TRV
Translation
King James Version
And Samuel said unto the cook, Bring the portion which I gave thee, of which I said unto thee, Set it by thee.
Complete Jewish Bible
Sh'mu'el instructed the cook, "Serve the portion I gave you and told you to set aside."
Berean Standard Bible
And Samuel said to the cook, “Bring the portion I gave you and told you to set aside.”
American Standard Version
And Samuel said unto the cook, Bring the portion which I gave thee, of which I said unto thee, Set it by thee.
World English Bible Messianic
Samuel said to the cook, “Bring the portion which I gave you, of which I said to you, ‘Set it aside.’”
Geneva Bible (1599)
And Samuel saide vnto the cooke, Bring foorth the portion which I gaue thee, and whereof I said vnto thee, Keepe it with thee.
Young's Literal Translation
And Samuel saith to the cook, `Give the portion which I gave to thee, of which I said unto thee, `Set it by thee?'
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Commentary on 1 Samuel 9 verses 18–27
18 ¶ Then Saul drew near to Samuel in the gate, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, where the seer's house is.
19 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.
20 And as for thine asses that were lost three days ago, set not thy mind on them; for they are found. And on whom is all the desire of Israel? Is it not on thee, and on all thy father's house?
21 And Saul answered and said, Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou so to me?
22 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.
23 And Samuel said unto the cook, Bring the portion which I gave thee, of which I said unto thee, Set it by thee.
24 And the cook took up the shoulder, and that which was upon it, and set it before Saul. And Samuel said, Behold that which is left! set it before thee, and eat: for unto this time hath it been kept for thee since I said, I have invited the people. So Saul did eat with Samuel that day.
25 And when they were come down from the high place into the city, Samuel communed with Saul upon the top of the house.
26 And they arose early: and it came to pass about the spring of the day, that Samuel called Saul to the top of the house, saying, Up, that I may send thee away. And Saul arose, and they went out both of them, he and Samuel, abroad.
27 And as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us, (and he passed on,) but stand thou still a while, that I may shew thee the word of God.
Providence having at length brought Samuel and Saul together, we have here an account of what passed between them in the gate, at the feast, and in private.
I. In the gate of the city; passing through that, Saul found him (Sa1 9:18), and, little thinking that he was Samuel himself, asked him the way to Samuel's house: Tell me where the seer's house is; for there he expected to find him. See how mean a figure Samuel made, though so great a man: he took not any state, had no attendants, no ensigns of honour carried before him, nor any distinguishing habit, no, not when he went to church, but appeared, in all respects, so much a common person that Saul, though he was told he should meet him, never suspected that it was he, but, as if he looked more like a porter than a prophet, asked him the way to the seer's house. Thus is great worth oftentimes hidden under a very despicable appearance. Samuel knew that it was not the house, but the man, that he wanted, and therefore answered him, "I am the seer, the person you enquire for," Sa1 9:19. Samuel knew him before he knew Samuel; thus, though all that are called to the kingdom of glory are brought to know God, yet first they were known of him, Gal 4:9. Now, 1. Samuel obliges him to stay with him till the next day. The greatest part of this day had been spent in sacrificing, and the rest of it was to be spent in holy feasting, and therefore, "Tomorrow I will let thee go, and not sooner; now go up before me to the high place; let us pray together, and then we will talk together." Saul had nothing in his mind but to find his asses, but Samuel would take him off from that care, and dispose him to the exercises of piety; and therefore bids him go to the high place, and go before him, because, it may be, some business obliged Samuel to call by the way. 2. He satisfies him about his asses (Sa1 9:20): Set not thy mind on them, be not in further care about them; they are found. By this Saul might perceive that he was a prophet, that he could give him an answer to the enquiry which he had not yet made, and tell him what he thought; and thence he might infer, if a man of God can do this, much more doth God himself understand our thoughts afar off. 3. He surprises him with an intimation of preferment before him: "On whom is all the desire of Israel? Is it not a king that they are set upon, and there is never a man in Israel that will suit them as thou wilt." It does not appear that the country had as yet any eye upon him for the government, because they had left it wholly to God to choose for them; but such a one as he they wished for, and his advancement would be the advancement of his family and relations, as Abner, and others. 4. To this strange intimation Saul returns a very modest answer, Sa1 9:21. Samuel, he thought, did but banter him, because he was a tall man, but a very unlikely man to be a king; for, though the historian says (Sa1 9:1) his father was a mighty man of power, yet he himself speaks diminishingly of his tribe and family. "Benjamin, the youngest of Jacob's sons, when grown up to be a man, was called a little one (Gen 44:20); that tribe was diminished by the war of Gibeah; and I am a Benjamite, my family the least," probably a younger house, not in any place of honour or trust, no, not in their own tribe. Gideon had expressed himself thus, Jdg 6:15. A humble disposition is a good presage of preferment.
II. At the public feast; thither Samuel took him and his servant. Though the advancement of Saul would be the deposing of Samuel, yet that good prophet was so far from envying him, or bearing him any ill-will for it, that he was the first and forwardest man to do him honour, in compliance with the will of God. If this be the man whom God has chosen, though he be none of Samuel's particular friends or confidants, yet he is heartily welcome to his table, nay, to his bosom. We may suppose it was no unseasonable kindness to Saul to give him a meal's meat, for it seems, by what he said (Sa1 9:7), that all their meat and money were spent. But this was not all. Samuel treats him not as a common person, but a person of quality and distinction, to prepare both him and the people for what was to follow. Two marks of honour he put upon him: - 1. He set him in the best place, as more honourable than any other of the guests, to whom he said, Give this man place, Luk 14:9. Though we may suppose the magistrates were there, who in their own city would claim precedency, yet the master of the feast made Saul and his servant too (who, if Saul was a king, must be respected as his prime minister of state) sit in the chief place, Sa1 9:22. Note, Civil respects must be paid to those who in civil things have the precedency given them by the divine providence. 2. He presented him with the best dish, which, having had notice from heaven the day before of his coming (Sa1 9:16), he had designed for him, and ordered the cook to secure for him, when he gave orders for inviting the guests and making preparation for them. And what should this precious dish be, which was so very carefully reserved for the king-elect? One would expect it should be something very nice and delicate. No, it was a plain shoulder of mutton (Sa1 9:23, Sa1 9:24). The right shoulder of the peace-offerings was to be given to the priests, who were God's receivers (Lev 7:32); the next in honour to that was the left shoulder, which probably was always allotted to those that sat at the upper end of the table, and was wont to be Samuel's mess at other times; so that his giving it to Saul now was an implicit resignation of his place to him. Some observe a significancy in this dish. The shoulder denotes strength, and the breast, which some think went with it, denotes affection: he that was king had the government upon his shoulder, for he must bear the weight of it; and the people in his bosom, for they must be dear to him.
III. What passed between them in private. Both that evening and early the next morning Samuel communed with Saul upon the flat roof of the house, Sa1 9:25, Sa1 9:26. We may suppose Samuel now told him the whole story of the people's desire of a king, the grounds of their desire, and God's grant of it, to all which Saul, living very privately, was perhaps a stranger; he satisfied him that he was the person God had pitched upon for the government; and whereas Saul would object that Samuel was in possession, and he would not for all the world take it out of his hands, Samuel, we may suppose, gave him all the assurance he could desire of his willingness to resign. Early in the morning he sent him towards home, brought him part of the way, bade him send his servant before, that they might be private (Sa1 9:27), and there, as we find in the beginning of the next chapter, he anointed him, and therein showed him the word of the Lord, that is, gave him full satisfaction that he was the person chosen to be king, for he would not jest with that sacred rite. It is by the unction of the Holy Ghost that Christ, the great prophet, shows us the word of the Lord. Jo1 2:27, the same anointing teacheth you of all things.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 18–27. Public domain.
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BedeAD 735
Commentary on Samuel
And Samuel said to the cook, "Bring the portion which I gave you," etc. John spoke in his own language, which was accustomed to provide the audience with the food of life, saying: "Preach the power of the singular virtue, which I commanded you to say was given to no pure man." And she, immediately obeying with a prophetic heart, brought forth words suitable solely to divine power and majesty. And she testified that these belonged to the Mediator of men, to the name of Jesus Christ, saying: "He who has the bride is the bridegroom; and he who comes from above is above all" (John 3). And again: "For God does not give the Spirit by measure. The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand" (ibid.).
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
1 Samuel 9:23 vividly portrays a moment of divine orchestration and prophetic insight, as Samuel, acting upon God's prior revelation, instructs his cook to present a specially reserved portion to Saul. This seemingly simple command is laden with significance, underscoring Samuel's meticulous preparation for Saul's arrival and signaling the imminent anointing of Israel's first king. It highlights the sovereign hand of God at work, meticulously arranging even the smallest details to bring about His monumental purposes.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of Saul's unexpected encounter with Samuel in Ramah, following Saul's seemingly mundane search for lost donkeys. Prior to this, the narrative reveals God's explicit instruction to Samuel regarding Saul's arrival and future kingship (1 Samuel 9:15-17). Samuel has already greeted Saul, invited him to dine, and subtly hinted at his destiny by stating that "all the desire of Israel is on you and on all your father's house" (1 Samuel 9:20). The command in verse 23 directly precedes the serving of the meal, where Saul is given the place of honor among "about thirty people" (1 Samuel 9:22), and sets the stage for Saul's anointing as prince over Israel, which immediately follows in 1 Samuel 10:1. Thus, this verse serves as a crucial bridge, transitioning from God's private revelation to Samuel to the public manifestation of Saul's divine appointment.
Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Near Eastern societies, and particularly in Israel, hospitality was a deeply ingrained cultural value and a sacred duty. Meals were not merely for sustenance but were profound social and even religious events, often signifying covenant, honor, and fellowship. The practice of reserving and presenting the choicest portion of meat to the most honored guest was a customary and highly visible way to confer status, respect, and favor. Given Samuel's stature as a prophet and judge, his household would have adhered to these customs meticulously. The mention of a "sacrificial feast" in 1 Samuel 9:12-13 further elevates the significance of this meal, as specific portions of sacrifices were often designated for priests or honored individuals, aligning Saul's reception with a sacred, divinely sanctioned act. This cultural practice provides the backdrop against which Samuel's specific instruction to the cook takes on immense symbolic weight for all present.
Key Themes: 1 Samuel 9:23 powerfully illustrates several overarching themes central to the book of 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights Divine Sovereignty and Providence, demonstrating that Saul's unexpected elevation to kingship was not a random occurrence but a meticulously planned event orchestrated by God, down to the details of a communal meal. God's active hand is evident as He guides Saul's steps and prepares Samuel for his arrival (1 Samuel 9:15-16). Secondly, the verse underscores Prophetic Insight and Obedience, showcasing Samuel's deep communion with God and his faithful execution of divine instructions. Samuel's actions are a direct result of his prophetic discernment, emphasizing the vital role of prophets in mediating God's will to His people. Lastly, the act of reserving the choicest portion for Saul speaks to Hospitality and Honor, signifying Saul's pre-ordained status and the respect due to one chosen by God. This act of honor foreshadows his public anointing and acceptance as Israel's first king, setting a precedent for how God elevates those He chooses, as seen in other instances of divine favor throughout Scripture, such as Joseph's elevation in Egypt (Genesis 41:40-43).
