1 Samuel 9:2

KJV

And he had a son, whose name [was] Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and [there was] not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward [he was] higher than any of the people.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he had a son {H1121}, whose name {H8034} was Saul {H7586}, a choice young man {H970}, and a goodly {H2896}: and there was not among the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} a goodlier {H2896} person {H376} than he: from his shoulders {H7926} and upward {H4605} he was higher {H1364} than any of the people {H5971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He had a son named Sha'ul who was young and good-looking; among the people of Isra'el there was no one better-looking than he; he stood head and shoulders taller than anyone else in Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

And he had a son named Saul, choice and handsome, without equal among the Israelites—a head taller than any of the people.

American Standard Version

And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a young man and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 9:2 introduces Saul, the son of Kish, as a man of exceptional physical stature and striking appearance, setting the stage for his selection as Israel's first king. This verse highlights his impressive height and handsomeness, making him stand out among all the Israelites and aligning perfectly with the people's human desire for a visibly strong and imposing leader. It subtly foreshadows the initial success and eventual failure of a reign founded on outward qualities rather than inward character and obedience to God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the introduction of Saul's lineage from the tribe of Benjamin and precedes the divinely orchestrated "lost donkeys" incident that leads him to Samuel. It serves as the initial, crucial description of the man whom God will present as king to Israel. The narrative flow emphasizes how Saul's physical attributes make him the obvious, humanly preferred candidate, directly leading into his anointing by Samuel and subsequent public acclamation. This physical description is pivotal for understanding the people's immediate acceptance of him in [1 Samuel 10:23-24](/1_samuel/10-23 "1 Samuel 10:23-24 - Saul Presented to the People").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Israel was transitioning from a tribal confederacy under judges to a monarchy. The people had explicitly rejected God's direct rule, demanding a king "like all the nations" ([1 Samuel 8:5](/1_samuel/8-5 "1 Samuel 8:5 - Israel Demands a King")). In the ancient Near East, kings were often expected to be physically imposing, embodying the strength and power of their nation. A tall, handsome leader would inspire confidence and project authority, especially in military contexts. Saul's description perfectly fits this cultural expectation, explaining why he would be such a popular choice for a people seeking a visible, humanly impressive monarch.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is foundational to several key themes in 1 Samuel. It introduces the theme of **human versus divine standards of judgment**, starkly contrasting Saul's impressive outward appearance with God's later preference for David, who was chosen not for his looks but for his heart ([1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart")). It also highlights the **nature of kingship** as initially understood by the people—a focus on physical might and worldly stature rather than spiritual leadership and dependence on God. Furthermore, it subtly explores the interplay of **divine providence and human choice**, demonstrating how God can work through the people's flawed desires to initiate His broader plan for the monarchy, even if the initial choice is based on superficial criteria. Saul's physical prominence sets the stage for a reign that begins with great promise but ultimately falters due to a lack of spiritual depth.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Choice (Hebrew, _baḥûr'_):** This word signifies "chosen," "selected," or "prime of life." It implies that Saul was an outstanding individual, not merely in physical appearance but also in his vigor and suitability for leadership in his youth. He was a man in his prime, singled out from his peers.
* **Goodly (Hebrew, _ṭōḇ'_):** Broadly meaning "good," "pleasant," or "beautiful," this term emphasizes Saul's handsome and pleasing aesthetic qualities. It suggests a universally recognized attractiveness, making him appealing to the eye.
* **Higher (Hebrew, _gāḇōah'_)::** This adjective means "high," "tall," or "exalted." The specific phrase "from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people" is a vivid and precise description of his extraordinary height, literally making him stand out "head and shoulders" above everyone else in Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he had a son, whose name [was] Saul":** This clause provides the direct introduction of the main character, Saul, immediately linking him to his father, Kish, and establishing his identity within the narrative.
* **"a choice young man, and a goodly":** This describes Saul's general excellent qualities. He is presented as being in the prime of his life ("choice young man") and possessing a pleasing, handsome appearance ("goodly"), setting him apart from others.
* **"and [there was] not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he":** This is a superlative statement, emphasizing that Saul's handsomeness and overall pleasing appearance were unparalleled among all the people of Israel, making him uniquely attractive and appealing.
* **"from his shoulders and upward [he was] higher than any of the people":** This provides the most striking and specific detail of Saul's physical description, highlighting his exceptional height. It paints a picture of a man who literally towered over everyone else, making him physically imposing and easily identifiable in any crowd.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the declarations that there was "not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he" and that he was "higher than any of the people." These exaggerations emphasize Saul's extraordinary physical attributes, making him appear almost superhuman in his perfection. This serves to explain the people's immediate and enthusiastic acceptance of him as king. The verse also functions as **foreshadowing**, hinting at Saul's initial success and popularity due to his impressive appearance, but subtly setting up the later contrast with God's true standard for leadership, which prioritizes the heart over outward show. There is also an element of **irony** at play, as the physically ideal king chosen by man will ultimately fail, while God's later choice, David, will be described as unassuming in appearance but possessing a heart after God's own. Finally, Saul's towering height can be seen as **symbolism**, representing the people's desire for an imposing, humanly powerful king who could lead them militarily, rather than a king who would humbly depend on divine guidance and spiritual strength.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a profound theological statement on the nature of human judgment versus divine discernment. It introduces a king chosen by human standards, where outward appearance and physical prowess are prioritized. This sets up a crucial contrast with God's later selection of David, emphasizing that "the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart" ([1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart")). The narrative of Saul's reign, which begins with such physical promise and popular acclaim, ultimately serves as a cautionary tale against valuing superficial qualities over true character, obedience, and a humble heart devoted to God. It underscores that true leadership, in God's eyes, is not about impressive stature or charisma, but about spiritual integrity and faithfulness.

* [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart")
* [Proverbs 31:30](/proverbs/31-30 "Proverbs 31:30 - Charm is Deceitful")
* [Isaiah 53:2](/isaiah/53-2 "Isaiah 53:2 - The Unimpressive Appearance of the Suffering Servant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The introduction of Saul in 1 Samuel 9:2 serves as a timeless reminder that initial impressions, particularly those based on physical attributes or outward charisma, can be powerful but are often misleading and ultimately superficial. While Saul possessed impressive external qualities, his subsequent story reveals that true leadership and lasting favor with God depend on obedience, humility, and a heart fully devoted to the Lord, not merely on appearance or stature. This verse challenges us to look beyond the surface in our evaluations of people—whether in leadership, friendships, or personal relationships—and to seek qualities of character, integrity, and spiritual depth that align with God's values. It encourages us to cultivate an inner beauty of spirit that pleases God, rather than striving for external validation. It also prompts self-reflection: are we seeking to impress others with our outward presentation, or are we diligently cultivating a heart that is pleasing to God, knowing that He sees beyond the façade?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How often do I prioritize outward appearances or superficial qualities over inner character and integrity in my judgments of others or myself?**
* **What qualities do I truly value in leaders, and how do those align with God's standards as revealed in Scripture?**
* **In what ways might my own "impressive" qualities or achievements hinder my full dependence on God and foster pride?**

### FAQ
**Why is Saul's physical description so detailed in this verse?**

Answer: Saul's detailed physical description is crucial because it explains *why* he was the immediate and popular choice for Israel's first king. In a culture that valued strength, imposing presence, and visible leadership, Saul's towering height and handsome appearance made him the ideal candidate in the eyes of the people. This emphasis on his outward qualities sets up a profound theological contrast with God's later choice of David, who was chosen for his heart, not his physical stature ([1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart")). It highlights the human tendency to judge by external factors, which often differs from God's divine perspective.

**Does God care about physical appearance?**

Answer: While God is the creator of all beauty, including physical beauty, the Bible consistently teaches that He prioritizes the heart, character, and obedience over outward appearance. This verse, especially when contrasted with the narrative of David's selection, strongly illustrates that human judgment based on appearance often differs from God's. God's concern is with our inner being, our motives, our faithfulness, and our devotion to Him, as He "looks on the heart" ([1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The introduction of Saul, a king chosen for his impressive physical stature and human appeal, powerfully foreshadows the coming of the true King, Jesus Christ, by contrast. Saul represents the king Israel wanted—one who was "head and shoulders" above others in outward appearance, a symbol of worldly power and human strength. Yet, the New Testament reveals that God's chosen King, Jesus, did not come with such worldly impressiveness. [Isaiah 53:2](/isaiah/53-2 "Isaiah 53:2 - The Unimpressive Appearance of the Suffering Servant") prophesies that the Suffering Servant would have "no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him." Jesus's kingship is not founded on physical might or human charisma, but on divine authority, humble servanthood ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")), and perfect obedience to the Father. He is the ultimate "choice one" ([1 Peter 2:4](/1_peter/2-4 "1 Peter 2:4 - Christ, the Living Stone")), chosen by God, whose true "goodliness" is found in His sinless character, His sacrificial love on the cross ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One")), and His spiritual reign over the hearts of His people, a kingdom "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")). Jesus fulfills the need for a perfect King who rules by divine standard, not human, ultimately demonstrating that God's ways are higher than our ways ([Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways Are Higher")).

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

Numbers 13:33

And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, [which come] of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.

Genesis 6:2

That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they [were] fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.

1 Samuel 16:7

But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

2 Samuel 14:25

But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.

2 Samuel 14:26

And when he polled his head, (for it was at every year's end that he polled [it]: because [the hair] was heavy on him, therefore he polled it:) he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels after the king's weight.

1 Samuel 17:4

And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height [was] six cubits and a span.

Jeremiah 9:23

¶ Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise [man] glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty [man] glory in his might, let not the rich [man] glory in his riches: