1 Samuel 9:6

KJV

And he said unto him, Behold now, [there is] in this city a man of God, and [he is] an honourable man; all that he saith cometh surely to pass: now let us go thither; peradventure he can shew us our way that we should go.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto him, Behold now, there is in this city {H5892} a man {H376} of God {H430}, and he is an honourable {H3513} man {H376}; all that he saith {H1696} cometh {H935} surely to pass {H935}: now let us go {H3212} thither; peradventure he can shew {H5046} us our way {H1870} that we should go {H1980}.

Complete Jewish Bible

His servant replied, "Here now, there's a man of God in this city, a man who is highly respected, and everything he says proves true. Let's go to him; maybe he can tell us something about where we should go."

Berean Standard Bible

“Look,” said the servant, “in this city there is a man of God who is highly respected; everything he says surely comes to pass. Let us go there now. Perhaps he will tell us which way to go.”

American Standard Version

And he said unto him, Behold now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is a man that is held in honor; all that he saith cometh surely to pass: now let us go thither; peradventure he can tell us concerning our journey whereon we go.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Samuel 9:6, the narrative subtly pivots from a mundane search for lost donkeys to a divinely orchestrated encounter that will profoundly alter the course of Israel's history. Saul's servant, demonstrating remarkable insight and practical wisdom, suggests consulting a highly respected "man of God" in a nearby city. This revered figure is described as an "honourable man" whose every word is unfailingly reliable, indicating a prophet of significant standing. The servant's proposal to seek guidance for their lost path subtly foreshadows the far greater divine direction Saul is about to receive, setting the stage for his anointing as Israel's first king.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial hinge in the unfolding narrative of Saul's introduction and eventual anointing. Prior to this, Saul, a young man of impressive stature from the tribe of Benjamin, has been diligently searching for his father Kish's lost donkeys for three days, a task that has led him and his servant far from their home in Gibeah, through the land of Shalisha, Shaalim, and Benjamite territory. Exhausted and contemplating a return to avoid worrying his father, Saul is met with his servant's unexpected and providentially inspired suggestion. The servant's knowledge of a "man of God" in the city of Zuph (later identified as Ramah, where Samuel resided) provides the necessary impetus for Saul to move from a personal errand to a divine appointment, unknowingly stepping into the fulfillment of God's plan for Israel's monarchy. The immediate verses following this confirm the identity of the "man of God" as Samuel and detail the divine preparation for Saul's arrival, highlighting God's sovereign hand in seemingly ordinary events, as seen in [the divine revelation to Samuel](/1_samuel/9-15-17 "1 Samuel 9:15-17 - God Reveals Saul's Arrival to Samuel").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, prophets, often referred to as "men of God" or "seers" (as explained in [1 Samuel 9:9](/1_samuel/9-9 "1 Samuel 9:9 - Explanation of 'Seer'")), played a vital role as intermediaries between God and His people. They were sought out not only for major theological or national guidance but also for practical, everyday concerns, such as finding lost items, discerning the will of God before battle, or seeking counsel on personal matters. Their authority stemmed from their perceived direct communication with Yahweh, and their words were considered binding and trustworthy. The cultural expectation was that a true prophet's words would "surely come to pass," validating their divine commission. This period also reflects Israel's significant transition from a tribal confederacy led by judges to a monarchy, a shift that Samuel, as the last judge, was instrumental in facilitating, albeit with reservations about the people's desire for a king over God's direct rule, as detailed in [Israel's demand for a king](/1_samuel/8 "1 Samuel 8 - Israel Demands a King").
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully illustrates **Divine Providence and Guidance**, showing how God orchestrates seemingly mundane circumstances—like lost donkeys—to bring about His greater purposes. It underscores the truth that God's hand is actively at work even in the most ordinary and frustrating aspects of life, guiding individuals toward their destiny within His sovereign plan. Another prominent theme is the **Value of Seeking Spiritual Counsel**. The servant's initiative to consult a "man of God" highlights the importance of discerning wisdom and direction from those who are spiritually mature and connected to God. His trust in the prophet's words emphasizes the significance of divine revelation as a guide for life's journey. Furthermore, the description of the "man of God" as "an honourable man" whose words "cometh surely to pass" speaks to the **Prophetic Authority and Reliability** in ancient Israel. True prophets were recognized for their trustworthiness, and their words were regarded as God's own declarations, carrying divine weight and certainty, a concept echoed in [Deuteronomy 18:22](/deuteronomy/18-22 "Deuteronomy 18:22 - How to Discern a True Prophet").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Man of God (Hebrew, _'îysh 'ĕlôhîym'_):** This is a significant and reverent title used throughout the Old Testament, primarily for prophets (e.g., Moses, Elijah, Elisha) but also for other individuals specially chosen and empowered by God to deliver His message or perform His will. The term _'îysh_ (H376) refers to a man as an individual, while _'ĕlôhîym_ (H430) refers to the supreme God. Together, "man of God" signifies a person deeply devoted to God, acting as His representative, and possessing divine authority. The servant's use of this title immediately elevates the figure he is suggesting beyond a mere soothsayer or diviner, implying a profound spiritual connection and reliable prophetic insight.
* **Honourable (Hebrew, _kâbad'_):** Derived from the root _kâbad_ (H3513), meaning "to be heavy, weighty, glorious." When applied to a person, it conveys the idea of being respected, esteemed, and possessing gravitas or influence. It suggests that the prophet's character and reputation are impeccable, adding to the credibility of his prophetic utterances. His words are not taken lightly but carry significant weight due to his personal integrity and divine connection.
* **Cometh surely to pass (Hebrew, _bô' bôw'_):** This phrase uses an infinitive absolute construction (bô' yābō', from H935), which is a Hebrew grammatical device to express absolute certainty, emphasis, and inevitability. It literally means "coming, it will come" or "it will certainly come to pass." This strong affirmation underscores the absolute reliability and fulfillment of the prophet's words, reflecting God's own faithfulness to His declarations and His sovereign control over events. It implies a divine guarantee behind the prophet's pronouncements.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto him, Behold now, [there is] in this city a man of God":** The speaker is Saul's servant, who displays a practical wisdom and an awareness of spiritual resources. The phrase "Behold now" (Hebrew _hinneh-na'_) serves as an urgent interjection, drawing Saul's immediate attention to a significant discovery or idea. The identification of a "man of God" in the specific city indicates a known and respected figure, suggesting that the prophet's reputation extended beyond his immediate locale, making him a credible source of divine guidance.
* **"and [he is] an honourable man; all that he saith cometh surely to pass":** This clause serves as the servant's powerful testimonial to the prophet's character and prophetic accuracy. The prophet's "honourable" reputation signifies his integrity and the public trust he commands. The declaration that "all that he saith cometh surely to pass" is a strong affirmation of his divine authority and the unfailing reliability of his prophecies, implying that his words are not merely human predictions but divine decrees. This testimony establishes the prophet's credibility before Saul's direct encounter.
* **"now let us go thither; peradventure he can shew us our way that we should go":** This is the servant's practical suggestion, born out of desperation and belief. The phrase "now let us go thither" is a direct call to action, indicating a pragmatic solution to their immediate problem. The request to "shew us our way that we should go" initially refers to finding the lost donkeys, but in the broader narrative, it subtly foreshadows the much larger "way" that Saul is about to be shown—his path to kingship and the future direction of his life, which will be revealed through this very encounter. This statement highlights the servant's faith in the prophet's ability to provide divine direction for both immediate and unforeseen needs.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning and foreshadow future events. **Irony** is prominent, as the seemingly trivial search for lost donkeys becomes the unexpected means by which Saul is led to his divine appointment as king. The mundane task serves as a vehicle for God's grand plan. **Foreshadowing** is also evident in the servant's request that the man of God "shew us our way that we should go." While immediately referring to the donkeys, this phrase subtly hints at the much greater "way" or life path that Saul is about to embark upon as the future king of Israel. The **Characterization** of the servant reveals his practical wisdom and spiritual discernment, contrasting with Saul's initial weariness and desire to give up. The description of the prophet as "an honourable man" whose words "cometh surely to pass" uses **Testimonial** to establish his credibility and divine authority before his direct introduction. Finally, the entire sequence is an example of **Divine Providence**, where God's unseen hand orchestrates seemingly random events to fulfill His sovereign will, demonstrating His meticulous care and control over human affairs.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal verse underscores the profound truth of God's active involvement in the mundane details of human life, orchestrating circumstances, even frustrating ones like lost donkeys, to bring about His greater, often hidden, purposes. It highlights the divine wisdom in seeking counsel from those genuinely connected to God, whose words carry the weight of divine revelation. The servant's faith in the prophet's reliability serves as a model for trusting in God's word and His chosen messengers, recognizing that His plans, though sometimes unveiled through unexpected paths, are always certain to come to pass. This narrative beautifully illustrates how God uses ordinary means to achieve extraordinary ends, inviting believers to look for His hand in every aspect of their journey.

