1 Samuel 9:22

KJV

And Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought them into the parlour, and made them sit in the chiefest place among them that were bidden, which [were] about thirty persons.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Samuel {H8050} took {H3947} Saul {H7586} and his servant {H5288}, and brought {H935} them into the parlour {H3957}, and made them sit {H5414} in the chiefest {H7218} place {H4725} among them that were bidden {H7121}, which were about thirty {H7970} persons {H376}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sh'mu'el took Sha'ul and his servant, brought them into the room and had them sit in the place reserved for the most important of the invited guests, who numbered about thirty persons.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Samuel took Saul and his servant, brought them into the hall, and seated them in the place of honor among those who were invited—about thirty in all.

American Standard Version

And Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought them into the guest-chamber, and made them sit in the chiefest place among them that were bidden, who were about thirty persons.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Meticulously details the prophet Samuel's deliberate and public act of honoring Saul, the future king of Israel, by seating him and his servant in the most prominent position at a communal sacrificial feast. This seemingly simple gesture, occurring among approximately thirty invited guests, was a divinely orchestrated prelude to Saul's anointing, subtly elevating him in the eyes of the community and signifying his imminent transition from an ordinary Benjamite to the nation's chosen leader.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial moment in the unfolding narrative of Israel's transition from a tribal confederacy led by judges to a monarchy. Immediately preceding this, [God had revealed to Samuel His divine plan](/1_samuel/9-16 "1 Samuel 9:16 - God's Revelation to Samuel about Saul") to send a man from Benjamin to be king, instructing Samuel to anoint him. Saul, a young man from the tribe of Benjamin, had arrived in Ramah, Samuel's residence, on a seemingly mundane quest to find his father's lost donkeys. Unbeknownst to Saul, his journey was divinely orchestrated, leading him directly to the prophet. Samuel, guided by the Lord, recognized Saul upon his arrival and, rather than immediately anointing him, invited him to a sacrificial feast, a significant communal and religious event. This verse describes the specific arrangement at that feast, where Samuel publicly distinguishes Saul, setting the stage for the private anointing and subsequent public revelation of his kingship. The narrative meticulously builds anticipation, showing God's hand in every detail, from Saul's lost donkeys to his honored seat.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Sacrificial feasts were integral to ancient Israelite religious and social life, serving as communal meals that fostered fellowship, expressed devotion, and often accompanied significant religious events or decisions. The "parlour" (Hebrew: *lishkah*) would have been a designated chamber or dining hall, likely part of a larger complex associated with Samuel's prophetic activities or a local high place where sacrifices were offered. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, seating arrangements at banquets were highly significant, reflecting social hierarchy, honor, and status. To be placed in the "chiefest place" (literally, "head of those invited") was a profound public gesture of respect and elevation, signaling to all present that the individual held a position of unique importance. This act by Samuel was not merely a courtesy but a public, symbolic endorsement, preparing the community for the extraordinary role Saul was about to assume, even before his anointing was widely known. It underscored Samuel's authority as a prophet to designate leaders on God's behalf.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several overarching themes within 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Providence**, demonstrating God's sovereign hand at work in seemingly ordinary circumstances; Saul's search for donkeys was a divinely orchestrated path to his destiny as king, echoing how God often uses mundane events to fulfill His grand purposes, as seen in the life of [Joseph](/genesis/37 "Genesis 37 - Joseph's Dreams and Betrayal") or [David's anointing](/1_samuel/16 "1 Samuel 16 - David Anointed King"). Secondly, the theme of **Elevation and Honor** is prominent, as Samuel's public act of placing Saul in the chiefest seat signifies a transition from an unknown individual to one destined for extraordinary leadership. This pre-anointing honor foreshadows Saul's future kingship and the weight of responsibility that comes with it. Lastly, the verse underscores **Samuel's Obedience and Wisdom**. Samuel faithfully executes God's instructions, not impulsively, but with strategic wisdom, preparing both Saul and the community for the momentous shift in national leadership, reflecting the importance of prophetic discernment in God's plan for Israel, as also seen in [Moses' leadership](/exodus/3 "Exodus 3 - The Burning Bush and Moses' Call").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Parlour (Hebrew, לִשְׁכָּה, _lishkah'_):** This term refers to a chamber, hall, or room, often one used for specific purposes within a larger building, such as a temple, palace, or, as here, a place associated with sacrificial feasts. It implies a dedicated, perhaps semi-private, space for gathering and dining, rather than an open public area. The use of *lishkah* here suggests a structured, intentional setting for this significant meal, emphasizing the formality and importance of the event orchestrated by Samuel.
* **Chiefest place (Hebrew, רֹאשׁ הַקִּרְאִים, _rosh haqqir'im'_ - "head of those invited"):** This phrase literally means "head of the invited ones" or "foremost among those called." It denotes the seat of highest honor and prominence at the table or gathering. In ancient cultures, seating arrangements were highly symbolic, communicating status, authority, and respect. Samuel's action of placing Saul in this position was a public declaration of Saul's elevated status, a visible sign of his special favor and future leadership, even before the anointing was revealed to the wider public. It was a strategic move to establish Saul's authority and dignity in the eyes of the community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Samuel took Saul and his servant":** This clause highlights Samuel's direct, personal involvement and authority. He doesn't merely direct them but actively "takes" them, indicating a guiding, authoritative gesture. The inclusion of Saul's servant underscores the complete integration of Saul's party into Samuel's household and the event, lending credibility to Saul's presence and future elevation.
* **"and brought them into the parlour":** This action signifies the transition from the general gathering area to a more intimate and significant setting for the feast. The "parlour" (lishkah) was the designated place for the communal meal, emphasizing the sacred and social importance of the occasion. It's where the key interactions and revelations would unfold.
* **"and made them sit in the chiefest place among them that were bidden":** This is the pivotal action of the verse. Samuel deliberately assigns Saul the seat of highest honor, a public act of recognition and distinction. This was not accidental but a calculated move, guided by divine instruction, to set Saul apart from the other guests and subtly prepare them for his future role. It was a visible sign of Saul's preeminence.
* **"which [were] about thirty persons":** The mention of the approximate number of guests provides context for the intimacy and significance of the gathering. It was not a vast public assembly but a select group, likely composed of local elders, prominent individuals, or Samuel's close associates. Placing Saul in the chiefest place among this relatively small, influential group ensured that his elevation was noticed and understood by those who mattered in the community, lending weight to his future kingship.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in 1 Samuel 9:22 employs several significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Samuel's act of seating Saul in the "chiefest place" subtly but powerfully hints at Saul's impending anointing as king. This public elevation precedes the private revelation, building anticipation for both Saul and the reader. The "chiefest place" itself serves as a potent **Symbolism**, representing not just a seat of honor but the very throne and authority that Saul is destined to occupy. It is a visual metaphor for his future kingship. There is also an element of **Divine Irony** at play: Saul, an ordinary man, is on a mundane search for lost donkeys, yet this journey leads him directly to a prophetic encounter that culminates in his being seated in the place of highest honor, entirely unaware of the divine appointment unfolding around him. This highlights God's sovereign control over seemingly random events, demonstrating His ability to use the ordinary for extraordinary purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the theme of divine election and the often-surprising ways God initiates His plans. Samuel's actions are not arbitrary but a direct fulfillment of God's prior revelation, showcasing a God who actively intervenes in human affairs to raise up leaders for His people. The public honor bestowed upon Saul, even before his anointing, underscores the principle that God often prepares a person for a role by first establishing their credibility and authority in the eyes of others. This pre-anointing elevation also serves as a testament to Samuel's prophetic obedience and wisdom, as he carefully navigates the delicate process of introducing Israel's first king. The narrative emphasizes that true authority and honor originate from God, not from human ambition or achievement, setting a crucial theological precedent for leadership within God's covenant community.

