1 Samuel 7:17
New International Version
But he always went back to Ramah, where his home was, and there he also held court for Israel. And he built an altar there to the LORD.

New Living Translation
Then he would return to his home at Ramah, and he would hear cases there, too. And Samuel built an altar to the LORD at Ramah.

English Standard Version
Then he would return to Ramah, for his home was there, and there also he judged Israel. And he built there an altar to the LORD.

Berean Standard Bible
Then he would return to Ramah because his home was there, and there he judged Israel and built an altar to the LORD.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
But he always returned to Ramah, for his home was there. There he judged Israel, and there he built an altar to the LORD.

New American Standard Bible
Then he would make his return to Ramah, because his house was there, and there he also judged Israel; and there he built an altar to the LORD.

NASB 1995
Then his return was to Ramah, for his house was there, and there he judged Israel; and he built there an altar to the LORD.

NASB 1977
Then his return was to Ramah, for his house was there, and there he judged Israel; and he built there an altar to the LORD.

Legacy Standard Bible
But his return would be to Ramah, for his house was there, and there he judged Israel; and he built there an altar to Yahweh.

Amplified Bible
Then he would return to Ramah, because his home was there; and there he judged Israel, and there he built an altar to the LORD.

Christian Standard Bible
Then he would return to Ramah because his home was there, he judged Israel there, and he built an altar to the LORD there.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then he would return to Ramah because his home was there, he judged Israel there, and he built an altar to the LORD there.

American Standard Version
And his return was to Ramah, for there was his house; and there he judged Israel: and he built there an altar unto Jehovah.

Contemporary English Version
Then he would go back to his home in Ramah and do the same thing there. He also had an altar built for the LORD at Ramah.

English Revised Version
And his return was to Ramah, for there was his house; and there he judged Israel: and he built there an altar unto the LORD.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then he would return home to Ramah. There, too, he judged Israel. And in Ramah he built an altar to the LORD.

Good News Translation
Then he would go back to his home in Ramah, where also he would serve as judge. In Ramah he built an altar to the LORD.

International Standard Version
He would return to Ramah because his house was there, and judged Israel from there. He also built an altar to the LORD there.

Majority Standard Bible
Then he would return to Ramah because his home was there, and there he judged Israel and built an altar to the LORD.

NET Bible
Then he would return to Ramah, because his home was there. He also judged Israel there and built an altar to the LORD there.

New Heart English Bible
His return was to Ramah, for there was his house; and there he judged Israel: and he built there an altar to the LORD.

Webster's Bible Translation
And his return was to Ramah; for there was his house; and there he judged Israel; and there he built an altar to the LORD.

World English Bible
His return was to Ramah, for his house was there, and he judged Israel there; and he built an altar to Yahweh there.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and his returning [is] to Ramath, for his house [is] there, and he has judged Israel there, and he builds an altar to YHWH there.

Young's Literal Translation
and his returning is to Ramath, for there is his house, and there he hath judged Israel, and he buildeth there an altar to Jehovah.

Smith's Literal Translation
And his turning back to Ramah; for there his house; and there he judged Israel; and he will build an altar there to Jehovah.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he returned to Ramatha, for there was his house, and there he judged Israel: he built also there an altar to the Lord.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he returned to Ramah. For his house was there, and he judged Israel there. And then he built an altar to the Lord there.

New American Bible
Then he used to return to Ramah, for that was his home. There, too, he judged Israel and built an altar to the LORD.

New Revised Standard Version
Then he would come back to Ramah, for his home was there; he administered justice there to Israel, and built there an altar to the LORD.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And he always returned to Ramtha; for there was his house, and there he judged Israel, and there he built an altar to the LORD.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he returned to Ramtha because his house was there, and there he judged Israel and he built an altar there to LORD JEHOVAH
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And his return was to Ramah, for there was his house; and there he judged Israel; and he built there an altar unto the LORD.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And his return was to Armathaim, because there was his house; and there he judged Israel, and built there an altar to the Lord.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Samuel Subdues the Philistines
16Every year he would go on a circuit from Bethel to Gilgal to Mizpah, judging Israel in all these places. 17Then he would return to Ramah because his home was there, and there he judged Israel and built an altar to the LORD.

Cross References
Judges 21:4
The next day the people got up early, built an altar there, and presented burnt offerings and peace offerings.

1 Samuel 1:3
Year after year Elkanah would go up from his city to worship and sacrifice to the LORD of Hosts at Shiloh, where Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests to the LORD.

1 Samuel 2:11
Then Elkanah went home to Ramah, but the boy began ministering to the LORD before Eli the priest.

1 Samuel 8:6
But when they said, “Give us a king to judge us,” their demand was displeasing in the sight of Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD.

1 Samuel 10:8
And you shall go before me to Gilgal, and surely I will come to you to offer burnt offerings and to sacrifice peace offerings. Wait seven days until I come to you and show you what you are to do.”

1 Samuel 12:11
So the LORD sent Jerubbaal, Barak, Jephthah, and Samuel, and He delivered you from the hands of your enemies on every side, and you dwelt securely.

1 Samuel 15:11
“I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned away from following Me and has not carried out My instructions.” And Samuel was distressed and cried out to the LORD all that night.

1 Samuel 16:2
“How can I go?” Samuel asked. “Saul will hear of it and kill me!” The LORD answered, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.’

1 Samuel 28:6
He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets.

2 Samuel 7:18
Then King David went in, sat before the LORD, and said, “Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far?

1 Kings 3:4
Now the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for it was the great high place. Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on the altar there.

1 Kings 8:29
May Your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, toward the place of which You said, ‘My Name shall be there,’ so that You may hear the prayer that Your servant prays toward this place.

2 Kings 4:23
“Why would you go to him today?” he replied. “It is not a New Moon or a Sabbath.” “Everything is all right,” she said.

1 Chronicles 16:39
And David left Zadok the priest and his fellow priests before the tabernacle of the LORD at the high place in Gibeon

2 Chronicles 1:3
And Solomon and the whole assembly went to the high place at Gibeon because it was the location of God’s Tent of Meeting, which Moses the servant of the LORD had made in the wilderness.


Treasury of Scripture

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

his return

1 Samuel 1:1,19
Now there was a certain man of Ramathaimzophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite: …

1 Samuel 8:4
Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah,

1 Samuel 19:18-23
So David fled, and escaped, and came to Samuel to Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done to him. And he and Samuel went and dwelt in Naioth…

he built

1 Samuel 11:15
And all the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king before the LORD in Gilgal; and there they sacrificed sacrifices of peace offerings before the LORD; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.

Genesis 12:7,8
And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him…

Genesis 33:20
And he erected there an altar, and called it EleloheIsrael.

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Administered Altar Always Base Buildeth Built Home House Israel Judge Judged Justice Ramah Ramath Returning
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Administered Altar Always Base Buildeth Built Home House Israel Judge Judged Justice Ramah Ramath Returning
1 Samuel 7
1. They of Kiriath Jearim bring the ark to Abinadab, and sanctify Eleazar as guard
2. After twenty years,
3. the Israelites, by Samuel's means, solemnly repent at Mizpeh
7. While Samuel prays and sacrifices,
10. the Lord thwarts the Philistines by thunder at Ebenezer
13. The Philistines are subdued
15. Samuel judges Israel














But he would always return to Ramah
The phrase "he would always return" indicates a habitual action, suggesting Samuel's consistent dedication to his roots and responsibilities. "Ramah" is significant as Samuel's birthplace and home, located in the hill country of Ephraim. Historically, Ramah was a central location for Samuel's ministry, symbolizing stability and continuity in his leadership. The Hebrew root for "Ramah" means "height" or "high place," which can metaphorically represent Samuel's elevated status as a prophet and judge in Israel.

because his home was there
The word "home" signifies more than just a physical dwelling; it represents a place of belonging and identity. For Samuel, Ramah was not only his birthplace but also the center of his spiritual and judicial activities. This highlights the importance of having a strong foundation and a place of spiritual anchorage. In a broader sense, it reflects the biblical principle of being rooted in one's faith and community.

and there he judged Israel
The role of a judge in Israel was multifaceted, involving leadership, military guidance, and the administration of justice. Samuel's judging at Ramah underscores his role as a divinely appointed leader who provided guidance and governance to the people. The Hebrew word for "judge" (שָׁפַט, shaphat) implies not only legal adjudication but also the restoration of order and righteousness. Samuel's judgment was rooted in his commitment to God's law and his desire to lead Israel in accordance with divine principles.

and built an altar to the LORD
Building an altar was a significant act of worship and dedication to God. It was a place for offering sacrifices and seeking divine guidance. The act of building an altar in Ramah signifies Samuel's devotion and his role as a spiritual leader who prioritized worship and communion with God. The Hebrew word for "altar" (מִזְבֵּחַ, mizbeach) is derived from a root meaning "to sacrifice," emphasizing the altar's purpose as a place of offering and consecration. This action reflects Samuel's commitment to ensuring that the worship of Yahweh remained central in the life of Israel.

(17) Raman.--The same Ramah "of the Watchers" where Elkanah and Hannah had dwelt. After the destruction of Shiloh, Samuel seems to have fixed his abode in his father's city.

And there he built an altar.--Thus following the old custom of the patriarchs. It must be remembered that at this period there was no national sanctuary, no formal seat of worship, where the high priest and his attendant priests and Levites served. The Ark, we know, was in safe keeping in the "city of woods," Kirjath-jearim, but it was in private custody; and we hear of no priests and Levites, of no ritual or religious observances, in connection with the long sojourn of the holy Ark in that place. It is probable that the sacred vessels and furniture had been saved from the destruction of Shiloh by Samuel. These were, very likely, in the prophet-judge's safe keeping at Bamah.

Verse 17. - His return was to Ramah. We have seen that Elkanah was a large landholder there, and Samuel had now apparently succeeded to his father's place. And there he built an altar unto Jehovah. This old patriarchal custom (Genesis 12:7) long continued, and it was only gradually that local shrines and worship on high places were superseded by attendance upon the temple services at Jerusalem. At this time there was especial need for such altars. The established worship at Shiloh had been swept away, the town destroyed, the priests put to the sword, and the ark, though restored, was resting in a private dwelling. Probably Samuel had saved the sacred vessels, and much even of the tabernacle, but no mention of them is here made. We see, however, both in the erection of this altar and all through Samuel's life, that the Aaronic priesthood was in abeyance, and that he was not only prophet and judge, but also priest. In thus restoring the priesthood in his own person he was justified not merely by his powers as prophet, but by necessity. Gradually, with more prosperous times, matters returned to their regular channel; but even when Ahiah, the grandson of Eli, was with Saul (1 Samuel 14:3), he was employed not for the offering of sacrifice, but for divining with the Urim and Thummim. On a most important occasion the offering of sacrifice is spoken of as undoubtedly Samuel's right, and when he delayed his coming no mention is made of a priest, but Saul is said to have offered the victim himself (1 Samuel 13:9). It is plain, therefore, that we must not tie down the priesthood too tightly to the house of Aaron; for throughout there lies in the background the idea of a higher priesthood, and with this Samuel was invested, as being a type of him who is a Priest forever after the order of Melchisedek (comp. 1 Samuel 2:35).



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then he would return
וּתְשֻׁבָת֤וֹ (ū·ṯə·šu·ḇā·ṯōw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8666: A recurrence, a reply

to Ramah
הָרָמָ֙תָה֙ (hā·rā·mā·ṯāh)
Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 7414: Ramah -- 'height', the name of several places in Israel

because
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

his home
בֵּית֔וֹ (bê·ṯōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1004: A house

was there,
שָׁ֣ם (šām)
Adverb
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither

and there
וְשָׁ֖ם (wə·šām)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither

he judged
שָׁפָ֣ט (šā·p̄āṭ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8199: To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate

Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

and built
וַיִּֽבֶן־ (way·yi·ḇen-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1129: To build

an altar
מִזְבֵּ֖חַ (miz·bê·aḥ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4196: An altar

to the LORD.
לַֽיהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel


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OT History: 1 Samuel 7:17 His return was to Ramah for there (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 7:16
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