1 Samuel 10:25

KJV

Then Samuel told the people the manner of the kingdom, and wrote [it] in a book, and laid [it] up before the LORD. And Samuel sent all the people away, every man to his house.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Samuel {H8050} told {H1696} the people {H5971} the manner {H4941} of the kingdom {H4410}, and wrote {H3789} it in a book {H5612}, and laid it up {H3240} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}. And Samuel {H8050} sent {H7971} all the people {H5971} away {H7971}, every man {H376} to his house {H1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sh'mu'el told the people what kinds of rulings should be made in the kingdom, then wrote it on a scroll and set it down before ADONAI. After that, he sent all the people away, everyone to his own home.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Samuel explained to the people the rights of kingship. He wrote them on a scroll and laid it up before the LORD. And Samuel sent all the people away, each to his own home.

American Standard Version

Then Samuel told the people the manner of the kingdom, and wrote it in a book, and laid it up before Jehovah. And Samuel sent all the people away, every man to his house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 10:25 marks a crucial juncture in Israel's history, as the prophet Samuel formally establishes the foundational principles for the newly instituted monarchy. He articulates these guidelines to the people, meticulously records them in a book, and then dedicates this document to the Lord, signifying its divine authority and the accountability of both king and nation to God's standards. Following this significant act of constitutional establishment, Samuel dismisses the assembled populace, concluding the momentous transition with order and clarity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the public acclamation of Saul as Israel's first king at Mizpah, a moment of national excitement and anticipation ([1 Samuel 10:24](/1_samuel/10-24 "1 Samuel 10:24 - Saul's Public Acclamation")). The preceding chapters detail Israel's persistent demand for a king, despite Samuel's initial reluctance and God's warnings about the potential pitfalls of monarchy ([1 Samuel 8:4-22](/1_samuel/8-4 "1 Samuel 8:4-22 - Israel Demands a King")). Samuel had already privately anointed Saul ([1 Samuel 10:1](/1_samuel/10-1 "1 Samuel 10:1 - Samuel Anoints Saul")), and now, with the public acknowledgment, it was imperative to define the parameters of this new governmental structure. This act by Samuel serves as a bridge, transitioning from the chaotic period of the Judges to the more centralized, albeit divinely regulated, era of kingship, setting the stage for Saul's reign and future developments in the monarchy.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The establishment of a monarchy in Israel represented a significant departure from their previous tribal confederacy governed by judges and, ultimately, by God as their direct King (a theocracy). While surrounding nations had established monarchies, Israel's was intended to be unique, with the king serving under God's ultimate authority, not as an absolute ruler. The act of writing down laws and covenants was a common practice in the ancient Near East, signifying legal validity, permanence, and public accessibility. Mizpah, where this event occurred, was a historically significant site for national assemblies, covenant renewals, and judicial proceedings, lending further weight to the formal establishment of the kingdom's "manner" or constitution. This formalization was crucial to prevent the monarchy from becoming an oppressive institution, as Samuel had warned in [1 Samuel 8:11-18](/1_samuel/8-11 "1 Samuel 8:11-18 - Samuel's Warning About Kingship").

