1 Samuel 9:1

KJV

¶ Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name [was] Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now there was a man {H376} of Benjamin {H1144}, whose name {H8034} was Kish {H7027}, the son {H1121} of Abiel {H22}, the son {H1121} of Zeror {H6872}, the son {H1121} of Bechorath {H1064}, the son {H1121} of Aphiah {H647}, a Benjamite {H1145}, a mighty {H1368} man {H376} of power {H2428}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There was a man from Binyamin named Kish the son of Avi'el, the son of Tz'ror, the son of B'khorat, the son of Afiach, the son of a man from Binyamin. He was a man of substance and brave as well.

Berean Standard Bible

Now there was a Benjamite, a powerful man, whose name was Kish son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah of Benjamin.

American Standard Version

Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah, the son of a Benjamite, a mighty man of valor.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 9:1 meticulously introduces Kish, a prominent Benjamite and the father of Saul, who would become Israel's first king. This verse serves as the foundational opening to the narrative of Saul's rise, establishing his familial and tribal credentials, and highlighting his father's considerable social standing as a "mighty man of power." It subtly foreshadows the human criteria for kingship that Israel sought, setting the stage for the dramatic transition from the era of judges to a monarchy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately precedes the detailed account of Saul's search for his father's lost donkeys, which providentially leads him to Samuel, the prophet who will anoint him king. It acts as a crucial narrative hinge, shifting the focus from the general state of Israel under the judges (as depicted in the preceding chapters and the book of Judges) to the specific individual chosen to inaugurate the monarchy. The lengthy genealogical listing for Kish emphasizes the importance of his lineage, not only for his own standing but primarily for establishing the credible background of the future king. The subsequent verse, [1 Samuel 9:2](/1_samuel/9-2 "1 Samuel 9:2 - Saul's Physical Stature"), further elaborates on Saul's physical impressiveness, building directly upon the introduction of his distinguished father.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described is a pivotal moment in Israelite history, marking the transition from a decentralized tribal confederacy, often plagued by internal strife and external threats, to a centralized monarchy. The people's demand for a king, articulated in [1 Samuel 8:5](/1_samuel/8-5 "1 Samuel 8:5 - Israel Demands a King"), was a rejection of God's direct rule through judges and a desire to be "like all the nations." The tribe of Benjamin, though small, had a complex history, including a near-annihilation detailed in [Judges 20-21](/judges/20 "Judges 20-21 - The Benjamite War"), yet they were known for their fierce warriors. The description of Kish as a "mighty man of power" (Hebrew: *gibbor chayil*) would have signified not just physical strength but also wealth, influence, and social standing within his clan and tribe, a highly valued attribute in ancient Israelite society.

* **Key Themes:** The verse primarily functions as the **introduction of a key figure** (Kish, and by extension, Saul) who will play a pivotal role in Israel's history. It underscores the theme of **tribal identity**, explicitly naming Kish as a "Benjamite," which carries historical and symbolic weight given Benjamin's past and reputation for martial prowess. Furthermore, the description of Kish as "a mighty man of power" highlights the theme of **social standing and human qualifications**. This initial portrayal of Saul's impressive lineage and family background aligns with the human desire for a king who would be outwardly impressive, strong, and from a respectable family, subtly setting up a contrast with God's later criteria for leadership, as seen in [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mighty man of power (Hebrew, _gibbor chayil'_):** This compound phrase (גִּבּוֹר חַיִל) is rich in meaning, extending beyond mere physical strength. *Gibbor* (גִּבּוֹר) denotes a strong, valiant, or mighty person, often a warrior or hero. *Chayil* (חַיִל) is a multifaceted term that can refer to strength, wealth, valor, or an army. Combined, *gibbor chayil* describes a person of considerable substance and influence, possessing valor, wealth, and high social standing. In Kish's case, it suggests he was a respected, capable, and perhaps affluent leader within his community, providing a prestigious background for Saul.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now there was a man of Benjamin":** This opening clause immediately establishes the tribal affiliation of the central figure to be introduced. Benjamin was one of the smaller tribes but had a reputation for fierce warriors and a turbulent history, setting a specific context for Saul's origin.
* **"whose name [was] Kish":** This directly names the individual, Kish, who is significant not in himself but as the father of Israel's first king. The focus quickly shifts from the general tribal identity to a specific person.
* **"the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite":** This detailed genealogy emphasizes Kish's established lineage and roots within the tribe of Benjamin. Such a listing would have underscored his legitimacy and standing in ancient Israelite society, confirming his tribal identity and honorable ancestry.
* **"a mighty man of power":** This concluding descriptor provides a crucial characterization of Kish. As discussed in "Key Word Analysis," this phrase signifies not only physical strength but also valor, wealth, and significant social influence. It paints a picture of a prominent and respected figure, thereby establishing the impressive human credentials of Saul's family.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Introduction**, **Genealogy**, and **Foreshadowing**. The direct **Introduction** of Kish serves to immediately establish the family from which Israel's first king will emerge, shifting the narrative focus. The extensive **Genealogy** provides a detailed lineage, lending credibility and gravitas to Kish's (and by extension, Saul's) background within the tribal structure of Israel. This emphasis on his respectable origins and status as a "mighty man of power" subtly employs **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the kind of leader the people of Israel desired—one who was outwardly impressive and from a distinguished family—which contrasts with God's ultimate criteria for kingship, setting up a key theological tension explored later in the narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple genealogical introduction carries profound theological weight. It highlights God's sovereignty in orchestrating the details of history, even in the seemingly mundane aspects of lineage and social standing. While Kish is presented as a "mighty man of power," suggesting humanly impressive qualifications, this subtly foreshadows the contrast between human preference and divine choice. Israel desired a king who was outwardly strong and from a reputable background, and Saul, through his father Kish, initially fits this mold perfectly. However, the narrative of Samuel will consistently demonstrate that God's criteria for leadership are not based on outward appearance or human strength but on the heart and obedience, a truth powerfully articulated in [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "God Looks at the Heart"). This verse, therefore, lays the groundwork for understanding the human inclination to value external attributes and sets the stage for God's counter-cultural method of choosing His servants.

* [1 Samuel 8:5](/1_samuel/8-5 "Israel's Demand for a King")
* [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "God Looks at the Heart")
* [Judges 20:46](/judges/20-46 "The Benjamites' Reputation for Valour")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The introduction of Kish, a "mighty man of power," and the father of Israel's first king, offers a powerful reminder that God often works through seemingly ordinary or humanly impressive circumstances to advance His divine purposes. While human beings tend to value outward strength, lineage, or social status as qualifications for leadership, this verse, in the broader context of Samuel, subtly challenges us to consider what truly matters in God's eyes. It prompts us to look beyond superficial appearances and trust in God's sovereign hand, which can elevate the humble or use the outwardly impressive for His glory. Our own backgrounds, whether perceived as strong or weak, are all part of God's intricate tapestry. This verse encourages us to recognize God's providence in the details of our lives and to seek His perspective on what constitutes true strength and leadership.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's choice of Saul, through a "mighty man of power" like Kish, challenge or confirm our own assumptions about leadership?**
* **In what ways might we, like the Israelites, prioritize outward appearances or human qualifications over God's deeper criteria for character and heart?**
* **How does recognizing God's providence in the seemingly mundane details of Kish's life encourage us to trust Him with the details of our own lives?**

### FAQ
**Why is Kish's lineage so detailed in this verse?**
Answer: The detailed lineage serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it establishes Kish's, and by extension Saul's, legitimate tribal identity as a Benjamite, which was important for social standing and recognition in ancient Israel. Secondly, it underscores the respectability and prominence of Saul's family, aligning with the people's desire for a king who was outwardly impressive and from a distinguished background, as expressed in [1 Samuel 8:5](/1_samuel/8-5 "1 Samuel 8:5 - Israel Demands a King"). Such genealogical depth would have lent credibility and authority to Saul's eventual anointing, presenting him as a suitable candidate from a human perspective.

