TRV
Translation
King James Version
And they will salute thee, and give thee two loaves of bread; which thou shalt receive of their hands.
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.
World English Bible Messianic
and they will greet you, and give you two loaves of bread, which you shall receive of their hand.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And they will aske thee if all be well, and will giue thee the two loaues of bread, which thou shalt receiue of their handes.
Young's Literal Translation
and they have asked of thee of welfare, and given to thee two loaves, and thou hast received from their hand.
See also
See on the biblical-era map
In the KJVVerse 7,423 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on 1 Samuel 10 verses 1–8
1 ¶ Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?
2 When thou art departed from me to day, then thou shalt find two men by Rachel's sepulchre in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say unto thee, The asses which thou wentest to seek are found: and, lo, thy father hath left the care of the asses, and sorroweth for you, saying, What shall I do for my son?
3 Then shalt thou go on forward from thence, and thou shalt come to the plain of Tabor, and there shall meet thee three men going up to God to Bethel, one carrying three kids, and another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a bottle of wine:
4 And they will salute thee, and give thee two loaves of bread; which thou shalt receive of their hands.
5 After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy:
6 And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.
7 And let it be, when these signs are come unto thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee; for God is with thee.
8 And thou shalt go down before me to Gilgal; and, behold, I will come down unto thee, to offer burnt offerings, and to sacrifice sacrifices of peace offerings: seven days shalt thou tarry, till I come to thee, and shew thee what thou shalt do.
Samuel is here executing the office of a prophet, giving Saul full assurance from God that he should be king, as he was afterwards, according to these prophecies which went before of him.
I. He anointed him and kissed him, Sa1 10:1. This was not done in a solemn assembly, but it was done by divine appointment, which made up the want of all external solemnities, nor was it ever the less valid for its being done in private, under a hedge, or, as the Jews say, by a fountain. God's institutions are great and honourable, though the circumstances of their administration be ever so mean and despicable. 1. Samuel, by anointing Saul, assured him that it was God's act to make him king: Is it not because the Lord hath anointed thee? And, in token of that, the high priest was anointed to his office, to signify the conferring of those gifts upon him that were requisite for the discharge of its duties, and the same was intimated in the anointing of kings; for whom God calls he qualifies, and suitable qualifications furnish good proof of a commission. These sacred unctions, then used, pointed at the great Messiah, or anointed one, the king of the church, and high priest of our profession, who was anointed with the oil of the Spirit, not by measure, but without measure, and above all the priests and princes of the Jewish church. It was common oil, no doubt, which Samuel used, and we read not of his blessing it or praying over it. But it was only a vial of oil that he anointed him with, the vessel brittle, because his kingdom would soon be cracked and broken, and the quantity small, because he had but little of the Spirit conferred upon him to what David had, who was therefore anointed with a horn of oil, as were Solomon and Jehu with a box of oil. 2. By kissing him, he assured him of his own approbation of the choice, not only his consent to it, but his complacency in it, though it abridged his power and eclipsed his glory and the glory of his family. "God has anointed thee," says Samuel, "to be king, and I am satisfied and very well pleased, in pledge of which take this kiss." It was likewise a kiss of homage and allegiance; hereby he not only owns him to be king, but his king, and in this sense we are commanded to kiss the Son, Psa 2:12. God has anointed him, and therefore we must thus acknowledge him and do homage to him. In Samuel's explication of the ceremony, he reminds him, (1.) Of the nature of the government to which he is called. He was anointed to be a captain, a commander indeed, which bespeaks honour and power, but a commander in war, which bespeaks care, and toil, and danger. (2.) Of the origin of it: The Lord hath anointed thee. By him he ruled, and therefore must rule for him, in dependence on him, and with an eye to his glory. (3.) Of the end of it. It is over his inheritance, to take care of that, protect it, and order all the affairs of it for the best, as a steward whom a great man sets over his estate, to manage it for his service and give an account of it to him.
II. For his further satisfaction he gives him some signs, which should come to pass immediately, this very day; and they were such as would not only confirm the word of Samuel in general, and prove him a true prophet, but would confirm this word to Saul in particular, that he should be king. 1. He should presently meet with some that would bring him intelligence from home of the care his father's house was in concerning him, Sa1 10:2. These he would meet hard by Rachel's sepulchre. The first place Samuel directed him to was a sepulchre, the sepulchre of one of his ancestors, for Rachel died in travail with Benjamin; there he must read a lecture of his own mortality, and now that he had a crown in his eye must think of his grave, in which all his honour would be laid in the dust. Here two men would meet him, perhaps sent on purpose to look after him, and would tell him the asses were found, and his father was in pain concerning him, saying, What shall I do for my son? He would reckon it happened well that he met with these messengers; and it is good to eye Providence in favourable conjunctures (though the matter be minute) and to be encouraged to trust it in greater matters. 2. He should next meet with others going to Bethel, where, it should seem, there was a high place for religious worship, and these men were bringing their sacrifices thither, Sa1 10:3, Sa1 10:4. It was a token for good to one that was designed for the government of Israel, wherever he came, to meet with people going to worship God. It is supposed that those kids and loaves, and the bottle of wine which the three men had with them, were designed for sacrifice, with the meat-offerings and drink-offerings that were to attend the sacrifice; yet Samuel tells Saul that they will give him two of their loaves, and he must take them. Such a present would look to us now like the relieving of a beggar. Saul must hereafter remember the time when he received alms, and must therefore be humble and charitable to the poor. But perhaps it would then be construed a fit present for a prince; and, as such, Saul must receive it, the first present that was brought to him, by such as knew not what they did, nor why they did it, but God put it into their hearts, which made it the more fit to be a sign to him. These two loaves, which were the first tribute paid to this newly-anointed king, might serve for an admonition to him not to spend the wealth of his crown in luxury, but still to be content with plain food. Bread is the staff of life. 3. The most remarkable sign of all would be his joining with a company of prophets that he should meet with, under the influence of a spirit of prophecy, which should at that time come upon him. What God works in us by his Spirit serves much more for the confirming of faith than any thing wrought for us by his providence. He here (Sa1 10:5, Sa1 10:6) tells him, (1.) Where this would happen: At the hill of God, where there was a garrison of the Philistines, which is supposed to be near Gibeah, his own city, for there was the Philistines' garrison, Sa1 13:3. Perhaps it was one of the articles of Samuel's agreement with them that they should have a garrison there, or, rather, after they were subdued in the beginning of his time they got ground again, so far as to force this garrison into that place, and thence God raised up the man that should chastise them. There was a place that was called the hill of God, because of one of the schools of the prophets built upon it; and such respect did even Philistines themselves pay to religion that a garrison of their soldiers suffered a school of God's prophets to live peaceably by them, and did not only not dislodge them, but not restrain nor disturb the public exercises of their devotion. (2.) Upon what occasion; he should meet a company of prophets with music before them, prophesying, and with them he should join himself. These prophets were not (as it should seem) divinely inspired to foretel things to come, nor did God reveal himself to them by dreams and visions, but they employed themselves in the study of the law, in instructing their neighbours, and in the acts of piety, especially in praising God, wherein they were wonderfully assisted and enlarged by the Spirit of God. It was happy for Israel that they had not only prophets, but companies of prophets, who gave them good instructions and set them good examples, and helped very much to keep up religion among them. Now the word of the Lord was not precious, as it had been when Samuel was first raised up, who had been instrumental in founding these colleges, or religious houses, whence, it is probable, the synagogues took their rise. What a pity was it that Israel should be weary of the government of such a man, who though he had not, as a man of war, expelled the Philistines, yet (which was a greater kindness to Israel) had, as a man of God, settled the schools of the prophets! Music was then used as a proper means to dispose the mind to receive the impressions of the good Spirit, as it did Elisha's, Kg2 3:15. But we have no reason to look for the same benefit by it now, unless we saw it as effectual as it was then in Saul's case, to drive away the evil spirit. These prophets had been at the high place, probably offering sacrifice, and now they came back singing psalms. We should come from holy ordinances with our hearts greatly enlarged in holy joy and praise. See Psa 138:5. Saul should find himself strongly moved to join with them, and should be turned thereby into another man from what he had been while he lived in a private capacity. The Spirit of God, by his ordinances, changes men, wonderfully transforms them; Saul, by praising God in the communion of saints, became another man, but whether a new man or no may be questioned.
