1 Samuel 9:26

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they arose early {H7925}: and it came to pass about the spring {H5927} of the day {H7837}, that Samuel {H8050} called {H7121} Saul {H7586} to the top of the house {H1406}, saying {H559}, Up {H6965}, that I may send thee away {H7971}. And Saul {H7586} arose {H6965}, and they went out {H3318} both {H8147} of them, he and Samuel {H8050}, abroad {H2351}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They got up early. About daybreak, Sh'mu'el called out to Sha'ul on the roof, "Get up, so I can send you on your way." Sha'ul got up, and both of them -he and Sh'mu'el - went out.

Berean Standard Bible

They got up early in the morning, and just before dawn Samuel called to Saul on the roof, “Get ready, and I will send you on your way!” So Saul arose, and both he and Samuel went outside together.

American Standard Version

And they arose early: and it came to pass about the spring of the day, that Samuel called to Saul on the housetop, saying, Up, that I may send thee away. And Saul arose, and they went out both of them, he and Samuel, abroad.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 9:26 marks a pivotal dawn in the life of Saul, immediately following his private anointing by Samuel as the future king of Israel. This seemingly simple scene, set on a rooftop at the first light of day, underscores the intimate and divinely orchestrated preparation Saul receives before embarking on his public role, emphasizing the solemnity and significance of his call to lead God's people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a night of private counsel and a meal shared between Samuel and Saul, culminating in Samuel's anointing of Saul as king (though the anointing itself is explicitly detailed in [1 Samuel 10:1](/1-samuel/10-1 "1 Samuel 10:1 - Samuel Anoints Saul")). The narrative in [1 Samuel 9](/1-samuel/9 "1 Samuel 9 - Saul's Search and Divine Appointment") meticulously details Saul's journey to Ramah, his unexpected encounter with Samuel, and the divine revelation that Saul is God's chosen leader. Verse 26 serves as the transition point from this intensely private, revelatory encounter to Saul's public presentation and the beginning of his reign, setting the stage for the subsequent public confirmation of his kingship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite homes commonly featured flat rooftops (**_gag_**, Hebrew for roof), which served as versatile spaces for various activities, including sleeping, private conversations, prayer, or even public announcements. The "top of the house" provided a secluded and elevated vantage point, ideal for the final, weighty instructions Samuel was about to impart to Saul, away from the prying eyes or ears of others. The "spring of the day" (dawn) was a customary time for travel and the commencement of daily activities in the ancient Near East, adding a sense of urgency and new beginning to Saul's departure. This private setting highlights the importance of divine preparation and instruction before a public undertaking, a common motif in biblical narratives of leadership.
* **Key Themes:** The verse strongly reinforces the theme of **Divine Appointment and Sovereignty**, as Saul's journey, initially undertaken to find lost donkeys, is revealed to be entirely orchestrated by God for the purpose of establishing a king over Israel, as prophesied in [1 Samuel 9:16](/1-samuel/9-16 "1 Samuel 9:16 - God's Choice of Saul"). It also emphasizes **Preparation for Leadership**, illustrating that significant callings often begin with private, intimate encounters with God or His representatives, where crucial guidance is imparted before public responsibilities commence. The promptness of both Samuel and Saul in rising early signifies **Obedience and Readiness** to respond to God's revealed will, underscoring that divine opportunities often require immediate and diligent attention, as seen in other instances of God's call throughout Scripture, such as Abraham's prompt obedience in [Genesis 22:3](/genesis/22-3 "Genesis 22:3 - Abraham's Obedience").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spring of the day (Hebrew, _b'alot ha'shachar'_):** This phrase literally translates to "at the rising of the dawn" or "at the rising of the morning star." It denotes the very first light of day, the moment the sun begins to appear above the horizon. This specific timing often carries symbolic weight in biblical narratives, signifying new beginnings, divine revelation, or a fresh start after a period of darkness or transition. It underscores the profound shift occurring in Saul's life.
* **Top of the house (Hebrew, _gag'_):** Refers to the flat rooftop common in ancient Israelite architecture. These rooftops were not merely structural but functional spaces, often used for privacy, contemplation, or even sleeping in warm weather. Samuel calling Saul to this elevated, secluded space emphasizes the private, solemn, and weighty nature of the conversation and instructions that were to follow, setting it apart from public discourse.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they arose early: and it came to pass about the spring of the day":** This initial clause establishes the timing of the event – dawn. The promptness ("arose early") of both Samuel and Saul signifies their readiness and the urgency of the divine agenda. The "spring of the day" (dawn) symbolically points to a new beginning, a pivotal moment of transition from the private anointing to the public manifestation of Saul's kingship.
* **"that Samuel called Saul to the top of the house, saying, Up, that I may send thee away.":** Samuel's action of calling Saul to the rooftop highlights the desire for privacy and solemnity for their final exchange. The rooftop, a secluded and elevated space, is ideal for imparting significant, private instructions. Samuel's command, "Up, that I may send thee away," indicates the conclusion of their private time and the commencement of Saul's journey toward public recognition and the responsibilities of kingship.
* **"And Saul arose, and they went out both of them, he and Samuel, abroad.":** Saul's immediate obedience in rising and accompanying Samuel demonstrates his submission to the prophet's authority and, by extension, to God's will. Their joint departure "abroad" (outside the confines of the house) signifies the transition from the private sphere of divine instruction to the public arena where Saul's new role would soon be revealed and tested. It marks the physical beginning of Saul's journey back to his home, where his public calling would soon unfold.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs **Setting** and **Symbolism** to enhance its meaning. The **Setting** of "the spring of the day" (dawn) is not merely a temporal marker but a symbolic one, representing a new beginning and a divinely initiated transition for Saul. Dawn often symbolizes revelation and the breaking forth of God's light and purpose after a period of darkness or uncertainty. The "top of the house" as a **Setting** provides a secluded, elevated space, symbolizing the sacred and private nature of the divine communication. This elevated position can also subtly hint at the elevated status Saul is about to assume. Furthermore, the act of Samuel "sending Saul away" carries a sense of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the broader narrative of Saul's eventual departure from God's favor and the kingdom, though at this point, it merely signifies his physical departure from Samuel's presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage powerfully illustrates the principle of divine sovereignty and the meticulous way God prepares His chosen instruments for their appointed tasks. Saul's anointing and subsequent private instruction by Samuel underline that true leadership, especially in God's kingdom, is not self-appointed but divinely ordained and often preceded by a period of quiet, personal revelation and guidance. The transition from private instruction to public responsibility is a recurring pattern in biblical narratives, emphasizing the necessity of spiritual grounding before outward service. It speaks to the truth that God often works in unseen ways before manifesting His plans publicly, and that obedience to His call, even in seemingly small steps like rising early, is paramount.

* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Isaiah 48:17](/isaiah/48-17 "Isaiah 48:17 - The Lord Teaches You to Profit")
* [Jeremiah 1:5](/jeremiah/1-5 "Jeremiah 1:5 - Jeremiah's Call")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 9:26 offers profound insights into the nature of divine calling and preparation. It reminds us that God often calls us to significant tasks, but He rarely throws us into them without prior, often private, instruction and equipping. Just as Saul received final, crucial words from Samuel in a secluded setting, we too are called to seek quiet moments with God for guidance, wisdom, and spiritual grounding before stepping into our callings, whether in ministry, family, or professional life. This verse challenges us to value these unseen moments of preparation and to cultivate a readiness and promptness to respond to God's direction, recognizing that divine opportunities often require immediate and diligent attention. Our willingness to "arise early" in obedience, even when the path ahead is not yet fully clear, is a testament to our trust in God's sovereign hand in directing our steps.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "rooftop moments" (private, significant encounters with God or His guidance) have you experienced that prepared you for a new season or calling?**
* **How does Saul's promptness in rising early challenge your own readiness to respond to God's nudges or directions in your life?**
* **In what ways do you seek private counsel and spiritual grounding before embarking on significant responsibilities or new ventures?**

### FAQ
**Why did Samuel call Saul to the "top of the house" specifically?**

Answer: Samuel called Saul to the "top of the house" (the flat rooftop common in ancient Israelite homes) for privacy and solemnity. These rooftops were elevated and secluded, providing a space away from the general household or public view. This allowed Samuel to impart crucial, perhaps sensitive, final instructions to Saul regarding his anointing and impending kingship without interruption or eavesdropping. It underscored the weighty and confidential nature of the divine revelation being shared.

**What is the significance of the "spring of the day" or dawn in this context?**

Answer: The "spring of the day" (dawn) is significant for several reasons. Practically, it was a common time for travel and the beginning of daily activities in the ancient Near East, indicating Saul's imminent departure. Symbolically, dawn often represents new beginnings, revelation, and the breaking forth of light after darkness. For Saul, it marked the dawn of his new life as God's chosen king, transitioning from an ordinary man searching for donkeys to the anointed leader of Israel. It emphasizes the fresh start and divine appointment that this moment represents.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The anointing and preparation of Saul in [1 Samuel 9:26](/1-samuel/9-26 "1 Samuel 9:26 - Samuel and Saul at Dawn") foreshadows the ultimate King and Prophet, Jesus Christ, in profound ways. While Saul's kingship was earthly and ultimately flawed, his divine appointment by a prophet, followed by a period of private preparation before public manifestation, points to the perfect and eternal reign of Christ. Jesus, the true Son of David, was not merely anointed with oil but with the Holy Spirit for His kingly and prophetic office, as declared at His baptism when the Spirit descended upon Him like a dove ([Matthew 3:16-17](/matthew/3-16 "Matthew 3:16-17 - Jesus' Baptism")). His ministry, too, began with a period of private preparation in the wilderness ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1 "Matthew 4:1-11 - Jesus Tempted in the Wilderness")) before His public unveiling and the commencement of His kingdom work. Unlike Saul, whose kingship was temporal and whose obedience wavered, Christ perfectly fulfilled His divine commission, establishing an everlasting kingdom founded on righteousness and grace. The "spring of the day" for Saul was a new beginning for Israel's monarchy, but for humanity, the true "spring of the day" dawned with the resurrection of Jesus, ushering in the new creation and the reign of the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), who truly "sends away" the power of sin and death for all who believe ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")).

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 44:4

[And] when they were gone out of the city, [and] not [yet] far off, Joseph said unto his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them, Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good?

Joshua 7:13

Up, sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow: for thus saith the LORD God of Israel, [There is] an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel: thou canst not stand before thine enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you.

Judges 19:28

And he said unto her, Up, and let us be going. But none answered. Then the man took her [up] upon an ass, and the man rose up, and gat him unto his place.

Genesis 19:14

And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the LORD will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law.