1 Samuel 9:11

KJV

¶ [And] as they went up the hill to the city, they found young maidens going out to draw water, and said unto them, Is the seer here?

KJV (with Strong's)

And as they went up {H5927} the hill {H4608} to the city {H5892}, they found {H4672} young maidens {H5291} going out {H3318} to draw {H7579} water {H4325}, and said {H559} unto them, Is {H3426} the seer {H7200} here?

Complete Jewish Bible

Ascending the slope to the town they found girls going out to draw water and asked them, "Is the seer here?"

Berean Standard Bible

And as they were climbing the hill to the city, they met some young women coming out to draw water and asked, “Is the seer here?”

American Standard Version

As they went up the ascent to the city, they found young maidens going out to draw water, and said unto them, Is the seer here?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 9:11 captures a pivotal, divinely orchestrated encounter that subtly yet powerfully redirects Saul's mundane search for lost donkeys into a providential journey towards his anointing as Israel's first king. As Saul and his servant ascend to a city, they encounter young women drawing water, an ordinary scene that serves as the precise means by which Saul can inquire about and locate Samuel, the esteemed prophet, thereby highlighting God's sovereign and often hidden hand in the unfolding of His redemptive purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial turning point within the broader narrative of [1 Samuel 9](/1_samuel/9 "1 Samuel 9 - Saul's Anointing"). The chapter opens with Saul, a tall and handsome Benjamite, being sent by his father Kish to search for lost donkeys, a seemingly trivial domestic task that sets in motion a series of divinely guided events. Saul's initial frustration and desire to return home are overcome by his servant's suggestion to consult a "man of God" (Samuel), renowned for his prophetic insight and accurate predictions, as detailed in [1 Samuel 9:6](/1_samuel/9-6 "1 Samuel 9:6 - Saul's Servant Suggests Consulting Samuel"). The encounter with the maidens in verse 11 directly facilitates Saul's meeting with Samuel, who, unbeknownst to Saul, has already been prepared by God to anoint him king, a divine revelation described in [1 Samuel 9:15-17](/1_samuel/9-15-17 "1 Samuel 9:15-17 - God Reveals Saul to Samuel and Prepares Him"). Thus, this verse transforms a simple quest for livestock into a providential journey toward national leadership, demonstrating God's meticulous orchestration of events.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, wells and springs were indispensable for daily life, serving as primary sources of water for domestic use, livestock, and agriculture. Drawing water was typically a task performed by women, often in groups, making these locations significant social hubs where news and information were exchanged. The time of day, often morning or evening, was chosen to avoid the heat. Travelers like Saul and his servant would naturally approach those engaged in such a common activity for directions or information about local dignitaries. The concept of a "seer" or prophet was well-established, with such figures often residing in specific towns or prophetic centers, offering counsel and divine guidance to the community. This cultural reality makes the interaction in [1 Samuel 9:11](/1_samuel/9-11 "1 Samuel 9:11 - Saul Encounters Maidens at the Well") entirely plausible and highlights the organic way in which God often works through the established rhythms of daily life and communal interaction.
* **Key Themes:** The encounter in [1 Samuel 9:11](/1_samuel/9-11 "1 Samuel 9:11 - Saul Encounters Maidens at the Well") powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in the book of 1 Samuel and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, **Divine Providence** is paramount; God orchestrates seemingly random or mundane events—like lost donkeys and a chance encounter at a well—to fulfill His sovereign purposes. Saul's journey, initially driven by a trivial concern, is meticulously guided by God's unseen hand towards his destiny as king, a theme echoed in passages like [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps"). Secondly, the verse highlights **The Role of the Prophet/Seer** as a vital intermediary between God and His people. Samuel's reputation as a "seer" underscores his authority and the community's reliance on his divine insight, establishing him as the recognized spiritual and political authority in Israel, as seen in his later interactions with both Saul and David. Lastly, the scene emphasizes **God Working Through Ordinary Life**. The simple act of women drawing water, a common daily chore, becomes the stage for a pivotal moment in Israel's history, demonstrating that God's grand plans often unfold not in miraculous spectacles but within the fabric of everyday human experience, a principle also evident in stories like [Rebekah at the well](/genesis/24-11 "Genesis 24:11 - Rebekah at the Well") or [Moses' encounter with Zipporah](/exodus/2-16 "Exodus 2:16 - Moses and Zipporah at the Well").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Seer (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** The Hebrew word רָאָה (_râʼâh_), translated as "seer" (from the root H7200, which means "to see"), literally refers to "one who sees" or "a visionary." This term emphasizes the prophet's ability to perceive divine revelations, visions, or insights that are hidden from ordinary perception. In ancient Israel, "seer" was an early designation for a prophet, highlighting their function as recipients and communicators of God's will. The text itself clarifies this in [1 Samuel 9:9](/1_samuel/9-9 "1 Samuel 9:9 - Prophet and Seer Terminology"), stating, "he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer." This indicates a functional synonymy, with _râʼâh_ underscoring the visual or perceptive aspect of prophetic ministry, distinguishing them as individuals specially gifted by God to "see" into the spiritual realm and discern His purposes.
* **Young Maidens (Hebrew, _naʻărâh'_):** The Hebrew word נַעֲרָה (_naʻărâh_, H5291), refers to a "girl" or "damsel," typically from infancy to adolescence. In this context, it denotes unmarried young women. Their presence at the well drawing water is culturally significant, as this was a common and essential daily task for women in ancient Israel. The term highlights their youth and perhaps their innocence, making their encounter with Saul and his servant a natural and unremarkable occurrence within the daily rhythm of the city, yet one that God uses for extraordinary purposes.
* **Draw (Hebrew, _shâʼab'_):** The Hebrew word שָׁאַב (_shâʼab_, H7579), means "to bale up water" or "to draw water." This verb describes the physical act of fetching water from a well or spring, usually with a bucket and rope. The act of "drawing water" was a fundamental and laborious part of daily life, essential for survival. Its inclusion here grounds the narrative in the mundane realities of the time, emphasizing how God's grand plans often intersect with and utilize the most ordinary human activities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And as they went up the hill to the city":** This clause describes the physical ascent of Saul and his servant towards the urban center where Samuel resides. The "hill" (Hebrew, _maʻăleh_, H4608, "an elevation" or "acclivity") suggests an elevated position, common for fortified cities in ancient Israel, implying effort and anticipation. The journey itself, initially undertaken for a mundane purpose (finding donkeys), is depicted as a direct path towards a divine appointment, subtly hinting at the providential nature of their travel.
* **"they found young maidens going out to draw water":** This detail grounds the narrative in the realities of daily life in ancient Israel. The encounter with "young maidens" (Hebrew, _naʻărâh_, H5291) performing the essential task of drawing water from a well or spring was a common sight. This seemingly coincidental meeting at a public water source, a natural gathering place, provides the perfect, unforced opportunity for Saul to seek information, underscoring the ordinary means God often employs for extraordinary ends. The verb "found" (Hebrew, _mâtsâʼ_, H4672, "to attain, find, acquire") suggests an unexpected discovery, yet one that is clearly orchestrated.
* **"and said unto them, Is the seer here?":** This direct question reveals Saul's immediate objective and Samuel's public reputation. Saul, having been advised by his servant to consult the "man of God," seeks confirmation of the prophet's presence in the city. The use of "the seer" implies Samuel's well-known status and the community's reliance on his prophetic guidance. This inquiry, seemingly simple, is the pivotal moment that connects Saul's mundane quest with his divine destiny, setting the stage for his encounter with Samuel. The word "Is" (Hebrew, _yêsh_, H3426, "there is or are") functions as a direct inquiry about existence or presence.

