1 Samuel 9:9

(Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to enquire of God, thus he spake, Come, and let us go to the seer: for [he that is] now [called] a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer.)

(Beforetime {H6440} in Israel {H3478}, when a man {H376} went {H3212} to enquire {H1875} of God {H430}, thus he spake {H559}, Come {H3212}, and let us go {H3212} to the seer {H7200}: for he that is now {H3117} called a Prophet {H5030} was beforetime {H6440} called {H7121} a Seer {H7200}.)

(In Isra'el, back in the old days, when someone went to consult God, he would say, "Come, let's go to the seer"; because a person now called a prophet used to be called a seer.)

(Formerly in Israel, a man on his way to inquire of God would say, โ€œCome, let us go to the seer.โ€ For the prophet of today was formerly called the seer.)

(Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, thus he said, Come, and let us go to the seer; for he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer.)

Commentary

1 Samuel 9:9 is an important editorial note within the narrative, serving to clarify terminology for the audience of the time. It appears just before Saul's encounter with Samuel, who is implicitly the "seer" being referenced.

Context

This verse provides crucial historical and cultural context for understanding the role of spiritual leaders in ancient Israel. The book of 1 Samuel chronicles a transitional period, moving from the era of Judges to the establishment of the monarchy. During this time, individuals sought divine guidance directly from God through designated individuals. The author or editor of 1 Samuel inserts this parenthetical explanation to ensure readers understand that "seer" was an older, perhaps more traditional, term for what was later commonly known as a "prophet." This clarification highlights the narrator's awareness of changing linguistic usage over time.

Key Themes

  • Divine Communication and Guidance: The verse highlights the ancient Israelite practice of seeking God's will and direction through spiritual intermediaries. This underscores God's active involvement in the lives of His people and their desire to know His mind.
  • Evolution of Terminology: It explicitly points out that the office remained the same, but its title changed over time. This shows a natural development in language and understanding within Israelite society regarding those who spoke for God.
  • The Prophetic Office: While clarifying a name change, the verse affirms the continuous role of individuals who received and relayed messages from God to the people, a foundational aspect of Old Testament faith and a precursor to the great prophets.

Linguistic Insights

The distinction between "seer" and "prophet" is key here. The Hebrew word for "seer" is primarily ro'eh (ืจึนืึถื”) or chozeh (ื—ึนื–ึถื”), both emphasizing the act of "seeing" or receiving visions and revelations from God. The term "prophet" comes from the Hebrew navi' (ื ึธื‘ึดื™ื), which emphasizes "speaking" or "proclaiming" God's word. The verse clarifies that these were not distinct offices but rather different names for the same function at different historical points. Samuel, for instance, functions as both a seer and a prophet, embodying this transition in terminology.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that while the methods and titles for seeking God's guidance may evolve, the fundamental need for divine wisdom remains constant. For believers today, God's primary means of communication is through His written Word, the Bible, which serves as our ultimate source of truth and direction (2 Timothy 3:16). It also teaches us the importance of understanding historical and cultural context when interpreting ancient texts, as language and customs can change over time. Recognizing these nuances helps us gain a richer and more accurate understanding of Scripture.

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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 30:10 (7 votes)

    Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:

  • Amos 7:12 (6 votes)

    Also Amaziah said unto Amos, O thou seer, go, flee thee away into the land of Judah, and there eat bread, and prophesy there:

  • 2 Kings 17:13 (6 votes)

    Yet the LORD testified against Israel, and against Judah, by all the prophets, [and by] all the seers, saying, Turn ye from your evil ways, and keep my commandments [and] my statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by my servants the prophets.

  • 1 Chronicles 26:28 (6 votes)

    And all that Samuel the seer, and Saul the son of Kish, and Abner the son of Ner, and Joab the son of Zeruiah, had dedicated; [and] whosoever had dedicated [any thing, it was] under the hand of Shelomith, and of his brethren.

  • 1 Chronicles 29:29 (6 votes)

    Now the acts of David the king, first and last, behold, they [are] written in the book of Samuel the seer, and in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the book of Gad the seer,

  • 2 Samuel 24:11 (4 votes)

    For when David was up in the morning, the word of the LORD came unto the prophet Gad, David's seer, saying,

  • Isaiah 29:10 (3 votes)

    For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered.