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1 Samuel 9:10

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Then said Saul to his servant, Well said; come, let us go. So they went unto the city where the man of God [was].

Then said {H1697} Saul {H7586} to his servant {H5288}, Well {H2896} said {H559}; come {H3212}, let us go {H3212}. So they went {H3212} unto the city {H5892} where the man {H376} of God {H430} was.

"Well said," Sha'ul answered his servant. "Come on, let's go." So they went to the city where the man of God was.

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

Then said Saul to his servant, Well said; come, let us go. So they went unto the city where the man of God was.

Commentary

Context

This verse marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Saul, the first king of Israel. Saul and his servant have been on a fruitless search for his father's lost donkeys, a journey that has stretched their resources and patience. Exhausted and without success, the servant suggests consulting a "man of God" in a nearby city, known for his prophetic accuracy. Saul's immediate agreement in this verse, "Well said; come, let us go," demonstrates his willingness to follow wise counsel, setting the stage for his unexpected encounter with the prophet Samuel, who was already awaiting him by divine appointment.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence: What appears to be a mundane search for lost animals is, in fact, God's orchestrating hand guiding Saul toward his destiny as king. This highlights how God can use ordinary circumstances to fulfill His extraordinary purposes, a theme echoed in Romans 8:28.
  • Seeking Godly Counsel: The servant's suggestion to consult the "man of God" is a crucial turning point. It emphasizes the importance of seeking spiritual insight and guidance, especially when human efforts have failed.
  • Readiness and Obedience: Saul's prompt and positive response, "Well said; come, let us go," indicates a receptive spirit and a readiness to act upon wise advice. This initial openness is a foundational characteristic for leadership, though it would later be tested.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "man of God" is a significant title in the Old Testament, translated from the Hebrew 'ish ha'elohim. It denotes a prophet or a divinely appointed messenger who stands in a special relationship with God and speaks on His behalf. In this context, it refers to Samuel, whose prophetic authority was well-established, as seen in 1 Samuel 3:19.

Practical Application

This verse offers several practical lessons for believers today:

  1. Trust in God's Unseen Hand: Even when we are focused on seemingly small or frustrating problems (like lost donkeys), God may be working behind the scenes to lead us to His greater plans for our lives. Our paths are often guided by divine appointments we don't anticipate.
  2. Value of Wise Counsel: Do not despise the advice of others, especially those known for their spiritual wisdom or discernment. Seeking godly counsel, as Saul did, can open doors to divine direction and solutions. Proverbs 11:14 reminds us that "where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety."
  3. Be Open to Unexpected Turns: Life often takes unexpected detours. Being flexible and responsive to new ideas or suggestions, particularly those that align with seeking God's will, can lead us to places and purposes we never imagined, much like Saul's journey from a donkey search to being anointed king.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • 2 Kings 5:13 (2 votes)

    And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, [if] the prophet had bid thee [do some] great thing, wouldest thou not have done [it]? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?

  • 2 Kings 5:14 (2 votes)

    Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.