#### Literary Devices
1 Samuel 9:11 skillfully employs several literary devices to enhance its narrative and thematic depth. **Irony** is subtly present, as Saul's desperate search for lost donkeys ironically leads him to the discovery of a kingdom. His mundane task is a divinely orchestrated detour to his royal destiny. This encounter also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the significant meeting with Samuel that will irrevocably alter Saul's life and the course of Israel's history. The narrative's focus on a seemingly ordinary event—women drawing water—highlights the theme of **Divine Providence** working through the commonplace. This scene acts as a **Catalyst**, the seemingly random interaction propelling the plot forward by providing Saul with the crucial information he needs. Furthermore, the well or water source itself can be seen as a **Symbol** of life, sustenance, and often, significant encounters and divine appointments in biblical narratives, echoing other pivotal meetings at wells throughout the Old Testament.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The encounter in 1 Samuel 9:11 profoundly illustrates God's meticulous and often hidden providence, demonstrating how He orchestrates even the most ordinary circumstances to achieve His grand purposes. Saul's journey, initially driven by a trivial concern for lost donkeys, is divinely redirected through a series of seemingly coincidental events, culminating in his encounter with Samuel. This highlights that God's plan is not limited to dramatic interventions but often unfolds within the fabric of everyday life, using common people and mundane interactions as instruments for His will. It underscores the principle that God's sovereignty extends to every detail, guiding individuals to their appointed roles and fulfilling His redemptive narrative through unexpected paths, often revealing His hand only in retrospect.

* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Psalm 37:23](/psalms/37-23 "Psalm 37:23 - The Steps of a Good Man Are Ordered by the Lord")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief interaction in 1 Samuel 9:11 offers profound insights into how God works in our lives, often through the unexpected and the ordinary. It encourages us to cultivate an awareness of God's presence and activity even in the mundane details of our daily routines. Just as Saul's search for donkeys led him to a kingdom, our seemingly insignificant tasks or detours might be precisely where God intends to reveal His next step for us, or connect us with someone crucial to our journey. This verse challenges us to trust in God's overarching providence, even when our immediate circumstances seem disconnected from our ultimate hopes or callings. It calls us to be attentive to the subtle nudges of the Spirit, to listen to the counsel of others, and to seek wise guidance, recognizing that God's direction can come through unexpected channels and common interactions, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How have you experienced God's providence guiding you through seemingly ordinary or unexpected circumstances in your own life?**
* **In what ways might God be using your current "mundane tasks" or "detours" to lead you toward a greater purpose or revelation?**
* **How does this passage encourage you to seek wise counsel or spiritual guidance, even when you feel uncertain about your path?**

### FAQ
**Why did Saul and his servant ask young maidens for directions instead of men?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, drawing water was primarily a task performed by women, often young maidens, who would gather at the community's well or spring. These water sources were not just for practical needs but also served as significant social hubs where people gathered and exchanged information. It was entirely natural and common for travelers to approach those engaged in such a public and essential daily activity for local information, directions, or news about prominent figures like Samuel. The maidens would likely be well-informed about the comings and goings in the city, making them an accessible and reliable source of local intelligence.

**What is the significance of the term "seer" (ro'eh) in this context?**

Answer: The term "seer" (Hebrew: _ro'eh_) was an early and common designation for a prophet in ancient Israel, emphasizing their ability to "see" or perceive divine revelations and visions. [1 Samuel 9:9](/1_samuel/9-9 "1 Samuel 9:9 - Prophet and Seer Terminology") explicitly states that "he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer," indicating a functional equivalence. In this context, it highlights Samuel's recognized spiritual authority and his role as a trusted intermediary through whom God's will could be discerned. Saul's inquiry for "the seer" immediately establishes Samuel's prominence in the community and underscores the public's reliance on his prophetic guidance.

**How does this seemingly ordinary encounter demonstrate God's providence?**

Answer: This encounter is a powerful demonstration of God's meticulous providence, where seemingly coincidental events are divinely orchestrated to fulfill His greater plan. Saul's initial mission was simply to find lost donkeys. However, God used this mundane task, the servant's suggestion to consult Samuel, and this chance meeting with the maidens at the well, to guide Saul directly to the prophet who would anoint him as Israel's first king. It illustrates that God's hand is at work even in the ordinary details of life, subtly directing steps towards His sovereign purposes, as affirmed in [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps"). This narrative emphasizes that God's plans often unfold through natural means and human interactions, rather than solely through overt miracles.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The providential encounter in [1 Samuel 9:11](/1_samuel/9-11 "1 Samuel 9:11 - Saul Encounters Maidens at the Well"), where a mundane search leads to a divine appointment and the anointing of a king, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate divine orchestration culminating in Jesus Christ. Just as Saul was subtly guided by God's hand to fulfill a specific, albeit flawed, role in Israel's history, the entire sweep of Old Testament history points to the coming of the Messiah. Jesus is the ultimate "Seer" and Prophet, not merely one who "sees" visions, but the very Word of God incarnate, who perfectly reveals the Father ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God Except Jesus")). God's plan for salvation, meticulously unfolded through centuries of seemingly ordinary human history and everyday events, finds its climax in Christ's birth, life, death, and resurrection. The "lost" that Saul sought were donkeys, but Jesus came to seek and to save that which was truly lost—humanity alienated from God ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and Save the Lost")). The unexpected path to kingship for Saul ultimately points to the King of Kings, whose kingdom is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom Is Not of This World")), established not through human anointing but through divine sacrifice and resurrection, offering eternal life to all who believe ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). This passage reminds us that God's sovereign hand is always at work, guiding history towards its ultimate fulfillment in 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

Genesis 24:11

And he made his camels to kneel down without the city by a well of water at the time of the evening, [even] the time that women go out to draw [water].

Exodus 2:16

¶ Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew [water], and filled the troughs to water their father's flock.

Genesis 24:18

And she said, Drink, my lord: and she hasted, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink.

Genesis 24:20

And she hasted, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again unto the well to draw [water], and drew for all his camels.

Judges 5:11

[They that are delivered] from the noise of archers in the places of drawing water, there shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the LORD, [even] the righteous acts [toward the inhabitants] of his villages in Israel: then shall the people of the LORD go down to the gates.