* [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalm/75-6-7 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God is the Judge")
* [Luke 14:7-11](/luke/14-7-11 "Luke 14:7-11 - Parable of the Wedding Feast")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in 1 Samuel 9:22 offers profound insights into God's sovereign orchestrations and our posture within His plans. Just as Saul was unknowingly led to his destiny, we too can trust that God is at work in our lives, even in the mundane or perplexing moments. Our seemingly ordinary tasks or unexpected detours might be precisely where God is positioning us for His extraordinary purposes. This verse encourages us to cultivate a spirit of humility and availability, recognizing that true honor and elevation come from God's hand, not from our own striving. Samuel's wisdom in publicly honoring Saul before his full revelation also reminds us of the importance of recognizing and affirming God-given leadership within our communities. It challenges us to consider how we might, like Samuel, discern and support those whom God is raising up, always remembering that God's ways are often surprising and transcend human expectations. Our role is to remain faithful and observant, trusting that His divine providence is always at work, even when the full picture is not yet clear.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Saul's unexpected journey to kingship encourage you to trust God's providence in your own life, especially when circumstances seem ordinary or unrelated to your aspirations?**
* **In what ways might God be preparing or positioning you for a future role or ministry that you are not yet fully aware of?**
* **How can we, like Samuel, be discerning and supportive of those God is raising up for leadership, even if their elevation seems surprising or unconventional?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the source of true honor and authority, and how does that contrast with worldly pursuits of status?**

### FAQ
**Why did Samuel seat Saul in the "chiefest place" before anointing him king?**

Answer: Samuel's action was a divinely orchestrated public gesture, a subtle but powerful foreshadowing of Saul's imminent kingship. By placing Saul in the most honored seat among the invited guests, Samuel was publicly distinguishing him and subtly preparing the community for his future elevation. This act served to establish Saul's prominence and dignity in the eyes of key individuals present at the feast, lending weight to the authority he would soon receive. It was a strategic move by Samuel, guided by God, to ensure a smooth transition of leadership and to underscore that Saul's appointment was not arbitrary but divinely sanctioned. This pre-anointing honor was part of God's careful plan to introduce Israel's first king.

**What was the significance of the "parlour" and the "thirty persons" at the feast?**

Answer: The "parlour" (Hebrew: *lishkah*) was likely a designated chamber or dining hall, indicating a more formal and intimate setting for the feast rather than a casual gathering. This specific location underscored the importance of the event. The mention of "about thirty persons" suggests a select group of guests, likely prominent individuals, elders, or Samuel's close associates. This relatively small, influential gathering meant that Saul's public elevation would be witnessed and understood by those who held sway in the community. It was a carefully curated audience, ensuring that the symbolic act of seating Saul in the "chiefest place" would have maximum impact among those who mattered, further solidifying his future position. This intimate setting allowed Samuel to subtly introduce Saul's significance before his public anointing, as described later in [1 Samuel 10:17-24](/1_samuel/10-17-24 "1 Samuel 10:17-24 - Saul Presented as King").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The elevation of Saul in 1 Samuel 9:22, though a pivotal moment in Israel's history, ultimately points beyond itself to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ. Saul was chosen from among his brethren, elevated to a place of honor, and anointed to lead God's people, yet his reign would ultimately falter due to disobedience and pride, as detailed in [1 Samuel 15](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Disobedience and Rejection"). In stark contrast, Jesus, the true Son of David, was not merely given the "chiefest place" at a feast, but was divinely appointed before the foundation of the world, eternally seated at the right hand of God in the ultimate place of honor and authority ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ's Supremacy")). While Saul's anointing was a temporary, earthly kingship, Christ's anointing by the Holy Spirit was for an eternal, spiritual kingdom ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - Prophecy of Christ's Eternal Kingdom")). Saul was chosen to deliver Israel from physical enemies, but Christ, the true Lamb of God, was chosen to deliver humanity from the ultimate enemy, sin and death ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, Saul's initial, divinely orchestrated elevation foreshadows the perfect, unwavering, and eternal reign of Jesus, who truly holds the "chiefest place" over all creation ([Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ is the Head of the Church")).

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

Genesis 43:32

And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves: because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that [is] an abomination unto the Egyptians.

Luke 14:10

But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.