* [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Wisdom in Counsel")
* [Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - God's Plans for Hope and a Future")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Saul's lost donkeys and the servant's wise counsel offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to recognize that God's guidance is not limited to grand spiritual epiphanies but often manifests in the everyday, in the midst of our "lost donkeys"—our frustrations, anxieties, or seemingly insignificant problems. These very challenges can be the unexpected pathways through which God leads us to our next divine appointment or reveals a deeper aspect of His plan for our lives. This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of discernment, seeking wise counsel from mature, godly individuals who are deeply rooted in God's Word and Spirit, just as Saul's servant knew to seek a "man of God." It reminds us that even when the path ahead seems unclear, God is sovereignly working behind the scenes, orchestrating events for our good and His glory. Our faith is not merely in finding answers but in trusting the One who knows "the way that we should go," even when we cannot see it, confidently walking in His divine providence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How have "lost donkeys" or seemingly insignificant challenges in your life led you to unexpected divine appointments or revelations of God's plan?**
* **In what areas of your life are you currently seeking "the way that you should go," and how are you actively seeking God's counsel through His Word, prayer, and godly community?**
* **How does the absolute reliability of God's word, as exemplified by the prophet whose words "cometh surely to pass," encourage your trust in His sovereign plans for your life, even when the path is uncertain?**

### FAQ

**Who is the "man of God" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: Although not explicitly named in this verse, the "man of God" is Samuel, the great prophet and last judge of Israel. The narrative deliberately withholds his name initially to build suspense and to emphasize the common cultural understanding of such a revered figure. [1 Samuel 9:9](/1_samuel/9-9 "1 Samuel 9:9 - Explanation of 'Seer'") clarifies that "he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer," and subsequent verses (e.g., [1 Samuel 9:14](/1_samuel/9-14 "1 Samuel 9:14 - Saul Meets Samuel")) confirm that Saul indeed met Samuel. Samuel was God's chosen instrument to anoint Israel's first king, and his encounter with Saul was divinely orchestrated.

**Why were Saul and his servant seeking a "man of God" for lost donkeys?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, prophets were consulted for a wide range of issues, not just major national or theological matters. People believed that God could provide guidance on practical, everyday concerns, including finding lost items, through His chosen messengers. This practice highlights the pervasive belief in divine providence and the accessibility of God's wisdom for all aspects of life. It also demonstrates the prophet's role as a community resource, a person of spiritual authority whom people trusted for reliable information and divine insight, even for something as mundane as lost livestock.

**What does it mean that "all that he saith cometh surely to pass"?**

Answer: This phrase emphasizes the absolute certainty and divine guarantee behind the prophet's words. It signifies that the prophet is a true messenger of God, and therefore, his pronouncements are not mere human predictions but divinely inspired declarations that will unfailingly be fulfilled. In Hebrew, the use of the infinitive absolute ("coming, it will come") provides a strong emphasis on the inevitability of the prophecy. This reliability was a crucial test for discerning a true prophet from a false one (as seen in [Deuteronomy 18:22](/deuteronomy/18-22 "Deuteronomy 18:22 - How to Discern a True Prophet")), and the servant's testimony here affirms Samuel's genuine prophetic authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The encounter in 1 Samuel 9:6, where a "man of God" is sought to show "our way that we should go," finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Samuel was a faithful "man of God" who guided Israel to its first king, Jesus is the definitive and supreme "Man of God," the Prophet greater than Moses (as prophesied in [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - The Prophet Like Moses")) and the ultimate revealer of God's will. He is not merely one who shows "our way," but He *is* "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Just as Samuel's words "cometh surely to pass," Jesus declares that His words are eternal and will never pass away ([Matthew 24:35](/matthew/24-35 "Matthew 24:35 - Heaven and Earth Will Pass Away, But My Words Will Never Pass Away")), carrying ultimate divine authority and certainty. The divine providence that led Saul, through a mundane search for donkeys, to his anointing as king, foreshadows God's infinitely greater sovereign plan to bring humanity to salvation through the "anointed one," Christ. Through Christ, we are not just shown a way, but we are reconciled to God and made part of His eternal kingdom, inheriting a kingship far surpassing that of Saul ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")). The seemingly lost path of humanity finds its true direction and ultimate purpose in Him, the Good Shepherd who seeks out the lost and leads them to abundant life ([John 10:10-11](/john/10-10-11 "John 10:10-11 - The Good Shepherd")).

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

Deuteronomy 33:1

¶ And this [is] the blessing, wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death.

1 Kings 13:1

¶ And, behold, there came a man of God out of Judah by the word of the LORD unto Bethel: and Jeroboam stood by the altar to burn incense.

1 Timothy 6:11

But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

Matthew 24:35

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

1 Samuel 2:27

¶ And there came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Did I plainly appear unto the house of thy father, when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh's house?

1 Thessalonians 2:10

Ye [are] witnesses, and God [also], how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:

1 Samuel 3:19

¶ And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.