1 Samuel 10:4

KJV

And they will salute thee, and give thee two [loaves] of bread; which thou shalt receive of their hands.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they will {H7592} salute {H7965} thee, and give {H5414} thee two {H8147} loaves of bread {H3899}; which thou shalt receive {H3947} of their hands {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They will greet you and give you two loaves of bread, which you are to accept from them.

Berean Standard Bible

They will greet you and give you two loaves of bread, which you will accept from their hands.

American Standard Version

and they will salute thee, and give thee two loaves of bread, which thou shalt receive of their hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 10:4 describes the second of three specific, divinely orchestrated signs given by the prophet Samuel to Saul immediately following his anointing as the first king of Israel. This particular sign involves an encounter with three men on their way to worship at Bethel, who would offer Saul two loaves of bread, a humble yet profound act of hospitality and provision, serving as tangible confirmation of God's hand upon Saul and His commitment to provide for His chosen leader.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the narrative of Saul's anointing and the subsequent divine confirmations provided by Samuel. Following the private anointing in [1 Samuel 10:1](/1_samuel/10-1 "1 Samuel 10:1 - Samuel Anoints Saul"), Samuel gives Saul a precise, three-part prophetic itinerary to validate his new kingship. The first sign, detailed in [1 Samuel 10:2](/1_samuel/10-2 "1 Samuel 10:2 - Saul Finds the Donkeys"), involves finding his lost donkeys and his father's concern. This verse, [1 Samuel 10:4](/1_samuel/10-4 "1 Samuel 10:4 - Saul Receives Bread"), describes the second sign, a seemingly ordinary encounter that is, in fact, meticulously planned by God. The third sign, a transformative encounter with a company of prophets and the Spirit of the Lord, is prophesied in [1 Samuel 10:5-6](/1_samuel/10-5 "1 Samuel 10:5-6 - Saul Meets Prophets and is Transformed"). Together, these signs are designed to build Saul's faith and provide undeniable proof of God's active involvement in his calling.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of this encounter, Bethel, holds significant historical and spiritual weight in Israelite history, most notably as the site of [Jacob's dream](/genesis/28-19 "Genesis 28:19 - Jacob's Dream at Bethel") and a place of worship. The act of offering "loaves of bread" was a fundamental expression of hospitality and provision in the ancient Near East, signifying welcome, peace, and sustenance. Travelers often carried provisions for their journeys, and sharing them with others, especially those in need or on a significant mission, was a customary act of kindness. For Saul, a man from a relatively obscure family, receiving such unsolicited provision from strangers on a sacred journey would have underscored the divine origin of his sustenance and the unexpected ways God provides.

* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully underscores several key themes central to the book of 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, **Divine Confirmation and Providence** is paramount; God orchestrates specific, detailed events to confirm His choice and build Saul's faith, demonstrating His meticulous care for His chosen leader. Secondly, **Humble Provision and Reception** highlights how God often uses ordinary means and unexpected human channels to meet needs, emphasizing the importance of humbly accepting His grace. The simple offering of bread symbolizes basic sustenance and God's commitment to provide for those He calls, as seen in various instances of divine provision throughout the Old Testament, such as the manna in the wilderness ([Exodus 16:4](/exodus/16-4 "Exodus 16:4 - Manna from Heaven")). Lastly, the theme of **God's Sovereignty in Leadership Transition** is evident; God is actively involved in establishing leadership, even when it involves a new form of governance like the monarchy, ensuring His chosen one is equipped and affirmed for the task ahead, as He did with Moses ([Exodus 3:12](/exodus/3-12 "Exodus 3:12 - God's Sign to Moses")) and Gideon ([Judges 6:36-40](/judges/6-36 "Judges 6:36-40 - Gideon's Fleece")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Salute (Hebrew, _sha'al'_):** While often translated "salute" or "ask," the Hebrew verb שָׁאַל (_sha'al_) primarily means "to ask," "to inquire," or "to request." In this context, it implies a greeting that involves an inquiry into one's welfare or purpose, a customary and respectful interaction in ancient society. The fact that these men would initiate such a greeting with Saul, a seemingly ordinary traveler, adds to the miraculous nature of the sign, indicating a divinely prompted recognition.
* **Loaves (Hebrew, _lechem'_):** The word לֶחֶם (_lechem_) is the common Hebrew term for "bread" or "food" in general. The specific mention of "two loaves" is a precise detail in Samuel's prophecy, emphasizing the exact fulfillment of God's word. Bread, being a staple food, represents basic sustenance and life itself. Its provision by strangers underscores God's ability to meet fundamental needs through unexpected means.
* **Receive (Hebrew, _laqach'_):** The verb לָקַח (_laqach_) means "to take," "to receive," or "to accept." Saul is not to demand or earn this provision but simply to "receive" it. This posture of humble acceptance is crucial. It signifies a reliance on God's grace and the provision He orchestrates, rather than on Saul's own efforts or resources, setting a precedent for his kingship which should ideally be characterized by dependence on God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they will salute thee":** This opening clause highlights the unexpected nature of the encounter. Three men, on their way to worship at Bethel, would initiate contact with Saul. The act of "saluting" or inquiring implies a recognition or a respectful acknowledgement, which is significant given Saul's humble background and the fact that he was not yet publicly known as king. It signifies divine orchestration, where even ordinary social interactions become part of God's confirming signs.
* **"and give thee two [loaves] of bread":** This specifies the exact nature of the provision. The men are not just greeting him but offering sustenance. The precise number, "two loaves," is a critical detail that serves as undeniable proof of Samuel's prophetic accuracy and, by extension, God's meticulous planning. This simple act of giving bread, a basic necessity, symbolizes God's commitment to providing for Saul's needs as he embarks on his momentous new role.
* **"which thou shalt receive of their hands":** This final clause emphasizes Saul's required response: humble acceptance. He is not to refuse or question the gift but to "receive" it. This act of reception is not merely passive; it is an active demonstration of faith and dependence on God's provision, even when it comes through unexpected, seemingly mundane channels. It sets a precedent for Saul's future, where his success would depend on his willingness to receive and obey God's commands.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is evident, as this simple act of provision foreshadows God's ongoing commitment to provide for Saul throughout his reign, as well as the need for Saul to continually rely on divine grace. The **Symbolism** of the "two loaves of bread" is also significant; bread represents not only physical sustenance but also hospitality, peace, and God's faithful provision. The entire sequence of signs, including this one, serves as a powerful example of **Divine Orchestration**, where God meticulously plans and executes seemingly random encounters to confirm His word and establish His chosen leader. This meticulous detail underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His active involvement in human affairs.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 10:4 powerfully illustrates God's meticulous and personal care for those He calls, demonstrating His commitment to confirm His word and provide for His chosen instruments. This seemingly small detail of two loaves of bread underscores a profound theological truth: God often uses ordinary people and mundane circumstances to accomplish His extraordinary purposes and to meet the needs of His servants. It is a testament to His faithfulness and His desire to build faith through tangible, verifiable experiences. The provision of bread, a basic necessity, highlights God's concern for fundamental human needs, even amidst the grand narrative of establishing a kingdom.

* [Genesis 22:14](/genesis/22-14 "Genesis 22:14 - The Lord Will Provide")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God's Provision")
* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 10:4 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, reminding us that God's confirmation and provision often come in unexpected, humble, and even ordinary forms. Just as God meticulously orchestrated the encounter for Saul, He continues to work in the details of our lives, often using seemingly coincidental events or the kindness of strangers to affirm His presence and meet our needs. This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of humble reception, recognizing that every good gift comes from God, whether directly or through the hands of others. It encourages us to look for God's hand in the mundane, to trust in His faithful provision, and to be open to receiving help and affirmation from unexpected sources, thereby strengthening our faith and dependence on Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you typically look for confirmation of God's will in your life, and how might this verse challenge or expand your understanding of divine signs?**
* **Can you recall a time when God provided for you in an unexpected or seemingly ordinary way, similar to Saul's experience with the bread?**
* **What does it mean for you to "receive" God's provision or affirmation with humility, rather than trying to earn or control it?**
* **How might recognizing God's meticulous care in small details, as seen in this verse, impact your trust in Him for larger challenges?**

### FAQ
**Why were there three men and two loaves of bread? What is the significance of these specific numbers?**

Answer: The specific numbers—three men and two loaves—are crucial not for any inherent symbolic meaning of the numbers themselves, but for their role in providing precise, verifiable details for Samuel's prophecy. God's prophecies are often characterized by such exactitude to leave no doubt about their divine origin. For Saul, encountering precisely three men who offered precisely two loaves of bread served as undeniable confirmation that Samuel's words were from God, thereby validating his anointing and building his faith. It underscores God's meticulous planning and His desire to offer clear, tangible proof to His chosen ones.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Samuel 10:4 details God's specific provision and confirmation for Saul, it ultimately points beyond Saul to the ultimate provision and confirmation found in Jesus Christ. Saul received two loaves of bread as a sign of physical sustenance and divine care for his earthly kingship; yet, Jesus declares Himself to be the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), stating that whoever comes to Him will never hunger. This spiritual sustenance far surpasses any physical provision, offering eternal life and true satisfaction. Furthermore, Saul's anointing was a temporary empowerment for a temporal role, but the anointing of the Holy Spirit, promised by Christ, is an eternal indwelling that empowers believers for spiritual life and service ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power of the Holy Spirit")). God's meticulous care in confirming Saul's call foreshadows His perfect plan of salvation, fully revealed and confirmed through the life, death, and resurrection of [Jesus Christ](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love"). Jesus is the ultimate sign, the definitive confirmation of God's love and redemptive purpose for humanity, fulfilling all the types and shadows of Old Testament provision and anointing. He is the ultimate "bread from heaven" ([John 6:32-33](/john/6-32 "John 6:32-33 - True Bread from Heaven")), freely given, and to be received by faith for eternal life.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Judges 18:15

And they turned thitherward, and came to the house of the young man the Levite, [even] unto the house of Micah, and saluted him.