III. He directs him to proceed in the administration of his government as Providence should lead him, and as Samuel should advise him. 1. He must follow Providence in ordinary cases (Sa1 10:7): "Do as occasion shall serve thee. Take such measures as thy own prudence shall direct thee." But, 2. In an extraordinary strait that would hereafter befal him at Gilgal, and would be the most critical juncture of all, when he would have special need of divine aids, he must wait for Samuel to come to him, and must tarry seven days in expectation of him, Sa1 10:8. How his failing in this matter proved his fall we find afterwards, Sa1 13:11. It was now a plain intimation to him that he was upon his good behaviour, and, though a king, must act under the direction of Samuel, and do as he should order him. The greatest of men must own themselves in subjection to God and his word.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–8. Public domain.
Copy as
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying 1 Samuel 10:4 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
1 Samuel 10:4 presents the second of three precise, divinely orchestrated signs given by the prophet Samuel to Saul, immediately following his private anointing as Israel's first king. This specific sign involves an encounter with three men journeying to worship at Bethel, who would spontaneously offer Saul two loaves of bread, a humble yet profoundly significant act of hospitality and provision. This seemingly ordinary event served as tangible, undeniable confirmation of God's active hand upon Saul and His commitment to provide for and affirm His chosen leader.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is an integral part of Samuel's prophetic itinerary designed to confirm Saul's anointing as king. Following the private anointing in 1 Samuel 10:1, Samuel provides Saul with a series of specific, verifiable signs to bolster his faith and demonstrate God's active involvement in his new role. The first sign, detailed in 1 Samuel 10:2, involves the discovery of his lost donkeys and his father's subsequent concern. This verse, 1 Samuel 10:4, describes the second sign, a seemingly coincidental encounter that is, in fact, meticulously pre-arranged by divine providence. The third and final sign, prophesied in 1 Samuel 10:5-6, involves a transformative encounter with a company of prophets and the Spirit of the Lord. Together, these signs serve as irrefutable evidence of God's sovereign hand in establishing Saul's kingship, preparing him for the public affirmation that follows in 1 Samuel 10:17-27.
Historical & Cultural Context: The setting of this encounter, Bethel, carries deep historical and spiritual significance within Israelite tradition, notably as the site of Jacob's dream and vow to God and a recognized place of worship. The act of offering "loaves of bread" was a fundamental and deeply ingrained expression of hospitality and provision in the ancient Near East. Travelers often carried provisions for their journeys, and sharing them with others, particularly those encountered on the road or those perceived to be on a significant mission, was a customary act of kindness and a sign of peace. For Saul, who hailed from a relatively obscure family and was not yet publicly known as king, receiving such unsolicited provision from strangers on a journey towards a sacred site would have powerfully underscored the divine origin of his sustenance and the unexpected ways God provides for His chosen ones. This act was not merely practical but carried symbolic weight of welcome and divine favor.
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. This divine precision, down to the number of loaves, highlights God's absolute control over circumstances. 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, echoing instances of divine provision throughout the Old Testament, such as the manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16:4-5). Lastly, the theme of God's Sovereignty in Leadership Transition is profoundly 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, just as He did with Moses (Exodus 3:12) and Gideon (Judges 6:36-40).
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices that enrich its meaning. 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 essential need for Saul to continually rely on divine grace and guidance. 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 for His people. 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, personal involvement in human affairs, demonstrating His care even in the minute aspects of His grand plan.
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, assuring His people that He will provide "all things" necessary for life and godliness.
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. It challenges us to see divine activity not just in the miraculous and grand, but also in the simple, everyday provisions that sustain us.
Questions for Reflection
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 mystical or deep 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 and the reliability of His word. For Saul, encountering precisely three men who offered precisely two loaves of bread served as undeniable, tangible 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, demonstrating that His hand is at work even in the seemingly mundane details of life. This precision serves to authenticate the divine message, much like the detailed prophecies concerning the coming Messiah found throughout the Old Testament.
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, stating that whoever comes to Him will never hunger and whoever believes in Him will never thirst. This spiritual sustenance, providing eternal life and true satisfaction, far surpasses any physical provision. 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, enabling them to be witnesses to the ends of the earth. 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, in whom God's love is demonstrated. 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 "true bread from heaven" (John 6:32-33), freely given, and to be received by faith for eternal life and spiritual nourishment.