1 Samuel 9:17

KJV

And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when Samuel {H8050} saw {H7200} Saul {H7586}, the LORD {H3068} said {H6030} unto him, Behold the man {H376} whom I spake {H559} to thee of! this same shall reign {H6113} over my people {H5971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When Sh'mu'el saw Sha'ul, ADONAI said to him, "Here is the man I told you about, the one who is going to govern my people."

Berean Standard Bible

When Samuel saw Saul, the LORD told him, “Here is the man of whom I spoke; he shall rule over My people.”

American Standard Version

And when Samuel saw Saul, Jehovah said unto him, Behold, the man of whom I spake to thee! this same shall have authority over my people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 9:17 records the pivotal moment of divine revelation where the prophet Samuel encounters Saul, the man sovereignly chosen by God to be Israel's first king. This verse captures the Lord's immediate and explicit declaration to Samuel, confirming Saul's identity and his appointed role as the future ruler over God's covenant people, thereby initiating the long-anticipated transition from a period of judgeship to a centralized monarchy in Israel's history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic point of a carefully orchestrated divine plan and a series of seemingly coincidental human events. It immediately follows the Lord's prior, specific revelation to Samuel in [1 Samuel 9:16](/1_samuel/9-16 "1 Samuel 9:16 - God's Prophecy of Saul's Arrival"), where God explicitly informed the prophet that He would send a man from the land of Benjamin to be anointed as "prince" (נָגִיד, _nagid_) over His people. Saul, dispatched by his father Kish to search for lost donkeys, is divinely guided to Ramah, Samuel's residence. The preceding narrative in [1 Samuel 9:1-16](/1_samuel/9 "1 Samuel 9 - Saul's Journey and Divine Appointment") meticulously details Saul's journey, his encounter with Samuel's servants, and the precise timing that brings him directly before the prophet, setting the stage for this momentous identification and confirmation. This verse also directly fulfills the people's insistent demand for a king, as recorded in [1 Samuel 8](/1_samuel/8 "1 Samuel 8 - Israel Demands a King").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in 1 Samuel marks a significant transition in ancient Israel's governance, moving from a decentralized tribal confederacy under charismatic judges to a centralized monarchy. The people, driven by a desire to be "like all the nations" and a dissatisfaction with Samuel's corrupt sons, had explicitly rejected God's direct rule through His appointed judges, a rejection detailed in [1 Samuel 8:7](/1_samuel/8-7 "1 Samuel 8:7 - God's Response to Israel's Demand for a King"). Although displeasing to God, this demand was permitted within His sovereign plan. The selection of a king, particularly one from the tribe of Benjamin—a tribe that had recently suffered near annihilation due to a civil war, as recounted in [Judges 20-21](/judges/20 "Judges 20-21 - The War Against Benjamin")—would have carried significant cultural and political weight. Prophets like Samuel held immense spiritual authority, serving as God's primary spokespersons, mediating divine will, and anointing leaders, making Samuel's role in sanctioning Saul's kingship absolutely crucial for its legitimacy in the eyes of the people.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Samuel 9:17](/1_samuel/9-17 "1 Samuel 9:17 - God Identifies Saul to Samuel") powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty** in the selection and appointment of leaders. Despite Israel's flawed motives for desiring a king, God remains actively involved, meticulously choosing the specific individual to reign. This demonstrates that even human choices, whether wise or unwise, operate within the larger framework of God's overarching plan and purpose for His people. Another crucial theme is **Prophetic Authority and Confirmation**, as Samuel, God's appointed prophet, serves as the indispensable divine intermediary. The Lord's direct speech to Samuel not only validates Samuel's prophetic office but also ensures that Saul's appointment carries undeniable divine sanction. Finally, the verse marks the **Inauguration of the Monarchy**, signaling a momentous shift in Israel's political and social structure from a charismatic leadership of judges to a dynastic kingship, a change that would profoundly shape Israel's future history and theological understanding of leadership, as seen throughout [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "1 Samuel - The Rise of the Monarchy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the personal, covenantal name of God, often rendered "Jehovah" or "Yahweh." Its use here emphasizes that the revelation is not merely a general divine pronouncement but a specific, personal communication from the self-existent and eternal God who is in covenant relationship with Israel. It underscores His active involvement and sovereign authority in choosing Israel's king.
* **man (Hebrew, _ʼîysh'_):** From H376, this word denotes an individual male person. In this context, it highlights Saul's specific identity as the unique individual God had previously designated to Samuel. It is not just any man, but the particular, chosen person whom God had prepared for this momentous role, emphasizing divine precision in selection.
* **reign (Hebrew, _ʻâtsâr'_):** From H6113, this primitive root means "to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble." While it can mean "to restrain" or "to withhold," in this context, the specific idiom "shall reign" (H6113 in the KJV Strong's mapping for this verse) signifies the exercise of royal power and authority. It confirms that Saul's role is not temporary but that of a formal monarch, established to maintain and rule over the nation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when Samuel saw Saul":** This opening clause establishes the physical encounter between the prophet and the future king. Samuel's act of "seeing" Saul is not accidental but the divinely orchestrated culmination of Saul's journey and God's prior preparation of Samuel. It sets the stage for the immediate divine confirmation that follows, indicating that Samuel's initial perception is about to be clarified by revelation.
* **"the LORD said unto him":** This is the pivotal moment of direct divine communication. It highlights Samuel's unique role as God's prophet, receiving immediate and personal revelation. This is not Samuel's deduction or a general impression, but an explicit, audible instruction and identification from the Almighty, underscoring the divine authority behind Saul's appointment.
* **"Behold the man whom I spake to thee of!":** This emphatic declaration from God serves as a direct confirmation of Saul's identity to Samuel. The interjection "Behold!" (Hebrew: _hinneh_) draws immediate and urgent attention, emphasizing the momentous nature of the revelation. It explicitly refers back to God's prior promise to Samuel in [1 Samuel 9:16](/1_samuel/9-16 "1 Samuel 9:16 - God's Prior Revelation to Samuel"), affirming the fulfillment of that prophecy and the reliability of God's word.
* **"this same shall reign over my people.":** This final clause unequivocally states Saul's future role and the scope of his authority. He is designated not merely as a temporary leader but as a king, and his domain is "my people"—Israel. This phrase emphasizes God's continued ownership and covenant relationship with the nation, even as a human king is installed. It also subtly introduces the inherent tension that would define Saul's reign: ruling God's people requires adherence to God's will and purposes.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that amplify its theological weight. **Divine Speech** is paramount, as the direct words of the Lord to Samuel form the core of the revelation, emphasizing God's active involvement and absolute control over human affairs. The use of the emphatic interjection "Behold!" (Hebrew: _hinneh_) functions as a powerful **Exclamation** or **Interjection**, serving to draw immediate and urgent attention to the subject, Saul, and highlighting the momentous nature of the divine identification. There is also a strong element of **Foreshadowing**, as this declaration sets the stage for Saul's anointing, his subsequent reign, and the unfolding drama of Israel's monarchy, which will be detailed in the following chapters. Furthermore, the broader narrative leading up to this verse, with Saul's seemingly mundane search for lost donkeys leading him directly to Samuel, subtly employs **Divine Irony** or **Providence**, where ordinary circumstances are divinely orchestrated to fulfill extraordinary and predetermined purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 9:17 stands as a profound testament to God's absolute sovereignty over human history and the appointment of leaders. Even when His people demand a king out of flawed motives, effectively rejecting His direct rule, God does not abandon them. Instead, He works within their choices, demonstrating His ability to raise up and position individuals according to His divine plan. This verse highlights that all authority, even human kingship, ultimately derives from God. It underscores the tension between human desire and divine will, showing that God can use both to advance His purposes. The identification of Saul as the one "whom I spake to thee of" reinforces the reliability of God's prophetic word and Samuel's crucial role as a faithful mediator of that word, ensuring that the establishment of the monarchy is divinely sanctioned, not merely a human political maneuver.

* [Deuteronomy 17:14-15](/deuteronomy/17-14-15 "Deuteronomy 17:14-15 - Law Concerning Kingship") - Foreshadows Israel's future desire for a king and God's instruction that the king must be chosen by the Lord.
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6-7 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God as the Judge and Exalter") - Declares that promotion comes neither from the east nor the west, but God is the judge; He puts down one and exalts another.
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons") - States that God changes times and seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings, demonstrating His ultimate control over earthly rulers.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This pivotal moment in 1 Samuel 9:17 profoundly reminds us that God is intimately involved in the affairs of humanity, even in the seemingly mundane or politically charged decisions of nations and individuals. Saul was found not through a grand, intentional search for a king, but while looking for lost donkeys, yet God had already prepared Samuel for his arrival. This teaches us to recognize God's hand in unexpected places and to trust in His sovereign orchestration, even when circumstances appear ordinary or our own plans seem to be going awry. It calls us to discern God's will and purpose in the leaders He raises up, whether in government, the church, or our communities, understanding that their authority, ultimately, is permitted or appointed by Him. It also challenges us to critically examine our own desires for leadership and control, ensuring they align with God's perfect plan rather than merely our own preferences or worldly expectations. Our prayer should be for God's will to be done through those He places in authority.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's choice of Saul, despite Israel's flawed motives for a king, challenge or affirm your understanding of divine sovereignty in human affairs?**
* **In what areas of your life are you currently seeking God's specific direction, and how does Samuel's immediate recognition of God's voice encourage you to listen more intently?**
* **How can we, like Samuel, cultivate a greater sensitivity to God's specific instructions and recognize His providential hand in the seemingly ordinary events of our daily lives?**
* **What does it truly mean for a leader to "reign over my people" from God's perspective, and how should this understanding influence our prayers for, and our submission to, those in authority?**

