1 Samuel 9:10

KJV

Then said Saul to his servant, Well said; come, let us go. So they went unto the city where the man of God [was].

KJV (with Strong's)

Then said {H1697} Saul {H7586} to his servant {H5288}, Well {H2896} said {H559}; come {H3212}, let us go {H3212}. So they went {H3212} unto the city {H5892} where the man {H376} of God {H430} was.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Well said," Sha'ul answered his servant. "Come on, let's go." So they went to the city where the man of God was.

Berean Standard Bible

“Good,” said Saul to his servant. “Come, let us go.” So they set out for the city where the man of God was.

American Standard Version

Then said Saul to his servant, Well said; come, let us go. So they went unto the city where the man of God was.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 9:10 serves as a pivotal turning point in the narrative of Saul's life, marking his transition from a mundane search for lost donkeys to an unexpected, divinely orchestrated encounter that would lead to his anointing as Israel's first king. After a fruitless search, Saul's servant suggests consulting a renowned "man of God" in a nearby city. Saul's immediate and positive affirmation, "Well said; come, let us go," demonstrates his receptiveness to wise counsel and his readiness to act, setting the stage for his fateful meeting with the prophet Samuel, who was already divinely prepared to fulfill God's sovereign plan for Israel's leadership. This verse powerfully illustrates God's intricate providence, utilizing seemingly ordinary circumstances to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse acts as the crucial narrative hinge within [1 Samuel 9](/1_samuel/9 "1 Samuel 9 - Saul's Encounter with Samuel"). The preceding verses (1 Samuel 9:1-5) meticulously establish Saul's background as a handsome and capable young man from the tribe of Benjamin, whose initial task is the seemingly trivial and frustrating search for his father Kish's lost donkeys. This three-day, fruitless endeavor has left both Saul and his servant weary and contemplating a return home (1 Samuel 9:5). It is at this point of human exhaustion and uncertainty that the servant introduces the idea of consulting a "man of God" in the nearby city (1 Samuel 9:6-8), a suggestion initially met with Saul's practical concern about lacking a gift for the prophet (1 Samuel 9:7). The servant's provision of a quarter-shekel of silver (1 Samuel 9:8) resolves this practical hurdle, directly paving the way for Saul's decisive agreement in verse 10. This moment signifies a profound shift in the narrative's trajectory, moving from a domestic errand to a divinely orchestrated appointment that will irrevocably alter the course of Israelite history.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, prophets, frequently identified as "men of God" (`'ish ha'elohim'`) or "seers," occupied a uniquely authoritative and indispensable role within society. They functioned not merely as spiritual guides but as direct conduits of divine revelation, offering counsel on matters ranging from national crises to personal dilemmas, including seemingly trivial concerns like lost property (as evident in [1 Samuel 9:6](/1_samuel/9-6 "1 Samuel 9:6 - The Servant's Suggestion") and [1 Samuel 9:9](/1_samuel/9-9 "1 Samuel 9:9 - Former Name for Prophet")). The title "man of God" conveyed immense respect and signified an individual's intimate, consecrated relationship with Yahweh, enabling them to speak with divine authority. This period in Israel's history was particularly tumultuous, marking a transition from the decentralized tribal leadership of the Judges to the establishment of a centralized monarchy, a desire explicitly voiced by the people in [1 Samuel 8:5](/1_samuel/8-5 "1 Samuel 8:5 - Israel's Demand for a King"). Samuel, the "man of God" whom Saul is about to encounter, was the last and most influential of the Judges, divinely appointed to facilitate this monumental shift by anointing Israel's first king.
* **Key Themes:** The immediate context of [1 Samuel 9:10](/1_samuel/9-10 "1 Samuel 9:10 - Saul's Decision to Seek the Man of God") illuminates several profound theological themes. Firstly, **Divine Providence** stands paramount; what appears to be a series of random events—lost donkeys, a long search, a servant's suggestion—is, in fact, God's precise and unseen orchestration to bring Saul to Samuel and to his destiny as king. This underscores God's sovereignty, demonstrating His ability to use ordinary circumstances and even human limitations to fulfill His extraordinary purposes, a truth echoed powerfully in [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good"). Secondly, the theme of **Seeking Godly Counsel** is central. The servant's suggestion to consult the "man of God" is the critical turning point, emphasizing the indispensable value of seeking spiritual insight and guidance, especially when human efforts have proven insufficient or reached their limits. Saul's initial receptiveness to this advice, despite his practical reservations, highlights its transformative power. Lastly, **Readiness and Obedience** are evident in Saul's prompt and positive response, "Well said; come, let us go." This initial openness and willingness to act upon wise counsel are foundational characteristics for effective leadership, though the broader narrative of Saul's reign will later reveal how these qualities can be severely tested and, at times, tragically falter.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Well (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** This word, often translated as "good," "right," or "pleasing," conveys Saul's immediate and unequivocal approval of his servant's suggestion. In this context, it signifies that Saul finds the advice sound, wise, and agreeable. It indicates a receptive and trusting spirit, a willingness to follow the counsel of another, especially after his own efforts have proven fruitless. This initial receptiveness is a positive trait that sets the stage for his encounter with Samuel.
* **go (Hebrew, _yâlak'_):** A primitive root meaning "to walk" (literally or figuratively), and causatively, "to carry." Here, it signifies a decisive movement and action. Saul's command, "come, let us go," indicates an immediate and resolute intention to proceed. The repetition of this verb ("So they went") emphasizes the swift and direct execution of this decision, highlighting the narrative's shift from deliberation to divinely guided action, propelling Saul towards his destiny.
