Saul's introduction through a mundane donkey-search contrasts sharply with his later appearances in contexts of royal authority and divine judgment, highlighting providence's unexpected pathways.
1 Samuel 9
Saul Seeks His Father's Donkeys and Meets Samuel
1Now 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.
2He had a son whose name was Saul, an impressive young man; and there was not among the children of Israel a more handsome person than he. From his shoulders and upward he was taller than any of the people.
3The donkeys of Kish, Saul’s father, were lost. Kish said to Saul his son, “Now take one of the servants with you, and arise, go look for the donkeys.”
4He passed through the hill country of Ephraim, and passed through the land of Shalishah, but they didn’t find them. Then they passed through the land of Shaalim, and they weren’t there. Then he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they didn’t find them.
5When they had come to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant who was with him, “Come! Let’s return, lest my father stop caring about the donkeys and be anxious for us.”
6The servant said to him, “Behold now, there is a man of God in this city, and he is a man who is held in honor. All that he says surely happens. Now let’s go there. Perhaps he can tell us which way to go.”
7Then Saul said to his servant, “But behold, if we go, what should we bring the man? For the bread is spent in our sacks, and there is not a present to bring to the man of God. What do we have?”
8The servant answered Saul again and said, “Behold, I have in my hand the fourth part of a shekel of silver. I will give that to the man of God, to tell us our way.”
9(In earlier times in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, he said, “Come! Let’s go to the seer;” for he who is now called a prophet was before called a seer.)
10Then Saul said to his servant, “Well said. Come! Let’s go.” So they went to the city where the man of God was.
11As they went up the ascent to the city, they found young maidens going out to draw water, and said to them, “Is the seer here?”
12They answered them and said, “He is. Behold, he is before you. Hurry now, for he has come today into the city; for the people have a sacrifice today in the high place.
13As soon as you have come into the city, you will immediately find him before he goes up to the high place to eat; for the people will not eat until he comes, because he blesses the sacrifice. Afterwards those who are invited eat. Now therefore go up; for at this time you will find him.”
14They went up to the city. As they came within the city, behold, Samuel came out toward them to go up to the high place.
15Now the LORD had revealed to Samuel a day before Saul came, saying,
16“Tomorrow about this time I will send you a man out of the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him to be prince over my people Israel. He will save my people out of the hand of the Philistines; for I have looked upon my people, because their cry has come to me.”
17When Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said to him, “Behold, the man of whom I spoke to you! He will have authority over my people.”
18Then Saul approached Samuel in the gateway, and said, “Please tell me where the seer’s house is.”
19Samuel answered Saul and said, “I am the seer. Go up before me to the high place, for you are to eat with me today. In the morning I will let you go and will tell you all that is in your heart.
20As for your donkeys who were lost three days ago, don’t set your mind on them, for they have been found. For whom does all Israel desire? Is it not you and all your father’s house?”
21Saul answered, “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 to me like this?”
22Samuel took Saul and his servant and brought them into the guest room, and made them sit in the best place among those who were invited, who were about thirty persons.
23Samuel said to the cook, “Bring the portion which I gave you, of which I said to you, ‘Set it aside.’”
24The cook took up the thigh, and that which was on it, and set it before Saul. Samuel said, “Behold, that which has been reserved! Set it before yourself and eat; because it has been kept for you for the appointed time, for I said, ‘I have invited the people.’” So Saul ate with Samuel that day.
25When they had come down from the high place into the city, he talked with Saul on the housetop.
26They arose early; and about daybreak, Samuel called to Saul on the housetop, saying, “Get up, that I may send you away.” Saul arose, and they both went outside, he and Samuel, together.
27As they were going down at the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the servant to go on ahead of us.” He went ahead, then Samuel said, “But stand still first, that I may cause you to hear God’s message.”
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Theme
Saul, a tall and handsome young Benjamite, sets out with a servant to find his father's lost donkeys but fails in his search across multiple regions. When they consider returning home, the servant suggests consulting Samuel, a respected seer in a nearby city. Unbeknownst to Saul, God has already revealed to Samuel that he will encounter the future king of Israel, setting the stage for Saul's divine appointment as Israel's first monarch.
Context
This chapter follows Israel's demand for a king in chapter 8 and begins the narrative of Saul's selection and anointing as Israel's first monarch.
Key Themes
Outline
- 1-2 Introduction of Saul Saul is introduced as the impressive son of Kish, a mighty Benjamite warrior.
- 3-5 The Search for Lost Donkeys Saul and his servant search unsuccessfully across multiple regions for Kish's missing donkeys.
- 6-10 Decision to Consult the Seer The servant suggests visiting Samuel, the local seer, and they decide to seek his guidance.
- 11-14 Arrival at Samuel's City They arrive at the city and learn Samuel is present for a sacrifice at the high place.
- 15-17 God's Revelation to Samuel God had previously revealed to Samuel that he would meet Israel's future king from Benjamin.
Saul Seeks His Father's Donkeys and Meets Samuel
9:1–9:27 narrative narration contemplative
Saul searches for his father's lost donkeys and is led by divine providence to encounter Samuel the prophet. This seemingly mundane task sets in motion Saul's calling to kingship over Israel.
person_contrast
Saul's introduction through a mundane donkey-search contrasts sharply with his later appearances in contexts of royal authority and divine judgment, highlighting providence's unexpected pathways.
Insights
Cross-References
Connected passages across Scripture
1 Samuel 9:1 1 reference
1 Samuel 9:3 3 references
Lexicals 3
1 Samuel 10:14 Lexical
Saul’s uncle said to him and to his servant, “Where did you go?” He said, “To seek the donkeys. When we saw that they we…
1 Samuel 10:21 Lexical
He brought the tribe of Benjamin near by their families and the family of the Matrites was chosen. Then Saul the son of…
2 Kings 4:22 Lexical
She called to her husband and said, “Please send me one of the servants, and one of the donkeys, that I may run to the m…
1 Samuel 9:5 2 references
1 Samuel 9:6 2 references
1 Samuel 9:8 1 reference
1 Samuel 9:18 4 references
Lexicals 4
1 Samuel 10:15 Lexical
Saul’s uncle said, “Please tell me what Samuel said to you.”
1 Chronicles 26:28 Lexical
All that Samuel the seer, Saul the son of Kish, Abner the son of Ner, and Joab the son of Zeruiah had dedicated, whoever…
Jonah 1:8 Lexical
Then they asked him, “Tell us, please, for whose cause this evil is on us. What is your occupation? Where do you come fr…
Isaiah 19:12 Lexical
Where then are your wise men? Let them tell you now; and let them know what the LORD of Armies has purposed concerning E…
1 Samuel 9:19 3 references
Lexicals 3
1 Samuel 15:12 Lexical
Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning; and Samuel was told, saying, “Saul came to Carmel, and behold, he set up…
1 Chronicles 26:28 Lexical
All that Samuel the seer, Saul the son of Kish, Abner the son of Ner, and Joab the son of Zeruiah had dedicated, whoever…
1 Samuel 3:15 Lexical
Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the LORD’s house. Samuel was afraid to show Eli the vision.
1 Samuel 9:21 1 reference
1 Samuel 9:24 1 reference
1 Samuel 9:26 1 reference
1 Samuel 9:27 1 reference
Interlinear
Word-by-word original language
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Historical Context
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