1 Samuel 9:23

KJV

And Samuel said unto the cook, Bring the portion which I gave thee, of which I said unto thee, Set it by thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Samuel {H8050} said {H559} unto the cook {H2876}, Bring {H5414} the portion {H4490} which I gave {H5414} thee, of which I said {H559} unto thee, Set {H7760} 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 9:23 captures a precise moment of divine orchestration, as Samuel, acting on God's prior revelation, instructs his cook to present a specially reserved portion to Saul. This seemingly simple command underscores Samuel's prophetic foresight and meticulous preparation for Saul's arrival, signaling the imminent anointing of Israel's first king and highlighting the sovereign hand of God at work in the seemingly mundane details leading up to a monumental event.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is nestled within the dramatic narrative of Saul's unexpected encounter with Samuel in Ramah. Saul and his servant, on a seemingly futile search for lost donkeys, have been divinely guided to Samuel, the prophet of Israel. Just prior to this verse, Samuel has already greeted Saul, invited him to dine, and revealed that all the desire of Israel is upon him and his father's house, hinting at his future kingship without explicitly stating it yet ([1 Samuel 9:19-20](/1-samuel/9-19 "1 Samuel 9:19-20 - Samuel's Revelation to Saul")). The immediate preceding verses recount Samuel's prior divine instruction regarding Saul's arrival ([1 Samuel 9:15-17](/1-samuel/9-15 "1 Samuel 9:15-17 - God's Revelation to Samuel about Saul")), setting the stage for Samuel's pre-arranged actions. The command to the cook in verse 23 directly precedes the serving of the meal and the subsequent anointing of Saul as prince over Israel ([1 Samuel 10:1](/1-samuel/10-1 "1 Samuel 10:1 - Saul's Anointing")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, hospitality was a sacred duty, and meals held significant social and religious importance. The act of sharing a meal, especially a sacrificial one (as implied by Samuel's role and the feast for "about thirty people" in [1 Samuel 9:22](/1-samuel/9-22 "1 Samuel 9:22 - Samuel's Feast")), often signified covenant, honor, and fellowship. The choicest portion of meat was customarily reserved for the most honored guest, a practice that visually communicated status and respect. Samuel, as a prophet and judge, would have been a respected figure, and his household would have adhered to these customs. Furthermore, the concept of a "reserved portion" could also allude to a priestly offering, where specific parts of a sacrifice were set aside for the priests, further elevating the significance of the meal and Saul's place within it.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several overarching themes within 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Appointment and Providence**, demonstrating that Saul's ascent to kingship was not a matter of chance but a meticulously planned event orchestrated by God, down to the details of a meal. God's sovereignty is evident as He guides Saul's steps and prepares Samuel for his arrival ([1 Samuel 9:15-16](/1-samuel/9-15 "1 Samuel 9:15-16 - God's Prior Revelation to Samuel")). Secondly, it 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](/genesis/41-40 "Genesis 41:40-43 - Joseph's Elevation in Egypt")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Portion (Hebrew, _mānâ'_):** The Hebrew word מָנָה (_mānâ_) refers to a "portion," "share," or "allotment." It implies something specifically designated or measured out, rather than a random piece. In this context, it emphasizes that the meat given to Saul was not just any piece but a particular, pre-selected, and likely choicest cut, signifying his special status and the intentionality behind its reservation. This word is often used in contexts of distribution and assignment, reinforcing the idea of a divinely appointed share.
* **Set it by thee (Hebrew, _śîm lāḵ'_):** The phrase שִׂים לָךְ (_śîm lāḵ_) literally means "put for yourself" or "place for yourself." It conveys the instruction to reserve or keep something separate and ready for a specific purpose or person. This command to the cook indicates Samuel's prior arrangement and foreknowledge, demonstrating that he had already given instructions to set aside this particular portion for an anticipated guest, long before Saul's arrival. It highlights the precision and foresight of Samuel's actions, guided by divine revelation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Samuel said unto the cook,"**: This opening clause establishes the direct command from Samuel, highlighting his authority and the domestic setting of the instruction. It immediately places Samuel in a position of control and preparation, acting on prior knowledge.
* **"Bring the portion which I gave thee,"**: This part of the command reveals Samuel's prior interaction with the cook. He had already entrusted a specific "portion" to the cook, indicating a pre-planned arrangement. The use of "gave thee" implies a distinct instruction and a specific piece of meat that was set apart.
* **"of which I said unto thee, Set it by thee."**: This final clause reiterates and clarifies the original instruction given to the cook. It confirms that the portion was not just handed over, but specifically designated to be "set aside" or "reserved." This detail underscores the meticulous nature of Samuel's preparations and the intentionality behind the special treatment Saul was about to receive. It signifies the pre-ordained honor awaiting Saul.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several key literary devices to convey its profound message. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, 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 **Symbol** of divine favor and pre-ordained kingship, visually communicating Saul's unique position. The **Dialogue** between Samuel and the cook, though brief, is highly significant, revealing Samuel's prophetic insight and his obedience to God's prior revelation. The **Irony** lies in Saul's ignorance of his true purpose for being there, while Samuel, the cook, and the reader are privy to the divine orchestration behind the seemingly ordinary act of serving a meal. This dramatic irony heightens the sense of God's sovereign control over human events.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 9:23 serves as a powerful testament to God's meticulous providence and His active involvement in the 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.

* [Genesis 45:22](/genesis/45-22 "Genesis 45:22 - Joseph's Provision for Benjamin")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalm/75-6 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God's Sovereignty in Exaltation")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")

### 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.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "ordinary" circumstances of your life might God be orchestrating something extraordinary?**
* **How does Samuel's obedience in this small detail encourage your own faithfulness in seemingly insignificant tasks?**
* **What does this verse teach you about God's meticulous care and preparation for His plans?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of the "portion" Samuel had reserved for Saul?**

Answer: The "portion" (Hebrew: _mānâ_) 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 ([1 Samuel 9:15-16](/1-samuel/9-15 "1 Samuel 9:15-16 - God's Revelation to Samuel")).

**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](/1-samuel/9-15 "1 Samuel 9:15-16 - God's Prior Revelation to Samuel") 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.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Samuel 9:23 directly concerns the anointing of Israel's first king, Saul, it subtly foreshadows the ultimate divine appointment and the prepared "portion" for humanity in Jesus Christ. Just as Samuel, guided by God, prepared a special place of honor 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](/1-peter/1-20 "1 Peter 1:20 - Christ Foreknown Before the Foundation of the World")) 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](/luke/1-31 "Luke 1:31-33 - Prophecy of Jesus' Birth")) to His sacrificial death and resurrection. The 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](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and the true Passover Lamb ([1 Corinthians 5:7](/1-corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover Lamb")). He is the ultimate "portion" given by God for our salvation and eternal sustenance, inviting all to His divinely prepared feast ([Revelation 19:9](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")).

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 43:34

And he took [and sent] messes unto them from before him: but Benjamin's mess was five times so much as any of theirs. And they drank, and were merry with him.

1 Samuel 1:5

But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the LORD had shut up her womb.