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Samuel and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Human Will**, demonstrating that while God permitted Israel's desire for a king, He did so within His established boundaries and principles, not abandoning His ultimate rule. Secondly, it highlights the **Rule of Law** over arbitrary power, emphasizing that the king's authority was not absolute but subject to divine ordinances. This concept is deeply rooted in the Mosaic Law, particularly the laws concerning kingship found in [Deuteronomy 17:14-20](/deuteronomy/17-14 "Deuteronomy 17:14-20 - Laws Concerning Kingship"). Thirdly, Samuel's actions reinforce the enduring **Prophetic Authority** as a check and balance on the new political power. Even with a king, the prophet remains God's voice, ensuring that the earthly ruler operates according to divine will. Finally, the act of writing and laying the document "before the LORD" establishes the theme of **Accountability**, reminding both the king and the people that their governance and obedience were perpetually witnessed and judged by God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Manner (Hebrew, _mishpat_):** The Hebrew word מִשְׁפָּט (_mishpat_) is rich in meaning, encompassing "judgment," "ordinance," "right," "custom," or "due process." In this context, it refers to the established legal framework, the customary rules, and the divine ordinances that would govern the monarchy. It implies a structured, ordered system, not an arbitrary rule by the king. It signifies the prescribed rights, duties, and limitations of the king, as well as the responsibilities of the people within this new governmental structure, ensuring it operated according to God's design.
* **Kingdom (Hebrew, _malkhut_):** The Hebrew word מַלְכוּת (_malkhut_) denotes "kingship," "royal rule," or "dominion." Here, it refers specifically to the institution of the monarchy being established in Israel. Samuel's "manner of the kingdom" was not merely a set of suggestions but the foundational constitution for this new form of governance, outlining how this royal dominion was to be exercised in a way that honored God and served His people.
* **Laid it up before the LORD:** This phrase signifies a solemn act of dedication and appeal to divine authority. To place a document "before the LORD" meant depositing it in a sacred place, likely near the Ark of the Covenant or within the Tabernacle/sanctuary at Mizpah. This act made the document a perpetual witness, placing the newly established governmental principles under God's direct oversight and making both the king and the people accountable to Him for their adherence. It transformed the written rules into a sacred covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Samuel told the people the manner of the kingdom":** This clause highlights Samuel's role as God's spokesperson and mediator. He orally communicated the foundational principles of the monarchy, ensuring public awareness and understanding among the assembled Israelites. This was not a secret decree but a public declaration of the terms under which the new king and kingdom would operate, likely drawing heavily from the Deuteronomic laws concerning kingship.
* **"and wrote [it] in a book":** The act of writing down these principles gave them permanence, authority, and legal weight. It transformed the oral declaration into a tangible, enduring document—a constitution or charter for the Israelite monarchy. This "book" would serve as a reference point and a standard against which future kings and the nation could be measured, ensuring that the rules were not forgotten or arbitrarily changed.
* **"and laid [it] up before the LORD":** This is a profoundly significant theological act. By placing the written document in a sacred space, Samuel consecrated the monarchy and its laws to God. It signified that the kingdom was not merely a human institution but one established under divine authority and subject to divine scrutiny. This act served as a perpetual reminder to both king and people that their ultimate allegiance and accountability were to the Lord.
* **"And Samuel sent all the people away, every man to his house":** This final clause indicates the orderly conclusion of this momentous national assembly. With the king publicly acclaimed and the kingdom's foundational principles formally established and consecrated, the immediate transition was complete. The dispersion of the people signifies a return to normalcy, now with a new understanding of their national structure and the responsibilities that came with it.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is prominent in the "book" and the act of "laying it up before the LORD." The book itself symbolizes the permanence and authority of the law, while its placement "before the LORD" symbolizes divine oversight, accountability, and the sacred nature of the covenant. The entire passage functions as a **Transition**, marking the formal shift from the period of the Judges to the Monarchy, with Samuel acting as the pivotal figure guiding this change. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as the establishment of these foundational principles implicitly sets the stage for future conflicts when kings, like Saul himself, would deviate from "the manner of the kingdom." Samuel's consistent presence and action throughout this process also highlight the **Repetition** of his central prophetic and leadership role, even as Israel seeks a human king.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal moment in 1 Samuel 10:25 underscores God's enduring commitment to ordered governance and His desire for His people to live under righteous principles, even when their choices deviate from His initial ideal. While Israel's demand for a king was initially seen as a rejection of God's direct rule, He graciously accommodated their request by providing a framework that would ideally keep the monarchy aligned with His divine will. The "manner of the kingdom" was not merely human legislation but a divinely informed constitution, ensuring that the king would serve as God's vice-regent, accountable to the ultimate King. This act highlights the tension between human autonomy and divine sovereignty, demonstrating that God can work through human institutions while still maintaining His ultimate authority and demanding obedience to His standards.

