh chose Saul son of Kish” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

39010:23ab3b0

The other tall people in Israel did not even come up to his shoulders. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 9:2.

39110:25v52krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns0

The abstract noun “kingship” can be translated with a noun clause. Alternate translation: “the customs and rules that a king would be required to follow” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

39210:26re4yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

God touching a persons heart is an idiom that means God put something in their mind or moved them to do something. Alternate translation: “who wanted to go with Saul because God had changed their thinking” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

39310:27u77frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

This is a rhetorical question that is used to express sarcasm. Alternate translation: “This man has no power to save us!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

39410:27qwt60

strongly disliked or hated

39511:introabcb0

1 Samuel 11 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter continues the story of King Saul by telling of his first victory in war.

Special concepts in this chapter

Saul rescues the people of Jabesh Gilead

Nahash, king of the Ammonites, and his army surrounded the Israeli town of Jabesh Gilead. When the citys leaders asked for peace terms, Nahash demanded the right to poke out one eye of every man in order to show Israel their weakness. When Saul heard this, he called for all of Israel to help save this city. Many people came to help Sauls army. Israel was victorious and everyone wanted Saul as their king. At this time, Israel was not a truly unified country, even though it is often spoken of as one country. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/save]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Idioms

The idioms in this chapter explain the effect God has on his people: “rushed upon him” means “empowered him”; “terror … fell” means “they became afraid”; “as one man” means “they all agreed”; and “put to death” means “kill.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

39611:1q5a1rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is a man from Ammon, a descendent of Lot, Abrahams nephew. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

39711:1y34wrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

39811:2ztl30

“I cut out” or “I pluck out”

39911:2pi9x0

“bring shame on” or “bring a bad reputation to”

40011:3hcg1rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers0

“7 days” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

40111:4xw6vrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

40211:6xw9g0

The phrase “rushed upon” means Yahwehs Spirit influenced Saul. In this case he enabled Saul to cause the people to fearfully respect him as their king and to join his army. See how you translated a similar phrase in 1 Samuel 10:6.

40311:7j26n0

Saul was calling all the men of Israel to come fight against Nahash and the Ammonites.

40411:7wi7p0

Yahweh enabled people to fearfully respect Saul as their king. The result was that the men rallied together with Saul at Bezek.

40511:8r5l1rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a town near Jabesh Gilead. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

40611:8zr4frc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers0

“the people of Israel were 300,000, and the men of Judah were 30,000” ( See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

40711:9gxn10

“They” refers to Samuel and Saul.

40811:9li2q0

“before the hottest part of the day” or “before noon”

40911:9lst90

These are the names of places. See how you translated them in 1 Samuel 11:1.

41011:10h3ne0

This is the name of a king. See how you translated this name in 1 Samuel 11:1.

41111:11d6lh0

This was before dawn when most people in the camp were still asleep.

41211:15anj50

“made Saul king while Yahweh watched”

41311:15y7hb0

Part of Samuels service to Yahweh is to offer sacrifices even though he is not from the line of Aaron or Levi.

41412:introabcc0

1 Samuel 12 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Samuels farewell address

This chapter serves as a type of farewell address. This is a way for leaders to give instructions to their followers before they leave or die. Samuel first established his holiness before calling on the people to repent of their desire to have a king. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

It is common in Scripture to use Israels history to show how faithful God has been. This gives the readers evidence to trust in Yahweh in their current situation. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/faithful]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/trust]])

41512:2jw1vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

These expressions mean that people can actually see the kind of lives Saul and Samuel are living. Alternate translation: “the kings life was seen … My life was seen” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

41612:3y8surc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

By this statement, Samuel is challenging the people to speak up if he has done anything wrong to anyone. Alternate translation: “I stand in front of you now. I ask you to speak in front of Yahweh and his anointed king if I have done you any wrong” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

41712:3zf3nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Samuel uses rhetorical questions to remind the people that he has never stolen their animals. Alternate translation: “I have never stolen a prized animal from anyone.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

41812:3ui7wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Samuel uses another rhetorical question to say he has always been honest. Alternate translation: “I have never cheated or bribed any man.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

41912:3xi9r0

“If I have done any of these evil things, speak now, and I will pay back what I owe. I will make right any wrong”

42012:4w6u5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism0

This phrase means what a person possesses or what they have done to obtain favor from others. This is a polite way of saying he has not stolen, nor has he given or taken bribes. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

42112:5s4uvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism0

This phrase means what a person possesses or what they have done to obtain favor from others. This is a polite way of saying he has not stolen, nor has he given or taken bribes. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

42212:7p1jp0

Samuel is calling their attention to the history of Yahwehs dealing with Israel, which has been filled with goodness and purpose.

42312:8hds1rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

42412:9s9g10

“into the power of Sisera … Philistines … king of Moab”

42512:9yb45rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

42612:9db38rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

42712:9tqv10

This is an expression for God giving them over to their enemies to be their slaves.

42812:10s6ua0

“They” refers to the nation of Israel.

42912:10k54urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Serving here is referring to acting worshipful towards the false gods. Alternate translation: “have worshiped false gods and goddesses” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

43012:10rl36rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

This statement is using “hand” to refer to power. Alternate translation: “the power or control of our enemies” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

43112:11frh40

This is sometimes translated Jerubbaal. This is a name of godly honor and strength to fight the false god.

43212:11zc87rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

Samuel is telling the story of what God did after the peoples confession of sin and plea for help. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

43312:11uy4lrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

These are the names of some judges that God raised up. Samuel included himself in this list. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

43412:13b1z6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism0

These two phrases have similar meanings and emphasize that this is the king whom the people wanted. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

43512:14qrk5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism0

These similar words are used to emphasize how important this is. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

43612:15qw1krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

This speaks of Yahweh punishing the people as his “hand” being against them. The word “hand” here represents Yahwehs power and control. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will punish you, just as he punished your ancestors” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

43712:16p8gurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche0

The word “eyes” here represents the people of the nation of Israel. Alternate translation: “out in the open where all of the nation of Israel may see” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

43812:17y9zarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Samuel knows it is harvest time. He is using a rhetorical question to emphasize that it does not usually rain at this time so the people will know that the rain that will ruin their harvest is a judgment from Yahweh. Alternate translation: “It is harvest time and does not usually rain at this time” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

43912:17kyk20

Samuel is asking Yahweh to punish Israel for asking for a king by sending a rainstorm during the harvest which will ruin the grain.

44012:19ec4y0

The ultimate punishment for sin is death. The nation of Israel had seen Yahweh destroy the nations that had oppressed them. They were concerned that they had become “dedicated for destruction” like those nations.

44112:20fej7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

The people did evil and were afraid of God destroying them. Alternate translation: “Do not be afraid that God will be angry and destroy you because of this sin” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

44212:21ek550

“pursue worship of false gods”

44312:22shb6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Here “name” refers to the reputation of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “So that people will continue to honor and respect Yahweh” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

44412:23jh36rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

The people are filled with fear because of the rain and thunder that Yahweh sent when Samuel prayed. Some people may believe Samuel would use his prayers to harm them. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

44513:introabcd0

1 Samuel 13 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is the beginning of a story about Jonathans victory over the Philistines.

Special concepts in this chapter

Preparation for the battle

Saul sent most of his army home before Jonathan attacked and defeated a Philistine garrison. This attack made the Philistines very angry, and they brought a huge army into Israel and camped at the top of a hill. Most of Sauls army ran away in fear and hid from the Philistines. There are many aspects of this story that give the reader the impression that Israel was unprepared for battle.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Hyperbole

Wanting to express the vast number of enemy soldiers, the author uses a hyperbole: “as numerous as the sand on the seashore,” meaning “too many to count.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

44613:1xn4d0

Samuel has renewed Sauls kingdom at Gilgal and Samuel has reminded the people to follow the Lord.

44713:1cyx80

The text of this verse in ancient copies seems to have been mutilated, so modern versions have many different translations. They are all attempts to represent the most probable meaning of the original text.

44813:2gep7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers0

“chose 3,000 men” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

44913:2z3qfrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers0

“2,000 men were with him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

45013:2gq8src://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

45113:2p5jv0

Gibeah is a town. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 10:26.

45213:2esc40

“He sent the rest of the soldiers home”

45313:3j52z0

“military base of the Philistines” or “military camp of the Philistines”

45413:3ia2vrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of the town that the Philistine garrison was stationed in. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

45513:4m9rj0

Possible meanings are that (1) Saul was taking responsibility for Jonathans actions or (2) Saul was taking credit for Jonathans actions.

45613:4mef1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

The Philistines hating the Israelites is spoken of as if the Israelites had become a bad smell that offended the Philistines. Alternate translation: “the Philistines hated the Israelites” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

45713:4en9qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Saul called the soldiers together to join him at Gilgal” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

45813:5ez1frc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers0

“3,000 … 6,000” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

45913:5ilg1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole0

This is an exaggeration that means a group of soldiers so large that it was difficult to count them. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

46013:5xgl1rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

46113:5m7kgrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

46213:6a5jv0

The Philistines had gathered together to fight against Israel.

46313:6p7120

This phrase refers to the nation of Israel.

46413:6u7b90

“the people worried greatly”

46513:7q9n60

The people were greatly afraid.

46613:8r3fs0

“according to the time Samuel had told them he would come”

46713:8i6u1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the people had started to leave Saul” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

46813:9p5s80

Only the line of Aaron was permitted to perform the burnt offering sacrifice to God.

46913:11r1c1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Samuel was not really asking a question, but giving a rebuke to Saul. Saul sought to defend his actions even though they were wrong. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

47013:11r1ii0

Michmash is the name of a place. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 13:2.

47113:13wtr20

Saul was to wait for Samuel to come and sacrifice the burnt offering to God. He was not to perform the sacrifice himself.

47213:13cmq50

“set up your rule” or “authorized your rule” or “appointed your rule”

47313:14v5qbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes0

This is a litotes that can be stated in the positive form. Alternate translation: “your rule will end soon” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

47413:14qa5wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Here “heart” represents Yahwehs desire or will. The phrase “man after his own heart” is an idiom that means to be a person who does what Yahweh desires. Alternate translation: “a man who is the kind of person he wants” or “a man who will obey him” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

47513:15rlp2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

This is an idiom for “Samuel left and went up.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

47613:15t3ur0

Gilgal is a city. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 7:15.

47713:15by5i0

Gibeah is a town. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 10:26.

47813:15mg2erc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers0

“600 men” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

47913:16yzn90

Geba is a town. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 13:3.

48013:16gre70

Michmash is the name of a place. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 13:2.

48113:17h5tq0

Raiders are normally military people who attack enemy villages for their food and other supplies.

48213:17plh5rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

These are the names of places. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

48313:18jd1rrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

These are the names of places. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

48413:19nlg30

The narrative shifts to background information regarding blacksmiths in Israel.

48513:19fqi8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “No one could find a blacksmith” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

48613:19v3wd0

Here “blacksmith” refers to someone who made or sharpened metal tools and weapons.

48713:20u2vp0

The words “plow points” refer to the point of a metal tool used for digging up the ground for planting crops.

48813:20gyk20

These are common garden tools.

48913:20rk530

A “mattock” is a broad-bladed axe, with a horizontal blade that is used for breaking up hard soil.

49013:20rc730

a curved blade for cutting grasses and grain stalks

49113:21wv2trc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney0

The shekel is divided into 3 parts, 2 of 3 parts are given. “2/3 of a shekel” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]])

49213:21e1et0

“taking out the bend and making the ox goad straight again so it could be used”

49313:22mpy20

The narrative continues.

49413:22lcm60

This explains in part why Sauls army was afraid. They did not have any weapons to fight.

49514:introabce0

1 Samuel 14 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter completes the story of Jonathans victory over the Philistines.

Special concepts in this chapter

The battle against the Philistines

Jonathan took his armor bearer to where the Philistines were on the top of the hill. He said God could use a few people just as easily as he could use many people to win his battles. He and his armor bearer started killing the Philistines, and suddenly the Philistines began fighting each other or running away. The rest of Israel, who had hidden, came and chased the Philistines. Even though Israel had a king, God was still in control of the nation of Israel.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Special reference

The people of Israel often used the term “uncircumcised” to refer to Gentiles. Here it is used to mean the Philistines. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/circumcise]])

49614:1m1uz0

Jonathan begins his second raid on the Philistines army.

49714:1kea80

a teenage boy who is responsible for caring for his masters weapons of war

49814:1s7kb0

This is an outpost staffed by the Philistine army.

49914:2r25grc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a hill north of Jerusalem. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

50014:2z13e0

a tree whose fruit is thick skinned, round, red and has many seeds to eat

50114:2j9pirc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

“Migron” is the name of a place north of Jerusalem. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

50214:2l18hrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers0

“600 men were with him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

50314:3ms8frc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

“Ahitub” and “Ichabod” are names of men. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

50414:3ihr70

Phinehas was one of the priests. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 1:3.

50514:4r7inrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

A “cliff” is a rocky height with a steep drop. The cliff was well-known and given the name “Bozez.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

50614:4g7r2rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This was the name of the other cliff. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

50714:5t2qrrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

towns north of Jerusalem (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

50814:6zb4m0

This was a teenage boy who was responsible for caring for his masters weapons of war. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 14:1.

50914:6v7vs0

a derogatory term used for non-Jewish men

51014:6i4mm0

“work for our support” or “help us”

51114:6zt56rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives0

This double negative can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh can save” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

51214:6s2bprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism0

These extremes also include everything in between. Alternate translation: “by any number of people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

51314:7k14hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Here “heart” refers to Jonathans desires. Alternate translation: “everything that you desire to do” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

51414:9np7k0

“will not go over to the other side of the valley where the Philistines are”

51514:10d8qxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Here “hand” refers to the power to defeat them. Alternate translation: “will enable us to defeat them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

51614:10le8f0

“This will confirm that the Lord will be with us”

51714:11gw4e0

“allowed the Philistine soldiers to see them”

51814:11nz3b0

the army camp

51914:11mw3erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

The Philistines implied that the Hebrews had been hiding in holes in the ground like animals. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

52014:12d753rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

This is an idiom that means “we will teach you a lesson.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

52114:12ead2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Here “hand” refers to power to defeat the Philistines. Alternate translation: “will enable Israel to defeat them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

52214:13wcb3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

He did this because it was very steep. This could be made explicit. Alternate translation: “So Jonathan climbed up, using his hands and his feet because it was very steep” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

52314:13hb6arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Jonathan killed the Philistines” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

52414:13h93x0

“Jonathans armor bearer followed him and also killed Philistine soldiers”

52514:15r2circ://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns0

The abstract noun “panic” can be translated as a verb or as an adjective. Alternate translation: “The Philistine soldiers in the camp and in the field, and all the people with them, panicked” or “The Philistine soldiers in the camp and in the field, and all the people with them, became very afraid” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

52614:15lmj60

the Philistines who were raiding Israelite cities

52714:15ety8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

It may be helpful to state the cause. Alternate translation: “God caused the ground to shake” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

52814:16y56nrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This was the town where Saul was born. Translated “Gibeah” as in 1 Samuel 10:26. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

52914:16fxf9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism0

These two phrases share similar meanings and emphasize that the soldiers were running away in every direction. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

53014:18b8k3rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants0

A few versions have “ephod” here instead of “ark of God.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])

53114:19f1gk0

great noise and confusion

53214:19db4urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

This seems to be an idiom the means “Stop what you are doing.” Saul did not want Ahijah to continue to use the ark to ask God for direction. Alternate translation: “Do not bring the sacred chest at this time” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

53314:20v4kx0

the remnant of the Israelite army that remained with Saul

53414:20j27wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification0

The swords are spoken of as if they were living people. Alternate translation: “The Philistine soldiers were striking each other with their swords” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

53514:22pz4lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

This does not refer to an ambush. These soldiers were hiding because they were afraid of the Philistines. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “the Israelite soldiers who were afraid and had hidden themselves in the hills” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

53614:23y4b7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is a place in Israel. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 13:5. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

53714:24h5cu0

It was understood by the troops that no refreshment was permitted under Sauls oath.

53814:25k9ql0

The Philistine soldiers fled through the forests and the Israelite soldiers followed them there.

53914:26y6qurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole0

This is an exaggeration to emphasize how much honey there was in the forest. Alternate translation: “there was a lot of honey everywhere” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

54014:26u6ddrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Here putting ones “hand to his mouth” is a metonym that means to eat. Alternate translation: “no one ate any” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

54114:26ll4lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

The people were not afraid of the oath, but of the punishment that was associated with breaking the oath. Alternate translation: “the people were afraid of what Saul would do to them if they broke his oath” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

54214:27jdr10

Jonathan learns of his fathers oath.

54314:27tpk8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

Here the obligation to obey an oath is spoken of as if the people were bound with ropes. Alternate translation: “commanded that the people obey his oath” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

54414:27bpc5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Here “hand to his mouth” is a metonym that means to eat. Alternate translation: “He ate some honey” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

54514:27m3rqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

This idiom means that he was strengthened. Alternate translation: “he regained his strength” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

54614:29cip2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

This is a metonym that represents the nation of Israel. Alternate translation: “for Israel” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

54714:29z3xarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

This idiom means that he was strengthened. Alternate translation: “I regained my strength” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

54814:30v75urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Jonathan uses this hypothetical question to state that the people should have been allowed to eat. This can be a statement. Alternate translation: “Our victory would have been better if the people had eaten freely today of the plunder that they took from their enemies.” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])

54914:30m8aj0

This word refers to the things the people had taken from the battle with their enemy.

55014:30v7170

Because the troops were not able to eat during the battle, as the day progressed, they became weaker. Because of this, they were not able to kill as many of the Philistines.

55114:31f2fj0

Jonathans words lead the army to sin against God in their great hunger.

55214:31z8g40

This is the name of a town. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 13:2.

55314:31w4i2rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

a place in Zebulun in Israel (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

55414:31lb940

This refers to the Israelites.

55514:32g2urrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

The were so hungry they did not drain the blood first before eating. This was a violation of the Law which was given to Moses for the nation of Israel. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “ate them without draining the blood first as required by the law” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

55614:33pqy9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

This was a violation of the Law which was given to Moses for the nation of Israel. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “by eating meat without draining the blood first as required by the law” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

55714:33ing6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole0

Saul is accusing his whole army of acting unfaithfully though this is a generalization because not every soldier acted unfaithfully. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

55814:33d9xarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

The stone would hold the animals up and make it easier to drain the blood from them. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

55914:34v1tn0

This would allow Saul to observe if the blood was properly drained from the animals.

56014:35l5620

Saul had told the people to bring their animals to a big stone to kill and eat.

56114:35y6xn0

It is unclear if Saul built this altar with the large stone that the people brought to him in 1 Samuel 14:33.

56214:36vwb80

Saul seeks to continue the fight against the Philistines.

56314:36qd4erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes0

This is stated in a negative way to emphasize the slaughter. It can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “let us kill every one of them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

56414:36j8bk0

Saul had the support of his army to continue the fight.

56514:36eu41rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Here “approaching God” is associated with asking him counsel. Alternate translation: “Let us ask God what we should do” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

56614:37e4l1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Here “hand” refers to the power to defeat them. Alternate translation: “enable us to defeat them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

56714:37tdl40

This implies that God was not willing to help Saul.

56814:38vy5y0

This refers to the Israelites.

56914:38wp750

“find who sinned”

57014:39t91src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo0

Saul stated this as a hypothetical situation because he did not believe that Jonathan was guilty. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])

57114:39dce3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

The people remained silent because most of them knew that Jonathan had broken Sauls oath. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “His men knew who was guilty, but none of them said anything to Saul” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

57214:40vud3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole0

This was a generalization since only the Israelite soldiers were present. Alternate translation: “Then he said to the Israelite soldiers who were there” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

57314:41f92vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

The Israelites at that time used special stones called the Urim and the Thummim to receive direction from God. Alternate translation: “Show us by means of the Thummim” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

57414:41rk8vrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate0

This is a borrowed word from the original language. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]])

57514:41as11rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The lots indicated that either Jonathan or Saul was guilty, but the army was not guilty” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

57614:42rw4arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Then the lot indicated that Jonathan was guilty” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

57714:43am450

The lots had just showed that Jonathan had sinned.

57814:43h3ee0

“Tell me how you have sinned” or “Tell me what you have done that was wrong”

57914:43yi960

Possible meanings are (1) “I am willing to die” or (2) “do I deserve to be executed because of doing that?”

58014:44bhu10

Saul makes a second foolish oath in less than one day. Alternate translation: “May God kill me if I do not kill you, Jonathan”

58114:45sym50

The Army defends and protects Jonathan from Saul.

58214:45q95lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

The people scold Saul. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Jonathan has just accomplished this great victory for Israel. He should surely not die.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

58314:45et5x0

The people were expressing their certainty that they would not let anything happen to Jonathan.

58414:45cdg3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole0

This exaggeration shows how the people of Israel would protect Jonathan and keep him safe. This litotes can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: “we will protect him from any harm” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

58514:47at510

For a brief period Saul served with great courage in defeating Israels enemies.

58614:47q2xhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

This is a metonym that represents the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “the Israelites” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

58714:47vkj9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

This refers to the people of Moab. Alternate translation: “the Moabites” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

58814:47lm9lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

This refers to the people of Edom. Alternate translation: “the Edomites” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

58914:47wyv40

“Wherever he sent his army”

59014:48kxf5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

The word “hand” represents control. Alternate translation: “out of the control” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

59114:49t5820

This is background information on Sauls family.

59214:49tt1brc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

59314:49f4rirc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

These are names of women. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

59414:50qv1qrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a woman. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

59514:50rvk7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

59614:51eci8rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

59714:52e8ef0

“all of Sauls life”

59814:52ezp30

“he forced him to join his army”

59915:introabcf0

1 Samuel 15 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This is the end of the section on Saul and Samuel (8-15).

Special concepts in this chapter

God wants total obedience

Samuel told Saul that God wanted him to completely destroy the Amalekite people and animals. Saul fought the Amalekites and killed all the people except the king. He destroyed the animals that were not very good but saved the best animals. Saul told Samuel he had obeyed Gods command. Samuel asked him about the animals Saul had. Saul said he had saved them for a sacrifice to God. God said that obedience was better than sacrifice. Because Saul had disobeyed him, God had chosen someone else to become king.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Idiom

“He has turned back from following me” is an idiom meaning “he has stopped obeying me.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

Rhetorical questions

When Saul insisted that he had obeyed God, Samuel rebuked him with these rhetorical questions: “What then is this bleating of sheep in my ears, and the lowing of the oxen that I hear?”; “Though you are little in your own sight, were you not made the head of the tribes of Israel?”; “Why then did you not obey the voice of Yahweh, but instead you seized the booty and did what was evil in the sight of Yahweh?”; and “Has Yahweh as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of Yahweh?” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

60015:1t4nn0

“the message of Yahweh”

60115:3q1vzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism0

These two phrases mean the same thing. The second phrase gives specific details about what they are to destroy completely. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

60215:3ik1krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes0

This negative statement emphasizes the completeness of the destruction. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

60315:4m8560

“the army”

60415:4sp3s0

“counted them”

60515:4ppw8rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers0

“200,000 men on foot, and 10,000 men of Judah” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

60615:6stl7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

a nomad people group that had always been friendly to the nation of Israel (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

60715:7t6tlrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

These are the names of places. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

60815:8n8xb0

Yahweh had told Saul to destroy everything, but here Saul disobeys Yahwehs command.

60915:8ey6yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche0

Here Saul represents himself accompanied by his army. Alternate translation: “Saul and his army took Agag” or “Saul and his army captured Agag” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

61015:8kfl9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche0

The “edge of the sword” represents the swords and other weapons that soldiers used in battle. Here Saul represents himself accompanied by his army. Alternate translation: “they completely destroyed all of the people with their swords” or “they killed all of the people with their swords” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

61115:9ln2i0

Saul disobeyed God by letting Agag live.

61215:9nh2u0

Saul disobeyed God by keeping the best of the livestock.

61315:10w6bprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

The idiom “the word of Yahweh came to” is used to introduce a special message from God. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gave a message to Samuel. He said,” or “Yahweh spoke this message to Samuel:” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

61415:11u8i30

“I am sorry”

61515:11fu9hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

Saul not obeying Yahweh is spoken of as if Saul had physically turned away from walking behind God. Alternate translation: “he has stopped following me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

61615:11zml20

“has not obeyed what I commanded him to do.” Saul was to completely destroy everything and everyone. God had placed a ban on the Amalekites. But Saul permitted some livestock to live.

61715:11uwz40

Possible meanings are (1) Samuel was angry with Saul for his disobedience or (2) Samuel was disturbed.

61815:12g77w0

“Someone told Samuel”

61915:12hh8y0

Saul was full of pride.

62015:12fp2t0

Gilgal was lower in elevation than Carmel.

62115:13wpf40

It is not clear if Saul understood that he had not fully obeyed Gods command to completely destroy the Amalekites.

62215:14g3x70

Samuel questions why Saul did not utterly destroyed the Amalekites.

62315:14kf8w0

These are the sounds that these animals make. Your language may have different terms for these.

62415:14cme2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism0

These two phrases mean the same thing. Here “in my ears” refers to hearing. (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

62515:15ks4s0

The word “they” and the phrase “the people” here both represent Sauls army. Saul is blaming the people rather than himself.

62615:15vin90

Saul is arguing that animals for sacrifice were an exception to Yahwehs command to destroy everything.

62715:15a6ie0

Saul here does not describe Samuels God as his own God.

62815:17a18mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “in your own opinion” or “in your judgment” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

62915:17a7jirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Samuel uses this question to remind Saul of now much God had given him. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Yahweh made you the ruler of the tribes of Israel!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

63015:19yu1zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Samuel asks this question to rebuke Saul for disobeying Yahweh. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should have obeyed … Yahweh!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

63115:19w3n7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Here “voice” refers to the commands that Yahweh spoke. Alternate translation: “the things that Yahweh commanded” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

63215:19x74v0

Samuel is accusing Saul of direct disobedience. Yahweh commanded Saul to completely destroy everything belonging to the Amalekites, and not to bring anything back to camp.

63315:19b9eg0

“the plunder” or “the possessions you took from the enemy”

63415:19qxl6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

Here “sight” refers to Yahwehs thoughts or opinion. Alternate translation: “what Yahweh considers to be evil” or “what is evil in Yahwehs judgement” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

63515:20k3f40

This is an emphatic statement. It is unclear if Saul thought this was true, or if he was simply making excuses for his sin.

63615:20j3h2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Here “voice” refers to the commands that Yahweh spoke. Alternate translation: “the things that Yahweh commanded” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

63715:20w1jdrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of the king of the Amalekites. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

63815:21v64h0

This appears to be shifting the blame to the people.

63915:21kvf40

“animals that Yahweh commanded them to destroy”

64015:21li5grc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

64115:22dp67rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Samuel asks this question to emphasize that obedience is much more important than sacrifice. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Yahweh does not delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying his voice!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

64215:22f8kcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Here “voice” refers to the commands that Yahweh spoke. Alternate translation: “the things that Yahweh commanded” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

64315:22wen90

God wanted Sauls complete obedience in the destruction of the Amalekites. Nothing in the land was fit for sacrifice.

64415:22u1dg0

“better than to sacrifice the fat of rams as a burnt offering”

64515:23m9cerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns0

The abstract noun “rebellion” can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: “to rebel is as sinful as practicing divination” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

64615:23xz9brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns0

The abstract noun “stubbornness” can be translated with a verb and the abstract noun “wickedness” can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “being stubborn is as bad as doing wicked things and practicing iniquity” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

64715:23cx9p0

“Yahwehs message” or “Yahwehs command”

64815:23n8ey0

“decided that you will no longer be king”

64915:24g1flrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

This is an idiom that means he had disobeyed the commandment. Alternate translation: “I have disobeyed what Yahweh commanded” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

65015:24t7ez0

This is the reason Saul gives for not obeying God. Alternate translation: “because I was afraid of the soldiers”

65115:24f7vnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Here “voice” refers to what the soldiers asked Saul to do. Alternate translation: “did what they asked” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

65215:25bb4i0

Saul and Samuel were apparently talking in private away from the other people.

65315:26qdh90

Samuel made it clear that Saul understood that he was disobeying God at the time when he spared the best animals and did not kill Agag.

65415:26h622rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

“rejected Yahwehs command” or “rejected Yahwehs message.” This means that he refused to obey Yahwehs command. Alternate translation: “refused to obey Yahwehs command” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

65515:27jy4wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

Saul did this to try to stop Samuel from leaving. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “Saul tried to stop him by grabbing the edge of Samuels robe” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

65615:27p8lr0

“the edge of his robe” or “the fringe of his robe”

65715:28m2mhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

This refers back to when Saul tore Samuels robe in 1 Samuel 15:27. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “Just as you tore my robe, Yahweh has torn the kingdom of Israel” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

65815:28h7h80

God had already decided who would be the next king after Saul.

65915:29el2nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

Here Yahweh is referred to as “the Strength of Israel” because he gives strength to the Israelites. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, who is the strength of Israel” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

66015:29f3carc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes0

This is stated as a negative to emphasize that God tells the truth. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “will always tell the truth and do what he says” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

66115:29lt8wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

This refers to his thoughts and decisions. Alternate translation: “what he has decided to do” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

66215:29cud6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes0

This is stated as a negative to emphasize that God is trustworthy. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “he is God, and will do what he says he will do” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

66315:30x7z10

Saul may have been more interested in being honored by the people than in actually worshipping God.

66415:30ruq1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Here “Israel” refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “before the people of Israel and the elders who lead them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

66515:30au2s0

“Come back with me” or “Return with me”

66615:31evb60

This implies that Samuel changed his mind, and that they went together to where the people were. Alternate translation: “So Samuel finally agreed to do that, and they went together back to where the people were”

66715:32n2tg0

“They brought Agag to him bound by chains and Agag said”

66815:32u9hsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

This idiom appears to mean that Agag no longer thought he would be killed. Alternate translation: “Surely I am no longer in danger or dying” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

66915:33dqu4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism0

Both of these phrases have similar meaning and may be intended to be in poetic form. Alternate translation: “Since you have killed people, you will also be killed” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

67015:33z9kfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism0

This is a polite way of referring to killing people. Alternate translation: “killed the sons of other women, so shall I kill your mothers son” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

67115:33lwq90

Samuel is the one who completed this task that Yahweh commanded Saul to do. Alternate translation: “Then Samuel cut Agag into pieces with his sword”

67215:34p6j7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

These are the names of places. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

67315:34wed20

Gibeah was higher in elevation than Gilgal where Saul and Samuel had been talking.

67415:35hha60

“Samuel did not see Saul again for as long as he lived”

67516:introabcg0

1 Samuel 16 General Notes

Structure and formatting

1 Samuel 16-31 Saul and David

Chapter 16 establishes Gods choice of David to be the next king. David receives the Holy Spirit to empower and guide him as the king. This chapter also records the Holy Spirit leaving Saul because of his disobedience. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/holyspirit]])

Special concepts in this chapter

David chosen to be the next king

Humans judge others by what they look like, but God judges people by their true inner character. God rejected Davids older brothers in favor of David, who truly loved and obeyed him. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/judge]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/love]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

==Rhetorical Question == God scolds Samuel with this rhetorical question for his unwillingness to accept Gods decision: “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel?” It was wrong to mourn because it was Gods punishment of Saul. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

67616:1ib7trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

This rhetorical question is a rebuke from God and can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Stop mourning that I rejected Saul from being king over Israel.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

67716:1aav10

The term “horn” was sometimes used to refer to a “flask” that was shaped like a horn and was used for holding water or oil. A flask of oil was used for anointing a king.

67816:2msu1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Samuel uses a question to emphasize that he is worried about going to Bethlehem. Alternate translation: “I cannot go!” or “I am afraid to go.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

67916:2a4glrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis0

You can state the understood information. Alternate translation: “with you to Bethlehem and say to the people there” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

68016:2t5ycrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes0

This has a quotation within a quotation. The direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “say to the people there that you have come to sacrifice to Yahweh.” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

68116:4ead8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

It seems the elders were trembling because they were worried that Samuel came to rebuke them. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

68216:5tt5trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis0

This can be stated as a complete sentence. Alternate translation: “Yes, I have come in peace” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

68316:5a67l0

To set someone apart means to get that person ready for Yahwehs purposes by making sure that person is ritually clean according to the law of Moses.

68416:6jj6a0

Here “they” refers to Jesse and his sons.

68516:6tns50

Here “he” refers to Samuel.

68616:6ug8frc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of Jesses oldest son. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

68716:6lj9m0

Here “him” refers to Yahweh.

68816:7hbc3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

Here “see” means to evaluate something. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

68916:7v16lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person0

Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. Alternate translation: “For I, Yahweh, do not see … I, Yahweh, look” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

69016:7s3tvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Here “heart” represents a persons inner being. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

69116:8k8wqrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of one of Jesses sons. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

69216:8qht80

“told him to go to Samuel”

69316:9ex3xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis0

It is understood that Shammah passed by Samuel. Alternate translation: “Jesse then made Shammah pass before Samuel” or “Jesse then told Shammah to go to Samuel” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

69416:9xzq5rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of one of Jesses sons. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

69516:11j3g30

“There is still my youngest son”

69616:11r1tlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis0

It is understood that they were waiting to sit down and eat. Alternate translation: “we will not sit down to eat” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

69716:12ie4h0

The word “Now” is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here the narrator tells about a new person in the story.

69816:12ev690

The word “ruddy” means David was healthy looking.

69916:13gsz80

The term “horn” was sometimes used to refer to a “flask” that was shaped like a horn and was used for holding water or oil. A flask of oil was used for anointing a king. See how you translated a similar phrase in 1 Samuel 16:1.

70016:13r2qgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

It is implied that he rose up after they sat down to eat. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

70116:13e73i0

The phrase “rushed on” means Yahwehs Spirit influenced David. In this case it means he enabled David to fulfill whatever Yahweh wanted him to do. See how you translated a similar phrase in 1 Samuel 10:6.

70216:14a48s0

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here the narrator starts to tell a new part of the story.

70316:14thd30

This may refer to either a “spirit that causes trouble” or an “evil spirit.”

70416:16y7wprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person0

The servants refer to Saul in the third person as “our master.” Alternate translation: “We ask that you, our master, command” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

70516:16qwf8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person0

The servants refer to themselves in the third person as “your servants.” Alternate translation: “command us, your servants who attend to you, to look” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

70616:16u14z0

“troubles you”

70716:18jui10

Possible meanings are (1) “a great warrior” or (2) “a very brave man.”

70816:18bp1w0

“one wise in speech” or “one who speaks wisely”

70916:18l27krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

Here “with him” means Yahweh helps and blesses David. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

71016:21g496rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go0

Here “came” can be translated as “went.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])

71116:21i2ajrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns0

The abstract noun “service” can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: “began to serve him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

71216:21pq6t0

“David became Sauls armor bearer”

71316:22mk1arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

Here “stand before me” is an idiom that means to continue in Sauls service. Alternate translation: “Let David stay in my service” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

71416:22b5l4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Here “eyes” are a metonym for sight, and “my sight” represents how Saul judges or evaluates David. Alternate translation: “he has found favor in my judgment” or “I am pleased with him” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

71516:23c6ip0

Here “harmful spirit” may refer to either a “spirit that causes trouble” or an “evil spirit.” See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 16:14.

71616:23hnb50

“troubled Saul”

71716:23pxe5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the music would refresh Saul and make him well” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

71817:introabch0

1 Samuel 17 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter introduced David as a soldier, a skill that will be important for the rest of his life.

Special concepts in this chapter

David kills Goliath

Trust in God is more powerful than physical might or military training and equipment. David, trusting in the Lord and armed only with a sling, defeats Goliath who is well-armed and physically strong but who did not believe in Yahweh. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/trust]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/believe]])

Uncircumcised

The people of Israel often used the term “uncircumcised” to refer to Gentiles. Here it is used to describe the Philistines. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/circumcise]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

David uses rhetorical questions to state his desire to fight the giant: “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

His brother uses rhetorical questions to show his disdain for his younger brother, whom he thinks is pretending to be bigger than he really is: “Why did you come down here? With whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness?” David defends himself with some questions: “What have I done now? Was it not just a question?”

Goliath also uses a rhetorical question to show his contempt for young David: “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?”

71917:2z3hprc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

72017:4q4bxrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance0

A cubit is a unit of measurement equal to about 46 centimeters. A span is a unit of measurement equal to about 23 centimeters. Alternate translation: “about 3 meters” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]])

72117:5n5rlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

A “coat of chainmail” is a flexible piece of body armor covered with protective scales or small plates. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “he protected himself by wearing a coat of chainmail” or “he wore a coat of chainmail” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

72217:5c1zerc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight0

A shekel is a unit of weight equal to about 11 grams. Alternate translation: “about 55 kilograms” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight]])

72317:6g2bi0

A “javelin” is a small spear that is meant to be thrown.

72417:7mlr90

“the handle of his spear”

72517:7ddd90

“rope rolled up into a circle”

72617:7yeq50

“The point of his spear”

72717:7ww8crc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight0

A shekel is a unit of weight equal to about 11 grams. Alternate translation: “about 7 kilograms” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight]])

72817:8xz35rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

“Why have you come to fight in battle against us?” Goliath uses this question to mock the Israelites. Alternate translation: “You are fools if you think you can fight in battle against us!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

72917:8sj9brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Goliath uses this question to mock the Israelites. When he says that he is a Philistine, he is implying that he is strong. Alternate translation: “I am a great Philistine, and you are merely servants of Saul.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

73017:10na9z0

“I challenge the army of Israel”

73117:11p19l0

This refers to the Israelite soldiers who were there.

73217:11su45rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet0

The words “discouraged” and “greatly afraid” mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of their fear. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

73317:12pz4w0

“He” refers to Jesse.

73417:12apl3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism0

The two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

73517:13a3gr0

“Abinadab the second born, and Shammah the third born.” This phrase shows birth order.

73617:14kp25rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

The implied information is that these are the sons of Jesse. Alternate translation: “The three oldest sons of Jesse” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

73717:16wi92rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers0

“For 40 days” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

73817:16vf870

“to show that he was ready to fight”

73917:17t66src://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume0

An ephah is a unit of measurement equal to about 22 liters. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume]])

74017:18n9trrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers0

“the captain of your brothers thousand.” Possible meanings are (1) the word “thousand” represents the exact amount of soldiers that this captain led. Alternate translation: “the captain of your brothers unit of 1,000 soldiers” or (2) the word translated as “thousand” does not represent exact number, but is the name of a large military division. Alternate translation: “the captain of your brothers military division” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

74117:18ms2j0

“Check and find out how your brothers are doing”

74217:19i8wt0

“all the soldiers of Israel”

74317:19fa7erc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a place. See how you translated it in 1 Samuel 17:2. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

74417:23xd5y0

“whose name was Goliath”

74517:23e3lh0

“stepped forward from the Philistines battle line”

74617:25nx3grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

The soldiers were saying this to draw one anothers attention to the man Goliath. Alternate translation: “Look at this man who has come up!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

74717:25i1j1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

This refers to the king of Israel. Alternate translation: “Our king” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

74817:25h9r90

This refers to the kings daughter.

74917:25nt1f0

The words “him” and “his” refer to the man who kills Goliath.

75017:25d62yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

The word “house” refers to the household or family. Alternate translation: “will no longer require his family to pay taxes” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

75117:26ys91rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns0

This can be expressed with the verb “disgrace.” Alternate translation: “stops Israel from being disgraced” or “stops him from disgracing Israel” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

75217:26vrc8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

David said this to show his anger that this Philistine was defying Gods army. Alternate translation: “This uncircumcised Philistine certainly has no power that he should defy the armies of the living God!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

75317:26uay20

This phrase is an insult and indicates that Goliath does not belong to the living God.

75417:28tmc9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

Here anger is spoken of as if it were a fire that could be kindled. Alternate translation: “Eliab became angry with David” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

75517:28f8iyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Eliab uses this question to show that he is angry that David came down. He was probably implying that David did not have a good reason for coming. Alternate translation: “You had no good reason to come here” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

75617:28k8hgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Eliab uses this question to insult David by making his work seem unimportant and by accusing him of not taking care of his fathers sheep. Alternate translation: “You simply had the responsibility of watching over a few sheep in the wilderness. You could not even carry out that simple responsibility!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

75717:28aj1wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism0

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

75817:29m8dzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

David used these questions to express his frustration and to justify himself. Alternate translation: “I have done nothing wrong. I was only asking a question!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

75917:30yyw80

“He” refers to David and the word “him” refers to Eliab.

76017:31q448rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “When the soldiers heard what David said” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

76117:32h5dirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

The heart failing represents being terrified and losing confidence. Alternate translation: “Do not let anyone be terrified” or “Do not let anyone lose their confidence” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

76217:32h1gzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person0

David spoke of himself as “your servant” to show respect to Saul. Alternate translation: “I, your servant, will go” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

76317:34ing5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person0

David spoke of himself as “your servant” to show respect to Saul. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 17:32. Alternate translation: “I, your servant, used to keep my fathers sheep” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

76417:34vkk80

“used to take care of his fathers sheep”

76517:34nm8r0

A bear is a large animal with thick fur and long claws and that walks on four legs but can stand on two legs as a person does.

76617:35n7yn0

Here “him” refers to the lion or bear. Some languages would use the word “it” instead of “him.”

76717:35nu940

Here “it” refers to the lamb.

76817:35tq7yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

Here “rose up against” is an idiom that refers to attacking. Alternate translation: “it attacked me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

76917:35n1vn0

The “beard” refers to the lions mane or the hair on the bears face.

77017:36r5kx0

David continues speaking to King Saul.

77117:36q3g30

This phrase is an insult and indicates that Goliath does not belong to the living God. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 17:26.

77217:36dhp40

David is saying that he will be able to kill the Philistine just as he was able to kill the lion and bear.

77317:37hb63rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Bears and lions use their paws when they attack, so the word “paw” represents the attack. Alternate translation: “from the attack of the lion and from the attack of the bear” or “from the lion and the bear” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

77417:37p2u2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

The Philistines hand represents his power in fighting. Alternate translation: “the power of this Philistine” or “the Philistine” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

77517:38zp210

a flexible piece of body armor covered with protective scales or small plates

77617:39vaf60

“Sauls sword on the armor”

77717:40lb740

Here “his” refers to David.

77817:40hp450

A sling is a weapon for throwing stones.

77917:41n9t40

“and his shield bearer walked in front of him”

78017:42u9pv0

“he hated him”

78117:42mb550

“and healthy looking”

78217:43tz3rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

Here a dog represents a small animal that a person can easily kill. The word “sticks” refers to Davids staff and shows Goliaths opinion that it is not a good weapon. Goliath uses this question to accuse David of insulting him. Alternate translation: “You insult me by coming at me with mere sticks as if I were just a dog!” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

78317:44cc8irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

Goliath speaks of killing David and leaving his body on the ground for the animals to eat it as if he were to give Davids body to the animals. Alternate translation: “I will kill you, and the birds of the heavens and the beasts of the field will eat your body” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

78417:44gkd10

“birds of the sky” or “birds”

78517:44np2h0

“wild animals”

78617:45aq63rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Here “name” represents Gods power or authority. Alternate translation: “with the power of Yahweh” or “with the authority of Yahweh” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

78717:45pku50

“whom you have provoked” or “whom you have insulted”

78817:46a7g60

David continues speaking to Goliath.

78917:46mcz7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

David speaks of leading the Israelites in killing the Philistines and leaving their bodies on the ground for the animals to eat them as if he were to give their bodies to the animals. Alternate translation: “We Israelites will kill the Philistine army, and the birds of the heavens and the wild beasts of the earth will eat them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

79017:46h6s8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

The word “earth” refers to the people on earth. Alternate translation: “all the people of the earth may know” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

79117:47mfy6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Swords and spears are examples of battle weapons. They represent human ways of fighting. Alternate translation: “The victory that Yahweh gives does not depend on sword and spear” or “when Yahweh gives us victory, he does not depend on how we fight” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

79217:47duh1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Winning the battle is spoken of as owning the battle. Alternate translation: “Yahweh always wins the battle” or “the victory belongs to Yahweh” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

79317:47n39prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Giving the Philistines into Israels hand represents helping Israel to defeat the Philistines in battle. Alternate translation: “he will help us defeat you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

79417:50kd4h0

Verse 50 is a summary of Davids amazing victory over Goliath. The details about how he hit and killed Goliath are in 1 Samuel 17:49 and 17:51. Some languages do not use summary statements like this. In those situations, translators may restructure the verses as they are in the UST.

79517:51ifn90

David did this after Goliath fell to the ground in 1 Samuel 17:49.

79617:51k64x0

“took the Philistines sword.” Here the word “his” refers to Goliath.

79717:52c1adrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

It can be stated clearly that the Israelites were killing the Philistines as they chased them. Alternate translation: “And they killed the Philistines as they chased them, and the bodies of the dead Philistines were on the ground along the way to Shaaraim” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

79817:53sb830

“the Israelites plundered the Philistines camp”

79917:54gxy40

“he put Goliaths armor in his own tent”

80017:55wk2vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-events0

The conversation in 17:55-56 happened before David killed Goliath. Alternate translation: “When Saul had seen David” or “Earlier when Saul saw David” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])

80117:55y16z0

“go to fight against the Philistine”

80217:55ynx50

“who is this youths father”

80317:55y7mj0

This was a way of swearing that what he was about to say was true.

80417:56nt660

“who the boys father is”

80517:57xp4u0

Here “his” refers to David.

80617:58k63k0

“Who is your father”

80717:58k6340

“My father is your servant Jesse, the Bethlehemite”

80817:58g6vb0

David referred to his father as “your servant” to show that his father was faithful to King Saul.

80918:introabci0

1 Samuel 18 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This is the first chapter of a section explaining why Saul wants to kill David.

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetic song in 18:7.

Special concepts in this chapter

Saul is jealous of Davids popularity

Sauls son, Jonathan, loves David. David is successful in battling the Philistines, and Saul is happy until the women give David more attention than they give him. He fears that David will replace him as king. This is potentially confusing because the author has already established that David will be the next king. It is probably that Saul feared David would kill him in order to be the next king sooner, or that he did not really believe David would be the next king. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/love]])

Jonathans love of David

Some scholars believe Jonathan loved David as a man loves his wife. There is no reason to translate this as if Jonathan were a homosexual. Instead, treat this as a brotherly type of love.

81018:1w8c4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

Very close friendship is spoken of as if it were binding together the souls of two people. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Jonathan felt a strong affection towards David” or “Jonathan committed himself to David” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

81118:1k383rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche0

Here “loved” refers to the love between friends, not romantic love. The word “soul” represents the person or the persons life. Alternate translation: “Jonathan loved David as much as he loved himself” or “Jonathan loved David as he loved his own life” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

81218:3l8pdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche0

Here “loved” refers to the love between friends, not romantic love. The word “soul” represents the person or the persons life. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 18:1. Alternate translation: “Jonathan loved David as much as he loved himself” or “Jonathan loved David as he loved his own life” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

81318:5vcr90

“he prospered”

81418:5w4mvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

The phrases “in the eyes of” and “in the sight of” mean the same thing. The opinion of the people is spoken of as something that they view as either good or bad. Alternate translation: “This was pleasing in the opinions of all the people and of Sauls servants” or “This pleased all the people and Sauls servants” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

81518:6v9fvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole0

This is generalization that emphasizes the great number of women who came from many cities. Alternate translation: “from many of the cities throughout Israel” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

81618:6k1rh0

“joyfully playing tambourines and other musical instruments”

81718:6qct50

A “tambourine” is a small handheld drum.

81818:7ii5arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis0

The verb may be supplied from the previous line. Alternate translation: “David has killed his ten thousands” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

81918:8lp8i0

“They have credited”

82018:8xi13rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “The only thing left for him to have is the kingship.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

82118:10iyh10

Here “harmful spirit” may refer to either “a spirit that causes trouble” or “an evil spirit.” See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 16:15.

82218:10c8qe0

The phrase “rushed upon” means the harmful spirit influenced Saul. In this case it means it caused Saul to be troubled and act crazy. See how you translated a similar phrase in 1 Samuel 10:6.

82318:10me9n0

“he acted crazy”

82418:12d2h60

“Yahweh was with David”

82518:13a3540

“So Saul removed David from his presence”

82618:13uwr1rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers0

Possible meanings are (1) the word “thousand” represents the exact amount of soldiers that he would lead. Alternate translation: “a commander of 1,000 soldiers” or (2) the word translated as “thousand” does not represent exact number, but is the name of a large military division. Alternate translation: “a commander of a large military division” See how you translated a similar phrase in 1 Samuel 17:18. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

82718:13zlq6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

Here “the people” refers to the soldiers under Davids command. The phrases “went out” and “came in” are idioms that refer to leading the people into battle and leading them home from battle. Alternate translation: “David led his soldiers into battle and led them home from battle” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

82818:15cml9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

Here “stood in awe” is an idiom that means to fear. Alternate translation: “he feared David” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

82918:16bgb3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Here “Israel and Judah” represent the people of all of the tribes. Alternate translation: “all the people in Israel and Judah loved David” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

83018:16c9cerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

The phrases “went out” and “came in” are idioms that refer to leading the people into battle and leading them home from battle. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 18:13. Alternate translation: “led his soldiers into battle and led them home from battle” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

83118:17ptz6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

Harming someone is spoken of as if it were placing ones hand on that person. Here, Saul is referring to killing David. Alternate translation: “I will not be the one to kill him; I will let the Philistines kill him” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

83218:18ij43rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

David uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that he is not worthy of being Sauls son-in-law. Alternate translation: “I am nobody and neither my relatives nor my fathers family are important enough in Israel … to the king.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

83318:18hga50

“husband of the kings daughter”

83418:19imc2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “when Saul should have given his daughter Merab to David” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

83518:19vdc5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Saul gave her to Adriel” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

83618:20hv3f0

Here “loved” means she had romantic feelings for David.

83718:20vz4x0

Here “they” refers to people who found out about Michals feelings, not to David and Michal.

83818:21dd2erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

Harming someone is spoken of as if it were placing ones hand on that person. Here, Saul is referring to killing David. See how you translated a similar phrase in 1 Samuel 18:17. Alternate translation: “so that the Philistines may kill him” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

83918:21q35l0

“You will be the husband of my daughter”

84018:22q87c0

“all of his servants admire you”

84118:22vvh80

“For these reasons you should”

84218:23eps5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

David asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that he is not worthy to be the kings son-in-law. Alternate translation: “It is a great matter to be the kings son-in-law, and I am too poor and unimportant for that.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

84318:25a18arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis0

The verb for the second phrase may be supplied from the first. Alternate translation: “The king does not desire any price for the bride; he desires only that you bring to him 100 foreskins” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

84418:25x1iw0

The foreskin is a fold of skin on a mans private part that is removed during circumcision.

84518:25wjv8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “to get revenge on the kings enemies” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

84618:25a2usrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism0

Here “fall” means to die. The phrase “by the hand” is an idiom that tells us the means by which something will happen, in this case, David will be killed by the Philistines. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “to have the Philistines kill David” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

84718:27f14urc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers0

This can be rendered numerically. Alternate translation: “200 Philistines” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

84818:27pz310

“David and his men gave all of them to the king”

84918:28rjc2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet0

Here the words “saw” and “knew” share similar meanings and emphasize that Saul knew with certainty. Alternate translation: “Saul recognized” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

85018:28ct4a0

Here “loved” means she had romantic feelings for David.

85118:30z7derc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Here “name” is a metonym for David. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so that people greatly respected David” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

85219:introabcj0

1 Samuel 19 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

God protects David

Jonathan persuades Saul not to kill David, but Saul again becomes jealous and orders his servants to bring David to him to be killed. God uses Michal to save David. David flees to Samuel and they begin prophesying. When Saul sends servants to capture David, they begin prophesying. This causes Saul to go himself and he begins to prophesy. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/jealous]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/save]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])

85319:1zd9j0

Here “his” refers to Saul.

85419:1u5h50

Jonathan greatly enjoyed being with David.

85519:4rf2urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns0

Jonathan speaks as if Saul is another person to show Saul that Jonathan respects Saul. Alternate translation: “Do not sin against your servant” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])

85619:5z29drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

Here “life in his hand” is an idiom that refers to risking his life. Alternate translation: “he risked his life” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

85719:5q7yarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Jonathan asks this question to rebuke Saul. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not sin against innocent blood and kill David without cause.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

85819:5ep2krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Here “blood” is a metonym for the life of an innocent person. Alternate translation: “commit the sin of murder” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

85919:6mg7brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I will not put him to death” or “I will not kill him” or “I will certainly keep him alive” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

86019:7zv180

David was in Sauls presence.

86119:9bfj90

Here “harmful spirit” may refer to either “a spirit that causes trouble” or “an evil spirit.” See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 16:14.

86219:10gmw10

throw his spear so it would go through David and into the wall

86319:11di9d0

“Saul might kill David”

86419:11gt2f0

Michal told David

86519:11zcu4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

Here “save your life” is an idiom that refers to escape. Alternate translation: “If you do not escape” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

86619:11www7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “someone will kill you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

86719:12rx5e0

Michal helps David escape King Saul. She uses a household idol to make Davids bed look like he is sleeping in it.

86819:13pt3r0

Possible meanings are (1) the head of the idol was lying on the goats hair pillow and Michal dressed the idol in Davids clothes or (2) Michal used Davids clothes as a blanket to completely cover the idol and made the “pillow” of goats hair look like Davids hair sticking out from under the blanket of clothes.

86919:14bsi60

Saul acts out his desire to kill David.

87019:14ar160

“take David back to Saul”

87119:14er9p0

Here “she” refers to Michal.

87219:15uu8krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

The reason why the men thought David was in bed can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “If he really is too sick to come to me, bring me the bed with him in it” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

87319:16gw7d0

See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 19:13.

87419:16mmv50

The word “behold” here shows that the messengers were surprised by what they saw.

87519:17gw6jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Possible meanings are (1) Saul really wants to know why Michal did what she did or (2) Saul uses this question to rebuke Michal. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not have deceived me and let my enemy go, so that he has escaped.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

87619:17g47nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Although David did not actually say this, Michal tells Saul that David threatened her with this question. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “I will kill you if you do not help me to escape.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

87719:18e48b0

David flees to Samuel.

87819:18hj2z0

This word is used here to show that the writer has started to tell a new part of the story.

87919:19v5b7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Someone told Saul” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

88019:19tg6x0

“Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

88119:20a8ajrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Here “head” refers to a position of authority. Alternate translation: “acting as their leader” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

88219:21nrq8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “When someone told Saul this” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

88319:22l3p8rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

These are place names. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

88419:24tj4irc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs0

This became a proverb among the Israelites. Apparently people said this to express surprise when a person unexpectedly did something that he had not done before. The implied meaning of the question can be stated explicitly. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 10:12. Alternate translation: “That is the reason that when people see someone doing something that is very unexpected, they say, Is Saul also a prophet?’” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

88519:24knd80

Here “they” refers to people in general. The question became a proverb among the people.

88620:introabck0

1 Samuel 20 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Jonathan warns David

David tells Jonathan that Saul is still trying to kill him. Jonathan promises to find out if this is true. When David misses dinner two consecutive days, Saul asks about him. Jonathan says that David went home for an annual sacrifice. Saul gets angry at Jonathan, telling him he will never be king unless they kill David. Saul throws his spear at Jonathan. Jonathan warns David to run away, but first they both promise to always be friends. It was usually a kings son who became king after his death in the ancient Near East. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphor

David uses a powerful metaphor and an oath to impress Jonathan with the danger he is in: “But as truly as Yahweh lives, and as you live, there is but a step between me and death.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

88720:1tia6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism0

These three questions mean basically the same thing. David uses them to emphasize that he has done nothing wrong to Saul. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “I have done nothing wrong. I have not committed any iniquity. I have not sinned against your father. He has no reason to take my life.” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

88820:1g2ibrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

Here “take my life” is an idiom for “kill me.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

88920:2e1jerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

Here “far from it” is an idiom that refers to that it is not true. Alternate translation: “This is certainly not true” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

89020:2jbn3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism0

The words “great or small” include everything in between. Alternate translation: “nothing at all” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

89120:2w2w8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Jonathan uses this question to emphasize that Saul would have told him if he planned to kill David. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “My father has no reason to hide this thing from me!” or “If this thing were true, my father would certainly let me know!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

89220:2rpv20

“It is not true”

89320:3kn7zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

Here the eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “I have pleased you” or “you consider me favorably” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

89420:3t6czrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “this will grieve him” or “he will be very sad” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

89520:3thq7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

Here “step between me and death” is an idiom that refers to being very close to death. Alternate translation: “I am very close to death” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

89620:4npf40

David proposes a test against King Saul to Jonathan.

89720:5pnc80

On the first of every month the people would celebrate and offer sacrifices to God.

89820:5unn40

“until the evening of the day after tomorrow”

89920:6f9fa0

Davids continues to describe the test he proposes.

90020:6a9bs0

“asked me if I would allow him to leave”

90120:7t7n50

The word “he” refers to Saul.

90220:7x3iwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns0

David speaks of himself as if he were another person to show that he respects Jonathan. Alternate translation: “I, your servant, will have peace” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])

90320:8v33p0

David continues speaking to Jonathan.

90420:8avp9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns0

David speak of himself in the third person as a form of humility. Alternate translation: “with me, your servant … have brought me, your servant” or “with me … have brought me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])

90520:8ap89rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

What it was that the two men agreed on can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “Yahweh heard you when you made a solemn agreement with me that you and I will always be good friends” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

90620:8hbz6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “then there would be no reason for you to bring me to your father” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

90720:9ge5brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

This is an idiom that means it will never happen to you. Alternate translation: “This will never happen to you!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

90820:9lt9vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “I would certainly tell you.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

90920:12vx7n0

“look” or “listen” or “pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

91020:12ld4i0

“if my father wants to do good things for you”

91120:12y3r1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Jonathan uses this question to emphasize that he will tell David if Saul intends to harm him. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “then I will certainly send to you and make it known to you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

91220:13yn8nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

This is an idiom. Jonathan uses this oath for emphasis and speaks of himself as if he were another person. Alternate translation: “may Yahweh do to me whatever harm my father intends to do to you, and even more than that” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])

91320:14q3ac0

Jonathan asks David not to completely kill all his offspring so that a remnant will remain.