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several key literary devices to convey its profound message. Foreshadowing is prominently featured, as Samuel's precise instructions to the cook subtly hint at Saul's elevated status before his formal anointing. The reserved portion itself acts as a powerful Symbol of divine favor and pre-ordained kingship, visually communicating Saul's unique and chosen position. The concise Dialogue between Samuel and the cook, though brief, is highly significant, serving to reveal Samuel's prophetic insight and his unwavering obedience to God's prior revelation. A subtle layer of Dramatic Irony is present, as Saul remains unaware of his true purpose for being there, while Samuel, the cook, and the discerning reader are privy to the divine orchestration behind the seemingly ordinary act of serving a meal. This irony heightens the sense of God's sovereign control over human events and His meticulous attention to detail.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 9:23 serves as a powerful testament to God's meticulous providence and His active involvement in the minute details of human history, particularly in the establishment of leadership. The seemingly small act of reserving a portion of food becomes a tangible sign of divine election, demonstrating that God's plans are not haphazard but carefully orchestrated. This verse underscores the theme that God often prepares the way for His chosen vessels, not only by calling them but also by arranging the circumstances, people, and even the smallest details necessary for their appointed task. It highlights the interplay between divine sovereignty and human agency, as Samuel faithfully executes God's will, ensuring that the chosen one receives due honor and recognition, even before his public revelation. This divine preparation and honor for the chosen leader resonate throughout Scripture, affirming God's active hand in raising up those who will fulfill His purposes.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse, though brief, offers profound insights into the nature of God's providence and our role in His unfolding plan. It reminds us that God is actively at work in the seemingly insignificant details of our lives, orchestrating circumstances and preparing the way for His purposes. Just as Samuel meticulously prepared for Saul's arrival, God often prepares us and our paths for His divine appointments, even when we are unaware of the bigger picture. This calls us to cultivate a posture of attentiveness and trust, recognizing that God's hand is present even in the mundane. Furthermore, Samuel's obedience to God's prior instruction, even in a domestic setting, teaches us the importance of faithfulness in all areas of life, no matter how small they may seem. Our actions, guided by faith, can be part of God's grand design, contributing to His sovereign will. We are called to honor those whom God places in positions of leadership or significance, reflecting God's own regard for them, and to trust in His perfect timing and provision, knowing that His plans are always for our good and His glory.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the significance of the "portion" Samuel had reserved for Saul?
Answer: The "portion" (Hebrew: mânâh) was not just any piece of food; it was a specially designated, and likely the choicest, cut of meat from the sacrificial feast Samuel had prepared. Its significance was multifaceted: it symbolized divine honor and favor, marked Saul as the pre-ordained guest of honor, and visually communicated his special status before his public anointing as Israel's first king. In ancient cultures, offering the best portion to a guest was a profound gesture of respect and recognition, underscoring that Saul's visit was not coincidental but part of God's sovereign plan, as revealed to Samuel beforehand (1 Samuel 9:15-16).
How did Samuel know to prepare this special portion for Saul?
Answer: Samuel knew because God had divinely revealed Saul's imminent arrival to him the day before. 1 Samuel 9:15-16 explicitly states that the Lord had "told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying, Tomorrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel." Samuel, acting on this prophetic insight and divine instruction, meticulously prepared the feast and reserved the special portion, demonstrating his obedience and deep connection with God's unfolding plan.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Samuel 9:23 directly concerns the anointing of Israel's first king, Saul, it profoundly foreshadows the ultimate divine appointment and the prepared "portion" for humanity in Jesus Christ. Just as Samuel, guided by God's precise instruction, prepared a special place of honor and a unique portion for Saul, God the Father meticulously prepared the way for His Son, Jesus, who would be the true King of Israel and of all creation. Jesus is the ultimate "chosen portion" for humanity, the Lamb of God who was "foreknown before the foundation of the world" (1 Peter 1:20) and "prepared" for His redemptive work. His coming was not coincidental but the culmination of God's eternal plan, meticulously orchestrated down to every detail, from His miraculous birth (Luke 1:31-33) to His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection. The temporal honor bestowed upon Saul through a physical portion pales in comparison to the spiritual honor and eternal life offered to those who partake in Christ, the Bread of Life (John 6:35) and the true Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7). He is the ultimate "portion" given by God for our salvation and eternal sustenance, inviting all to His divinely prepared feast, the "marriage supper of the Lamb" (Revelation 19:9).