20 All Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of Yahweh.
*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
From Daniel - See Judges 20:1 note.
All Israel from Daniel even to Beer-sheba - Through the whole extent of Palestine; Daniel being at the northern, Beer-sheba at the southern extremity.
Was established to be a prophet - The word נאמן neeman, which we translate established, signifies faithful: The faithful Samuel was a prophet of the Lord.
And all Israel, from Daniel even unto Beersheba,.... That is, from the most northern border of the land of Israel, on which Daniel lay, to the utmost border of it southward, where Beersheba was, the fame of Samuel for his piety, prudence, and prophecy, was spread abroad; so that all
knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the Lord; or that he was faithful (z) to God and man, to be credited in what he said; and so a fit man to be a prophet of the Lord, being eminently qualified with gifts by him for that office; the Targum is,"that Samuel was faithful in the words of the prophecy of the Lord,''in relating them.
(z) "fidelis", V. L. Pagninus, Montanus, Tigurine version.
From Daniel, &c. - Thro' the whole Land, from the northern bound Daniel, to the southern, Beersheba; which was the whole length of the Land.
*More commentary available at chapter level.