* **man (Hebrew, _ʼîysh'_):** This term refers to an individual or male person, often used as an adjunct to a more definite term. In the phrase "man of God," it forms a crucial part of a reverent title. It denotes Samuel as a specific individual, but when combined with "God" (`ʼĕlôhîym`), it elevates his status beyond an ordinary person, identifying him as a divinely appointed messenger or prophet, whose words carry divine authority.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This is the plural form of _ʼĕlôah_, often used specifically with the article to refer to the supreme God, Yahweh. In the phrase "man of God" (`ʼîsh hā-ʼĕlōhîm`), it emphasizes that the individual is in a special, intimate relationship with the divine, acting as a spokesperson for the Almighty. The presence of this title underscores that the counsel Saul is about to receive is not merely human wisdom but divinely inspired direction from the sovereign Lord of Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said Saul to his servant, Well said;":** This initial clause captures Saul's immediate and positive affirmation of his servant's suggestion to consult the man of God. The phrase "Well said" (Hebrew: _ṭôwb_) indicates that Saul finds the advice to be good, sound, and agreeable, reflecting a crucial moment of openness to external counsel, especially after his own efforts to find the donkeys have failed. This receptiveness also contrasts with his earlier practical concern about having no gift to offer, signifying a shift in his focus from mundane logistics to the potential for divine guidance.
* **"come, let us go.":** This is Saul's decisive command, signaling an immediate and resolute action. It transforms the narrative from contemplation to execution, demonstrating Saul's willingness to act upon the advice given. This phrase reveals an initial quality of leadership and a readiness to pursue a new course of action, even if it was not his original plan, setting the journey to the man of God firmly in motion.
* **"So they went unto the city where the man of God [was].":** This final clause confirms the immediate and direct consequence of Saul's decision. The "man of God" is Samuel, though his name is not yet explicitly revealed to Saul. The narrative emphasizes that their destination is precisely where this divinely appointed individual resides. This seemingly simple statement carries immense theological weight, as it signifies that Saul is now being led, not by his own lost donkeys or human efforts, but by God's sovereign hand, directly into the path of his destiny as Israel's first king.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in [1 Samuel 9:10](/1_samuel/9-10 "1 Samuel 9:10 - Saul's Decision to Seek the Man of God"), situated within its broader context, masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Irony** is strikingly evident, as the seemingly trivial and mundane search for lost donkeys becomes the precise means by which Saul is inadvertently led to his anointing as king. The lowliness of the task stands in stark contrast to the magnitude of the outcome, powerfully highlighting God's ability to work through the most ordinary circumstances to achieve extraordinary purposes. There is also clear **Foreshadowing** in the servant's accurate knowledge of the "man of God" and his reputation for prophetic accuracy (1 Samuel 9:6, 1 Samuel 9:9), which subtly prepares both Saul and the reader for the momentous and divinely significant encounter with Samuel. Saul's prompt and positive response, "Well said; come, let us go," further foreshadows his initial receptiveness to divine instruction and his readiness for leadership, even if these qualities would later be sorely tested. Finally, the entire sequence is a compelling example of **Divine Providence** as a pervasive literary and theological theme, where the author subtly yet clearly demonstrates God's unseen hand guiding every step of Saul's journey, transforming a fruitless search into a divinely orchestrated appointment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The narrative of [1 Samuel 9:10](/1_samuel/9-10 "1 Samuel 9:10 - Saul's Decision to Seek the Man of God") profoundly illustrates the intricate working of divine providence in human affairs. God often uses ordinary, even frustrating, circumstances to bring about His extraordinary purposes. Saul's mundane search for donkeys was, in fact, a divinely ordained detour leading him directly to his destiny as king. This highlights that God's plans are often unfolded in unexpected ways, requiring us to trust His unseen hand even when our immediate concerns seem trivial or overwhelming. Furthermore, the verse underscores the importance of seeking and heeding godly counsel. The servant, a seemingly minor character, becomes God's instrument to guide Saul. This teaches us the value of listening to wise, spiritually discerning voices in our lives, as they can often be channels of divine direction, leading us to paths we would not have discovered on our own.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")
* [Psalm 37:23](/psalms/37-23 "Psalm 37:23 - The Steps of a Good Man are Ordered by the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Samuel 9:10](/1_samuel/9-10 "1 Samuel 9:10 - Saul's Decision to Seek the Man of God") offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to cultivate a posture of active faith and deep trust, recognizing that God's sovereign hand is meticulously at work even in the most mundane, frustrating, or seemingly insignificant aspects of our lives. Just as Saul's tedious search for lost donkeys ultimately led him to a divine appointment with destiny, our own daily struggles, unexpected detours, and seemingly trivial tasks might be precisely the means through which God is orchestrating our next step toward His greater purpose. This calls for patience, unwavering trust, and a willingness to see beyond our immediate circumstances. Furthermore, the verse powerfully emphasizes the invaluable role of wise, godly counsel. We are often too quick to rely solely on our own understanding, to dismiss the advice of others, or to overlook the potential for divine guidance through unexpected channels. Saul's receptiveness to his servant's suggestion, despite his initial hesitation and practical concerns, proved to be the gateway to his anointing. This encourages us to actively seek out and humbly consider the wisdom of spiritual mentors, trusted friends, or even unexpected voices, as they may well be God's instruments to guide us. Our readiness to say "Well said; come, let us go" to divine promptings, whether direct or through the counsel of others, is crucial for walking in the center of God's perfect will and discovering His unfolding plan for our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "mundane" or frustrating areas of your life might God be working to lead you to a greater purpose or a divine appointment that you haven't yet recognized?**
* **Who are the "men or women of God" in your life whose counsel you should be more receptive to, and how can you actively seek their wisdom and discernment?**
* **How does Saul's immediate and decisive "Well said; come, let us go" challenge your own readiness to obey divine prompting or wise advice, especially when it leads to unexpected or inconvenient paths?**
* **What "lost donkeys" (i.e., challenges, disappointments, or seemingly wasted efforts) in your life might God be using to subtly guide you to a deeper understanding of His sovereign plan and purpose?**