* [Deuteronomy 17:18-20](/deuteronomy/17-18 "The King's Duty to the Law")
* [Joshua 24:25-27](/joshua/24-25 "Covenant Renewal at Shechem")
* [2 Kings 23:2-3](/2_kings/23-2 "Josiah's Covenant Renewal")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The formal establishment of the monarchy's principles in 1 Samuel 10:25 offers profound lessons for all forms of governance and personal conduct. Just as Israel's new political structure required clear, written guidelines and accountability to God, so too do our lives, families, churches, and communities thrive under well-defined principles. This verse reminds us that true authority ultimately rests with God, and all human leadership, whether in the public square or private sphere, is called to operate under divine principles and for divine purposes. The act of writing down and laying these principles "before the LORD" emphasizes the importance of transparency, documentation, and a constant awareness of God's presence as the ultimate witness and judge. It challenges us to consider how we establish and uphold standards of righteousness and accountability in our own spheres of influence, ensuring that our actions and institutions reflect God's character and will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do established principles and written guidelines contribute to healthy governance in any sphere of life (family, church, community)?**
* **In what ways can we "lay up" our commitments and decisions "before the LORD," acknowledging His ultimate authority and inviting His oversight?**
* **What is the role of spiritual leaders in ensuring that human institutions remain aligned with divine principles, and how can individuals advocate for such alignment?**

### FAQ
**What was "the manner of the kingdom" that Samuel wrote down?**

Answer: While the Bible does not provide the full text of "the manner of the kingdom" written by Samuel, it is widely understood by scholars to be a formalization of the principles for kingship already laid out in the Mosaic Law, particularly in [Deuteronomy 17:14-20](/deuteronomy/17-14 "Laws for the King"). This Deuteronomic law stipulated that the king must be chosen by God, be an Israelite, and not accumulate excessive horses, wives, or silver and gold. Crucially, he was to write a copy of the law for himself and read it daily, ensuring his heart did not become proud and that he remained obedient to God's commands. Therefore, Samuel's document likely outlined the king's duties, limitations, and the framework for a monarchy that would operate under God's ultimate authority, rather than as an absolute human rule. It served as a constitutional charter for the new government.

**Why was it important to "lay it up before the LORD"?**

Answer: Laying the book "before the LORD" was a profoundly symbolic and theological act. It signified that the "manner of the kingdom" was not merely a human decree but a divinely sanctioned covenant. By placing it in a sacred space, likely near the Ark of the Covenant or within the Tabernacle/sanctuary where God's presence was manifested, Samuel placed the document under God's direct witness and authority. This act elevated the principles of governance to a sacred level, making both the king and the people accountable to God for their adherence. It served as a perpetual reminder that the ultimate King of Israel was Yahweh, and the human king was merely His servant, bound by His laws. This practice is reminiscent of other covenant documents being placed in sacred locations, such as the tablets of the Law being placed inside the [Ark of the Covenant](/exodus/25-10 "The Ark of the Covenant").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The establishment of the "manner of the kingdom" in 1 Samuel 10:25, though imperfectly realized by Israel's earthly kings, ultimately points forward to the perfect and eternal Kingdom of God, fully inaugurated and embodied in Jesus Christ. While Samuel outlined principles for a human king, Jesus is the divine King whose reign is not subject to human limitations or failures. His "manner of the kingdom" is not written on tablets of stone but is proclaimed in the Sermon on the Mount, a radical redefinition of righteousness and blessedness ([Matthew 5](/matthew/5 "The Sermon on the Mount")). He is the King who perfectly fulfills the Deuteronomic law for kings, not accumulating wealth or power for Himself, but humbly serving and ultimately giving His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Unlike the earthly book laid before the Lord, the principles of Christ's kingdom are written on the hearts of His people by the Holy Spirit, ushering in the new covenant prophesied by Jeremiah ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "The New Covenant")). Jesus' reign is characterized not by external rules alone, but by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "The Kingdom of God")), a kingdom that will have no end ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "His Kingdom Will Have No End")). He is the true [King of Kings and Lord of Lords](/revelation/19-16 "King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), whose perfect rule ensures justice and salvation for all who submit to His authority.

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

1 Samuel 8:11

And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint [them] for himself, for his chariots, and [to be] his horsemen; and [some] shall run before his chariots.

1 Samuel 8:18

And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day.

Deuteronomy 17:14

¶ When thou art come unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, and shalt possess it, and shalt dwell therein, and shalt say, I will set a king over me, like as all the nations that [are] about me;

Deuteronomy 17:20

That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, [to] the right hand, or [to] the left: to the end that he may prolong [his] days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel.

Titus 3:1

¶ Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

Ezekiel 45:9

¶ Thus saith the Lord GOD; Let it suffice you, O princes of Israel: remove violence and spoil, and execute judgment and justice, take away your exactions from my people, saith the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 45:10

Ye shall have just balances, and a just ephah, and a just bath.