1 Samuel 9:19

KJV

And Samuel answered Saul, and said, I [am] the seer: go up before me unto the high place; for ye shall eat with me to day, and to morrow I will let thee go, and will tell thee all that [is] in thine heart.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Samuel {H8050} answered {H6030} Saul {H7586}, and said {H559}, I am the seer {H7200}: go up {H5927} before {H6440} me unto the high place {H1116}; for ye shall eat {H398} with me to day {H3117}, and to morrow {H1242} I will let thee go {H7971}, and will tell {H5046} thee all that is in thine heart {H3824}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sh'mu'el answered Sha'ul, "I'm the seer. Go up ahead of me to the high place, because you are going to dine with me today. In the morning, I will let you leave; and I will tell you everything that is on your heart.

Berean Standard Bible

“I am the seer,” Samuel replied. “Go up before me to the high place, for you shall eat with me today. And when I send you off in the morning, I will tell you all that is in your heart.

American Standard Version

And Samuel answered Saul, and said, I am the seer; go up before me unto the high place, for ye shall eat with me to-day: and in the morning I will let thee go, and will tell thee all that is in thy heart.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Samuel 9:19, the prophet Samuel dramatically reveals his identity as "the seer" to Saul, inviting him to a communal meal at the local high place. This pivotal encounter, orchestrated by divine providence, serves as the immediate prelude to Samuel's anointing of Saul as Israel's first king, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in guiding seemingly ordinary events toward His greater purposes and revealing His chosen leader.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial turning point within 1 Samuel 9. The preceding verses detail Saul's seemingly mundane search for his father's lost donkeys, a quest that inadvertently leads him to the town where Samuel resides. Saul and his servant are on the verge of giving up when the servant suggests consulting a "man of God" (Samuel) who is known to provide accurate information. Unbeknownst to them, God had already prepared Samuel for Saul's arrival, revealing His plan to anoint Saul as prince over Israel. Verse 19 marks Samuel's direct, authoritative address to Saul, immediately establishing his prophetic insight and setting the stage for the private revelation and anointing that will follow in the subsequent verses and chapter. The invitation to eat signifies a covenantal or communal act, drawing Saul into Samuel's circle and preparing him for the momentous news.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of 1 Samuel represents a significant transition in ancient Israel from a decentralized tribal confederacy led by judges to a centralized monarchy. Samuel, as the last of the judges and a prominent prophet, stands as a pivotal figure bridging these eras. The people had recently demanded a king, rejecting God's direct rule, and God, though displeased, acceded to their request (as seen in [1 Samuel 8](/1_samuel/8 "1 Samuel 8 - Israel Demands a King")). The "high place" (Hebrew: _bamah_) mentioned here was a common local sanctuary or cultic site, often on a raised platform or hill, where sacrifices and communal meals were conducted. While later prophets and kings would condemn these sites due to syncretistic practices and the eventual centralization of worship in Jerusalem, at this early stage, they were acceptable and widespread forms of worship, reflecting the decentralized nature of Israelite religious practice before the Temple was built.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes woven throughout 1 Samuel and the broader Old Testament narrative. **Divine Providence** is paramount, as God orchestrates Saul's lost donkeys to lead him directly to Samuel, fulfilling His preordained plan for Israel's leadership. This highlights God's active involvement in human affairs, guiding steps even when individuals are unaware, a concept echoed in [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps"). Secondly, **Prophetic Authority and Revelation** are on full display. Samuel's declaration, "I am the seer," immediately establishes his divine credentials, which are further validated by his uncanny knowledge of "all that is in thine heart," demonstrating a supernatural insight that only a true prophet of God could possess. This foreshadows the significant divine revelation Samuel is about to impart concerning Saul's destiny. Lastly, the theme of **God's Choice of King** is central. This meeting is not accidental but a divinely appointed encounter, the direct prelude to Saul's anointing as the first king of Israel, fulfilling the people's desire for a monarch, even while reminding them of the potential consequences as warned in [1 Samuel 8:7-18](/1_samuel/8-7 "1 Samuel 8:7-18 - The Dangers of a King").