1 Samuel 10:17

KJV

¶ And Samuel called the people together unto the LORD to Mizpeh;

KJV (with Strong's)

And Samuel {H8050} called {H6817} the people {H5971} together unto the LORD {H3068} to Mizpeh {H4709};

Complete Jewish Bible

Sh'mu'el summoned the people to ADONAI in Mitzpah.

Berean Standard Bible

After this, Samuel summoned the people to the LORD at Mizpah

American Standard Version

And Samuel called the people together unto Jehovah to Mizpah;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 10:17 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, describing Samuel's authoritative summons of the entire nation to Mizpeh. This assembly, convened "unto the LORD," was a sacred convocation intended to publicly ratify God's choice for Israel's first king, following the people's persistent demand for a monarchy and Saul's prior private anointing. The verse sets the stage for the dramatic revelation of Saul as king, powerfully underscoring God's continued sovereignty over the nation's leadership and destiny amidst a significant transition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial transition point in the unfolding narrative of 1 Samuel. It immediately follows the private anointing of Saul by Samuel and the subsequent confirmatory signs that validated his kingship (1 Samuel 10:1-16). While Saul has been divinely chosen and personally affirmed, [1 Samuel 10:17](/1_samuel/10-17 "1 Samuel 10:17 - Samuel Summons Israel to Mizpeh") initiates the public, national process of revealing the king. It meticulously sets the stage for the casting of lots in the subsequent verses ([1 Samuel 10:18-24](/1_samuel/10-18-24 "1 Samuel 10:18-24 - Saul Publicly Identified as King")), which formally identifies Saul to the gathered tribes. The preceding chapters, particularly [1 Samuel 8](/1_samuel/8 "1 Samuel 8 - Israel Demands a King"), meticulously detail Israel's rejection of God as their direct King and their insistent demand for a human monarch "like all the nations," a request God reluctantly granted through Samuel, demonstrating His patient condescension to His people's desires.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in 1 Samuel is one of profound transition for Israel, moving from a loose confederacy of tribes governed by judges to a centralized monarchy. This monumental shift was largely propelled by Israel's fervent desire for a visible human leader to unite them against their formidable enemies, particularly the Philistines, and to conform to the established political structures of surrounding nations. Mizpeh (meaning "watchtower" or "outlook") was a historically significant and sacred location for national assemblies, fervent prayer, and solemn covenant renewal, as vividly depicted in [Judges 20:1](/judges/20-1 "Judges 20:1 - Israel's Assembly at Mizpeh") and [1 Samuel 7:5-6](/1_samuel/7-5-6 "1 Samuel 7:5-6 - Samuel's Prayer and Repentance at Mizpeh"). Its deliberate selection for this momentous event underscored the profound spiritual and covenantal nature of the transition, elevating it far beyond a purely secular political gathering and rooting it deeply in Israel's theological identity.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Samuel 10:17](/1_samuel/10-17 "1 Samuel 10:17 - Samuel Summons Israel to Mizpeh") powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to the book of 1 Samuel. Firstly, **Divine Oversight in Leadership Selection** is paramount; despite the people's human desire for a king, God remains sovereign, meticulously guiding the process through His faithful prophet Samuel. The assembly being explicitly "unto the LORD" emphasizes that the selection is ultimately a divine act, not merely a popular vote, reinforcing the truth that "the king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will" ([Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")). Secondly, **National Unity and Participation** are vividly evident in the calling together of "the people," signifying a collective, national involvement in this foundational shift, even if their initial motivations were flawed. Thirdly, **Samuel's Enduring Prophetic Authority** is prominently showcased as he orchestrates this gathering under direct divine instruction, demonstrating his continued indispensable role as God's mediator and spiritual guide for the nation. This moment also subtly underscores the inherent **Tension Between Human Desire and Divine Will**, as God graciously accommodates Israel's request for a king while still ensuring His own sovereign purposes are meticulously fulfilled.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **called (Hebrew, _tsâʻaq'_):** A primitive root meaning "to shriek," but by powerful implication, "to proclaim an assembly" or "call together." In this context, it denotes Samuel's authoritative summons, not merely an invitation, but a formal, divinely mandated convocation of the entire nation. This emphasizes the gravity and official nature of the gathering, underscoring Samuel's recognized role as God's appointed representative and the spiritual weight of the impending event.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh, meaning "the Self-Existent One" or "the Eternal." The phrase "unto the LORD" transforms the assembly from a mere political convention into a profoundly sacred convocation, signifying that the entire process of king-selection was to be conducted in God's sovereign presence, under His ultimate authority, and according to His divine will for Israel. It underscores that even human kingship in Israel was meant to be a reflection of God's ultimate sovereignty.
* **Mizpeh (Hebrew, _Mitspâh'_):** Meaning "watchtower" or "outlook," Mizpeh was a historically significant location in Palestine, known as a site for national assemblies, fervent prayer, and solemn covenant renewal (cf. [Judges 20:1](/judges/20-1 "Judges 20:1 - Israel Assembles at Mizpeh"); [1 Samuel 7:5-6](/1_samuel/7-5-6 "1 Samuel 7:5-6 - Samuel's Prayer and Repentance at Mizpeh")). Its deliberate selection for this momentous public revelation of the king underscores the spiritual gravity of the occasion, linking this new era of monarchy to Israel's covenantal past and their ongoing, sacred relationship with God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Samuel called the people together":** This clause highlights Samuel's pivotal and indispensable role as the divinely appointed leader and prophet. Despite Israel's insistent demand for a king, it is Samuel, acting directly on God's behalf and under His explicit instruction, who orchestrates this crucial national assembly. His authority is widely recognized and readily obeyed by the diverse tribes of Israel, powerfully demonstrating his continued spiritual leadership and moral authority during this period of monumental national transition.
* **"unto the LORD":** This profoundly significant phrase meticulously defines the sacred nature and ultimate purpose of the gathering. It was not merely a political convention, a popular election, or a secular gathering, but an assembly explicitly convened in the presence and under the supreme authority of Yahweh. This underscores that the selection of the king, though fulfilling a human desire, was ultimately to be ratified and meticulously overseen by God Himself, emphasizing His continuing and unwavering sovereignty over Israel's destiny and future.
* **"to Mizpeh":** The choice of Mizpeh as the specific geographical location for this assembly is deliberate and deeply significant. As a place with a rich and revered history of national assembly, fervent prayer, and solemn covenant renewal, it imbued the proceedings with immense historical and spiritual weight. It served as a powerful symbolic reminder that this momentous decision regarding the establishment of the monarchy was deeply rooted in Israel's covenant relationship with God and their collective identity as His chosen people.

#### Literary Devices
[1 Samuel 10:17](/1_samuel/10-17 "1 Samuel 10:17 - Samuel Summons Israel to Mizpeh") effectively employs **Foreshadowing**, meticulously setting the stage for the dramatic public revelation of Saul as king that immediately follows in the narrative. The very act of gathering the people "unto the LORD" at Mizpeh profoundly **Symbolizes** the sacred and national significance of the impending event, elevating it far beyond a mere political transition to a divinely sanctioned act. The location itself, Mizpeh, serves as a powerful **Symbol**, representing a historical place of national unity, divine encounter, and covenant renewal, drawing deeply on its prior appearances in Israel's sacred history. Samuel's actions, described as calling the people together, demonstrate a clear **Divine Mandate**, reinforcing his prophetic authority and the profound idea that even the establishment of a human monarchy was under God's ultimate direction, despite the people's potentially flawed motivations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 10:17 powerfully illustrates the enduring principle of divine sovereignty in human affairs, particularly in the selection and establishment of leadership. Despite Israel's flawed motivation for desiring a king—to be "like all the nations" rather than trusting fully in God's direct rule—God graciously accommodates their request while still orchestrating the process to ensure His ultimate will is done. The assembly "unto the LORD" signifies that even when human desires or societal pressures drive decisions, faithful leadership (like Samuel's) seeks to bring those decisions into God's presence for His guidance and ratification. This highlights God's patient and active engagement with His people, working through their choices and circumstances to advance His broader redemptive plan, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant.

