1 Samuel 9:8

KJV

And the servant answered Saul again, and said, Behold, I have here at hand the fourth part of a shekel of silver: [that] will I give to the man of God, to tell us our way.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the servant {H5288} answered {H6030} Saul {H7586} again {H3254}, and said {H559}, Behold, I have {H4672} here at hand {H3027} the fourth part {H7253} of a shekel {H8255} of silver {H3701}: that will I give {H5414} to the man {H376} of God {H430}, to tell {H5046} us our way {H1870}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The servant replied again to Sha'ul: "See, I have here in my hand a silver quarter-shekel [one-tenth of an ounce]. I will give it to the man of God to tell us which way to go."

Berean Standard Bible

The servant answered him again. “Look,” he said, “I have here in my hand a quarter shekel of silver. I will give it to the man of God, and he will tell us our way.”

American Standard Version

And the servant answered Saul again, and said, Behold, I have in my hand the fourth part of a shekel of silver: that will I give to the man of God, to tell us our way.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 9:8 captures a seemingly mundane yet profoundly pivotal moment: Saul's servant offers a small amount of silver to consult Samuel, the "man of God," for guidance on their lost donkeys. This exchange not only illuminates the ancient custom of honoring prophets with a gift but also subtly underscores the humble beginnings of Israel's first king and, most significantly, serves as a crucial providential detail in God's meticulous orchestration of Saul's encounter with Samuel, setting the stage for his divine anointing and the establishment of the monarchy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the unfolding narrative of God's sovereign plan to provide Israel with a king, following the nation's demand for one in [1 Samuel 8](/1_samuel/8 "1 Samuel 8 - Israel Demands a King"). The immediate context in [1 Samuel 9](/1_samuel/9 "1 Samuel 9 - Saul's Anointing") begins with Saul's ordinary task of searching for his father's lost donkeys, a seemingly trivial errand that providentially leads him to the very region where Samuel, the revered prophet, resides. Saul's initial hesitation to approach Samuel without a gift (cf. [1 Samuel 9:7](/1_samuel/9-7 "1 Samuel 9:7 - Saul's Concern about a Gift")) is directly addressed by the servant's resourceful proposal in verse 8. This servant's initiative is critical, as it removes a practical obstacle and propels the narrative toward the divinely appointed meeting. The verses immediately following (e.g., [1 Samuel 9:9-10](/1_samuel/9-9-10 "1 Samuel 9:9-10 - The Seer and Saul's Ascent")) further clarify the role of the "seer" (prophet) and detail Saul's arrival at the city gate, where Samuel is already awaiting him, highlighting the precise timing of God's plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, prophets served as vital intermediaries between God and His people, delivering divine messages, warnings, and guidance. It was a well-established cultural practice to present a gift or offering when seeking counsel from a prophet or seer. This was not a bribe to manipulate divine favor, but rather a token of respect, honor, and a means of supporting the prophet's ministry. Prophets often dedicated their lives to their calling, abstaining from conventional trades, and thus relied on such contributions for their sustenance. The "fourth part of a shekel of silver" mentioned in the text refers to a specific unit of weight and currency. A shekel typically weighed around 11.5 grams, making a quarter of a shekel a very modest sum (approximately 2.8-3 grams). This small offering indicates the limited resources of both Saul and his servant, yet it underscores the accessibility of prophetic consultation even for ordinary people and for seemingly mundane matters like lost animals, reflecting a deep-seated belief in divine involvement in daily life.