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Seer (Hebrew, _ro'eh'_):** This term (רֹאֶה) literally means "one who sees" and was an older, perhaps more common, designation for a prophet in Samuel's time. [1 Samuel 9:9](/1_samuel/9-9 "1 Samuel 9:9 - The Meaning of 'Seer'") explicitly clarifies, "He that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer." The term emphasizes the visual aspect of prophetic revelation, suggesting that the seer receives divine messages through visions or direct insight into God's will and hidden knowledge. Samuel's self-identification as "the seer" immediately asserts his unique access to God's foresight and his authority to reveal divine plans, particularly concerning Saul's future.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lev'_):** The Hebrew word (לֵב) translated as "heart" in this context refers not merely to the emotional center but to the totality of a person's inner being—their thoughts, intentions, desires, and even unspoken concerns. Samuel's promise to "tell thee all that is in thine heart" signifies his supernatural ability to perceive Saul's deepest anxieties and questions, even those he had not yet articulated. This demonstrates God's omniscience working through His prophet, assuring Saul that Samuel's words are not mere human conjecture but divinely inspired truth, addressing the very core of Saul's unspoken needs and uncertainties.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Samuel answered Saul, and said, I [am] the seer":** This opening clause immediately establishes Samuel's authoritative role. Saul had approached Samuel seeking information about the lost donkeys, but Samuel's response transcends the mundane. By declaring "I am the seer," Samuel reveals his true identity and, more importantly, his divine commission and supernatural insight. This statement positions Samuel not merely as a local wise man but as God's appointed mouthpiece, capable of seeing beyond the ordinary.
* **"go up before me unto the high place; for ye shall eat with me to day":** Samuel's command directs Saul to accompany him to the "high place," a local sanctuary. The invitation to eat a meal together is significant. Communal meals in ancient Israel were often associated with covenant-making, fellowship, and sacred acts, particularly after sacrifices. This invitation draws Saul into an intimate, sacred space with Samuel, signaling that the upcoming revelation will be of profound importance and that Saul is being brought into a special relationship with the prophet and, by extension, with God.
* **"and to morrow I will let thee go, and will tell thee all that [is] in thine heart.":** This final clause provides a clear timeline and a powerful promise. Samuel indicates that Saul will spend the night, and the full revelation will come the following day. The promise to "tell thee all that is in thine heart" is a stunning demonstration of Samuel's prophetic gift. It assures Saul that Samuel knows his deepest thoughts and concerns—likely not just about the donkeys, but perhaps about Israel's future, his own anxieties, or the broader political climate. This supernatural knowledge serves to validate Samuel's authority and prepare Saul to receive the astonishing news of his anointing as king.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in 1 Samuel 9:19 masterfully employs several literary devices to enhance its narrative and theological impact. **Foreshadowing** is prominently used, as Samuel's cryptic yet authoritative words ("I am the seer," "I will tell thee all that is in thine heart") hint at the monumental revelation of Saul's kingship that is about to unfold. The seemingly mundane search for donkeys is imbued with **Divine Irony**, as Saul's small, personal quest is divinely redirected to fulfill a national destiny, highlighting the contrast between human intention and divine orchestration. This also speaks to **Divine Orchestration**, where God's unseen hand is meticulously guiding events, leading Saul directly to Samuel at the precise moment, demonstrating His sovereign control over seemingly random occurrences. Furthermore, Samuel's declaration of knowing "all that is in thine heart" functions as a form of **Supernatural Revelation**, immediately establishing his credibility and preparing Saul for the extraordinary news to come, underscoring the divine source of Samuel's knowledge and authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The encounter in 1 Samuel 9:19 powerfully underscores the theme of God's sovereign election and His meticulous orchestration of human events. Saul's journey, initially driven by a trivial domestic concern, becomes a divinely guided pilgrimage to his destiny. Samuel's prophetic insight, knowing Saul's unspoken thoughts, demonstrates God's intimate knowledge of individuals and His ability to reveal His will through His chosen messengers. This passage highlights that God's plans are often unfolded in unexpected ways, using ordinary circumstances to achieve extraordinary purposes, and that His chosen leaders are often prepared and revealed through supernatural means, not merely human merit or ambition.

* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Psalm 139:1-4](/psalms/139-1 "Psalm 139:1-4 - God's Omniscience")
* [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Secrets to His Servants")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This profound encounter between Samuel and Saul in 1 Samuel 9:19 offers rich lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's hand is actively at work in our lives, often in ways we don't immediately perceive. What might seem like a detour, a mundane task, or even a frustrating setback, could be precisely where God is leading us to a divine appointment or a significant revelation of His purpose. We are called to cultivate a spirit of attentiveness and trust, recognizing that God's sovereign plan unfolds not always through grand pronouncements, but sometimes through the quiet guidance of His Spirit in the midst of our daily routines. Just as Samuel knew what was in Saul's heart, God knows our deepest needs, fears, and aspirations, and He is faithful to meet us and guide us according to His perfect will. Our task is to remain open to His leading, even when the path is unclear, trusting that He is orchestrating every detail for our good and His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what seemingly ordinary or mundane situations in your life might God be at work, guiding you toward a greater purpose?**
* **How does Samuel's knowledge of Saul's "heart" encourage you about God's intimate knowledge of your own thoughts and concerns?**
* **What "high places" or sacred spaces (literal or metaphorical) is God inviting you to enter to receive His revelation and guidance?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Samuel calling himself "the seer"?**

Answer: The term "seer" (Hebrew: _ro'eh_) was an older title for a prophet, emphasizing the visual aspect of receiving divine messages, often through visions or direct insight. In [1 Samuel 9:9](/1_samuel/9-9 "1 Samuel 9:9 - Seer and Prophet"), it explicitly states, "He that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer." By identifying himself as "the seer," Samuel immediately asserts his unique access to God's foresight and knowledge, validating his authority to speak on God's behalf and prepare Saul for the extraordinary revelation about his destiny. It underscores that Samuel's knowledge is not human but divinely given.

**Why did Samuel invite Saul to eat with him at the "high place"?**

Answer: The "high place" (Hebrew: _bamah_) was a local sanctuary or place of worship, often on a hill, where sacrifices and communal meals were held. At this early stage in Israel's history, before the centralization of worship in worship in Jerusalem, these sites were common and acceptable for religious gatherings. The invitation to eat with Samuel at the high place was significant. Communal meals in ancient Israel often symbolized fellowship, covenant-making, and shared sacred space. By inviting Saul to this meal, Samuel was drawing him into an intimate, sacred encounter, preparing him for the momentous news of his anointing as king and establishing a special relationship between the prophet and the future monarch. It was a pre-anointing ritual, setting a sacred context for the divine revelation.

**How did Samuel know "all that is in thine heart"?**

Answer: Samuel's ability to know "all that is in thine heart" (Saul's unspoken thoughts and concerns) is a clear demonstration of his prophetic gift and divine revelation. It signifies that God had revealed Saul's inner state to Samuel, confirming Samuel's status as a true prophet of the Lord. This supernatural insight served to validate Samuel's authority and assure Saul that he was indeed in the presence of a man of God who spoke with divine knowledge. It parallels instances throughout the Bible where prophets or Jesus Himself demonstrate supernatural knowledge of individuals' thoughts, such as in [John 4:17-19](/john/4-17 "John 4:17-19 - Jesus Knows the Samaritan Woman's Past") or [Matthew 9:4](/matthew/9-4 "Matthew 9:4 - Jesus Knows Their Thoughts").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The encounter in 1 Samuel 9:19, where Samuel, "the seer," reveals God's secret purpose to Saul and knows the thoughts of his heart, profoundly foreshadows the person and work of Jesus Christ. Samuel, as a divinely appointed prophet and revealer of God's will, points to Christ as the ultimate Prophet and the full revelation of God. Just as Samuel knew "all that is in thine heart," Jesus consistently demonstrated His omniscience, knowing the hearts and thoughts of those He encountered, whether it was the Samaritan woman's past in [John 4:17-19](/john/4-17 "John 4:17-19 - Jesus Knows the Samaritan Woman's Past") or the Pharisees' schemes in [Matthew 12:25](/matthew/12-25 "Matthew 12:25 - Jesus Knows Their Thoughts"). Samuel's role in anointing Saul as king, a leader chosen by God, anticipates Christ as the true and eternal King, the one whom God Himself has anointed to reign forever (as seen in [Psalm 2:6](/psalms/2-6 "Psalm 2:6 - God's Anointed King") and fulfilled in [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus' Eternal Kingship")). The divine orchestration of Saul's mundane search for donkeys leading to his kingship speaks to God's sovereign plan, a plan that culminates in Christ's redemptive work, where seemingly ordinary circumstances lead to the extraordinary salvation of humanity through the cross (as described in [Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8-11 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). Ultimately, Samuel's prophetic office and his revelation of God's chosen king find their perfect and complete fulfillment in Jesus, the Son of God, who is the ultimate Seer, the King of Kings, and the one who fully reveals the Father's heart and plan for salvation (as articulated in [Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Speaks Through His Son")).

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

1 Corinthians 14:25

And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on [his] face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

John 4:29

Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?