### FAQ
**Why did God choose Saul, a Benjamite, if the eternal kingship was later established in Judah through David?**

Answer: While the eternal Davidic covenant would later establish the kingship firmly in the tribe of Judah (as seen in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant")), God initially chose Saul from Benjamin for several significant reasons. Firstly, it directly fulfilled the immediate demand of the people for a king "like all the nations," demonstrating God's condescension to their request, even if it wasn't His ultimate ideal for their governance. Saul's impressive physical stature and appearance (as described in [1 Samuel 9:2](/1_samuel/9-2 "1 Samuel 9:2 - Description of Saul")) fit the popular, worldly image of a king. Secondly, choosing a king from a smaller, less prominent tribe like Benjamin, rather than a dominant one like Judah or Ephraim, might have initially helped to mitigate tribal jealousies and foster a sense of unity among the disparate tribes. It also highlights that God's choices are not limited by human expectations or tribal prominence, but by His sovereign design. Saul's subsequent failure due to disobedience (detailed in [1 Samuel 15](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Disobedience and Rejection")) would then powerfully pave the way for God to establish a king "after His own heart" from Judah, highlighting the conditional nature of the first covenant with Saul and the unconditional, eternal nature of the later one with David.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Saul's kingship was a human institution, granted in response to Israel's flawed demand for a king, it ultimately served as a crucial foreshadowing of the perfect and eternal kingship of Jesus Christ. Saul, initially chosen for his outward appearance and perceived strength, quickly proved to be a king who failed to obey God's commands, ultimately leading to his rejection and tragic demise (as seen in [1 Samuel 15](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Disobedience and Rejection") and [1 Samuel 31](/1_samuel/31 "1 Samuel 31 - The Death of Saul")). This flawed human monarchy, initiated in 1 Samuel 9:17, served to highlight Israel's desperate need for a truly righteous, obedient, and eternal King. Jesus, the true Son of David, is the King chosen not by human demand or outward appearance, but by God's eternal decree (as prophesied in [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign") and perfectly fulfilled in [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - Angel Gabriel's Prophecy to Mary")). He is the ultimate "man whom I spake to thee of," the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (as proclaimed in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and the One who truly reigns over God's people, not with a temporal scepter but with eternal authority and perfect justice (as described in [Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Jesus, King of Kings")). Unlike Saul, whose reign ended in failure and rejection, Christ's kingdom is everlasting, bringing salvation, righteousness, and true peace to all who believe in Him (as promised in [Hebrews 1:8](/hebrews/1-8 "Hebrews 1:8 - God the Son's Eternal Throne")).

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

Hosea 13:11

I gave thee a king in mine anger, and took [him] away in my wrath.

Nehemiah 13:19

And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and [some] of my servants set I at the gates, [that] there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day.

1 Samuel 3:13

For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.

2 Samuel 23:6

But [the sons] of Belial [shall be] all of them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands:

2 Samuel 23:7

But the man [that] shall touch them must be fenced with iron and the staff of a spear; and they shall be utterly burned with fire in the [same] place.

Nehemiah 13:25

And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, [saying], Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves.

Acts 13:21

And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.