91420:14az7yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Jonathan asks this question to confirm that David will do this. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “please show me the covenant faithfulness of Yahweh, that I may not die” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

91520:14q324rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns0

The abstract noun “faithfulness” can be stated as “faithful.” Possible meanings for “of Yahweh” are (1) “be faithful to me as Yahweh is faithful” or (2) “be faithful to me as Yahweh requires” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

91620:16n5b7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

The word “house” is a metonym for the people who live in the house. Alternate translation: “Davids family” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

91720:16wvm6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche0

The hand is a synecdoche for the person. Possible meanings are (1) “May Yahweh use Davids enemies to punish David if David breaks this promise” or (2) “May Yahweh destroy the enemies of David.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

91820:17l3ujrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche0

Here “his own soul” refers to himself. Alternate translation: “Jonathan loved David as much as he loved himself” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

91920:18f5birc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “My father will miss you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

92020:19ki6mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

Here “business was in hand” is an idiom that refers to when everything happened. Alternate translation: “when everything happened” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

92120:19h78lrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

“Ezel” was the name of the stone. Alternate translation: “the stone that people call Ezel” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

92220:20dvu10

Jonathan continues to speak to David.

92320:20q6e90

Here the word “it” refers to the stone by which David was to hide.

92420:21z7dp0

These refer to the same person.

92520:21qr7r0

“Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

92620:21qbg10

“then you, David, come”

92720:22ch370

Jonathan continues to speak to David.

92820:23r1jg0

Possible meanings are (1) “we know that Yahweh” or (2) “pay attention because this is important: Yahweh.”

92920:23hmt60

Possible meanings are (1) “Yahweh is a witness between you and me” or “Yahweh will be watching how we treat each other” or (2) “May Yahweh be a witness between you and me” or “May Yahweh watch how we treat each other”

93020:25upz8rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-manuscripts0

Some ancient copies have “Jonathan sat across from him.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-manuscripts]])

93120:26j8dr0

According to the law of Moses, a person who is ceremonially unclean is not to participate in the feast until the priest declares that he is clean. Saul repeats this phrase as if he is trying to convince himself.

93220:28e5rh0

“asked me to allow him to go”

93320:29h84jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

Here the eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 20:3. Alternate translation: “I have pleased you” or “you consider me favorably” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

93420:29j146rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns0

Jonathan speaks of Saul as if he is another person to show that he respects Saul. Alternate translation: “your table” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])

93520:30yn6qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Here “anger burned” is a metonym that refers to becoming very angry. Alternate translation: “Saul became very angry with Jonathan” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

93620:30vv24rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

This is an idiom. Saul uses this phrase as a harsh rebuke to Jonathan and his concern for David. Alternate translation: “You stupid son of a prostitute” or “You stupid traitor” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

93720:30yr6nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Saul uses this question to emphasize that he knows that Jonathan and David are friends. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “I know that you have chosen the son of Jesse … mothers nakedness.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

93820:30g94grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

Here “mothers nakedness” is an idiom that refers to the mother who gave birth to you. Alternate translation: “to the shame of your mother who gave birth to you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

93920:31zl6brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you will not become king and will not establish your kingdom” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

94020:32ux46rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Jonathan is trying to get Saul to think carefully about what he is doing. This can be translated as a statement, and the words “should he be put to death” can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “You have no good reason to put him to death. He has done nothing wrong.” or “You have no good reason to kill him. He has done nothing wrong.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

94120:34uth1rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal0

This “second” is an ordinal number which refers to two. Alternate translation: “the second day of the new moon festival” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

94220:34brk4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “he was grieving over David” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

94320:34c5bw0

Here “him” refers to David.

94420:35nwk20

Here “him” refers to Jonathan.

94520:36l8ci0

“Jonathan shot an arrow beyond the young man”

94620:37d85zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Jonathan uses this question to emphasize that the arrow is farther ahead of the young man. The uses of litotes also emphasizes this. The rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should know that the arrow is beyond you.” or “The arrow is far beyond you.” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

94720:38s42f0

“called out to the young man, who was running away from him, Hurry”

94820:41b73c0

It seems that David had hidden behind a pile of earth or stones.

94920:41pg9k0

David bowed before Jonathan, who was still the Kings son, worthy of such respect. Also, this was the last time David met with Jonathan.

95020:42t28c0

Possible meanings are (1) “Yahweh is a witness between you and me” or “Yahweh will be watching how we treat each other” or (2) “May Yahweh be a witness between you and me” or “May Yahweh watch how we treat each other.” See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 20:23.

95121:introabcl0

1 Samuel 21 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetic song in 21:11.

Special concepts in this chapter

David and the chief priest

David visits the chief priest and lies to him about being on a special mission for the king. He asks for food, weapons, and prayer. The chief priest gives him some sacred bread and Goliaths sword and prays for him.

David and the king of Gath

David flees to Gath. The advisers to the king tell him that David is almost the king of Israel. David becomes afraid of the king and pretends to be insane.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

The king of Gaths advisers use two rhetorical questions to warn him about how dangerous David could be: “Is not this David the king of the land? Did they not sing to one another about him in dances, Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands?’” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

95221:1sxr5rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

95321:1lxn7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is a mans name. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

95421:1xz590

shaking in fear

95521:2lr5b0

“to do work for him”

95621:2hbb30

“I have told the young men to go to another place, and I will meet them there later”

95721:3y8wx0

David is starting a new part of the conversation.

95821:3q67hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Here “on hand” is a metonym meaning “available.” Alternate translation: “What food do you have that you can give me?” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

95921:3r1wi0

This is a polite request.

96021:4v42j0

bread that the priests have not used in worship

96121:4a4hhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis0

This can be translated as a complete sentence. Alternate translation: “Your men may eat it if they have not slept with women recently” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

96221:5u5gtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “we have kept ourselves from women” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

96321:5n9cfrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers0

“3 days” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

96421:5bl9z0

“when I begin a journey”

96521:5xaa6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “The men have set what belongs to them apart” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

96621:5hx9arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This is a statement, not a question. It can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “It is especially true today that they will set apart what they have” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

96721:6u4vnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “the bread that the priests had set apart” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

96821:6vbr7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “which the priests had removed from before Yahweh so that they could put” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

96921:7tmz8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

Possible meanings are that (1) Doeg had some religious work regarding Yahweh to do there. Alternate translation: “for some work before Yahweh” or (2) Yahweh detained Doeg there. Alternate translation: “because Yahweh had detained him there” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

97021:7z642rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

You may need to say clearly that Doeg saw what David did. Alternate translation: “Doeg … herdsmen, and he saw what Ahimelech did” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

97121:7zg8grc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a man from the land of Edom. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

97221:7ye4p0

the keepers and protectors of a herd, especially of cattle or sheep

97321:8xr45rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Here “on hand” is a metonym meaning “available.” See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 21:3. Alternate translation: “Do you have a spear or sword that you can give me?” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

97421:8wb130

a general name for such things as swords, knives, bows and arrows, and spears

97521:9rpf7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a place in Israel. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

97621:11zg9drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole0

They were probably exaggerating when they said that David was king of the land. They used this question to imply that David was a powerful enemy and Achish should not let him stay there. Alternate translation: “You know that this is David, who is as dangerous as the king of the land” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

97721:11sc99rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You know that when the people of the land were dancing, they sang to each other about him, Saul … thousands.’” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

97821:12rqg7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Here “took … to heart” is a metonym to think seriously about what was said. Alternate translation: “David thought seriously about what the servants said” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

97921:13ai6nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche0

Here “hands” are a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: “in their presence” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

98021:14w6kdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Possible meanings are (1) Achish demands that his servants explain why they have brought David to him or (2) Achish is scolding them with a rhetorical question. Alternate translation: “You should have known not to bring him to me.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

98121:15kl34rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

This rhetorical question is a rebuke. Alternate translation: “There are enough madmen here who waste my time. You should not have brought this fellow to behave like one in my presence.” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

98221:15k152rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Do not allow this fellow to enter my house.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

98322:introabcm0

1 Samuel 22 General Notes

Structure and formatting

There are two stories in this chapter: David gathering a group of followers and Saul having all the priests and their families killed. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/priest]])

Special concepts in this chapter

David assembles a force of unhappy people

David hides in the wilderness, and people in trouble come to him. Soon he has a force of 500 men. The prophet then tells him to leave the wilderness. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])

Saul and the chief priests family

Doeg tells Saul that Ahimelech the priest gave David food and a sword and prayed for him. Saul accuses the priests of encouraging David to rebel. This is a serious accusation because the priests are Gods representatives and are rebelling against Gods king if the accusation is true. Saul has the priests and all their families killed except those who escape to David. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/highpriest]])

98422:1wbc20

a hollow space under the ground, generally opening into the side of a hill, large enough for people to enter

98522:1h42frc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a town near the city of Gath. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

98622:1mjh90

heard that David had gone to hide in the cave

98722:2x1s9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole0

This is a generalization. Alternate translation: “Many people who were distressed … many people who were unhappy” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

98822:2w6kr0

military officer who leads soldiers

98922:2nik2rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers0

“400” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

99022:3n6gm0

“Then David went from the cave at Adullam”

99122:3tgn5rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

99222:3p6t80

David wanted his parents to live with the king of Moab so that King Saul would not be able to harm them. Translators can express his basic meaning by using the ideas of “come to stay with you,” “stay with you,” or “live here with you,” as in the UST.

99322:5ir3x0

“go to your home land of Judah”

99422:5xg56rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

99522:6jvw8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

Saul was most interested in David, so the writer mentions the other men separately. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “someone had discovered where David and all the men who were with him were hiding” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

99622:6yk86rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown0

This is a type of tree. Alternate translation: “a large shade tree” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

99722:6bpn20

Ramah is the name of a place in Gibeah. The name means “high place.” Possible meanings are (1) it refers here to the place called Ramah, or (2) it refers to any high place. Alternate translation: “on a hill”

99822:7h9svrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Saul uses a question to emphasize that David, who is from the tribe of Judah, does not desire to do this for the people of the tribe of Benjamin. Alternate translation: “The son of Jesse will not give you fields or vineyards.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

99922:7ft1brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

The time when he will give can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “When the son of Jesse becomes king, will he give” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

100022:7fhn50

“David”

100122:7p8rrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Saul uses a question to emphasize that David, who is from the tribe of Judah, does not desire to do this for the people of the tribe of Benjamin. Alternate translation: “He will not make you captains of thousands and captains of hundreds” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

100222:7hy7frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

You may need to make explicit when he will make them captains. Alternate translation: “When he becomes king, will he make you all captains” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

100322:7ktw6rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers0

Possible meanings are (1) these numbers represent the exact amount of soldiers that these captains led. Alternate translation: “captains of 1,000 soldiers and captains of 100 soldiers” or (2) the words translated as “thousands” and “hundreds” do not represent exact numbers, but are the names of larger and smaller military divisions. Alternate translation: “captains of large military divisions and captains of smaller military divisions” See how you translated a similar phrase in 1 Samuel 17:18. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

100422:8r9wd0

This continues what Saul said to his servants.

100522:9e96prc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 21:7. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

100622:9mj61rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is a place name and the name of a man. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 21:1. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

100722:9kcg3rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

100822:10p71d0

Ahitub prayed to Yahweh that Yahweh might help David, and Ahitub gave David

100922:13vs5z0

“by giving”

101022:13rp7f0

“rebel” or “fight”

101122:14mme1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “None of your servants is as faithful as David … house.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

101222:14iy7u0

a person or group of people who protect someone

101322:14aui9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “whom your family honors” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

101422:15sq72rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Ahimelech asks himself this question before Saul can ask it, then immediately answers it. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “This is not the first time I have prayed to God to help David.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

101522:15aw6lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

This idiom means “Absolutely not!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

101622:15zpx3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person0

Ahimelech speaks of himself in the third person as the “servant.” Ahimelech also refers to Saul in the third person as “the king.” Ahimelech speaks this way to show respect to Saul. Alternate translation: “Please, King Saul, do not consider me, your servant, or anyone in the house of my father to be guilty. For I know nothing” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

101722:15a2490

to consider someone guilty

101822:15qbw3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Here “house” represents “family.” Alternate translation: “to all my fathers family” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

101922:16kbw6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

The word “house” is a metonym for the family that lives in the house. Alternate translation: “your fathers family” or “your fathers descendants” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

102022:17g1gd0

“the soldiers standing nearby to protect him”

102122:17dgp5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

Here “Turn” means to turn around or turn away from the king. Alternate translation: “Go and kill” or “Kill” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

102222:17nr49rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche0

The word “hand” is a metonym for the work done with the hand. Alternate translation: “they also help David” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

102322:17gd4urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

The word “hand” is a metonym for the work done with the hand. Alternate translation: “did not do anything to kill” or “refused to kill” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

102422:18kxa2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

Here “Turn” means to turn around or turn away from the king. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 22:17. Alternate translation: “Go and kill the priests … went and attacked” or “Kill the priest … attacked the priests” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

102522:18g41erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

Possible meanings are (1) Doeg killed all the priests himself or (2) the word “Doeg” is a synecdoche for Doeg and the men who went with him. Alternate translation: “Doeg the Edomite and his men turned and attacked … they killed” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

102622:18lsc1rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 21:7. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

102722:18c5xvrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers0

“85 men” or “85 priests” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

102822:19qi5drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

Possible meanings are (1) Doeg killed all the priests himself or (2) the word “Doeg” is a synecdoche for Doeg and the men who went with him. Alternate translation: “They also put to the sword … they put to the sword” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

102922:19eh6l0

“killed with the sword”

103022:19ru75rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

Nob is the name of a city. Here the name “Nob” represents the people of that city. Alternate translation: “the people in the city of Nob” or “the people of Nob” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/translate-names]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

103122:20g9psrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is a mans name. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

103223:introabcn0

1 Samuel 23 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Saul chases David

Saul wants to kill David, but David trusts in God who keeps rescuing him. David rescues the town of Keilah from the Philistines who are stealing their harvest. Saul goes to Keilah to capture David, but David flees to the wilderness near Ziph. When David goes deeper into the wilderness, Saul follows but he has to leave to fight the Philistines who have invaded the land. Sauls pursuit of David shows that Saul cares more about killing his enemies than pleasing God. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/trust]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Synecdoche

Jonathan strengthens David with a synecdoche: “For the hand of Saul my father will not find you.” This helps to strengthen Davids faith. (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])

103323:1by75rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

“Keilah” is the name of a town. Here “Keilah” represents the people who live there. Alternate translation: “fighting against the people of Keilah” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/translate-names]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

103423:1g4uk0

separating the grain or seeds, generally from a cereal plant or wheat by some mechanical means

103523:3e1kxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “We will be even more fearful if we go to Keilah to fight the armies of the Philistines.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

103623:5ij1xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche0

The writer pays the most attention to David, so these words are all singular, though Davids men helped him do all these things. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

103723:6jj3src://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 21:1. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

103823:7fhu9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Someone told Saul” or “They told Saul” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

103923:8rz5t0

officially called. The reader should understand that Saul probably told his officials to gather the soldiers. He did not call with a loud voice to get them to come.

104023:8wdl80

“all his soldiers”

104123:10f6990

“David asked” or “David prayed”

104223:10g8imrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns0

David speaks as if he were someone else to show his respect for Yahweh. Alternate translation: “I have indeed heard” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])

104323:10cg3l0

make the city so no one could live in it and kill all the people who live there

104423:11m2birc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns0

David speaks as if he were someone else to show his respect for Yahweh. Alternate translation: “as I have heard … tell me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])

104523:11dwu8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Here “hand” represents power or control. Alternate translation: “give me over to Saul” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

104623:12p7uu0

or “David asked” or “David prayed”

104723:12w6q4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Here “hand” represents power or control. Alternate translation: “give me and my men over to Saul” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

104823:13e3rtrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers0

“600” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

104923:13wu5trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Someone told Saul” or “They told Saul” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

105023:13zwp40

“had run away from”

105123:14xlb4rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a deserted area near the city of Ziph. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

105223:14h9ghrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

The word “hand” is a metonym for power. Alternate translation: “did not allow Saul to have power over David” or “did not allow Saul to do as he desired with David” or “did not allow Saul to capture David” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

105323:15mvb2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “try to kill him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

105423:15gv8prc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of city near Ziph. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

105523:16c2idrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

This is an idiom. AT “encouraged him to trust in God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

105623:17lm7krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Here “hand” is a metonym for Saul and his power. Alternate translation: “For Saul my father will not find you” or “For Saul my father will never be able to have power over you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

105723:19zz5krc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of the people group from Ziph. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

105823:19t8kprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

This rhetorical question can be translated as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “David is hiding among us in … Jeshimon!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

105923:19f1ltrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a hill in the wilderness of Judah. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

106023:19n8vjrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a desert area near the Dead Sea. It can also be translated as “the Judean Wilderness” or “the wasteland.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

106123:20tx3qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns0

The word “hand” is a metonym for power. The Ziphites speak to Saul as if he were another man to show him that they respect him. Alternate translation: “give David to you so you can do whatever you desire with him” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

106223:21udu8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “I hope that Yahweh blesses you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

106323:21yr45rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns0

The abstract noun “compassion” can be translated with the adjective “kind.” Saul says this because they had told him about David and they were willing to help Saul capture David. Alternate translation: “you have been kind to me” or “you have kindly told this to me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

106423:22vg7rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet0

These two words mean almost the same thing and can be translated as one phrase. Alternate translation: “Know for sure” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

106523:22ln650

“who saw him”

106623:22i9birc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “People tell me” or “I have heard” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

106723:23iy51rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “even if I have to arrest every man in Judah” or “among all the clans of Judah” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

106823:24jfx80

They stopped what they had been doing. The reader should not believe that they were sitting or lying.

106923:24dx6t0

“Then the Ziphites”

107023:24lp4y0

This is the name of a place. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 23:14.

107123:24q42arc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a desert area near the Dead Sea. It can also be translated as “the Judean Wilderness” or “the wasteland.” See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 23:19. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

107223:24ij6rrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of the deserted area around the city of Maon in southern Judah. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

107323:25wnj2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Someone told David that they were coming” or “David learned that they were coming” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

107423:25r4x50

a hill covered with many rocks or boulders

107523:27j8yvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys0

The words “hurry” and “come” can be combined into one idea. Alternate translation: “Come quickly” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])

107623:28fy6k0

“chasing David, trying to catch him”

107723:28qaa20

a memorial or marker of Davids escape from Saul

107824:introabco0

1 Samuel 24 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Even though Saul tries again and again to kill David, David does not avenge himself on Saul because God had chosen Saul as king. This is meant to contrast with Sauls treatment of David, the future king. Saul represents the king the people wanted, a selfish man. David is the king God wanted, a godly man. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/other/avenge]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/elect]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/godly]])

107924:1li61rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “someone told him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

108024:1b3630

Engedi is a place in Israel west of the Dead Sea where there is water with dry land all around it.

108124:2fgt3rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers0

3,000 (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

108224:2wu590

men whom he had chosen because of their superior military abilities

108324:3i1mn0

“sheep corrals” or “sheep enclosures”

108424:3n5xbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism0

This is a euphemism for “relieve himself” or “defecate” or “empty his intestines.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

108524:3d5rh0

generally a natural hole under the ground, often with an opening in the side of a hill or cliff

108624:4g5syrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

The word “arose” is an idiom for taking action. Alternate translation: “David took action; he quietly crept” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

108724:4q3ls0

approached slowly, carefully or quietly

108824:5c41trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “David was sad because he had done something wrong” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

108924:6w1fa0

“the one whom Yahweh has chosen to lead his people” or “the one Yahweh has made king”

109024:6p9l3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

The hand is a metonym for the ability to cause harm. Alternate translation: “to harm him in any way” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

109124:9n22drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

This is a rhetorical question. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not listen to the men who say, See, David is seeking to harm you.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

109224:10v731rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche0

Here “your eyes” represent King Saul. Alternate translation: “you have seen with your own eyes” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

109324:10xib3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

The word “hand” is a metonym for control. Alternate translation: “put you where I could kill you or allow you to live” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

109424:11t3q90

Saul was not Davids real father. David calls him “father” to show that he respects Saul.

109524:11dhu3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

David speaks as if evil and treason were physical objects he could hold in his hand. Here “hand” represents a person acting or doing something. Alternate translation: “I have done no evil deed against you, nor have I rebelled against you” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

109624:12f9tqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

The hand is a metonym for the ability to cause harm. See how you translated a similar phrase in 1 Samuel 24:6. Alternate translation: “I will not harm you in any way” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

109724:13wss6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj0

This nominal adjective can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “people who lived long ago” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

109824:14ng1trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

These rhetorical questions can be translated as statements. When David asks the questions, he knows that he will answer the questions himself. Alternate translation: “Let me tell you who the king of Israel has come out after. Let me tell you who it is that you are pursuing.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

109924:14jfp1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

The words “dead dog” are a metaphor for a powerless person. This sentence can be made complete. Alternate translation: “You are pursuing a person who is as powerless as a dead dog” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

110024:14u7shrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

The word “flea” is a metaphor for a person whom others do not consider important. Alternate translation: “You are pursuing a person who is as unimportant as a flea” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

110124:15cbv20

Possible meanings are (1) “do what is right, and plead my cause” or (2) “see that my cause is right and fight for me.”

110224:15g89crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

The word “hand” is a metonym for power. Alternate translation: “so that you have no power over me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

110324:16wzm1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

Saul speaks as if David were his son to show David that he loves him. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

110424:16jg3prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

The writer writes as if a voice were something a person could lift up with his hands. Alternate translation: “wept loudly” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

110524:18vh220

Saul acknowledges that David did show that he supported King Saul and was loyal to him by not killing him.

110624:18p9310

Saul acknowledges that David chose to show mercy and demonstrated his loyalty to King Saul as Yahwehs anointed.

110724:19s8ierc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

A rhetorical question with the answer included in the question. Alternate translation: “For if a man finds his enemy, he will not let him go safely.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

110824:19p5v50

Where Saul had believed David was his enemy, he learns that even though David will be king, David will not take over the throne from Saul by force, but will wait for Yahwehs appointed time.

110924:20j61irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are (1) David will cause the kingdom of Israel to prosper through his power as king. Alternate translation: “the kingdom of Israel will prosper as you rule the Israelite people” or (2) Yahweh will cause David to have complete control over the kingdom of Israel. Alternate translation: “you will have complete rule over the kingdom of Israel” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

111024:20ge3urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

The word “hand” is a metonym that represents power or control. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

111124:21lj2i0

“you will not kill my sons and their families.” It was common for a new king who was not from the previous family line to kill off all the children of the former king to prevent any of them from challenging him for the throne.

111224:21hr5urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

It is important for each family in Israel to have descendants from generation to generation carrying on the family name and land inheritance. Alternate translation: “you will not destroy my family and descendants” or “you will allow my family to live” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

111324:22yhv60

“David and his army”

111425:introabcp0

1 Samuel 25 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Revenge

When David decides to kill all of the men in Nabals household, Abigail convinces David not to avenge himself but to leave revenge to God. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/other/avenge]])

111525:1nvn1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole0

This is likely a generalization. A large number of the people of Israel were probably there, but some were probably unable to attend. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

111625:1xdb30

“met together”

111725:1n1il0

Possible meanings are that they buried Samuel (1) in his home town of Ramah or (2) on his familys land in Ramah but not physically in the house or (3) in his house in Ramah.

111825:1l3mw0

“David and his men moved on and they went down”

111925:2na8t0

Some translators may need to put the ideas in these verses in a different order. Alternate translation: “There was a very wealthy man in Maon whose possessions were in Carmel.”

112025:2alm4rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a town. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

112125:2l859rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a town. This is different from Mount Carmel. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

112225:2v9dyrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers0

3,000 (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

112325:2h7hvrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers0

1,000 (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

112425:2e5y90

“shaving the wool off his sheep”

112525:3b2de0

This verse give some background information about the man Nabal and his character. Some translators may need to put the ideas in this verse in a different order. Alternate translation: “Now the man was a descendant of the house of Caleb. His name was Nabal, and the name of his wife was Abigail. She was intelligent and beautiful in appearance. But the man was harsh and evil in his dealings.”

112625:3h65trc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

112725:3s9jarc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a woman. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

112825:3r2tprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Here “house” represents family. Alternate translation: “He was a descendant of the family of Caleb” or “He was a descendant of Caleb” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

112925:4j27u0

“shaving the wool off his sheep”

113025:5lq450

“greet him as I would greet him if I were there”

113125:6n38grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns0

“I desire that you may live in prosperity.” The abstract noun “prosperity” can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: “I desire that you possess many good things as long as you live” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

113225:6x8p80

“I desire that peace may come to you, your household and your possessions”

113325:7u29d0

“your shearers are working” or “your shearers have sheep to shear.” David wants his men to speak so that Nabal understands that his sheep were well because Davids men helped guard them.

113425:7d9sirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes0

David is pointing out how he and his men offered protection to Nabals servants and flocks. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “we kept them and all their property from harm” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

113525:8yvj1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

Here the eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “may you be pleased with my young men” or “may you consider my young men favorably” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

113625:8kzp80

David was expressing respect toward Nabal by calling his men Nabals servants.

113725:8z6jm0

David spoke as if he were Nabals son to show that he respected Nabal, who was an older man.

113825:9k52k0

“Davids army”

113925:9am5l0

“gave Nabal Davids complete message”

114025:10zp6rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Nabal used questions to emphasize that he had no reason to help Daved. These two rhetorical questions can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: “This David son of Jesse you speak of—I do not know him.” or “I do not know who this David is, so I will not do as he says. I do not know who Jesse is, so I do not care what happens to his son.” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

114125:10aj230

“running away from” or “rebelling against”

114225:11c5xdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

Here “bread” is an idiom for any kind of food. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

114325:11f6310

“men when I do not know where they have come from” or “men whom I do not know”

114425:12b8irrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that Nabal had said” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

114525:13lxp60

“said to his army”

114625:13pbs3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

If swords are not known in your language, you can treat “strap on his sword” as a metonym meaning to prepare for war. Alternate translation: “Every man, prepare for war. And every man prepared for war. David also prepared for war” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

114725:13gl14rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers0

400 (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

114825:13j4qdrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers0

200 (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

114925:13h5qa0

They remained at their base camp to prevent other raiders from stealing their possessions.

115025:14y9qirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

You may need to make explicit what the young man did before he spoke with Abigail. Alternate translation: “One of Nabals servants found out what David and his men were planning to do, so he went to Nabals wife Abigail” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

115125:15pr5irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Nobody harmed us” or “We were safe” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

115225:15p6bs0

“we did not lose anything when we were with them.” Davids men kept wild animals and other people from stealing Nabals flocks.

115325:16ibg5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

Davids men were like a wall around a city that protects the people in the city from their enemies. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

115425:17r8ecrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

The speaker is careful not to name the one plotting the evil. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “someone is plotting to do evil things to our master” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

115525:17gu63rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns0

The speaker speaks of David as if David were another person to show that he respects David. Alternate translation: “you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])

115625:18y9circ://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers0

200 (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

115725:18av2lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

A loaf is like a cake. You may need to make explicit what the loaves consisted of. Alternate translation: “loaves of bread” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

115825:18b23p0

“that someone had already cooked” or “ready for someone to cook”

115925:18pl3frc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume0

This is a generic term as none is given. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bvolume]])

116025:18e7nf0

“grain that someone had cooked”

116125:18twx70

“cakes of raisins” or “masses of raisins”

116225:20d3l80

“David and his army”

116325:20wcs50

Possible meanings are (1) into a low, narrow stream bed or (2) to where the men were hiding.

116425:21h5uvrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background0

The writer gives background information before he continues with the story. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

116525:21nzw10

The reader needs to understand that David had said these things before he said, “Every man strap on his sword” in 1 Samuel 25:13.

116625:21vv7p0

The word “Now” shows that the writer has stopped writing about Abigail and started writing about David.

116725:21n566rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes0

This can be stated positively and in active form. Alternate translation: “he still has everything that was his” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

116825:22zn6m0

The reader needs to understand that David had said these things before he said, “Every man strap on his sword” in 1 Samuel 25:13.

116925:22cg4h0

The Hebrew text has “May God strike the enemies of David,” and some versions follow this. However, the reading of the ULT follows the main Greek tradition of the Old Testament, as some other modern versions do.

117025:22l2bk0

“all the people who belong to him” or “those in his family”

117125:23l6e2rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background0

The writer has finished giving background information, so he continues the story. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

117225:23l5ga0

Abigail was being humble and showing that she would obey David because he was a powerful leader.

