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Commentary on 1 Samuel 9 verses 11–17
Here, I. Saul, by an ordinary enquiry, is directed to Samuel, Sa1 9:11-14. Gibeah of Saul was not twenty miles from Ramah where Samuel dwelt, and was near to Mizpeh where he often judged Israel, and yet, it seems, Saul had lived so very privately, and had taken so little notice of public affairs, that he had never seen Samuel, for when he met him (Sa1 9:18) he did not know him, so that there was no cause to suspect any secret compact or collusion between them in this matter. I knew him not, says John Baptist concerning Christ, Joh 1:31. Yet I do not think it any commendation to Saul that he was a stranger to Samuel. However,
1.The maid-servants of Ramah, whom they met with at the places of drawing water, could give him and his servant intelligence concerning Samuel; and very particular they were in their directions, Sa1 9:12, Sa1 9:13. We should always be ready to give what assistance we can to those that are enquiring after God's prophets, and to further them in their enquiries. Even the maid-servants could tell them, (1.) That there was a sacrifice that day in the high place, it being either an ordinary festival or an extraordinary day of prayer and thanksgiving, with which sacrifices were joined. The tabernacle being deprived of the ark, the altar there had not now the reputation it formerly had, nor were they confined to it, as they would be when God had again chosen a place to put his name in; and therefore now other places were allowed. Samuel had built an altar at Ramah (Sa1 7:17), and here we have him making use of that altar. (2.) That Samuel came that day to the city, either from his circuit or from his country seat. He was such a public person that his movements were generally known. (3.) That this was just the time of their meeting to feast before the Lord upon the sacrifice: "About this time you will find him in the street going up to the high place." They knew the hour of the solemn feast. (4.) That the people would not eat till Samuel came, not only because he was the worthiest person, and they ought in good manners to stay for him, and he was, as some think, the maker of this feast, the sacrifice being offered at his charge and upon his account; but because, as a man of God, whoever made the feast, he must bless the sacrifice, that is, those parts of the sacrifice which they feasted upon, which may be considered, [1.] As a common meal, and so this is an instance of the great duty of craving a blessing upon our meat before we partake of it. We cannot expect benefit from our food without that blessing, and we have no reason to expect that blessing if we do not pray for it. Thus we must give glory to God as our benefactor, and own our dependence upon him and our obligations to him. Or, [2.] As a religious assembly. When the sacrifice was offered, which was the ceremony, Samuel blessed it, that is, he prayed over it, and offered up spiritual sacrifices with it, which were the substance; and afterwards, when the holy duties were performed, they did eat. Let the soul first be served. The feast upon the sacrifice being a sacred rite, it was requisite that it should in a particular manner be blessed, as is the Christian eucharist. They feasted in token of their reconciliation to God by virtue of the sacrifice, and their participation of the benefits of it; and Samuel blessed the feast, that is, he prayed to God to grace the solemnity with his special presence, that it might answer those great ends. Bishop Hall observes what a particular account those maid-servants could give of the usages of those sacred feasts, and infers from it that, "where there is the practice and example of piety in the better sort, there will be a reflection of it upon the meanest. It is no small advantage to live in religious places; for we shall be much to blame if all goodness fall beside us."
2.Saul and his servant followed the directions given them, and very opportunely met Samuel going to the high place, the synagogue of the city, Sa1 9:14. This seemed purely accidental, but the divine providence ordered it for the forwarding of this great event. The wise God serves very great and certain purposes by very small and casual occurrences. A sparrow falls not to the ground without our Father.
II. Samuel, by an extraordinary revelation, is informed concerning Saul. He was a seer, and therefore must see this in a way peculiar to himself.
1.God had told him, the day before, that he would, at this time, send him the man that should serve the people of Israel for such a king as they wished to have, like all the nations, Sa1 9:15, Sa1 9:16. He told him in his ear, that is, privately, by a secret whisper to his mind, or perhaps by a still small voice, some soft and gentle sounds conveyed to his ear, probably when he was praying in secret for direction in that and other affairs of the nation. He had spoken in the ears of the Lord (Sa1 8:21), and now God spoke in his ear, in token of friendship and familiarity, for he revealeth his secret to his servants the prophets, as secrets in their ear, Amo 3:7. God told him before, that it might not be a surprise to him; and perhaps it was in expectation of it that he appointed the feast and the sacrifice, for the imploring of God's blessing upon this great and important affair, though he might keep the particular occasion in his own breast, God having only told it to him in his ear. The Hebrew phrase is, He uncovered the ear of Samuel, to which some allude for the explication of the way of God's revealing himself to us; he not only speaks, but uncovers our ear. We have naturally a covering on our ears, so that we perceive not what God says (Job 33:14), but, when God will manifest himself to a soul, he uncovers the ear, says, Ephphratha, Be opened; he takes the veil from off the heart, Co2 3:16. Though God had, in displeasure, granted their request for a king, yet here he speaks tenderly of Israel; for even in wrath he remembers mercy. (1.) He calls them again and again his people; though a peevish and provoking people, yet mine still. (2.) He sends them a man to be captain over them, that they might not be a body without a head, and to save them out of the hand of the Philistines, which perhaps was more than many of them aimed at in desiring a king. (3.) He does it with a gracious respect to them and to their cry: I have looked upon my people, and their cry has come unto me. He gratified them with what they cried for, as the tender mother humours the froward child, lest it should break its heart. And (as bishop Patrick observes), though he would not hear their cry to relieve them against the oppression of their kings (Sa1 8:18), yet he was so gracious as to make those kings instruments of their deliverance from the oppression of their neighbours, which was more than they had reason to expect.
2.When Saul came up towards him in the street God again whispered Samuel in the ear (Sa1 9:17): Behold the man whom I spoke to thee of! Saul being a man of unusual stature, it is natural to think that Samuel fixed his eye upon him at a distance, and perhaps looked the more wistfully towards him because the hour had now come when God would send him the man that should be king of Israel, and he fancied this might be he; but, that he might be fully satisfied, God told him expressly, That is the man that shall restrain (for magistrates are heirs of restraint) my people Israel.
And while they were walking in the midst of the city, Samuel appeared, etc. And the fame of Christ and his faithful ones began to spread gradually, being preached by John. And when all the people were baptized, and he himself had come to John to be baptized by him, John met him with the devoted services of a servant, so that after heralding the coming one, he might also baptize the present one and show the Lamb of God to the people; and progressing so greatly by merits and perfected by the blood of martyrdom, he ascended the summit of virtues, so that among those born of women no prophet would be greater.
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SUMMARY
1 Samuel 9:14 vividly portrays the divinely orchestrated convergence of Saul's mundane search for lost donkeys and Samuel's journey to a local high place for sacrifice. As Saul and his servant entered the city, Samuel providentially emerged to meet them, setting the stage for an encounter that would irrevocably alter the course of Israel's history by initiating the process of anointing its first king. This seemingly chance meeting was, in reality, the precise moment God had appointed to bring His chosen leader into the prophet's presence.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse serves as the narrative climax of a carefully constructed sequence of events in 1 Samuel 9. The chapter opens with Saul's seemingly ordinary mission to find his father's lost donkeys, a task that leads him far from home (1 Samuel 9:1-5). When the search proves fruitless, his servant suggests consulting a "man of God" in a nearby city, renowned for his prophetic insight (1 Samuel 9:6-10). Unbeknownst to Saul, the Lord had already revealed to Samuel the day before that He would send a man from Benjamin to deliver Israel from the Philistines and become their appointed leader (1 Samuel 9:15-16). Thus, Samuel's appearance at the city gate precisely as Saul arrived was not a random occurrence but a direct and dramatic fulfillment of God's prophetic word, seamlessly weaving Saul's personal quest into the fabric of God's sovereign plan for the nation.
Historical & Cultural Context: The events of 1 Samuel 9 unfold during a pivotal transitional period in Israel's history, marking the shift from the charismatic leadership of the Judges to the establishment of the monarchy. Samuel himself was the last of the Judges and a preeminent prophet, serving as God's primary voice and spiritual authority for the nation. The "high place" (Hebrew: bamah) mentioned in the verse refers to an elevated site, often a hill or a specially constructed platform, used for worship and sacrifice. In this era, prior to the centralized worship at the Jerusalem Temple, such local high places were common and often legitimate sites for communal religious rituals, including sacrifices followed by shared meals, which fostered community and religious observance. The pervasive Philistine threat, explicitly highlighted in 1 Samuel 9:16, underscores the urgent national need for a unified military leader, providing a significant backdrop to God's decision to appoint a king.
Key Themes: The most prominent theme in 1 Samuel 9:14 is Divine Providence, showcasing God's meticulous and sovereign orchestration of events. What appears to be a mere chance encounter—Saul's arrival coinciding with Samuel's departure for the high place—is, in fact, God's precise timing and hidden hand at work, using even the mundane task of finding lost donkeys to bring about His greater plan for Israel and the selection of its first king. This emphasizes that God's purposes are often fulfilled through seemingly ordinary circumstances, a truth echoed in Proverbs 16:9. Another significant theme is Preparation for Leadership, as this encounter marks the definitive beginning of Saul's journey toward kingship. God frequently prepares individuals, often in unexpected ways and through seemingly insignificant tasks, for the significant roles He has appointed for them. Finally, the Role of the Prophet is central, with Samuel acting as God's chosen mouthpiece and judge, the instrument through whom God communicates His will, identifies His chosen leader, and initiates the new era of monarchy in Israel.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse is rich in Divine Coincidence or Providence, where the seemingly random convergence of Saul's mundane donkey search and Samuel's journey to the high place is revealed to be God's meticulous, sovereign orchestration. There is a strong element of Irony, as Saul is preoccupied with finding lost donkeys, only to providentially stumble upon the path to a kingdom, a far greater "find." The narrative also employs Foreshadowing, as this initial, divinely arranged meeting with Samuel directly precedes and sets the stage for Saul's anointing as Israel's first king, hinting at the momentous changes about to unfold in the nation's leadership. The strategic use of "behold" (Hebrew: hinneh) acts as a powerful Narrative Marker, drawing the reader's immediate attention to the pivotal nature of Samuel's sudden appearance, emphasizing the undeniable divine hand at work in this pivotal moment.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 9:14 serves as a profound illustration of the biblical doctrine of divine providence—God's active, sovereign, and often unseen involvement in the intricate details of human life. This passage demonstrates how God works through seemingly ordinary or even mundane circumstances to accomplish His extraordinary, redemptive purposes. Saul's search for lost donkeys, a trivial matter in itself, becomes the very means by which God brings him into precise contact with Samuel, leading to his anointing as king. This narrative reassures believers that God's hand is at work even when His plans are not immediately apparent, guiding individuals and nations according to His perfect timing and wisdom. It underscores that our everyday tasks, unexpected detours, and even our frustrations can be integral parts of God's larger, unfolding narrative, ultimately for His glory and the good of His people.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers a profound and practical lesson for our lives: God is intimately involved in the seemingly insignificant details of our existence. Just as He used the mundane task of finding lost donkeys to lead Saul to his divine appointment, God can and does use our daily routines, unexpected detours, and even our frustrations to guide us toward His greater purposes. It encourages us to cultivate a posture of attentiveness and trust, recognizing that what appears to be "coincidence" from a human perspective is often divine orchestration. We are called to faithfulness in the small things, for it is often through these seemingly minor acts of obedience or ordinary circumstances that God prepares us for larger callings and reveals His sovereign hand. This passage invites us to surrender our plans to His perfect timing and wisdom, knowing that He is actively working all things for our good and His glory, even when the path ahead is unclear or the immediate circumstances seem trivial.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was Samuel going to the "high place"?
Answer: Samuel was going to the "high place" (Hebrew: bâmâh) for a communal sacrifice and meal. In ancient Israel, before the construction of the centralized Temple in Jerusalem, these elevated sites were common and legitimate places for worship and religious rituals. Samuel, as a prophet and judge, was fulfilling his priestly duties and participating in a communal religious observance, which providentially placed him directly in Saul's path, setting the stage for their crucial encounter.
What does "came out against them" mean in this context?
Answer: The King James Version phrase "came out against them" can sound confrontational, but the Hebrew preposition לִקְרָאתָם (liq'ratam) simply means "to meet them" or "towards them." It indicates that Samuel was moving in their direction, not in opposition or hostility. This clarifies that the encounter was a divinely orchestrated meeting, a providential appointment, rather than a hostile confrontation, setting the stage for Saul's anointing as king, as revealed in 1 Samuel 9:15-17.
How does this encounter relate to Saul becoming king?
Answer: This encounter is the pivotal moment where Saul's seemingly random journey intersects with God's preordained plan for Israel. God had already revealed to Samuel the day before that He would send a man from the land of Benjamin to be Israel's leader and deliver them from the Philistines (1 Samuel 9:15-16). Thus, Samuel's emergence was a divine appointment, leading directly to Samuel identifying, hosting, and ultimately anointing Saul as Israel's first king (1 Samuel 10:1). This verse marks the beginning of Saul's public call to leadership.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound divine providence so powerfully evident in 1 Samuel 9:14, where God orchestrates a seemingly coincidental meeting to bring about His sovereign purposes, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While God's "hidden hand" guided Saul to an earthly, temporary kingdom, His visible hand brought forth the eternal King of kings. Jesus's arrival in human history was not accidental but perfectly timed, occurring precisely "when the fullness of time had come" (Galatians 4:4). Every detail of His earthly life, from His miraculous birth in Bethlehem to His journey to the cross, was meticulously orchestrated by God to fulfill ancient prophecies and accomplish humanity's salvation. Just as Samuel "came out to meet" Saul by divine appointment, Jesus, the true "man of God," came into the world to meet humanity in its lostness, not by chance, but by the Father's eternal decree. He is the ultimate Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, whose sacrifice was not a random event but was "foreknown before the foundation of the world" (1 Peter 1:20). In Christ, God's providential guidance culminates in the establishment of an everlasting kingdom, far surpassing the temporary monarchy of Saul, inviting all to enter through faith in the King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16).