1 Samuel 9:11

¶ [And] as they went up the hill to the city, they found young maidens going out to draw water, and said unto them, Is the seer here?

And as they went up {H5927} the hill {H4608} to the city {H5892}, they found {H4672} young maidens {H5291} going out {H3318} to draw {H7579} water {H4325}, and said {H559} unto them, Is {H3426} the seer {H7200} here?

Ascending the slope to the town they found girls going out to draw water and asked them, "Is the seer here?"

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?”

As they went up the ascent to the city, they found young maidens going out to draw water, and said unto them, Is the seer here?

Commentary

1 Samuel 9:11 describes a pivotal, yet seemingly ordinary, moment in Saul's journey to meet Samuel the prophet. As Saul and his servant ascend the hill toward the city where Samuel resides, they encounter young women drawing water, a common daily activity in ancient Israel. This seemingly casual interaction becomes the immediate means by which Saul can locate the esteemed "seer."

Context

This verse is part of the narrative detailing Saul's initial quest for his father's lost donkeys, a mundane task that providentially leads him to Samuel. Earlier in the chapter, Saul's servant suggests they consult a "man of God" (Samuel) who is known to provide accurate information. As they approach the city, likely Ramah or a nearby prophetic center, their encounter with the maidens drawing water serves as a natural point of inquiry, directing them to the prophet.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence: This encounter highlights how God orchestrates seemingly random events and ordinary circumstances to fulfill His greater plan. Saul's search for donkeys leads him directly to his destiny as Israel's first king, guided by divine hand, even through simple directions from maidens.
  • The Role of the Prophet/Seer: The inquiry "Is the seer here?" immediately establishes Samuel's prominence and importance in the community. He is the recognized spiritual authority and source of divine guidance.
  • Everyday Life as a Stage for God's Work: The scene of women drawing water from a well or spring was a common sight in ancient Israel (compare with Rebekah at the well or Moses at the well in Midian). God often works through the fabric of daily life, using mundane interactions to bring about extraordinary outcomes.

Linguistic Insights

The term "seer" used here is from the Hebrew word ro'eh (רֹאֶה), which literally means "one who sees." It refers to an individual who has prophetic insight or receives visions from God. In this period, ro'eh was a common designation for a prophet, emphasizing their ability to perceive divine revelations. Interestingly, 1 Samuel 9:9 explicitly states that "he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer," indicating a shift in terminology over time but confirming their synonymous function as revealers of God's will.

Cultural Insights

Drawing water was a vital daily task, typically performed by women, often in the morning or evening when temperatures were cooler. Wells and springs were crucial gathering places and information hubs in ancient communities. It was natural for travelers like Saul and his servant to approach those drawing water for directions or information about local dignitaries, especially someone as well-known as Samuel.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that God's plan often unfolds in unexpected ways and through seemingly insignificant encounters. We may be on a journey for one purpose (like finding lost donkeys), but God can use that journey to lead us to a far greater calling or revelation. It encourages us to:

  • Trust God's Providence: Even in the ordinary details of life, God is at work, guiding our steps toward His purposes.
  • Seek Wise Counsel: Just as Saul sought the "seer," we should seek spiritual wisdom and godly counsel when facing uncertainty.
  • Be Attentive: Pay attention to the "ordinary" moments and people God places in our path, as they may be part of His divine direction for our lives.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 24:11 (5 votes)

    And he made his camels to kneel down without the city by a well of water at the time of the evening, [even] the time that women go out to draw [water].

  • Exodus 2:16 (3 votes)

    ¶ Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew [water], and filled the troughs to water their father's flock.

  • Genesis 24:18 (2 votes)

    And she said, Drink, my lord: and she hasted, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink.

  • Genesis 24:20 (2 votes)

    And she hasted, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again unto the well to draw [water], and drew for all his camels.

  • Judges 5:11 (2 votes)

    [They that are delivered] from the noise of archers in the places of drawing water, there shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the LORD, [even] the righteous acts [toward the inhabitants] of his villages in Israel: then shall the people of the LORD go down to the gates.