1 Samuel 10:25

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

1 Samuel 10:25 (KJV) marks a pivotal moment in ancient Israel's history, solidifying the transition from a tribal confederacy led by judges to a centralized monarchy. This verse highlights Samuel's crucial role in formally establishing the kingdom under God's oversight.

Context

This verse immediately follows the public acclamation of Saul as Israel's first king at Mizpah (1 Samuel 10:24). The people had previously demanded a king like other nations, a request that grieved Samuel but was ultimately permitted by God. Prior to this, Samuel had delivered solemn warnings about the burdens and potential abuses of monarchy (1 Samuel 8:11-18). Now, with a king chosen, it was essential to lay down the principles by which this new form of government would operate, ensuring it remained under divine authority.

Key Themes

  • The Constitution of the Kingdom: Samuel's act of telling and writing "the manner of the kingdom" served as Israel's foundational constitution for the monarchy. It outlined the rights, duties, and limitations of the king, as well as the responsibilities of the people. This likely drew heavily from the divine laws concerning kingship found in Deuteronomy (Deuteronomy 17:14-20), which emphasized a king who would not accumulate excessive wealth, horses, or wives, and would diligently study God's law.
  • Divine Authority and Accountability: By writing it in a book and laying it "before the LORD," Samuel underscored that this governmental structure was not merely a human invention but was established under God's ultimate authority. This act made both the king and the people accountable to God for adherence to these principles. It served as a perpetual witness and standard for future generations.
  • Samuel's Enduring Prophetic Role: Even as a king is established, Samuel, the prophet and judge, remains a central figure, ensuring that the new political order is rooted in God's will and law. His actions here demonstrate his faithfulness in guiding Israel through this significant transition.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the manner of the kingdom" translates the Hebrew mishpat ham-melukhah (ืžึดืฉึฐืืคึทึผื˜ ื”ึทืžึฐึผืœื•ึผื›ึธื”). The word mishpat can mean 'judgment,' 'ordinance,' 'right,' or 'custom.' 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.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless lessons:

  • The Importance of Sound Governance: Just as Israel's monarchy needed clear guidelines, any form of leadership or governance benefits from well-defined laws, principles, and accountability.
  • Leadership Under God: The act of placing the law "before the LORD" reminds us that true authority ultimately rests with God. Leaders, whether in government, business, or family, are called to operate under divine principles and for divine purposes.
  • Written Records Matter: The act of writing down the "manner of the kingdom" emphasizes the importance of documentation for clarity, preservation, and accountability. This applies to covenants, laws, and even personal commitments.
  • Leaving Well: Samuel's actions, culminating in sending the people home, illustrate the importance of concluding significant events with order and clear direction, allowing people to integrate new realities into their lives.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 8:11 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    ยถ 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 (5 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Ezekiel 45:9 (2 votes)

    ยถ 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 (2 votes)

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