**What does "a mighty man of power" (KJV) truly mean in this context?**
Answer: The Hebrew phrase is *gibbor chayil* (גִּבּוֹר חַיִל). While it can certainly imply physical strength, its meaning is much broader, encompassing valor, wealth, and significant social influence. It describes a person of substance and standing within their community—someone who is respected, capable, and perhaps affluent. For Kish, it suggests he was a prominent leader in his clan, providing an honorable and influential background for his son, Saul. This description sets up Saul as a figure who would meet the human expectations of a king, who was desired to be strong and impressive, as further elaborated in [1 Samuel 9:2](/1_samuel/9-2 "1 Samuel 9:2 - Saul's Impressive Stature").

**Why is the tribe of Benjamin specifically mentioned as Kish's tribe?**
Answer: The mention of Benjamin is significant due to the tribe's unique history and characteristics. Although one of the smallest tribes, Benjamin had a reputation for fierce warriors and skilled slingers (e.g., [Judges 20:16](/judges/20-16 "Judges 20:16 - Benjamite Slingers")). The tribe also had a tumultuous past, including a near-annihilation due to a civil war (recorded in [Judges 19-21](/judges/19 "Judges 19-21 - The Benjamite Civil War")). Identifying Kish as a Benjamite immediately connects Saul to this specific tribal identity, potentially hinting at his own physical prowess and setting a backdrop for his reign, which would eventually be marked by conflict and a tragic end.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The introduction of Kish, a "mighty man of power" from the tribe of Benjamin, and the father of Israel's first king, subtly foreshadows the human desire for a king who is outwardly impressive and from a noble lineage. Saul's selection, rooted in this humanly desirable background, represents the people's longing for a king "like all the nations" ([1 Samuel 8:5](/1_samuel/8-5 "1 Samuel 8:5 - Israel's Demand for a King")). However, this human-centered approach to kingship ultimately falls short, as Saul's reign is marked by disobedience and rejection. In stark contrast, the true King, Jesus Christ, fulfills the promise of an everlasting kingdom, not through outward human might or a prestigious earthly lineage (though His lineage is impeccable, tracing back to David in [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - Genealogy of Jesus")), but through divine power expressed in humility and sacrifice. While Saul came from a "mighty man of power," Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), came in weakness, born in a manger ([Luke 2:7](/luke/2-7 "Luke 2:7 - Birth of Jesus")), yet He is the true [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings"). His kingdom is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), but it is eternal, founded on grace and truth, ultimately triumphing over sin and death, fulfilling the deepest longings of humanity for a perfect ruler who truly saves His people ([Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - Jesus Will Save His People")).

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

1 Samuel 14:51

And Kish [was] the father of Saul; and Ner the father of Abner [was] the son of Abiel.

Acts 13:21

And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.

1 Chronicles 9:36

And his firstborn son Abdon, then Zur, and Kish, and Baal, and Ner, and Nadab,

1 Chronicles 9:39

And Ner begat Kish; and Kish begat Saul; and Saul begat Jonathan, and Malchishua, and Abinadab, and Eshbaal.

1 Chronicles 8:30

And his firstborn son Abdon, and Zur, and Kish, and Baal, and Nadab,

1 Chronicles 8:33

¶ And Ner begat Kish, and Kish begat Saul, and Saul begat Jonathan, and Malchishua, and Abinadab, and Eshbaal.

1 Samuel 25:2

¶ And [there was] a man in Maon, whose possessions [were] in Carmel; and the man [was] very great, and he had three thousand sheep, and a thousand goats: and he was shearing his sheep in Carmel.