1 Samuel 9:24

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the cook {H2876} took up {H7311} the shoulder {H7785}, and that which was upon it, and set {H7760} it before {H6440} Saul {H7586}. And Samuel said {H559}, Behold that which is left {H7604}! set {H7760} it before {H6440} thee, and eat {H398}: for unto this time {H4150} hath it been kept {H8104} for thee since I said {H559}, I have invited {H7121} the people {H5971}. So Saul {H7586} did eat {H398} with Samuel {H8050} that day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The cook took the thigh and the adjoining meat and served it to Sha'ul. Sh'mu'el said, "Here, this is what remains! Put it in front of you and eat - it was kept especially for you until the right time; because I said, 'I have invited the people.'" So Sha'ul dined with Sh'mu'el that day.

Berean Standard Bible

So the cook picked up the leg and what was attached to it and set it before Saul. Then Samuel said, “Here is what was kept back. It was set apart for you. Eat, for it has been kept for you for this occasion, from the time I said, ‘I have invited the people.’” So Saul dined with Samuel that day.

American Standard Version

And the cook took up the thigh, and that which was upon it, and set it before Saul. And Samuel said, Behold, that which hath been reserved! set it before thee and eat; because unto the appointed time hath it been kept for thee, for I said, I have invited the people. So Saul did eat with Samuel that day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 9:24 vividly portrays a pivotal moment in Saul's journey to kingship, underscoring divine foreknowledge and Samuel's prophetic authority. At a communal sacrificial feast, the cook presents Saul with the choicest portion—the shoulder—a clear sign of honor. Samuel then publicly declares that this specific portion has been meticulously reserved for Saul since the very inception of the feast, highlighting God's pre-ordained plan. Saul's subsequent act of eating with Samuel signifies his acceptance of this profound honor and the weighty implications of his impending leadership.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic public revelation of Saul's divinely appointed status, following a series of orchestrated events. Saul, dispatched by his father to find lost donkeys, was providentially guided to Samuel in Ramah. Unbeknownst to Saul, the Lord had already revealed to Samuel the day prior that He would send a man from the land of Benjamin to be anointed as prince over Israel, who would deliver His people from the Philistines ([1 Samuel 9:15-17](/1_samuel/9-15-17 "1 Samuel 9:15-17 - God Reveals Saul's Identity to Samuel")). Upon Saul's arrival, Samuel immediately recognized him as the one the Lord had spoken of and, in a striking display of honor, seated him at the head of the table among approximately thirty invited guests ([1 Samuel 9:22](/1_samuel/9-22 "1 Samuel 9:22 - Saul Given the Place of Honor")). The presentation of the specially reserved portion in verse 24 publicly confirms Saul's unique preeminence, setting the stage for his private anointing as king in the very next chapter ([1 Samuel 10:1](/1_samuel/10-1 "1 Samuel 10:1 - Samuel Anoints Saul")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, communal meals, particularly those following a sacrifice, were deeply significant social and religious events. Hospitality was a paramount virtue, and the seating arrangement and the distribution of food portions were potent non-verbal cues communicating social hierarchy, honor, and status. The "shoulder" or "thigh" was considered a highly prized cut of meat, often reserved for the guest of honor, the head of the household, or, notably, a priest's designated portion from peace offerings ([Leviticus 7:32-34](/leviticus/7-32-34 "Leviticus 7:32-34 - The Priest's Portion from Peace Offerings")). By serving this specific portion to Saul, Samuel was publicly affirming his extraordinary status and foreshadowing his elevated role as the future leader of Israel. This act also underscores the prophet's immense authority, as Samuel, guided by divine revelation, meticulously orchestrated the entire event to unveil God's chosen leader to the community.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several crucial themes woven throughout the narrative of 1 Samuel. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty and Appointment** is central; Saul's selection was not accidental but meticulously planned by God, as evidenced by the portion being "kept for thee since I said, I have invited the people." This highlights God's active involvement in human affairs and His ultimate control over the course of history, a theme echoed in passages like [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalm/75-6-7 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Appoints Rulers"). Secondly, the **Symbolism of Honor and Authority** is profoundly evident in the choicest cut of meat, publicly designating Saul as the preeminent figure among the guests. This tangible sign of favor prepares both Saul and the onlookers for his forthcoming leadership. Thirdly, Samuel's words function as a **Prophetic Confirmation**, providing a clear, undeniable sign of God's favor and Samuel's prophetic insight to Saul and the other guests. Finally, the shared meal represents **Covenant and Acceptance**, as Saul's act of eating signifies his implicit acceptance of the honor and the profound implications of his impending leadership, paving the way for his formal anointing and the establishment of the monarchy in Israel, a significant transition in the book of [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "The Book of 1 Samuel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cook (Hebrew, _ṭabbâch'_):** (H2876) From טָבַח, meaning "to butcher." This term refers to a butcher, and by extension, a cook (who typically slaughters the animal for food) or even a lifeguard/executioner. In this context, the "cook" is responsible for preparing and serving the meat, highlighting the practical and ceremonial role of those involved in the sacrificial feast. The cook's action of presenting the shoulder to Saul is a direct fulfillment of Samuel's prior instruction, demonstrating the orchestrated nature of the event.
* **Shoulder (Hebrew, _shôwq'_):** (H7785) From שׁוּק, meaning "to run." This term refers to the (lower) leg, hip, or thigh of an animal, often translated as "shoulder" in the context of a cut of meat. It was considered a highly valued and significant portion, often associated with strength and responsibility. In Israelite sacrificial law, the right thigh/shoulder was specifically designated as a priest's portion from peace offerings ([Leviticus 7:32](/leviticus/7-32 "Leviticus 7:32 - The Priest's Portion")). Its presentation to Saul thus conveyed not only immense honor but also hinted at a sacred, almost priestly, dimension to his future kingship, as early kings often held significant religious roles.
* **Kept (Hebrew, _shâmar'_):** (H8104) A primitive root meaning "to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc." Here, it emphasizes that the portion was not merely leftover or randomly selected, but deliberately set aside, preserved, and guarded for a specific individual and purpose. This underscores the divine intentionality and meticulous planning behind Saul's appointment, highlighting God's foreknowledge and sovereign preparation, ensuring that the chosen portion was ready for the divinely appointed moment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the cook took up the shoulder, and [that] which [was] upon it, and set [it] before Saul."**: This opening clause describes the tangible act of service that publicly distinguishes Saul. The cook, acting under Samuel's specific instruction, presents the most honorable portion—the shoulder, along with any accompanying choice fatty parts or delicacies—directly to Saul. This immediate and public display signals Saul's unique and elevated status among all the guests, drawing attention to him as the guest of honor.
* **"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."**: Samuel's direct address transforms the simple act of serving into a profound prophetic declaration. The phrase "that which is left" (H7604, _shâʼar'_) here does not imply scraps, but rather that which was specifically "reserved" or "set apart" from the very beginning. Samuel explicitly states that this portion was designated for Saul from the moment the feast was conceived and the invitations sent out, powerfully underscoring God's meticulous, long-standing, and sovereign plan for Saul's anointing.
* **"So Saul did eat with Samuel that day."**: This final clause describes Saul's simple yet profoundly significant act of compliance and acceptance. By eating the specially prepared and divinely designated portion, Saul accepts the honor bestowed upon him and implicitly acknowledges the weighty implications of his unique position. The shared meal symbolizes fellowship, acceptance of the divine appointment, and the sealing of the bond between the prophet and the future king, marking a crucial step in Saul's transition to leadership.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in 1 Samuel 9:24 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "shoulder" of meat serving as a powerful symbol of honor, preeminence, and the weighty responsibility of leadership. Its designation as a priestly portion also subtly hints at the sacred dimension of kingship in early Israel, where the king often held significant religious duties. **Foreshadowing** is evident as the special meal and Saul's honored position at the table clearly anticipate his imminent anointing as king, preparing both Saul and the audience for the momentous event. The entire encounter is imbued with **Divine Irony**, as Saul, a humble man searching for lost donkeys, is unknowingly led into a situation where he is publicly revealed as God's chosen leader for Israel, demonstrating God's unexpected and often humble ways of working. Finally, Samuel's direct declaration functions as a **Prophetic Declaration**, confirming God's pre-ordained plan and providing tangible evidence of divine favor to Saul and the assembled guests, solidifying the divine mandate.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 9:24 profoundly illustrates God's meticulous sovereignty in selecting and preparing His chosen instruments. It reveals that divine appointments are not arbitrary or coincidental but are part of a carefully orchestrated plan, often unfolding in unexpected ways and through seemingly ordinary circumstances. Samuel's prophetic insight and the tangible act of reserving the special portion underscore God's foreknowledge and His active involvement in human affairs, particularly in establishing leadership. This passage teaches us that God's plans are purposeful and prepared, even before those called are fully aware of their destiny, emphasizing His absolute control over the course of history and the lives of individuals. It assures believers that God is always at work, preparing the way for His will to be accomplished.

* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalm/75-6-7 "God Appoints Rulers")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Authority from God")
* [Isaiah 45:5](/isaiah/45-5 "God's Sovereign Choice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This narrative invites us to reflect deeply on God's incredible intentionality and preparation in our own lives. Just as Saul was unknowingly led to his destiny, and a special portion was reserved for him, God often works behind the scenes, preparing circumstances and people for His divine purposes. We may be searching for "lost donkeys" in our lives—mundane concerns, immediate needs, or even perceived failures—while God is orchestrating something far grander and more significant than we can imagine. This passage encourages us to cultivate a posture of humility, attentiveness, and receptivity, trusting that God's timing and provision are perfect, even when His plans are not yet fully revealed or understood. It reminds us that every blessing, every opportunity, and every calling is a gift "kept for us" by a sovereign and loving God. Our spiritual task is to recognize His hand, accept His provisions with gratitude, and walk faithfully in the path He has prepared, even when the full scope of His purpose remains veiled.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the idea of God preparing a "special portion" for Saul resonate with your understanding of God's providence and intentionality in your own life?**
* **In what ways might God be preparing you for a future calling or responsibility, even if you are currently focused on seemingly mundane tasks or challenges?**
* **What does Saul's simple yet significant act of eating teach us about accepting divine honor and responsibility with humility and obedience?**
* **How can we better discern and respond to the "prophetic declarations" or confirmations of God's will in our lives today, whether through Scripture, circumstances, or the counsel of godly people?**

### FAQ
**Why was the "shoulder" considered such a significant portion, and what did it symbolize?**

Answer: In ancient Israelite culture, the "shoulder" (Hebrew, _shôwq'_), or the right thigh, was a highly esteemed and valuable cut of meat, often reserved for those of high honor or status. Theologically, it held particular significance as a portion designated for the priests from certain sacrifices, such as the peace offering ([Leviticus 7:32-34](/leviticus/7-32-34 "Leviticus 7:32-34 - The Priest's Portion")) and the wave offering ([Numbers 6:20](/numbers/6-20 "Numbers 6:20 - The Wave Offering")). Symbolically, the shoulder represents strength, power, and the ability to bear burdens or responsibilities. By presenting this specific portion to Saul, Samuel was conveying immense honor, publicly affirming Saul's preeminence among the guests, and subtly foreshadowing the strength and authority required for his future role as king, who would bear the burden of leading Israel.

**What is the theological significance of Samuel's statement, "for unto this time hath it been kept for thee since I said, I have invited the people"?**

Answer: This statement highlights God's meticulous divine foreknowledge and sovereign preparation. The verb "kept" (Hebrew, _shâmar'_) signifies that the portion was not merely available by chance but was deliberately guarded and preserved for a specific individual and purpose. It reveals that Saul's appointment was not a spontaneous decision but a pre-ordained plan in God's mind, established even before Saul arrived or was aware of his destiny. This underscores the profound theme of divine election and God's active, purposeful involvement in human history, orchestrating events and preparing individuals for His specific purposes. It assures us that God's plans are intentional, perfectly timed, and unfold according to His divine will, demonstrating His absolute control and care over the lives of His chosen ones.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine preparation and special portion given to Saul in 1 Samuel 9:24 powerfully foreshadow the ultimate preparation and divine appointment of Jesus Christ. While Saul was chosen from among men to be a temporary king, Jesus was the eternally chosen One, "prepared" before the foundation of the world to be the Lamb of God ([Revelation 13:8](/revelation/13-8 "Revelation 13:8 - The Lamb Slain Before the Foundation of the World")). Just as the shoulder was a portion of honor and responsibility, Christ is the One upon whose "shoulder" the government rests ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Government on His Shoulder")), bearing the ultimate burden of salvation for humanity and ruling eternally. He is the true and perfect High Priest, not merely receiving a portion of the sacrifice, but offering Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for sin ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All")), and continually interceding for us at the right hand of God ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Intercedes for Us")). The communal meal shared by Samuel and Saul prefigures the ultimate covenant meal shared by Jesus with His disciples, the Last Supper, establishing a new covenant in His blood ([Luke 22:19-20](/luke/22-19-20 "Luke 22:19-20 - The Institution of the Lord's Supper")). Ultimately, Jesus is the "chosen portion" for all who believe, the true Bread of Life given for the world ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), inviting us to a grand, eternal feast of salvation in His kingdom ([Matthew 22:2-14](/matthew/22-2-14 "Matthew 22:2-14 - The Parable of the Wedding Feast")).

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

Leviticus 7:32

And the right shoulder shall ye give unto the priest [for] an heave offering of the sacrifices of your peace offerings.

Leviticus 7:33

He among the sons of Aaron, that offereth the blood of the peace offerings, and the fat, shall have the right shoulder for [his] part.

Ezekiel 24:4

Gather the pieces thereof into it, [even] every good piece, the thigh, and the shoulder; fill [it] with the choice bones.

Exodus 29:22

Also thou shalt take of the ram the fat and the rump, and the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul [above] the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that [is] upon them, and the right shoulder; for it [is] a ram of consecration:

Exodus 29:27

And thou shalt sanctify the breast of the wave offering, and the shoulder of the heave offering, which is waved, and which is heaved up, of the ram of the consecration, [even] of [that] which [is] for Aaron, and of [that] which is for his sons:

Numbers 18:18

And the flesh of them shall be thine, as the wave breast and as the right shoulder are thine.