117325:24c4nh0

“hear”

117425:24ljp8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns0

“David … me … my words.” Abigail speaks of herself and David as if they are two other people, to show that she respects David. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])

117525:25zt8e0

Abigail continues to advise David not to take revenge.

117625:25q94vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns0

Abigail speaks of herself and David as if they are other people to show that she respects David. Alternate translation: “Do not regard … I … your young men” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])

117725:25zwq8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

You may need to make explicit what Abigail would have done. Alternate translation: “But if I … had seen … whom you sent, I would have given them food” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

117825:26b9lx0

Abigail continues to advise David not to take revenge.

117925:26tc8rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns0

Abigail speaks of David as if he is another person to show that she respects David. Alternate translation: “David … you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])

118025:26j7ne0

murder

118125:26j55qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

The hand is a metonym for what a person does with the hand. Abigail assumes that David should allow Yahweh to take vengeance for him. Alternate translation: “taking vengeance yourself instead of letting Yahweh do it” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

118225:26p12krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

Abigail speaks as if Yahweh has already punished Nabal. Alternate translation: “I hope that Yahweh will punish your enemies … as he will punish Nabal” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture]])

118325:27s1mh0

Abigail continues to tell David not to be angry.

118425:27lh33rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

Abigail uses the passive to show her respect for David. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “please give this present, which your servant has brought to my master, to the young men” or “please let my master give this present, which your servant has brought to my master, to the young men” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

118525:27ew7h0

“these gifts.” The “present” was actually many different things.

118625:27yj2zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns0

Abigail speaks of herself and David as if they are two other people to show that she respects David. Alternate translation: “I have … you … you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])

118725:28lg880

Abigail continues to reason with David.

118825:28m9shrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns0

Abigail speaks of herself and David as if they are two other people, to show that she respects David. Alternate translation: “my trespass … you … you are” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])

118925:28iqt4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

Here “house” is an idiom used for “descendants.” Alternate translation: “Yahweh will ensure that my master always has a descendant who serves as king” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

119025:28qq1m0

“fighting against Yahwehs enemies”

119125:28cd6hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “no one will ever see you do any evil thing” or “you will never do anything evil” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

119225:29k6qw0

Abigail continues to reason with David.

119325:29aql50

chase and try to catch

119425:29pf24rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

Abigail speaks of Davids life as if it were a long and thin object that a person could put with other long and thin objects and then tie together into a bundle with a rope. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh your God will bind the life of my master in the bundle of the living” or “Yahweh your God will keep you alive with those who are alive” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

119525:29tyz3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns0

Abigail speaks of herself and David as if they are two different people to show that she respects David. Alternate translation: “your life” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])

119625:29m3ubrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

Abigail speaks of Davids enemies lives as if they were small objects like a stone that could be put in a sling and shot a long distance. Alternate translation: “he will kill your enemies as easily as a man slings a stone a long distance” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

119725:29mm760

a piece of animal skin with long cords at both ends in which a person can put a stone or other small, hard object and throw it a long distance

119825:30u6qu0

Abigail continues to reason with David.

119925:30m21urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns0

Abigail speaks of David as if he is another person, to show that she respects David. Alternate translation: “you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])

120025:31lm3s0

Abigail finishes reasoning with David.

120125:31wg25rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes0

Abigail is stating that if David chooses not to take revenge he will have a clear conscience when Yahweh makes him king of Israel. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “You will always be glad you acted as you did-that you have not poured out innocent blood, or because my master did not attempt to rescue himself” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

120225:31bql2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns0

Abigail speaks of herself and David as if they are two other people, to show that she respects David. “you … yourself … you … me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])

120325:31m9fd0

That is, when Yahweh actually makes him king after Sauls reign is over.

120425:32i5t40

David accepts Abigails counsel and gifts.

120525:32ze7arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be translated in active form. Possible meanings are (1) “I praise Yahweh … who” or (2) “May all people praise Yahweh … who.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

120625:33xel2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “I thank Yahweh because he has blessed you by making you wise and because” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

120725:33m4g60

murder. The same word appears in 1 Samuel 25:26.

120825:33er78rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

The word “hand” here is a metonym for the action taken by the hand. Alternate translation: “by my own actions” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

120925:34hb7b0

David accepts Abigails gifts and agrees to do as she has advised him.

121025:34wl4xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “I would not have left to Nabal even one male baby” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

121125:35d94hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

This is an idiom. Abigail did not unload all gifts from the donkeys herself. Alternate translation: “accepted all the gifts that she had brought” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

121225:35uy5nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

The word “voice” is a metonym for the message the person speaks and a synecdoche for the person who speaks. Alternate translation: “have listened to what you have told me” or “will do as you have advised me” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

121325:36n4cq0

dawn

121425:36l1ya0

Nabal was very happy

121525:37l6bf0

Yahwehs judgment on Nabal

121625:37u2tf0

Nabal was no longer drunk and so was no longer feeling happy.

121725:37g4h60

Nabal was unable to move because was so afraid that he was no longer physically healthy, probably because he had suffered a stroke.

121825:39y8vj0

David offers to protect Abigail by marrying her.

121925:39ir6zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be translated in active form. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 25:32. Possible meanings are (1) Alternate translation: “I praise Yahweh” or (2) Alternate translation: “May all people praise Yahweh” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

122025:39j9hlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “has defended me after Nabal insulted me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

122125:39n5tdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

The abstract nouns “cause” and “insult” can be translated as verbs. Possible meanings are (1) Alternate translation: “has shown that what I was doing was right by punishing Nabal for insulting me” or (2) Alternate translation: “has acted, when Nabal insulted me, as if Nabal had insulted him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

122225:39w9kjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns0

David speaks as if he were another person to show his respect for Yahweh. Alternate translation: “has kept me back from doing evil deeds” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])

122325:39cq6prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns0

The abstract noun “action” can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: “has done to Nabal what Nabal planned to do to me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

122425:39lb46rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche0

The head is a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: “on him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

122525:39ci9prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis0

You may make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “sent men to speak to Abigail and tell her that David wanted to take her to be his wife” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

122625:41nmv3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Abigail responded by bowing. The reader should understand that she was probably already standing when the men were talking to her in 1 Samuel 25:40, and so the word “arose” is a metonym for deciding to bow down. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

122725:41iqu6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns0

Abigail speaks as if she were another person to show that she is humble. She shows that she desires to be Davids new wife by offering to wash the feet of Davids servants. Alternate translation: “See, I will serve you, the servants of my master David, by washing your feet” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])

122825:42ays4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

You may need to make explicit what Abigail did after she arose and before she rode. Alternate translation: “quickly did what she needed to do to prepare for the journey, and then she rode” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

122925:42hv4c0

Abigail was riding a donkey, but the servant girls were walking.

123025:43qn8trc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background0

This event took place before David married Abigail. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

123125:43fx9vrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a woman. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

123225:44t45urc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background0

This event took place before David married Abigail. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

123325:44eld8rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a woman. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

123425:44rm51rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

123525:44qbi9rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is a town north of Jerusalem. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

123626:introabcq0

1 Samuel 26 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Vengeance

David has another opportunity to kill Saul but he refuses to kill the one God had chosen as king. This contrasts with Saul, who tried to find David and kill him. Saul came to admit that David was more righteous than he was because he did not kill his enemy. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/elect]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical question

David put his reason for not killing Saul in a rhetorical question: “Do not destroy him; for who can extend his hand against Yahwehs anointed one and be guiltless?” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

123726:1xrk7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

This rhetorical question can be translated as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “David is hiding … Jeshimon!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

123826:1u73j0

“from which we can see Jeshimon”

123926:1x3kjrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a desert area near the Dead Sea. It can also be translated as “the Judean Wilderness” or “the wasteland.” See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 23:19. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

124026:2xlu2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

The word “arose” is an idiom for taking action. Alternate translation: “Then Saul took action and he went” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

124126:2bq6irc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers0

3,000 (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

124226:2em7t0

men whom he had chosen because of their superior military abilities

124326:3bg6j0

“from which they could see Jeshimon”

124426:3x3karc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a desert area near the Dead Sea. It can also be translated as “the Judean Wilderness” or “the wasteland.” See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 23:19. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

124526:5m1dq0

“David took action and he went”

124626:5m7exrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

124726:6zm97rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

124826:6kzq7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

These are the names of women. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

124926:6fp9z0

David and his men were probably on higher ground than Saul.

125026:6n7u20

“I want to be the one who goes down”

125126:8m51qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Abishai speaks as if the enemy were a small object that God had put into Davids hand. The word “hand” is a metonym for the power the hand can wield. Alternate translation: “God has given you complete control over your enemy” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

125226:8lze4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

This is a metonym that refers to “kill with a spear” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

125326:8n3y80

“I will kill him the first time I strike him” or “I will not need to strike him a second time”

125426:9ph1trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. This can also be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “No one can strike Yahwehs anointed one and be without guilt.” or “Anyone who strikes Yahwehs anointed one will be guilty of murder.” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

125526:10c39s0

“as certainly as Yahweh lives” or “as surely as Yahweh lives”

125626:10s6yk0

“he will die a natural death”

125726:11gt6brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

The hand is a metonym for the harm a hand can do. Alternate translation: “do anything to harm” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

125826:11q6tyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive0

David includes Abishai, so the word “us” here is inclusive. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

125926:12mj5c0

Yahweh had caused them to sleep deeply.

126026:14qg15rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

David uses a question to shame Abner into answering. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Answer me, Abner!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

126126:14i2zz0

“David spoke as loudly as he could” so Saul and his men could hear him

126226:15e3xdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

David uses a question to rebuke Abner for not guarding Saul. Alternate translation: “You are a very brave man.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

126326:15it27rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

David uses a question to rebuke Abner for not guarding Saul. Alternate translation: “You are the greatest soldier in Israel.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

126426:15b9q7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Possible meanings are (1) this is a real question and David wants Abner to answer him or (2) this is a rhetorical question and David is rebuking Abner. Alternate translation: “Therefore you should have kept watch over your master the king!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

126526:17d5y6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

Saul was not Davids true father. Saul speaks as if he were Davids father to show David that he wants David to trust and respect him as David would trust and respect his own father. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

126626:18n2yfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Possible meanings are (1) David really does want Saul to answer the question or (2) this rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “My master has no reason to pursue his servant.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

126726:18ah3mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person0

Here David speaks of Saul in third person calling him “my master,” and he speaks of himself in third person calling himself “his servant.” David speaks this way to show respect to Saul. Alternate translation: “Why are you, my master, pursuing me, your servant?” or “Why are you pursuing me?” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

126826:18ljv3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Possible meanings are (1) David really does want Saul to answer the question or (2) this rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You know that I have done nothing to harm you.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

126926:18q2fgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

This speaks of evil as if it were an object that is held in the hand. Here “hand” represents a person acting or doing something. Possible meanings are (1) David really does want Saul to answer the question. Alternate translation: “What have I done wrong?” or (2) this rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “I have done nothing wrong!” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

127026:19xsj9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns0

David speaks as if he and the king were other people to show respect to Saul. Alternate translation: “you my king, listen to my words” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])

127126:19xi810

“caused you to be angry with me”

127226:19sn5drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit0

You may need to make explicit the reason he will give an offering. Alternate translation: “I will give him an offering so he will no longer cause you to be angry with me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

127326:19t9dxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “may Yahweh decide to punish them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

127426:19fre10

“for they have today driven me out. It is as if they want me to stop clinging to the inheritance of Yahweh. It is as if they have said to me, Go worship other gods.’”

127526:19h8280

“so that I will no longer trust that Yahweh will give me what he has promised me”

127626:20r1qcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns0

David speaks as if the king was another person to show respect to Saul. Alternate translation: “you have” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])

127726:20dm6irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism0

This is a polite way of saying “do not kill me.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

127826:20km1grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

David uses the word “flea” as a metaphor for a person, himself, who cannot do any great harm. Alternate translation: “this single flea” or “me, and I cannot harm you any more than one flea can” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

127926:20ua6erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile0

Saul is chasing David as if he were hunting a valuable wild bird. (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-simile]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

128026:21w8jk0

Possible meanings are (1) “Return to serve me in my palace” or (2) “Return to your home.”

128126:21l7a6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

Saul was not Davids true father. Saul speaks as if he were Davids father to show David that he wants David to trust and respect him as David would trust and respect his own father. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

128226:21sy9urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

Here the eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “today you have considered my life to be very valuable” or “today you showed me that you really do respect me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

128326:21zs9x0

“been very foolish”

128426:23sdp3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

The word “hand” is a metonym for the persons power. “Yahweh gave me an opportunity to attack you today” or “Yahweh placed me where I could easily have killed you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

128526:23x1fy0

“give what is proper to each man””

128626:23h11drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns0

David speaks as if Saul were another person to show that he respects Saul because Saul is king. Alternate translation: “the one he has chosen to be king” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])

128726:24wtj8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

Here the eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. See how you translated similar words in 1 Samuel 26:21. Alternate translation: “I have considered your life to be very valuable” or “I showed you today that I really do respect you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

128826:24tf9src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

Here the eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “so may Yahweh consider my life very valuable as well” or “so may Yahweh value my life as much as I have valued your life” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

128926:25r7dprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh bless you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

129026:25ct8yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

Saul was not Davids true father. Saul speaks as if he were Davids father to show David that he wants David to trust and respect him as David would trust and respect his own father. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

129127:introabcr0

1 Samuel 27 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This begins a section about David living with the Philistines.

