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1 Samuel 9:1

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¶ Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name [was] Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power.

Now there was a man {H376} of Benjamin {H1144}, whose name {H8034} was Kish {H7027}, the son {H1121} of Abiel {H22}, the son {H1121} of Zeror {H6872}, the son {H1121} of Bechorath {H1064}, the son {H1121} of Aphiah {H647}, a Benjamite {H1145}, a mighty {H1368} man {H376} of power {H2428}.

There was a man from Binyamin named Kish the son of Avi'el, the son of Tz'ror, the son of B'khorat, the son of Afiach, the son of a man from Binyamin. He was a man of substance and brave as well.

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.

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

Commentary

1 Samuel 9:1 introduces us to Kish, the father of Saul, who would become Israel's first king. This verse sets the stage for the dramatic shift from the era of judges to the establishment of a monarchy in Israel.

Context

This verse immediately precedes the narrative of Saul's introduction and subsequent anointing as king. Kish is presented as a prominent figure from the tribe of Benjamin, a lineage that will be significant for Saul. The mention of his ancestry (Abiel, Zeror, Bechorath, Aphiah) establishes his roots and standing within his community. The period described is a crucial transition for Israel, moving from a loose confederacy of tribes under judges to a centralized monarchy, a desire expressed by the people in 1 Samuel 8:5.

Key Themes

  • Introduction of Key Figures: The verse's primary role is to introduce the family line from which Israel's first king, Saul, will emerge. Kish's identity is directly tied to his son's future role.
  • Tribal Identity: Kish is explicitly identified as a "Benjamite." The tribe of Benjamin, though one of the smallest tribes, had a reputation for fierce warriors, a characteristic that might hint at Saul's own physical prowess, as elaborated in the very next verse.
  • Social Standing and Influence: The description "a mighty man of power" indicates Kish's significant social standing, influence, and perhaps wealth or military capability within his clan. This suggests that Saul came from a reputable and respected family.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated as "a mighty man of power" is gibbor chayil (גִּבּוֹר חַיִל). This term is rich in meaning and can refer to more than just physical strength. It often denotes a person of valor, wealth, influence, or capability. In various contexts, it can mean a warrior, a wealthy person, or a person of high standing. Here, it likely encompasses a combination of these qualities, highlighting Kish's prominence and the respectable background of Saul.

Practical Application

This seemingly simple genealogical introduction reminds us of several truths:

  • God's Providence in Details: Even the seemingly mundane details of ancestry and social standing are part of God's overarching plan. God often works through ordinary families and circumstances to achieve His divine purposes.
  • Human Perceptions vs. Divine Choice: While Kish was a "mighty man of power" and Saul would be physically impressive, God's ultimate criteria for leadership are often different from human expectations. This foreshadows the later emphasis on a person's heart, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:7 when David is chosen.
  • Foundational Importance: Every story has a beginning, and this verse lays the crucial groundwork for understanding the background of Israel's first monarch and the circumstances surrounding his rise to power.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 14:51 (8 votes)

    And Kish [was] the father of Saul; and Ner the father of Abner [was] the son of Abiel.

  • Acts 13:21 (6 votes)

    And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.

  • 1 Chronicles 9:36 (4 votes)

    And his firstborn son Abdon, then Zur, and Kish, and Baal, and Ner, and Nadab,

  • 1 Chronicles 9:39 (4 votes)

    And Ner begat Kish; and Kish begat Saul; and Saul begat Jonathan, and Malchishua, and Abinadab, and Eshbaal.

  • 1 Chronicles 8:30 (3 votes)

    And his firstborn son Abdon, and Zur, and Kish, and Baal, and Nadab,

  • 1 Chronicles 8:33 (3 votes)

    ¶ And Ner begat Kish, and Kish begat Saul, and Saul begat Jonathan, and Malchishua, and Abinadab, and Eshbaal.

  • 1 Samuel 25:2 (3 votes)

    ¶ And [there was] a man in Maon, whose possessions [were] in Carmel; and the man [was] very great, and he had three thousand sheep, and a thousand goats: and he was shearing his sheep in Carmel.