### FAQ
**Why was Saul looking for a "man of God" for lost donkeys?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, prophets, or "men of God" (`'ish ha'elohim'`), were not exclusively consulted for major national or spiritual crises. Their role was comprehensive, extending to all aspects of life, including seemingly mundane personal matters. People believed that these prophets had direct access to divine knowledge and could provide guidance on everything from lost items to future events. Saul's servant knew that the "man of God" (Samuel) was renowned for his accuracy and could reveal their path ([1 Samuel 9:6](/1_samuel/9-6 "1 Samuel 9:6 - The Servant's Suggestion")). This practice highlights the deep trust people placed in prophets as conduits of God's wisdom and the pervasive belief that God's hand was involved in even the smallest details of life.

**What does "man of God" signify in this context?**

Answer: The title "man of God" (`'îsh hā-'ĕlōhîm'`) is a significant designation in the Old Testament, denoting a prophet who stands in a special, intimate relationship with Yahweh and speaks on His behalf. It emphasizes the divine authority and inspiration behind the prophet's words and actions. In [1 Samuel 9:10](/1_samuel/9-10 "1 Samuel 9:10 - Saul's Decision to Seek the Man of God"), this title refers to Samuel, whose prophetic authority and integrity were widely recognized throughout Israel, as confirmed in [1 Samuel 3:19-20](/1_samuel/3-19-20 "1 Samuel 3:19-20 - Samuel's Prophetic Recognition"). The use of this title underscores that the counsel Saul was about to receive was not merely human wisdom but divinely inspired direction, setting the stage for his anointing as king and underscoring the divine orchestration of the events.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Saul's unwitting journey from seeking lost donkeys to being divinely appointed king, guided by the "man of God," powerfully foreshadows the ultimate divine orchestration found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Saul was led to his earthly kingship through seemingly ordinary and even frustrating circumstances, humanity is led to true spiritual kingship and eternal purpose through Christ. Jesus is the ultimate "man of God," the perfect Prophet who fully reveals God's will and character, embodying the very Word of God (compare [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - Jesus Reveals God") and [Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Speaks Through His Son")). While Saul was searching for lost animals, Jesus came specifically to seek and save that which was truly lost—humanity itself, alienated from God by sin (as seen in [Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus Came to Seek and Save the Lost")). Every step of Saul's journey, from the lost donkeys to the encounter with Samuel, was providentially guided by God; similarly, all of history, including our individual lives, is being sovereignly orchestrated by Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")), to bring about His redemptive purposes. He is the one who transforms our mundane searches into divine appointments, leading us not to an earthly throne, but to an eternal inheritance and co-reign in His everlasting kingdom ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")).

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

2 Kings 5:13

And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, [if] the prophet had bid thee [do some] great thing, wouldest thou not have done [it]? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?

2 Kings 5:14

Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.