* [Deuteronomy 17:14-15](/deuteronomy/17-14-15 "Deuteronomy 17:14-15 - Law of the King")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")
* [Acts 1:24](/acts/1-24 "Acts 1:24 - Prayer for Divine Guidance in Leadership Selection")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers and communities alike. It serves as a powerful reminder that all significant decisions, whether deeply personal, familial, or communal, ought to be intentionally brought "unto the LORD." Just as Samuel gathered the entire nation of Israel to Mizpeh to seek divine guidance for their national leadership, we are likewise called to intentionally seek God's presence, His profound wisdom, and His divine blessing in our own transitions, challenges, and choices. This involves not merely uttering a quick prayer, but actively discerning God's will through diligent study of His inspired Word, seeking wise and godly counsel, and attentively listening to the leading of the Holy Spirit. The narrative also challenges us to critically examine the true nature of our desires: are they genuinely aligned with God's ultimate purposes, or are we, like ancient Israel, seeking to conform to the patterns of the world, desiring to be "like all the nations" rather than distinctly set apart for God? Ultimately, [1 Samuel 10:17](/1_samuel/10-17 "1 Samuel 10:17 - Samuel Summons Israel to Mizpeh") profoundly encourages a posture of humble dependence on God's unwavering sovereignty, trusting that He can and will work even through our imperfect requests and flawed choices to bring about His perfect and redemptive will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we ensure our significant decisions, whether personal or communal, are truly "unto the LORD" and not merely driven by personal preference, societal pressure, or cultural conformity?**
* **What does Samuel's faithful and obedient leadership in this crucial moment teach us about guiding others through times of significant change, transition, or uncertainty within our families, churches, or communities?**
* **In what tangible ways can our "Mizpeh" moments—those specific times or designated places where we intentionally seek God's presence and guidance—become more central and formative to our individual lives and collective communities?**
* **How can we discern God's sovereign hand and redemptive purpose even when our immediate circumstances or expressed desires seem to diverge from what we initially perceived as His ideal or perfect plan?**

### FAQ

**Why was Mizpeh chosen as the location for this national assembly?**

Answer: Mizpeh held profound historical and spiritual importance for Israel. It had previously served as a sacred site for national assembly, fervent prayer, and solemn covenant renewal, notably during the tumultuous time of the Judges (e.g., [Judges 20:1](/judges/20-1 "Judges 20:1 - Israel Assembles at Mizpeh")) and under Samuel's own prophetic leadership, where Israel repented and sought God's deliverance from the Philistines ([1 Samuel 7:5-6](/1_samuel/7-5-6 "1 Samuel 7:5-6 - Samuel's Prayer and Repentance at Mizpeh")). Choosing Mizpeh for the public selection of the king meticulously underscored the sacred and covenantal nature of this momentous transition, emphasizing that the decision was being made in God's holy presence and within the enduring context of Israel's covenant relationship with Him.

**What was the significance of calling the people "unto the LORD"?**

Answer: The phrase "unto the LORD" (Hebrew: _Yᵉhôvâh_) indicates that this assembly was not merely a political or secular gathering, but a profoundly sacred convocation. It emphasized that the selection of the king, though fulfilling the people's expressed desire, was ultimately under divine oversight and required God's explicit ratification. It highlighted God's continued and unwavering sovereignty over His people, even as they transitioned from a direct theocracy under judges to a monarchy. This phrase serves as a powerful theological reminder that all legitimate authority, especially in Israel, ultimately derives from God, and all significant national decisions should be brought before Him for His divine guidance and blessing, as vividly seen in God's initial response to Israel's demand for a king in [1 Samuel 8:7](/1_samuel/8-7 "1 Samuel 8:7 - God's Response to Israel's Demand for a King").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Samuel 10:17](/1_samuel/10-17 "1 Samuel 10:17 - Samuel Summons Israel to Mizpeh"), with its depiction of an earthly king chosen by human desire yet ratified by divine oversight, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate, divinely chosen King: Jesus Christ. While Saul was presented to Israel at Mizpeh, a place of earthly assembly and human gathering, Christ is the King who gathers all nations to Himself, not in an earthly location but into His eternal, spiritual kingdom. Unlike Saul, who was chosen in response to Israel's desire to be "like all the nations," Jesus is the King uniquely chosen and appointed by God, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose kingdom is emphatically "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")). Samuel, acting as God's faithful prophet, mediates the selection of an imperfect human king; Christ, however, is the perfect Prophet, Priest, and King, who perfectly fulfills God's will and establishes a reign of righteousness, justice, and peace that far surpasses any earthly monarchy. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission and Christ's Authority")), making Him the true and eternal focus of all genuine assemblies "unto the LORD," the one to whom every knee will ultimately bow ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Judges 20:1

¶ Then all the children of Israel went out, and the congregation was gathered together as one man, from Dan even to Beersheba, with the land of Gilead, unto the LORD in Mizpeh.

1 Samuel 7:5

And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the LORD.

1 Samuel 7:6

And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured [it] out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh.