Read & explore together
The Death of Samuel
This brief verse records an important change. It tells us that Samuel died, that Israel mourned and buried him, and that David then moved on. Even a short notice can show honour, grief, and a new stage in the story.
Understanding the passage
Understanding this record
The whole passage is one verse. It is a biographical notice about Samuel’s death and burial, followed by a simple statement that David arose and went down to the wilderness of Paran. The verse does not add speeches, explanations, or further details beyond these actions.
1 Samuel 25:1Main takeaway
This verse marks a solemn ending for Samuel and a clear transition as David moves on.
Explore the record
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Samuel diedThe verse begins with a direct statement: “Samuel died”. It does not describe the cause of death or add a long account.
Explanation
The verse begins with a direct statement: “Samuel died”. It does not describe the cause of death or add a long account. Its simplicity gives the fact clearly and solemnly. Samuel’s life in Israel has come to an end, and the passage starts by making that change unmistakable.
02Israel mourned and buried himNext, “all Israel gathered themselves together and mourned for him”. The wording shows a widespread public response, not just private sadness.
Explanation
Next, “all Israel gathered themselves together and mourned for him”. The wording shows a widespread public response, not just private sadness. Samuel was then buried “at his house at Ramah”. The verse links grief with honour, showing that his death mattered to the people and that he was laid to rest in his own place.
03David moved to the wilderness of ParanAfter Samuel’s burial, the verse turns to David: “Then David arose and went down to the wilderness of Paran.”
Explanation
After Samuel’s burial, the verse turns to David: “Then David arose and went down to the wilderness of Paran.” The word “Then” connects David’s movement to what has just been reported. The passage does not explain why he went, but it clearly signals a transition from Samuel’s death to David’s next location.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What three main actions are reported in this verse?
Look for the simple sequence in the text: Samuel died, Israel gathered and mourned and buried him, and David arose and went down to the wilderness of Paran.
02How does the verse show that Samuel’s death affected more than one family or town?
Notice the words “all Israel gathered themselves together and mourned for him”, which describe a broad public response.
03What change happens in the second half of the verse?
The focus shifts from Samuel’s death and burial to David’s action as he goes down to the wilderness of Paran.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
1 Samuel 25:1
1Samuel died; and all Israel gathered themselves together and mourned for him, and buried him at his house at Ramah. Then David arose and went down to the wilderness of Paran.