1 Samuel 3:20

1 Samuel 3:20

And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD.

a. NLT: And all Israel, from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south, knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the LORD.

b. NIV: And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba recognized that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the LORD.

c. YLT: and all Israel know, from Dan even unto Beer-Sheba, that Samuel is established for a prophet to Jehovah.

d. Amplified Bible Classic: And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the Lord.

e. Septuagint: And all Israel knew from Dan even to Beersheba, that Samuel [was] faithful as a prophet to the Lord.

f. Stone Edition Torah/Prophets/Writings: All of Israel, from Dan to Beer-sheba, knew that Samuel was faithful as a prophet to HASHEM.

1. “And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba…”

a. all [Strong: 3605 * kol kole or (Jer. 33:8) kowl {kole}; from 3634; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense):--(in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-)thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever).]

b. Israel [Strong: 3478 * Yisra'el yis-raw-ale' from 8280 and 410; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity: --Israel.]

c. from Dan [Strong: 1835 * Dan dawn from 1777; judge; Dan, one of the sons of Jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in Palestine colonized by them:--Dan.]

d. to [Strong: 5704 * `ad ad properly, the same as 5703 (used as a preposition, adverb or conjunction; especially with a preposition); as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with):--against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-)to, + how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, (+ as) yet.]

e. Beer-sheba [Strong: 884 * B'er Sheba` be-ayr' sheh'-bah from 875 and 7651 (in the sense of 7650); well of an oath; Beer-Sheba, a place in Palestine:--Beer-shebah.]

1). Because Samuel was diligent in his obedience to the Lord and speaking only what the LORD spoke to him, Samuel’s spiritual growth and reputation was evident to all in Israel. I believe it is a spiritual principle that as we give ourselves completely to the things of God our spiritual growth will be evident to those around us.

a). 1 Timothy 4:15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

b). profiting [4297 * prokope] [Zodhiates: A going forward, used only figuratively of progress, advancement, furtherance, either for good or evil.]

c). The main point being spoken here is spiritual growth. This is the same point being pushed in all the uses of the term “prosperous” in Joshua 1:8 and Psalm 1:1-3.

2. “…knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD.”

a. knew [Strong: 3045 * yada` yaw-dah' a primitive root; to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation, care, recognition; and causatively, instruction, designation, punishment, etc.) (as follow):--acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-)awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, X could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-)norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, + be learned, + lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, X prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), X will be, wist, wit, wot.]

b. Samuel [Strong: 8050 * Shmuw'el sehm-oo-ale' from the passive participle of 8085 and 410; heard of God; Shemuel, the name of three Israelites:--Samuel, Shemuel.]

c. was established [Strong: 539 * 'aman aw-man' a primitive root; properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanent or quiet; morally to be true or certain; once (Isa. 30:21; interchangeable 541) to go to the right hand:--hence, assurance, believe, bring up, establish, + fail, be faithful (of long continuance, stedfast, sure, surely, trusty, verified), nurse, (-ing father), (put), trust, turn to the right.]

d. to be a prophet [Strong: 5030 * nabiy' naw-bee' from 5012; a prophet or (generally) inspired man:--prophecy, that prophesy, prophet.]

e. of the LORD [Strong: 3068 * Yhovah yeh-ho-vaw' from 1961; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God:--Jehovah, the Lord.]

1). Samuel was elevated to a national prophet. This of course happen over time. During his years as prophet he had a regular teaching circuit all through Israel.

a). 1 Samuel 7:15-17 And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life.

7:16 And he went from year to year in circuit to Bethel, and Gilgal, and Mizpeh, and judged Israel in all those places.

7:17 And his return was to Ramah; for there was his house; and there he judged Israel; and there he built an altar unto the LORD.