1 Samuel9

Saul, a tall Benjamite, is sent by his father Kish to find lost asses. After an unsuccessful search, his servant suggests consulting a "man of God" in a nearby city. Unbeknownst to Saul, the prophet Samuel has been divinely informed that Saul is the man appointed to lead Israel. Samuel meets Saul, assures him the asses are found, and honors him, preparing to reveal God's word.

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Introduction of Saul

Now there was a Benjamite, a powerful man, whose name was Kish son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah of Benjamin.

And he had a son named Saul, choice and handsome, without equal among the Israelites—a head taller than any of the people.

The Search for Kish's Asses

One day the donkeys of Saul’s father Kish wandered off, and Kish said to his son Saul, “Take one of the servants and go look for the donkeys.”

So Saul passed through the hill country of Ephraim and then through the land of Shalishah, but did not find the donkeys. He and the servant went through the region of Shaalim, but they were not there. Then they went through the land of Benjamin, and still they did not find them.

When they reached the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant, “Come, let us go back, or my father will stop worrying about the donkeys and start worrying about us.”

Saul and His Servant Seek the Seer

“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.”

“If we do go,” Saul replied, “what can we give the man? For the bread in our packs is gone, and there is no gift to take to the man of God. What do we have?”

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.”

(Formerly in Israel, a man on his way to inquire of God would say, “Come, let us go to the seer.” For the prophet of today was formerly called the seer.)

“Good,” said Saul to his servant. “Come, let us go.” So they set out for the city where the man of God was.

And as they were climbing the hill to the city, they met some young women coming out to draw water and asked, “Is the seer here?”

“Yes, he is ahead of you,” they answered. “Hurry now, for today he has come to the city because the people have a sacrifice on the high place.

As soon as you enter the city, you will find him before he goes up to the high place to eat. The people will not eat until he comes, because he must bless the sacrifice; after that, the guests will eat. Go up at once; you will find him.”

So Saul and his servant went up toward the city, and as they were entering it, there was Samuel coming toward them on his way up to the high place.

The Lord Reveals Saul's Coming to Samuel

Now on the day before Saul’s arrival, the LORD had revealed to Samuel,

“At this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you are to anoint him leader over My people Israel; he will save them from the hand of the Philistines. For I have looked upon My people, because their cry has come to Me.”

When Samuel saw Saul, the LORD told him, “Here is the man of whom I spoke; he shall rule over My people.”

Saul Meets Samuel

Saul approached Samuel in the gateway and asked, “Would you please tell me where the seer’s house is?”

“I am the seer,” Samuel replied. “Go up before me to the high place, for you shall eat with me today. And when I send you off in the morning, I will tell you all that is in your heart.

As for the donkeys you lost three days ago, do not worry about them, for they have been found. And upon whom is all the desire of Israel, if not upon you and all your father’s house?”

Saul replied, “Am I not a Benjamite from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of Benjamin? So why would you say such a thing to me?”

Then Samuel took Saul and his servant, brought them into the hall, and seated them in the place of honor among those who were invited—about thirty in all.

And Samuel said to the cook, “Bring the portion I gave you and told you to set aside.”

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.

Private Instruction and Departure

And after they had come down from the high place into the city, Samuel spoke with Saul on the roof of his house.

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.

As they were going down to the edge of the city, Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the servant to go on ahead of us, but you stay for a while, and I will reveal to you the word of God.” So the servant went on.

Study Notes for 1 Samuel 9

Verse 1

Kish is described as a 'mighty man of power,' indicating Saul came from a family of wealth and status within the tribe of Benjamin.

Verse 2

Saul's impressive height and good looks are emphasized. This fulfills the people's desire for a king who would physically stand out, contrasting later with God's selection criteria (1 Sam 16:7).

Verse 3

The entire subsequent narrative hinges on this mundane event. This illustrates the principle of divine providence, where God uses ordinary circumstances to orchestrate monumental historical changes.

Verse 6

The servant suggests seeking a 'man of God' (a prophet) for practical information. This shows that prophets were consulted for everyday matters, demonstrating their role as divinely connected sources of wisdom.

Verse 8

The 'fourth part of a shekel' (about a quarter of an ounce of silver) was a small, typical fee for consulting a prophet for advice or a minor oracle.

Verse 9

This parenthetical note explains the shift in terminology. The older term 'seer' (*ro'eh*), emphasizing divine sight, was gradually replaced by 'prophet' (*navi*), emphasizing divine speech.

Verse 12

The 'high place' was a local sanctuary used for sacrifices and communal meals, permissible before worship was centralized in Jerusalem (Deut 12:13-14). Samuel was presiding over this religious function.

Verse 15

This verse is pivotal, revealing that the entire encounter was orchestrated by God. Saul's search for lost animals was divinely directed toward his destiny.

Verse 16

The term 'captain' (*nagid*) signifies a divinely appointed leader or prince, often with military implications, rather than the dynastic term 'king' (*melek*). Saul is chosen specifically to deliver Israel from the Philistines.

Verse 18

Saul approaches Samuel unaware of his identity or purpose, asking for directions to the seer's house, setting up Samuel’s dramatic revelation.

Verse 20

Samuel immediately provides the information Saul sought (the asses are found) and then delivers a cryptic prophetic message, redirecting Saul's attention from his personal loss to the destiny of Israel.

Verse 21

Saul responds with genuine humility or disbelief, referencing the small size of his tribe (Benjamin, which was nearly destroyed in Judges 20-21) and the low status of his family.

Verse 24

The shoulder was typically the portion of honor reserved for the most distinguished guest or the priest. By setting it aside for Saul, Samuel publicly designates him as the guest of honor, foreshadowing his kingship.

Verse 25

Communing 'upon the top of the house' provided privacy, allowing Samuel to impart the crucial divine message and prepare Saul for the anointing away from the public eye.

Verse 27

This command sets the stage for the secret anointing (10:1). Samuel separates Saul from his servant to 'shew thee the word of God,' emphasizing that the kingship is a divine commission, not a political maneuver.

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1 Samuel9

Introduction of Saul

The Search for Kish's Asses

Saul and His Servant Seek the Seer

The Lord Reveals Saul's Coming to Samuel

Saul Meets Samuel

Private Instruction and Departure

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