Special concepts in this chapter

Davids move

David is afraid Saul will someday catch him and kill him, so he moves to the Philistine city of Gath. This is a type of exile David creates for himself out of fear. It is caused by his lack of trust in God. This is the same reason his descendants would come to be exiled. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/trust]])

129227:1vu4lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche0

Here “his heart” is a metonym that means to himself. Alternate translation: “David thought to himself” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

129327:1j9tlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche0

The word “hand” is a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: “escape from him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

129427:2cr5x0

“David took action; he passed over”

129527:2jn4b0

“passed over the border between Israel and Philistia”

129627:2yjn5rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers0

600 (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

129727:2y8hnrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 21:10. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

129827:2ik5prc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

129927:3q6ibrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a woman. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 14:50. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

130027:3f557rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a woman. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 25:3. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

130127:3qmd3rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 25:3. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

130227:4zdd9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Someone told Saul” or “Saul heard” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

130327:5zt35rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

Here the eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 20:3. Alternate translation: “If I have pleased you” or “If you consider me favorably” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

130427:5mj6yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Since Achish was the one who would “give,” this is a metonym for “please give me a place.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

130527:5ib990

“one of the outlying towns” or “one of the towns outside the city”

130627:5as8drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “I do not need to live in the city with you.” or “I am not important enough to live here with you in the royal city.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

130727:5qss2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns0

David speaks as if he were another person to show that he respected Achish. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])

130827:6d2xdrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a city in the southwest part of Judah. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

130927:8k2mvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

attacking and taking property many times (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

131027:8mj2irc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

A people group who apparently lived somewhere between Philistia and Egypt. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

131127:8c2xzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns0

Here “you” is being used as an indefinite pronoun that refers to anyone. Alternate translation: “on the way most people travel to Shur” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])

131227:8y3iyrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

region on the northeast border of Egypt (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

131327:9vg2yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns0

the king of Gath (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])

131427:10ylp3rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

the king of Gath (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

131527:10l4n3rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

a clan from the tribe of Judah (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

131627:10qt6src://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

a people group who lived in the land of Midian (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

131727:11x7vmrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

one of five Philistine city-states. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

131827:12g4e6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns0

the king of Gath (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])

131928:introabcs0

1 Samuel 28 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Talking to the dead

Talking to the dead was against the law of Moses. God or the Holy Spirit left Saul because of his sin and would not help him. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/other/death]], [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/holyspirit]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical question

Samuel uses a rhetorical question to say it was useless to ask his advice since there was no way Saul could be successful with God against him: “What then do you ask me, since Yahweh has left you, and he has become your enemy?” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

132028:1u8jp0

large assembly of armies

132128:2au3yrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases0

The word “so” shows that the speaker agrees with what the other person has just said. Alternate translation: “Yes, I will go with you so that you will know … Very well, I will” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])

132228:2a7g30

David probably wanted Achish to think that David would kill many Israelites, but “what your servant can do” could also mean that David was planning to kill Philistines instead. Try to translate so that the reader can see both of these possible meanings.

132328:2b6jyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns0

David speaks as if he is another person so that Achish will think David respects him. Alternate translation: “I” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])

132428:2m1jerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns0

The word “you” refers to David and so is singular. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])

132528:2ltp10

a person who protects another person

132628:3v29crc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background0

The writer provides background information to prepare the reader for the events that follow. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

132728:3k6lf0

officially removed from the country or region, or prevented from entering Alternate translation: “expel from Israel”

132828:3x9280

The words “those who talked with the dead” translate as one word in the original language, and the words “those who … talked with spirits” also translate as one word in the original language. If your language has one word for those who talk with the dead and one word for those who talk with spirits, or if your language has only one word for those who talk with the dead and with spirits, you should use those words here.

132928:4jp420

after David and Achish spoke (1 Samuel 28:2)

133028:4gv6k0

“gathered all his armies in Israel together”

133128:4nut5rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

these are names of places (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

133228:5bi99rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche0

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of his fear. Here Saul is referred to by his “heart.” Alternate translation: “he was terrified” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

133328:6l97l0

The high priest carried the sacred lots called Urim and Thummin in his breastplate, in a marked pouch, next to his heart.

133428:7p66e0

These words translate as one word in the original language. If your language has one word for a person who talks to the dead, you should use it here. See how you translated similar words in 1 Samuel 28:3.

133528:7iy9xrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

133628:8q4zi0

Saul disguised himself because the way from Gilboa (1 Samuel 28:4) to Endor (1 Samuel 28:7) was through land that the Philistines were living in. He traveled all day and reached the woman after the sun had gone down.

133728:8by4s0

changed his usual appearance no one would know who he was

133828:8mj1t0

“Talk to the dead for me”

133928:9qv530

The words “those who talk with the dead” translate as one word in the original language, and the words “those who … talk with spirits” also translate as one word in the original language. If your language has one word for those who talk with the dead and one word for those who talk with spirits, or if your language has only one word for those who talk with the dead and with spirits, you should use those words here. See how you translated similar words in 1 Samuel 28:3.

134028:9fdu8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche0

The word “life” represents the person. Alternate translation: “me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

134128:13bz390

Other possible meanings are (1) “one like God” or (2) “a judge” (1 Samuel 7:15).

134228:17wpr2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

Samuel speaks as if the kingdom were a physical object that could be held in the hand and grabbed out by another person. Alternate translation: “made you so you are no longer king” or “made another person king in your place” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

134328:19wl9urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

Samuel speaks as if the people of Israel were a small object that Yahweh would give to the Philistines, whom he speaks of as if they were one person. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will allow the Philistines to do whatever they want to do to you and the people of Israel” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

134428:19i48brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism0

This is a polite way to say that Saul will die. Alternate translation: “will be dead” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

134528:19y24lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

Samuel speaks as if the army of Israel were a small object that Yahweh would give to the Philistines, whom he speaks of as if they were one person. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will allow the Philistines to do whatever they want to do to the army of Israel” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

134628:20gyg80

Saul had not eaten during the night before he traveled from Gilboa (1 Samuel 28:4) to Endor (1 Samuel 28:7), nor during the day as he journeyed, nor during the night on which he visited the woman.

134728:21t8lwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

This is an idiom. “I could die because I listened” or “Someone could kill me because I listened” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

134828:22cf3lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns0

The woman speaks as if she is another person to show that she respects Saul. She refers to herself by her “voice” to emphasize what she says. Alternate translation: “my voice” or “me speak to you” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]] or [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

134928:23yci70

“Saul would not do what they asked”

135028:23htn70

“forced him”

135128:24x7b90

a calf that has been grown and fed to be available for a special feast

135228:24zn9w0

She mixed flour and oil, working and rolling the mixture thoroughly with her hands to produce dough for baking.

135329:introabct0

1 Samuel 29 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetic song in 29:5.

Other possible translation difficulties

It is unclear whether David wanted to go into battle with the Philistines. He would have been fighting against Saul, but he also would have been fighting against Israels soldiers. It is probably best to see that David is conflicted over this issue, but some scholars believe that David planned on turning against the Philistines in the battle.

135429:1w2gw0

a small stream of water flowing naturally from the Earth

135529:2tq6l0

“divided their men into groups; some groups had one hundred soldiers and some groups had one thousand soldiers”

135629:2j1vsrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers0

100s … 1,000s (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

135729:2vft10

The groups of hundreds and thousands passed on first, then Achish and his helpers, and then David, his men, and the other Philistine soldiers, who were guarding Achish.

135829:3s77qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Possible ways to translate this rhetorical question as a statement are Alternate translation: (1) “You should not have allowed these Hebrews, our enemies, to be here with us.” or (2) “Tell us who these Hebrews are.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

135929:3sj73rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Another possible translation is “Is not this David, … these years? I have found … this day.” The rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should know that this is David … these years. I have found … this day.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

136029:3ri13rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes0

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “I know of nothing that he has done wrong” or “I am very pleased with him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

136129:4i611rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche0

The person here is a synecdoche for the army he commands. Alternate translation: “Do not let his army join with our army against our enemies” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

136229:4vr1nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Here “taking the heads” is a metonym for killing. Alternate translation: “The best way for David to make peace with his master would be by killing our soldiers!” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

136329:5ce4nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not trust David—he is the one of whom they sang one to another in dances, saying, Saul … ten thousands!” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

136429:5e1pvrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers0

“1,000s … 10,000s” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

136529:6pw9src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

This is an idiom. “As certainly as Yahweh lives” or “This is a true statement” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

136629:6tzt20

“I am happy to have you go out and come in with me and my army” or “It is good that you go everywhere with me and my army”

136729:8p5pgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns0

David speaks as if Achish were another person so that Achish will think David respects him. Alternate translation: “you, my master and king” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])

136829:9tse50

“even though that is true, this is more important: the princes” or “however, the princes”

136929:10xd7w0

The reader should understand that Achish is speaking of Saul.

137029:10r3uy0

“can see with the morning sun”

137130:introabcu0

1 Samuel 30 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

David fights the Amalekites

When David and his men arrive home, they find the Amalekites have raided Ziklag and taken everything. They catch and destroy them and bring back all of their goods and families. Then David sends gifts to all the cities in Judah through which they had traveled.

137230:1u6dp0

Ziklag is a city in the southern part of Judah. This was where David and his men kept their families.

137330:2i8bg0

the Amalekites

137430:2l5au0

Possible meanings are (1) “both unimportant people and important people” or (2) “both physically small and physically large.”

137530:3tr670

belonging to David and his men

137630:3hh3krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive0

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “they saw that someone had burned it and taken their wives … captive” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

137730:4i5ts0

These were mainly his army of men.

137830:5nc5k0

David finds strength in Yahweh after the raid.

137930:5z5m80

“Ahinoam from Jezreel”

138030:5hq7z0

“Nabal the man from Carmel”

138130:5acw2rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

womens names (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

138230:6e6z10

suffering

138330:6q4ywrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche0

The word “bitter” is a metaphor for the desire to rebel. The word “spirit” is a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: “all the people were ready to rebel against David” or “all the people were very unhappy” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

138430:6plf40

Possible meanings are (1) “David took courage because he knew Yahweh his God would help him” or (2) “Yahweh his God made David strong.”

138530:7na360

David seeks Yahwehs direction in dealing with the raid on his people.

138630:8l4perc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns0

The abstract noun “direction” can be translated as a clause. Alternate translation: “David prayed that Yahweh would tell David what David should do” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

138730:8a2ps0

chase and try to catch

138830:9f5ckrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers0

600 men (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

138930:9n8t40

small stream

139030:10gxs60

“kept chasing them, trying to catch them”

139130:10she5rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers0

400 men (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

139230:10c9v7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers0

200 men (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

139330:10jle50

They were tired from their own raids and now in pursuit of the Amalekites. They no longer had the strength to continue.

139430:11wy3y0

He was left there to die from the Amalekite raiding party.

139530:12l4q10

“clusters of dried grapes”

139630:13a3bt0

David questioned the Egyptian slave.

139730:13g59g0

“three days in the past”

139830:13lrz8rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers0

3 days (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

139930:14z8mp0

an attack on a town to take property

140030:15rpy70

a group of armed warriors who attack people or places unexpectedly

140130:15ln2lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

Here “hands” refers to control. Alternate translation: “you will not … violate the trust I have in you by allowing my master to control me again” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

140230:16tp7i0

the goods they had stolen in the raid

140330:17ac8n0

the time just after the sun goes down until the sky is dark

140430:17uap2rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers0

400 (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

140530:18gv1e0

“got back … got back.” These two words translate the same Hebrew word. Your language may also have a word for a person getting his own property back from the person who stole it that is different from the word for a person getting his wife back from those who have captured her.

140630:18zen40

“got his two wives back” or “saved his two wives from danger”

140730:19f95n0

“None of the items the Amalekites had stolen were lost”

140830:19h16q0

Possible meanings are (1) “neither unimportant people nor important people” or (2) “neither physically small nor physically large.” See how you translated similar words in 1 Samuel 30:2.

140930:19we470

goods that the Amelekites had stolen. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 30:16.

141030:21r2q2rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers0

200 (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

141130:21e3fwrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

a small stream or creek named Besor. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 30:9. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

141230:21l3p70

spoke to them in a friendly way

141330:22jt6r0

the goods they had taken from the enemy in battle. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 30:16.

141430:22n8ra0

“we have regained” or “we have gotten back”

141530:24n8h7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement: Alternate translation: “No one will listen to you in this matter.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

141630:24sv97rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns0

The abstract noun “share” can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: “as what belongs to anyone who goes” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

141730:24xyy40

the warriors who actually fought the enemy in war

141830:24ff290

“will make sure that all receive the same amount”

141930:24jdd30

the people who supported the warriors by managing and guarding their supplies

142030:24q69h0

belongings that the soldiers left behind when they went into battle

142130:26w4a8rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a town. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

142230:26l1ll0

goods that David had taken from the Amalekites after the battle. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 30:16.

142330:26ies70

“a gift”

142430:27j2r90

The writer begins a list of towns whose elders received gifts from David.

142530:27rha5rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

These are names of towns. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

142630:28qm9t0

The writer continues the list that began in 1 Samuel 30:27 of towns whose elders received gifts from David.

142730:28r7zxrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

These are names of towns. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

142830:29xiz30

The writer continues the list that began in 1 Samuel 30:27 of towns whose elders received gifts from David.

142930:29v2kdrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a town. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

143030:29a93erc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

These are the names of people groups. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

143130:30re7a0

The writer continues the list that began in 1 Samuel 30:27 of towns whose elders received gifts from David.

143230:30n9nurc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

These are names of towns. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

143330:31k11c0

The writer finishes the list that began in 1 Samuel 30:27 of towns whose elders received gifts from David.

143431:introabcv0

1 Samuel 31 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This is the end of the section on Saul, but the book continues in 2 Samuel 1.

Special concepts in this chapter

Sauls punishment

Saul receives his punishment from God: death for his disobedience and resisting the will of God. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/willofgod]])

143531:1k1fi0

This battle was the result of the conflict between David and the Philistines in 1 Samuel 29:11. The writer has finished telling the story of David that began in 1 Samuel 30:1, and now he tells about the battle between the Israelites and the Philistines.

143631:1mg5wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy0

“Israel” refers to the people who live there. Alternate translation: “against the people of Israel” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

143731:1u5iirc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a mountain (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

143831:2kg9r0

“chased Saul and three of his sons”

143931:2f33rrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

144031:3g8f6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom0

This is an idiom. “Sauls army began to lose the battle” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

144131:4pe6q0

The armor bearer carried the large shield of his commanding officer and other weapons. He protected the commanding officer during a battle.

144231:4nl61rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj0

The nominal adjective “uncircumcised” can be translated as an adjective. Not being circumcised is a metonym for being foreigners. Alternate translation: “these men who have not been circumcised” or “these non-Israelite men” (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

144331:4w39yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis0

The ellipsis can be filled in. Alternate translation: “would not do what Saul had told him to do” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

144431:4u2fu0

“killed himself with his own sword”

144531:6a6ky0

“on that one day”

144631:7b1z10

lived in the cities the men of Israel had left

144731:8v9ln0

take the armor and weapons off the dead Israelites bodies

144831:8d9b8rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

a mountain range overlooking the Valley of Jezreel in northern Israel, south of Nazareth (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

144931:9w7af0

“all areas of the land of the Philistines”

145031:9xcw50

“to speak the news inside the temples and to the people”

145131:9j17p0

the buildings where they worshiped their idols

145231:10e3nj0

ancient false goddesses and idols, also called “Asherah” or “Astarte”

145331:10z4230

attached, probably with a large spike or nail

145431:10qu6krc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

the name of a city (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

145531:11e9d6rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names0

This is the name of a town. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 11:1. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

145631:11e2e50

“how the Philistines had dishonored Saul”

145731:12myv90

“throughout the whole night”

145831:13enk8rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown0

This is a type of tree. See how you translated this in 1 Samuel 22:6. Alternate translation: “a large shade tree” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])