This verse picks up from verse 14.

Saw: while the Hebrew text has the ordinary word for seeing, several English versions translate in such a way as to show that the revelation was instantaneous: “As soon as Samuel saw Saul” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh); “The moment Saul appeared” (Revised English Bible); “When Saul first met his eyes” (Knox).

Here is the man: literally “Behold the man.” On the sense and translation of the interjection rendered Here in Revised Standard Version, see page 18 and following.

The verb rule over is usually rendered “to rule” or “to govern” in this context. But this Hebrew verb most often expresses the idea of “to restrain” (so Fox), “to keep within bounds,” or “to retain.” The sense here seems to be that, whereas in times past the Israelite people each did what was right in their own eyes, now Saul will restrain the people and force them to conform. Compare Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente (“He will keep my people united”) and Traduction œcuménique de la Bible (“He will control my people”).

Anchor Bible suggests a different translation here, arguing for the sense of “retaining” or “assembling.” If one follows this interpretation, then the sense is that Saul will assemble the scattered fighting forces of Israel and unite them into a strong army. Anchor Bible uses the technical military term “muster”: “This one shall muster my people!”

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .