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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.
But the Lord had revealed Samuel's ear, etc. And God the Father had revealed the secrets of His mystery to John, while the state of the Mosaic law was still standing, saying: Because after you have manifested to the world the day of the new grace compared in all respects to the legal figures as almost equal in the span of hours, I will send to you a man from the land of the son of the right hand, that is, who bears flesh not conceived by male seed, but sacred singularly by divine work, who according to his name will save the people who believe in me, eager to see God, from the power of darkness; this man baptizing and seeing anointed with the Holy Spirit, you will begin to proclaim him as the leader of my people to all.
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SUMMARY
1 Samuel 9:15 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, revealing God's meticulous and sovereign orchestration of events leading to the anointing of the nation's first king. This verse highlights the intimate and direct communication between the LORD and His prophet Samuel, who is divinely informed a full day in advance of Saul's arrival. This pre-revelation underscores God's omniscience and His precise planning, setting the stage for Saul's unexpected encounter with Samuel and his subsequent anointing, thereby initiating Israel's transition from a judgeship to a monarchy under explicit divine guidance.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices to enhance its meaning and impact. The most prominent is Foreshadowing, as God's pre-revelation to Samuel sets the stage for the dramatic and pivotal encounter with Saul that is about to unfold. The reader is given privileged information, creating profound Dramatic Irony, where the audience is aware of Saul's true destiny and the divine orchestration of his journey, while Saul himself remains oblivious to the profound significance of his donkey hunt. This contrast heightens the anticipation for the meeting. The phrase "told Samuel in his ear" is a powerful Idiom for intimate and direct communication, emphasizing the unique prophetic relationship between God and Samuel. This idiomatic expression also serves as a form of Emphasis, drawing attention to the certainty and clarity of the divine message, leaving no doubt about its origin or authority, and affirming Samuel's unique role as God's trusted messenger.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 9:15 profoundly illustrates the biblical truth of God's active and sovereign involvement in human affairs. It reveals a God who is not distant or detached, but intimately engaged, orchestrating events and preparing individuals for His purposes long before they come to fruition. This divine foresight and meticulous planning underscore His omniscience and omnipotence, assuring believers that His ultimate plan for history and for individual lives is unfolding according to His perfect will. The verse also highlights the vital role of prophets as God's chosen conduits for revelation, underscoring the importance of listening for and discerning His voice. This pattern of divine pre-revelation and preparation is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His people, even in the midst of their human desires and shortcomings.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The intimate revelation God granted Samuel in 1 Samuel 9:15 offers profound encouragement and guidance for believers today. Just as God meticulously prepared Samuel for Saul's arrival, He continues to work behind the scenes in our lives, orchestrating circumstances and preparing us for future callings or challenges. This verse invites us to cultivate a posture of attentiveness, seeking to discern God's voice and direction even in the mundane or seemingly ordinary aspects of our daily lives. It reminds us that our "chance" encounters or unexpected turns might well be divine appointments, part of a larger, sovereign plan. Trusting in God's foresight liberates us from anxiety about the future, knowing that He is already there, preparing the way. Our role, like Samuel's, is to remain spiritually attuned and obedient, ready to act when His will is made clear, understanding that His ultimate purposes are always good and for His glory, even when we cannot see the full picture.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did God tell Samuel "in his ear" specifically?
Answer: The phrase "in his ear" (Hebrew, bəʾoznô) is a powerful idiom signifying intimate, direct, and confidential communication. It suggests a clear, unmistakable revelation, not a vague dream or vision that might require interpretation. This highlights the unique and close relationship Samuel had with God as a prophet, where divine secrets were shared personally to ensure Samuel's precise understanding and readiness to execute God's will concerning the anointing of Israel's first king. It emphasizes the certainty and authority of the divine message, leaving no doubt for Samuel regarding its origin or instruction.
What was the significance of God revealing this "a day before Saul came"?
Answer: The specific timing—"a day before Saul came"—underscores God's precise omniscience and meticulous orchestration of events. It demonstrates that God's plan for Israel's monarchy and Saul's appointment was not a reactive measure but a pre-determined divine initiative. This foreknowledge allowed Samuel to be fully prepared, both mentally and spiritually, for Saul's arrival and the momentous task of anointing him, preventing any surprise or unpreparedness on Samuel's part. It reinforces the theme of God's sovereignty, showing that He controls time and circumstances to fulfill His purposes (Isaiah 46:10), even down to the precise timing of human encounters.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 9:15, with its emphasis on God's sovereign foresight and pre-revelation to His prophet concerning the arrival of Israel's first king, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as God meticulously prepared Samuel for the arrival of an earthly king, so too did He meticulously prepare the way for the coming of the true and eternal King, Jesus. The Old Testament prophets, from Moses to Malachi, served as God's voice, revealing aspects of His redemptive plan, much like Samuel received a direct word concerning Saul. However, in Christ, God's ultimate revelation is embodied; as Hebrews 1:1-2 declares, "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son." Jesus is not merely a prophet who receives a word from God; He is the Word made flesh (John 1:1-14), the full and final revelation of God's character and redemptive purpose. Furthermore, just as Saul was chosen and anointed for a specific earthly kingdom, Christ was chosen before the foundation of the world (1 Peter 1:18-20) to establish an everlasting spiritual kingdom (Daniel 7:13-14). His arrival was not a coincidence but the culmination of millennia of divine preparation, foreshadowed in countless prophecies and types, all pointing to the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Thus, 1 Samuel 9:15 ultimately points to the greater divine orchestration of salvation history, culminating in the pre-ordained coming of Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16).