1 Samuel 9

In this chapter, we are introduced to Saul, a young man from the tribe of Benjamin. He is sent by his father to search for their lost donkeys, and this search leads to a divinely orchestrated meeting with the prophet Samuel. God had revealed to Samuel that Saul was to be anointed as the first king of Israel. This chapter highlights God's sovereign plan in choosing a king for Israel and the humble beginnings of Saul's rise to power.

1 Samuel 9:1-5 (NKJV)
1 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, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power.
2 And he had a choice and handsome son whose name was Saul. There was not a more handsome person than he among the children of Israel. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people.
3 Now the donkeys of Kish, Saul’s father, were lost. And Kish said to his son Saul, “Please take one of the servants with you, and arise, go and look for the donkeys.”
4 So he passed through the mountains of Ephraim and through the land of Shalisha, but they did not find them. Then they passed through the land of Shaalim, and they were not there. Then he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they did not find them.
5 When they had come to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant who was with him, “Come, let us return, lest my father cease caring about the donkeys and become worried about us.”

These verses introduce Saul, describing him as a man of impressive stature and appearance, which suggests that he would be a natural choice for leadership in the eyes of the people. His father, Kish, is a man of wealth and influence, but the focus quickly shifts to Saul's mundane task of searching for lost donkeys. This search, though seemingly insignificant, becomes the catalyst for Saul’s destiny. After searching through several territories without success, Saul shows concern for his father's anxiety over their prolonged absence, hinting at his sense of responsibility.

1 Samuel 9:6-10 (NKJV)
6 And he said to him, “Look now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is an honorable man; all that he says surely comes to pass. So let us go there; perhaps he can show us the way that we should go.”
7 Then Saul said to his servant, “But look, if we go, what shall we bring the man? For the bread in our vessels is all gone, and there is no present to bring to the man of God. What do we have?”
8 And the servant answered Saul again and said, “Look, I have here at hand one fourth of a shekel of silver. I will give that to the man of God, to tell us our way.”
9 (Formerly in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, he spoke thus: “Come, let us go to the seer”; for he who is now called a prophet was formerly called a seer.)
10 Then Saul said to his servant, “Well said; come, let us go.” So they went to the city where the man of God was.

Saul’s servant suggests they seek guidance from a man of God (Samuel) who lives nearby, revealing the widespread respect for Samuel’s prophetic abilities. Saul's initial concern is that they have no gift to offer, reflecting the custom of honoring prophets with a gift. His servant’s practical solution—offering a small amount of silver—demonstrates resourcefulness. This passage also provides a brief historical note, explaining that prophets were formerly known as “seers.” Saul’s willingness to follow his servant’s advice highlights his humility and openness to guidance.

1 Samuel 9:11-14 (NKJV)
11 As they went up the hill to the city, they met some young women going out to draw water, and said to them, “Is the seer here?”
12 And they answered them and said, “Yes, there he is just ahead of you. Hurry now, for today he came to this city, because there is a sacrifice of the people today on the high place.
13 As soon as you come into the city, you will surely find him before he goes up to the high place to eat. For the people will not eat until he comes, because he must bless the sacrifice; afterward those who are invited will eat. Now therefore, go up, for about this time you will find him.”
14 So they went up to the city. As they were coming into the city, there was Samuel, coming out toward them on his way up to the high place.

On their way to find Samuel, Saul and his servant encounter young women drawing water. They provide directions and inform them that Samuel is about to participate in a sacrifice. The timing is crucial—Saul arrives just as Samuel is about to ascend the high place to bless the sacrifice. This encounter reveals God's providence, as Saul unknowingly steps into a divine appointment. Samuel’s role as a spiritual leader who blesses the sacrifice further emphasizes his status as a mediator between God and the people.

1 Samuel 9:15-17 (NKJV)
15 Now the Lord had told Samuel in his ear the day before Saul came, saying,
16 “Tomorrow about this time I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him commander over My people Israel, that he may save My people from the hand of the Philistines. For I have looked upon My people, because their cry has come to Me.”
17 So when Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said to him, “There he is, the man of whom I spoke to you. This one shall reign over My people.”

God had already spoken to Samuel the previous day, revealing His plan for Saul to become the commander of Israel. This underscores God's active involvement in choosing a leader for His people in response to their cries for deliverance from the Philistines. When Samuel sees Saul, God confirms that he is the man chosen to lead Israel. The passage highlights Saul’s divine appointment, signaling that this seemingly ordinary search for donkeys is part of a greater purpose orchestrated by God.

1 Samuel 9:18-21 (NKJV)
18 Then Saul drew near to Samuel in the gate, and said, “Please tell me, where is the seer’s house?”
19 Samuel answered Saul and said, “I am the seer. Go up before me to the high place, for you shall eat with me today; and tomorrow I will let you go and will tell you all that is in your heart.
20 But as for your donkeys that were lost three days ago, do not be anxious about them, for they have been found. And on whom is all the desire of Israel? Is it not on you and on all your father’s house?”
21 And Saul answered and said, “Am I not a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel, and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then do you speak like this to me?”

Saul, unaware of Samuel’s identity, humbly asks for directions to the seer’s house. Samuel reveals himself and invites Saul to dine with him, hinting that he has important news to share. Samuel also reassures Saul about the lost donkeys, showing prophetic knowledge of Saul’s situation. Samuel’s statement that all of Israel’s desire rests upon Saul points to his future kingship. Saul’s response reflects humility and disbelief, as he considers his tribe and family too insignificant for such a role.

1 Samuel 9:22-24 (NKJV)
22 Now Samuel took Saul and his servant and brought them into the hall and had them sit in the place of honor among those who were invited; there were about thirty persons.
23 And Samuel said to the cook, “Bring the portion which I gave you, of which I said to you, ‘Set it apart.’”
24 So the cook took up the thigh with its upper part and set it before Saul. And Samuel said, “Here it is; what was kept back. It was set apart for you. Eat; for until this time it has been kept for you, since I said I invited the people.” So Saul ate with Samuel that day.

Samuel honors Saul by seating him in a prominent position among the thirty guests, a clear indication of his future significance. The special portion of food set aside for Saul symbolizes his unique calling and honor. This meal foreshadows Saul's rise to leadership as God’s chosen one for Israel. Samuel’s careful orchestration of this event shows that Saul’s kingship is not by accident but by divine plan, and the provision of the meal highlights his future role in nourishing and guiding the people of Israel.

1 Samuel 9:25-27 (NKJV)
25 When they had come down from the high place into the city, Samuel spoke with Saul on the top of the house.
26 They arose early; and it was about the dawning of the day that Samuel called to Saul on the top of the house, saying, “Get up, that I may send you on your way.” And Saul arose, and both of them went outside, he and Samuel.
27 As they were going down to the outskirts of the city, Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the servant to go on ahead of us.” And he went on. “But you stand here awhile, that I may announce to you the word of God.”

After the meal, Samuel takes Saul aside for private conversation, possibly to further prepare him for his future. The next morning, Samuel calls Saul to rise early, signifying the urgency and importance of the task ahead. Samuel instructs Saul’s servant to go ahead, allowing him a moment of private instruction. Samuel is about to deliver a personal message from God, marking a pivotal moment in Saul’s life as he is about to receive divine direction concerning his calling as Israel’s first king.