1 Samuel 9:13

KJV

As soon as ye be come into the city, ye shall straightway find him, before he go up to the high place to eat: for the people will not eat until he come, because he doth bless the sacrifice; [and] afterwards they eat that be bidden. Now therefore get you up; for about this time ye shall find him.

KJV (with Strong's)

As soon as ye be come {H935} into the city {H5892}, ye shall straightway {H3651} find {H4672} him, before he go up {H5927} to the high place {H1116} to eat {H398}: for the people {H5971} will not eat {H398} until he come {H935}, because he doth bless {H1288} the sacrifice {H2077}; and afterwards {H310}{H3651} they eat {H398} that be bidden {H7121}. Now therefore get you up {H5927}; for about this time {H3117} ye shall find {H4672} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Find him as soon as you enter the city, before he goes up to the high place to eat; because the people won't eat until he comes and blesses the sacrifice. Afterwards, the ones invited will eat. So go on up, because this is when you will find him."

Berean Standard Bible

As soon as you enter the city, you will find him before he goes up to the high place to eat. The people will not eat until he comes, because he must bless the sacrifice; after that, the guests will eat. Go up at once; you will find him.”

American Standard Version

As soon as ye are come into the city, ye shall straightway find him, before he goeth up to the high place to eat; for the people will not eat until he come, because he doth bless the sacrifice; and afterwards they eat that are bidden. Now therefore get you up; for at this time ye shall find him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 9:13 is a pivotal verse that precisely orchestrates the divine encounter between Saul and Samuel, highlighting God's meticulous providence and the established customs of Israelite worship. It serves as Samuel's direct instruction to Saul and his servant, assuring them of finding him at a specific time and location due to a scheduled communal sacrificial meal, which Samuel, as God's prophet, was appointed to bless. This seemingly ordinary detail underscores the extraordinary hand of God guiding Saul towards his unexpected destiny as Israel's first king.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a crucial turning point in the narrative of 1 Samuel, marking the divine convergence of Saul's mundane search for lost donkeys with God's preordained plan for Israel's first king. Saul, a young man from the tribe of Benjamin, has been sent by his father on this seemingly insignificant errand. Unbeknownst to him, the Lord had already revealed to Samuel the day before that He would send a man from Benjamin to be anointed as prince over Israel, as detailed in [1 Samuel 9:15-16](/1-samuel/9-15-16 "God's Revelation to Samuel"). Thus, Samuel's precise instructions in verse 13 are not mere coincidence but the direct outworking of divine foreknowledge, setting the stage for Saul's anointing as king in [1 Samuel 10:1](/1-samuel/10-1 "Samuel Anoints Saul"). The immediate context shows Saul and his servant, having exhausted their search and their provisions, deciding to consult a man of God, leading them directly to Samuel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The mention of the "high place" (Hebrew: _bâmâh_) is significant for understanding Israelite worship in this early period. Before the centralization of worship in Jerusalem, these elevated sites served as legitimate, local places for communal worship, sacrifice, and feasting. They were distinct from the later, illicit high places associated with idolatry, which were condemned by prophets and kings. Sacrificial meals, like the one described, were integral to Israelite religious and social life, often following peace offerings where a portion of the sacrifice was eaten by the worshippers and priests, as outlined in [Leviticus 7:15-18](/leviticus/7-15-18 "Peace Offering Regulations"). The prophet or priest held a crucial role in these gatherings, blessing the sacrifice to consecrate it and invoke God's favor, signifying divine acceptance and making the meal sacred. This practice fostered community and a shared experience of God's presence.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Samuel 9:13 powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Samuel and the broader Old Testament. Foremost is **Divine Providence**, demonstrating God's sovereign control over seemingly random events, guiding Saul's mundane search for donkeys directly to his destiny as king, a principle echoed in [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "The Lord Directs Our Steps"). Another theme is **Prophetic Authority and Mediation**, as Samuel's indispensable role in blessing the sacrifice underscores his spiritual leadership and his function as God's chosen intermediary. The people's wait for Samuel highlights their reliance on his spiritual authority and his unique position as a conduit for God's blessing. Finally, the verse speaks to **Communal Worship and Fellowship**, depicting the social and religious importance of shared meals connected to sacrifices, which fostered unity and a collective experience of God's blessing among the Israelite community, a practice seen throughout the Pentateuch, such as in [Deuteronomy 12:5-7](/deuteronomy/12-5-7 "Centralized Worship and Feasting").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **high place (Hebrew, _bâmâh'_):** From an unused root meaning "to be high," this term refers to an elevation, specifically an elevated cultic site. In the context of 1 Samuel, these were legitimate, local places for worship and sacrifice, serving as community religious centers before the centralization of worship in Jerusalem. They were distinct from later, illicit high places associated with idolatry.
* **bless (Hebrew, _bārak'_):** A primitive root meaning "to kneel," and by implication "to bless God" (as adoration) or "man" (as a benefit). In the context of a sacrifice or meal, it signifies the act of consecrating the offering, invoking divine favor upon it, and setting it apart for sacred use. Samuel's blessing was a crucial spiritual act, signifying God's acceptance of the offering and making the communal meal permissible and spiritually meaningful for the participants.
* **sacrifice (Hebrew, _zevach'_):** From a root meaning "to slaughter," this term properly refers to the flesh of an animal offered, and by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act). It often denotes a peace offering (_zevach shlamim_), which involved a communal meal where the offerer, priests, and participants would partake of the meat, emphasizing fellowship with God and with one another.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As soon as ye be come into the city, ye shall straightway find him, before he go up to the high place to eat:"** This opening clause emphasizes the immediate and precise nature of Samuel's instructions, conveying a sense of divine urgency and certainty. It highlights that Saul's arrival is perfectly timed, as Samuel knows exactly where he will be and what he will be doing, underscoring the divine orchestration of this encounter before Samuel ascends to the local worship site for the communal meal.
* **"for the people will not eat until he come, because he doth bless the sacrifice;"** This explains the reason for Samuel's precise schedule and the people's waiting. It reveals Samuel's profound spiritual authority and indispensable role within the community's worship life. His blessing was not optional; it was a necessary act of consecration that rendered the sacrifice acceptable to God and the meal permissible for consumption. This highlights his position as God's appointed mediator and prophet.
* **"[and] afterwards they eat that be bidden."** This clause describes the communal aspect of the sacrificial meal. Only those "bidden" or invited would partake, indicating a structured and intentional gathering. The meal served as a tangible expression of fellowship, covenant, and shared participation in the divine blessing, reinforcing community bonds and their collective relationship with God.
* **"Now therefore get you up; for about this time ye shall find him."** Samuel concludes with a direct command and a reiteration of the precise timing. "Get you up" implies an ascent to the high place. The repetition of "about this time ye shall find him" reinforces the certainty of the encounter and the divine precision guiding Saul's steps, ensuring he arrives at the exact moment Samuel is accessible and ready to fulfill God's purpose.

#### Literary Devices
1 Samuel 9:13 employs several literary devices to enhance its meaning and impact. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Saul's arrival at a communal meal where Samuel, the prophet, blesses the sacrifice, subtly prefigures Saul's own anointing and his future role as leader of Israel. The act of blessing the sacrifice can be seen as a symbolic preparation for the blessing of the nation through its new king. There is also a powerful element of **Divine Irony** or **Providence**, where Saul's mundane and seemingly insignificant task of searching for lost donkeys becomes the very means by which God directs him to his extraordinary destiny. This highlights God's ability to work through ordinary circumstances to achieve His grand purposes. The **Direct Address** from Samuel to Saul ("ye shall straightway find him," "get you up") lends immediacy and authority to the divine instruction, emphasizing the certainty of the encounter. Finally, the "high place" and the "sacrifice" themselves serve as **Symbols** of Israel's worship, their covenant relationship with God, and the communal life that sustained their identity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 9:13 is a profound testament to God's active and meticulous involvement in human affairs, demonstrating His sovereign orchestration of events to fulfill His divine plan. It underscores the principle that even in seemingly ordinary circumstances, God is at work, guiding individuals towards their appointed roles. Samuel's indispensable role in blessing the sacrifice highlights the importance of spiritual authority and mediation in facilitating humanity's communion with God. The communal meal itself symbolizes the fellowship and shared experience of God's blessing that is central to the covenant relationship between God and His people. This verse reveals a God who is not distant but intimately involved, preparing the way for leadership and guiding His people through His chosen instruments.

* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Leviticus 7:15](/leviticus/7-15 "Peace Offering Meal")
* [Exodus 20:24](/exodus/20-24 "Altars and Blessings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of 1 Samuel 9:13 offers rich ground for reflection on our own lives and faith journeys. It reminds us that God's providence often operates through the mundane and unexpected. Just as Saul's search for donkeys led him to his destiny, our daily tasks and seemingly insignificant detours may be precisely where God is orchestrating His greater purposes. This calls us to cultivate a posture of attentiveness and trust, recognizing that God is at work even when we cannot discern His full plan. Furthermore, Samuel's role in blessing the sacrifice underscores the enduring importance of spiritual leadership and the communal aspect of faith. We are reminded of the value of gathering together, seeking divine blessing, and participating in shared spiritual experiences that strengthen our bonds with God and with one another. This verse encourages us to embrace the journey, trusting in God's perfect timing and His unwavering commitment to His plans for us and for His church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Saul's seemingly mundane task of finding donkeys illustrate God's sovereign orchestration in our own lives, even in unexpected circumstances?**
* **In what ways do we, like the people waiting for Samuel, recognize and rely on spiritual authority or divine blessing in our communal gatherings and personal decisions today?**
* **How can we cultivate a deeper sense of fellowship and shared spiritual experience within our faith communities, mirroring the ancient Israelite sacrificial meals and recognizing God's presence among us?**

### FAQ
**What was a "high place" in ancient Israel, and was it always legitimate?**

Answer: In the time of Samuel (pre-monarchy), a "high place" (Hebrew: _bâmâh_) was typically a legitimate, local elevated site used for worship, sacrifice, and communal feasting. These sites often had altars and were centers for religious activity before the construction of a central temple in Jerusalem. They were considered acceptable places to encounter God. However, later in Israel's history, particularly after the establishment of the Jerusalem Temple as the sole legitimate place for centralized worship, many "high places" became associated with syncretistic practices, idolatry, and unauthorized worship, and were therefore condemned by prophets and righteous kings, as seen in [1 Kings 14:23](/1-kings/14-23 "Judah's Idolatry") and [2 Kings 23:8](/2-kings/23-8 "Josiah Destroys High Places"). In 1 Samuel 9:13, the high place is clearly a legitimate site for Samuel's prophetic ministry.

**Why was Samuel's blessing so crucial for the sacrificial meal?**

Answer: Samuel's blessing was crucial because it consecrated the sacrifice and invoked God's favor upon the offering and the subsequent meal. As God's prophet and judge, Samuel held significant spiritual authority. His blessing was not a mere formality but a necessary act that made the sacrifice acceptable to God and the meal permissible for the people to partake in. It signified divine approval and the presence of God's blessing, transforming a common meal into a sacred, communal act of worship and fellowship, as reflected in principles like those found in [Exodus 20:24](/exodus/20-24 "Altars and Blessings"). Without his blessing, the people would not eat, indicating their reliance on his spiritual mediation.

**How does this verse show God's providence?**

Answer: This verse is a powerful demonstration of God's providence through its precise timing and orchestration. Saul's seemingly random search for lost donkeys leads him directly to Samuel, exactly when Samuel is expecting him due to a prior divine revelation, as detailed in [1 Samuel 9:15-16](/1-samuel/9-15-16 "God's Revelation to Samuel"). Samuel's specific instructions about where and when Saul will find him, tied to the communal meal, eliminate any possibility of coincidence. This intricate planning reveals God's active hand in guiding human events, even the most mundane, to fulfill His sovereign purposes, setting the stage for Saul's anointing as Israel's first king. It illustrates that God works behind the scenes to bring His plans to fruition, a truth affirmed in [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "The Lord Directs Our Steps").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 9:13, with its depiction of Samuel blessing the sacrifice and mediating between God and His people, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate mediation and blessing found in Jesus Christ. Just as the people waited for Samuel to bless the sacrifice before they could eat, humanity awaited the coming of the one who would offer the perfect and final sacrifice. Jesus is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the ultimate and complete offering for sin, whose sacrifice never needs to be repeated because it is eternally sufficient, as taught in [Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Christ's One Sacrifice"). Through His shed blood, He has consecrated us and provided eternal redemption, as affirmed in [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Christ's Perfect Sacrifice"). Furthermore, the communal meal at the high place anticipates the new covenant meal, the Lord's Supper, where believers partake in remembrance of Christ's body and blood, experiencing profound fellowship with Him and with one another, as instituted in [Luke 22:19-20](/luke/22-19-20 "Institution of the Lord's Supper"). Unlike Saul, who was chosen as a human king to rule a temporal kingdom, Jesus is the divinely appointed, eternal King whose reign brings true blessing and salvation to all who believe, fulfilling God's ultimate plan for His people. He is the one who truly blesses, not merely a sacrifice, but His entire people, bringing them into an eternal covenant relationship with God.

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

John 6:11

And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.

Mark 6:41

And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave [them] to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all.

Matthew 26:26

¶ And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed [it], and brake [it], and gave [it] to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.

John 6:23

(Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:)

1 Corinthians 10:30

For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?

Luke 24:30

And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed [it], and brake, and gave to them.

1 Timothy 4:4

For every creature of God [is] good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: