I Samuel 9: The Unexpected Path to Kingship
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.
And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people.
And the asses of Kish Saul’s father were lost. And Kish said to Saul his son, Take now one of the servants with thee, and arise, go seek the asses.
And he passed through mount Ephraim, and passed through the land of Shalisha, but they found them not: then they passed through the land of Shalim, and there they were not: and he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they found them not.
And when they were come to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant that was with him, Come, and let us return; lest my father leave caring for the asses, and take thought for us.
And he said unto him, Behold now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is an honourable man; all that he saith cometh surely to pass: now let us go thither; peradventure he can shew us our way that we should go.
Then said Saul to his servant, But, behold, if we go, what shall we bring the man? for the bread is spent in our vessels, and there is not a present to bring to the man of God: what have we?
And the servant answered Saul again, and said, Behold, I have here at hand the fourth part of a shekel of silver: that will I give to the man of God, to tell us our way.
(Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to enquire of God, thus he spake, Come, and let us go to the seer: for he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer.)
Then said Saul to his servant, Well said; come, let us go. So they went unto the city where the man of God was.
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 they answered them, and said, He is; behold, he is before you: make haste now, for he came to day to the city; for there is a sacrifice of the people to day in the high place:
As soon as ye be come into the city, ye shall straightway find him, before he go up to the high place to eat: for the people will not eat until he come, because he doth bless the sacrifice; and afterwards they eat that be bidden. Now therefore get you up; for about this time ye shall find him.
And they went up into the city: and when they were come into the city, behold, Samuel came out against them, for to go up to the high place.
Now the Lord had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying,
To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me.
And when Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people.
Then Saul drew near to Samuel in the gate, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, where the seer’s house is.
And Samuel answered Saul, and said, I am the seer: go up before me unto the high place; for ye shall eat with me to day, and to morrow I will let thee go, and will tell thee all that is in thine heart.
And as for thine asses that were lost three days ago, set not thy mind on them; for they are found. And on whom is all the desire of Israel? Is it not on thee, and on all thy father’s house?
And Saul answered and said, Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou so to me?
And Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought them into the parlour, and made them sit in the chiefest place among them that were bidden, which were about thirty persons.
And Samuel said unto the cook, Bring the portion which I gave thee, of which I said unto thee, Set it by thee.
And the cook took up the shoulder, and that which was upon it, and set it before Saul. And Samuel said, Behold that which is left! set it before thee, and eat: for unto this time hath it been kept for thee since I said, I have invited the people. So Saul did eat with Samuel that day.
And when they were come down from the high place into the city, Samuel communed with Saul upon the top of the house.
And they arose early: and it came to pass about the spring of the day, that Samuel called Saul to the top of the house, saying, Up, that I may send thee away. And Saul arose, and they went out both of them, he and Samuel, abroad.
And as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us, (and he passed on,) but stand thou still a while, that I may shew thee the word of God.
I Samuel 9 recounts the seemingly ordinary beginnings of Saul, Israel's first king. This chapter, rich in irony and divine orchestration, reveals how God works in unexpected ways, using mundane circumstances to fulfill His grand purposes. This chapter serves as a reminder that God's plans often unfold in ways we least expect. Keep I Samuel 9 in mind as you seek God's guidance and trust in His perfect timing, even when the path ahead seems unclear.
Context: From Lost Donkeys to a Promised King
Following the people's demand for a king in I Samuel 8:4-5, chapter 9 sets the stage for the introduction of Saul, whom the Lord has chosen to be Israel's first ruler (I Samuel 10:24). Saul and his servant's search for lost donkeys leads them to Ramah, where they encounter Samuel. Unbeknownst to Saul, God has already instructed Samuel to anoint him as the prince of Israel. This chapter is filled with suspense, as the reader, like Saul, is gradually drawn into the unfolding drama of God's plan. It also offers a contrast. Saul would quickly fall into disobedience (I Samuel 15:10–11); David would eventually take his place (I Samuel 16:12–13).
The Search for Donkeys: A Divine Appointment
The chapter begins by introducing Saul, a handsome and tall man from the tribe of Benjamin, the son of the wealthy Kish (I Samuel 9:1-2). Kish's donkeys have strayed, and he sends Saul and a servant to find them. After three days of fruitless searching in the hill country of Ephraim (I Samuel 9:3-4), Saul is ready to give up, fearing his father will be more worried about them than the donkeys (I Samuel 9:5).
However, the servant suggests they consult a "man of God" in a nearby city (Ramah), renowned for his accurate prophecies (I Samuel 9:6). Saul initially hesitates, citing their lack of a suitable gift (I Samuel 9:7). The servant happens to have a quarter of a shekel of silver, enough to offer as a token of respect (I Samuel 9:8). This seemingly insignificant detail highlights how God can use even the smallest resources to advance His plans. This act of obedience sets them on a path that will change the course of Israelite history.
Providence and Prophecy Converge
As they approach the city, they encounter young women drawing water, who inform them that the seer (prophet) is about to leave for a sacrificial meal at the high place (I Samuel 9:11-12). Serendipitously, Saul and his servant meet Samuel just as they enter the city gate (I Samuel 9:14).
The narrative then flashes back, revealing that the day before, God had told Samuel that a man from Benjamin would arrive, whom he was to anoint as prince over Israel, destined to deliver them from the Philistines (I Samuel 9:15-17). This divine revelation underscores that God was actively orchestrating these events, guiding Saul and Samuel toward their appointed meeting. God’s specific assignment for Saul was to save his people from the Philistines who were oppressing them (I Samuel 9:16).
Anointed for Leadership
When Saul asks for the seer's house, Samuel reveals his identity and invites Saul to join him for the meal at the high place (I Samuel 9:18). He assures Saul that the donkeys have been found and then cryptically adds that "all the desire of Israel is on you and on all your father's house" (I Samuel 9:20). This statement, hinting at Saul's future kingship, is initially lost on Saul, who humbly protests his insignificance, citing his tribe and clan as the least among Israel (I Samuel 9:21).
Samuel, however, doesn't directly respond to Saul's objection. Instead, he leads him to the sanctuary hall for dinner, giving him the seat of honor and a special portion of meat that had been reserved for him (I Samuel 9:22-24). This public display of honor subtly prepares Saul for his future role and signals to others that he is someone to be noticed.
A Night of Revelation
Saul spends the night at Samuel's house. The next morning, as they leave the city, Samuel stops Saul, declaring that the time has come to reveal "the word of God" (I Samuel 9:25-27). This sets the stage for the anointing and the full revelation of God's plan for Saul in the following chapter.
Qualities and Considerations
Saul was from good stock. He was also impressive and a head taller than anyone else (I Samuel 9:2). These are the kinds of qualities that would inspire confidence in the people. But, as things would turn out, they were all that Saul had going for him. God was no doubt giving them the kind of king they wanted—someone who looked the part. But later, after the people saw the disaster that was King Saul, God would choose a king for them whose heart was right for the job (1 Samuel 16:7).
Saul would have early success against the Philistines (1 Samuel 14:47), but he would cower in fear with the rest of his army when Goliath defied Israel (1 Samuel 17:11). And, in the end, after God had rejected Saul and his life fell apart, he died ingloriously at the hands of the Philistines and brought his family and nation down with him (1 Samuel 31:1-10).
Lessons for Today
I Samuel 9 offers several important lessons:
- God's sovereignty: God is in control, orchestrating events to fulfill His purposes, even through seemingly random circumstances.
- Unexpected callings: God often calls people from ordinary backgrounds to extraordinary tasks.
- Humility and obedience: Saul's initial humility and the servant's willingness to act on a small prompting paved the way for God's plan to unfold.
- Discernment and trust: We must be open to God's leading, even when it doesn't make sense, and trust that He knows what He is doing.
This chapter is a testament to the fact that God's plans often unfold in ways we least expect. It reminds us to be attentive to the small details of our lives, for they may be part of a larger divine design.
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.
And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people.
And the asses of Kish Saul’s father were lost. And Kish said to Saul his son, Take now one of the servants with thee, and arise, go seek the asses.
And he passed through mount Ephraim, and passed through the land of Shalisha, but they found them not: then they passed through the land of Shalim, and there they were not: and he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they found them not.
And when they were come to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant that was with him, Come, and let us return; lest my father leave caring for the asses, and take thought for us.
And he said unto him, Behold now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is an honourable man; all that he saith cometh surely to pass: now let us go thither; peradventure he can shew us our way that we should go.
Then said Saul to his servant, But, behold, if we go, what shall we bring the man? for the bread is spent in our vessels, and there is not a present to bring to the man of God: what have we?
And the servant answered Saul again, and said, Behold, I have here at hand the fourth part of a shekel of silver: that will I give to the man of God, to tell us our way.
(Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to enquire of God, thus he spake, Come, and let us go to the seer: for he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer.)
Then said Saul to his servant, Well said; come, let us go. So they went unto the city where the man of God was.
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 they answered them, and said, He is; behold, he is before you: make haste now, for he came to day to the city; for there is a sacrifice of the people to day in the high place:
As soon as ye be come into the city, ye shall straightway find him, before he go up to the high place to eat: for the people will not eat until he come, because he doth bless the sacrifice; and afterwards they eat that be bidden. Now therefore get you up; for about this time ye shall find him.
And they went up into the city: and when they were come into the city, behold, Samuel came out against them, for to go up to the high place.
Now the Lord had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying,
To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me.
And when Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people.
Then Saul drew near to Samuel in the gate, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, where the seer’s house is.
And Samuel answered Saul, and said, I am the seer: go up before me unto the high place; for ye shall eat with me to day, and to morrow I will let thee go, and will tell thee all that is in thine heart.
And as for thine asses that were lost three days ago, set not thy mind on them; for they are found. And on whom is all the desire of Israel? Is it not on thee, and on all thy father’s house?
And Saul answered and said, Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou so to me?
And Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought them into the parlour, and made them sit in the chiefest place among them that were bidden, which were about thirty persons.
And Samuel said unto the cook, Bring the portion which I gave thee, of which I said unto thee, Set it by thee.
And the cook took up the shoulder, and that which was upon it, and set it before Saul. And Samuel said, Behold that which is left! set it before thee, and eat: for unto this time hath it been kept for thee since I said, I have invited the people. So Saul did eat with Samuel that day.
And when they were come down from the high place into the city, Samuel communed with Saul upon the top of the house.
And they arose early: and it came to pass about the spring of the day, that Samuel called Saul to the top of the house, saying, Up, that I may send thee away. And Saul arose, and they went out both of them, he and Samuel, abroad.
And as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us, (and he passed on,) but stand thou still a while, that I may shew thee the word of God.
I Samuel 9 recounts the seemingly ordinary beginnings of Saul, Israel's first king. This chapter, rich in irony and divine orchestration, reveals how God works in unexpected ways, using mundane circumstances to fulfill His grand purposes. This chapter serves as a reminder that God's plans often unfold in ways we least expect. Keep I Samuel 9 in mind as you seek God's guidance and trust in His perfect timing, even when the path ahead seems unclear.
Context: From Lost Donkeys to a Promised King
Following the people's demand for a king in I Samuel 8:4-5, chapter 9 sets the stage for the introduction of Saul, whom the Lord has chosen to be Israel's first ruler (I Samuel 10:24). Saul and his servant's search for lost donkeys leads them to Ramah, where they encounter Samuel. Unbeknownst to Saul, God has already instructed Samuel to anoint him as the prince of Israel. This chapter is filled with suspense, as the reader, like Saul, is gradually drawn into the unfolding drama of God's plan. It also offers a contrast. Saul would quickly fall into disobedience (I Samuel 15:10–11); David would eventually take his place (I Samuel 16:12–13).
The Search for Donkeys: A Divine Appointment
The chapter begins by introducing Saul, a handsome and tall man from the tribe of Benjamin, the son of the wealthy Kish (I Samuel 9:1-2). Kish's donkeys have strayed, and he sends Saul and a servant to find them. After three days of fruitless searching in the hill country of Ephraim (I Samuel 9:3-4), Saul is ready to give up, fearing his father will be more worried about them than the donkeys (I Samuel 9:5).
However, the servant suggests they consult a "man of God" in a nearby city (Ramah), renowned for his accurate prophecies (I Samuel 9:6). Saul initially hesitates, citing their lack of a suitable gift (I Samuel 9:7). The servant happens to have a quarter of a shekel of silver, enough to offer as a token of respect (I Samuel 9:8). This seemingly insignificant detail highlights how God can use even the smallest resources to advance His plans. This act of obedience sets them on a path that will change the course of Israelite history.
Providence and Prophecy Converge
As they approach the city, they encounter young women drawing water, who inform them that the seer (prophet) is about to leave for a sacrificial meal at the high place (I Samuel 9:11-12). Serendipitously, Saul and his servant meet Samuel just as they enter the city gate (I Samuel 9:14).
The narrative then flashes back, revealing that the day before, God had told Samuel that a man from Benjamin would arrive, whom he was to anoint as prince over Israel, destined to deliver them from the Philistines (I Samuel 9:15-17). This divine revelation underscores that God was actively orchestrating these events, guiding Saul and Samuel toward their appointed meeting. God’s specific assignment for Saul was to save his people from the Philistines who were oppressing them (I Samuel 9:16).
Anointed for Leadership
When Saul asks for the seer's house, Samuel reveals his identity and invites Saul to join him for the meal at the high place (I Samuel 9:18). He assures Saul that the donkeys have been found and then cryptically adds that "all the desire of Israel is on you and on all your father's house" (I Samuel 9:20). This statement, hinting at Saul's future kingship, is initially lost on Saul, who humbly protests his insignificance, citing his tribe and clan as the least among Israel (I Samuel 9:21).
Samuel, however, doesn't directly respond to Saul's objection. Instead, he leads him to the sanctuary hall for dinner, giving him the seat of honor and a special portion of meat that had been reserved for him (I Samuel 9:22-24). This public display of honor subtly prepares Saul for his future role and signals to others that he is someone to be noticed.
A Night of Revelation
Saul spends the night at Samuel's house. The next morning, as they leave the city, Samuel stops Saul, declaring that the time has come to reveal "the word of God" (I Samuel 9:25-27). This sets the stage for the anointing and the full revelation of God's plan for Saul in the following chapter.
Qualities and Considerations
Saul was from good stock. He was also impressive and a head taller than anyone else (I Samuel 9:2). These are the kinds of qualities that would inspire confidence in the people. But, as things would turn out, they were all that Saul had going for him. God was no doubt giving them the kind of king they wanted—someone who looked the part. But later, after the people saw the disaster that was King Saul, God would choose a king for them whose heart was right for the job (1 Samuel 16:7).
Saul would have early success against the Philistines (1 Samuel 14:47), but he would cower in fear with the rest of his army when Goliath defied Israel (1 Samuel 17:11). And, in the end, after God had rejected Saul and his life fell apart, he died ingloriously at the hands of the Philistines and brought his family and nation down with him (1 Samuel 31:1-10).
Lessons for Today
I Samuel 9 offers several important lessons:
- God's sovereignty: God is in control, orchestrating events to fulfill His purposes, even through seemingly random circumstances.
- Unexpected callings: God often calls people from ordinary backgrounds to extraordinary tasks.
- Humility and obedience: Saul's initial humility and the servant's willingness to act on a small prompting paved the way for God's plan to unfold.
- Discernment and trust: We must be open to God's leading, even when it doesn't make sense, and trust that He knows what He is doing.
This chapter is a testament to the fact that God's plans often unfold in ways we least expect. It reminds us to be attentive to the small details of our lives, for they may be part of a larger divine design.