* **Key Themes:** This passage powerfully illustrates several profound themes. Firstly, **Divine Providence and Sovereignty** are paramount. God orchestrates seemingly insignificant events—lost donkeys, a servant's small coin—to fulfill His grand purpose of anointing Israel's first king. This pervasive theme throughout [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "The Book of 1 Samuel") demonstrates God's active and meticulous involvement in human affairs, even when individuals are oblivious to His overarching design, as seen in the broader narrative of [God choosing Saul](/1_samuel/9 "1 Samuel 9 - Saul's Journey and Anointing"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Role and Authority of the Prophet** as God's chosen mouthpiece. The title "man of God" (Hebrew: *’ish ha’Elohim*) signifies a special, consecrated relationship with the Lord and the authority to speak on His behalf, making Samuel a respected and sought-after figure for divine guidance. Lastly, the **Value of Seeking Godly Counsel** is evident. The servant's instinctive suggestion to consult the prophet for direction, even for a trivial matter, reflects a societal understanding that spiritual leaders could provide invaluable insight into all aspects of life, a principle echoed in wisdom literature (cf. [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Wisdom in Many Counselors") and [Proverbs 15:22](/proverbs/15-22 "Proverbs 15:22 - Plans Fail for Lack of Counsel")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Silver (Hebrew, _keçeph'_):** (H3701) From כָּסַף; silver (from its pale color); by implication, money. This term refers to the metal used as currency in ancient Israel. The "fourth part of a shekel of silver" (approximately 2.8-3 grams) signifies a small but acceptable offering. This detail highlights the servant's personal resourcefulness and the modest circumstances of Saul's expedition, while also confirming the cultural norm of bringing a token of respect when seeking prophetic counsel, rather than a large payment.
* **Man (Hebrew, _ʼîysh'_):** (H376) Contracted for אֱנוֹשׁ; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term. In the phrase "man of God" (Hebrew: *’ish ha’Elohim*), this word emphasizes the human agent chosen by God. It denotes Samuel's unique status as an individual set apart and empowered by the divine, acting as a human conduit for God's will and revelation. It underscores his identity not merely as a person, but as one specifically designated for a sacred purpose.
* **Way (Hebrew, _derek'_):** (H1870) From דָּרַךְ; a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb. The request "to tell us our way" (Hebrew: *yaggid lanu et darkenu*) literally means "to tell us our path or road." While the immediate context is the physical path to find lost donkeys, the word *derek* often carries broader implications for one's course of life, conduct, or destiny. Here, it signifies the desire for divine guidance and direction, whether for a mundane journey or a life-altering decision, highlighting the belief that God's prophets could provide specific, actionable insight.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the servant answered Saul again, and said,"**: This clause immediately follows Saul's concern about approaching Samuel without a gift, indicating a direct response and continuation of their conversation. It highlights the servant's initiative and practical thinking, demonstrating his proactive role in resolving the immediate obstacle and facilitating the encounter that God had already planned.
* **"Behold, I have here at hand the fourth part of a shekel of silver:"**: The servant reveals his personal possession of a small, specific amount of money. This detail is crucial for several reasons: it confirms the cultural expectation of offering a gift to a prophet, underscores the humble economic status of the travelers, and, most importantly, provides the practical means for Saul to proceed with seeking Samuel's counsel, thus enabling the divine appointment.
* **"[that] will I give to the man of God, to tell us our way."**: This final segment articulates the purpose of the offering and the reason for seeking Samuel: to compensate him for his prophetic service and to receive divine guidance. The phrase "tell us our way" explicitly requests direction concerning their lost donkeys, emphasizing the practical, everyday nature of the counsel sought from the prophet, which serves as the divinely appointed catalyst for Saul's unexpected anointing as king.

#### Literary Devices
1 Samuel 9:8 is rich with subtle **Literary Devices** that enhance its narrative and theological depth. The most prominent is **Foreshadowing**, as this seemingly trivial financial transaction and the search for lost donkeys are, in fact, the divinely orchestrated means by which Saul will encounter Samuel and be anointed as Israel's first king. The mundane task of finding lost animals **Symbolizes** the ordinary circumstances through which God frequently works His extraordinary will, demonstrating that His providence extends to the smallest details of life. The servant's possession of the "fourth part of a shekel" functions as a crucial **Plot Device**, effectively removing Saul's stated objection and allowing the narrative to progress directly towards the pivotal meeting with Samuel. Furthermore, there is a profound element of **Irony** present: Saul and his servant are entirely focused on locating stray donkeys, completely unaware that this very journey is leading Saul not merely to his father's animals, but to a kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 9:8 profoundly illustrates God's meticulous divine providence, demonstrating how His sovereign plan unfolds through seemingly insignificant human actions and everyday circumstances. It underscores the Lord's active involvement in the minute details of life, guiding individuals toward His grand purposes even when they are unaware of the bigger picture. The cultural practice of honoring prophets with gifts also points to the high value placed on divine revelation and the recognition of God's appointed messengers as conduits of His will. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that God is actively engaged in our lives, using both the mundane and the miraculous to accomplish His perfect and redemptive plan.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord")
* [Psalm 37:23](/psalm/37-23 "Psalm 37:23 - The Steps of a Good Man")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work Together for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This brief verse, though set in ancient times, offers profound and enduring insights for contemporary believers. It challenges us to cultivate a keen awareness of God's active hand in the ordinary, reminding us that no detail of our lives is too small for His concern, too trivial for His providential working, or too mundane to be part of His grand design. Just as God used lost donkeys and a small coin to bring Saul to his destiny as king, He can and often does use our daily challenges, our humble resources, and our seemingly insignificant tasks to guide us toward His purposes, often in ways we least expect. This passage encourages us to adopt a posture of seeking divine wisdom in all matters, whether through prayer, diligent and consistent study of Scripture, or by humbly listening to the counsel of godly mentors and spiritual leaders. Ultimately, it fosters a deeper and more robust trust in God's sovereignty, comforting us with the knowledge that even when we are simply "looking for donkeys," He might be leading us to a "kingdom"—a greater purpose or a deeper understanding of His will for our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "mundane" or seemingly insignificant areas of your life might God be orchestrating something significant that you haven't yet recognized?**
* **How does the servant's initiative and willingness to give what he had, however small, inspire your own approach to seeking God's guidance or contributing to His work?**
* **How can you better cultivate a habit of seeking God's "way" (guidance) in your daily decisions, both big and small, rather than relying solely on your own understanding?**

### FAQ
**Was it common to pay prophets for their services in ancient Israel?**

Answer: Yes, it was a common and accepted cultural practice to bring a gift or offering when consulting a prophet or seer in ancient Israel. This was not considered a "payment" in the modern commercial sense, but rather a token of respect, honor, and a means of supporting the prophet's ministry. Prophets often dedicated their lives to serving God and did not engage in conventional trades, relying on such contributions for their sustenance. The small amount offered in [1 Samuel 9:8](/1_samuel/9-8 "1 Samuel 9:8 - Servant's Offering to Samuel") highlights that this was an accessible practice for people of varying economic means, demonstrating the high value placed on divine guidance and the prophet's role as God's messenger.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Samuel 9:8 focuses on an Old Testament prophet and the anointing of an earthly king, it beautifully foreshadows the ultimate "Man of God," Jesus Christ, who is the perfect embodiment of divine guidance and provision. Just as Saul's servant offered a small sum to find their way concerning lost animals, humanity, lost in the wilderness of sin, desperately needed a greater revelation of "the Way." Jesus declares Himself to be "[the way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")," offering not just direction for lost property, but eternal salvation and true purpose for lost souls. Unlike Samuel, who received a gift for his counsel, Christ is the ultimate gift from God, given freely for the redemption of humanity, as highlighted in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World"). Furthermore, the providential hand of God, orchestrating Saul's mundane search into a kingly appointment, points to the even greater divine orchestration of all history culminating in the advent of Christ, the King of kings. Every seemingly ordinary detail, every human interaction, and every cultural practice in the Old Testament ultimately finds its deepest meaning and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, the true King and Prophet, who perfectly reveals God's will and leads His people home, not for a shekel of silver, but through the immeasurable cost of His own precious blood, as described in [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Precious Blood").

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.