*1 Samuel 9:1-21
Saul, searching for lost donkeys, encounters the prophet Samuel who secretly anoints him as the first king of Israel.
- Background of Saul:
- Saul, son of Kish, was a handsome and impressive young man from the tribe of Benjamin.
- He was tasked by his father to search for their lost donkeys, leading him on a journey that would change his destiny.
- Seeking the Prophet’s Counsel:
- After searching for the donkeys without success, Saul’s servant suggests seeking the advice of a nearby seer (prophet) to help locate them.
- This seer is identified as Samuel, who held a revered position in Israel as God’s chosen prophet.
- Divine Revelation to Samuel:
- Prior to Saul’s arrival, God had already revealed to Samuel that Saul would come to him and that he would anoint him as the ruler over Israel.
- Saul Meets Samuel:
- As Saul and his servant approach the city where Samuel resides, they encounter some young women who inform them that Samuel is in town and that a sacrifice is about to take place.
- Samuel’s Welcome:
- Samuel, having been informed by God of Saul’s imminent arrival, greets Saul with honor and invites him to partake in the sacrifice as the guest of honor.
- Prediction of the Donkeys’ Discovery:
- Before the feast, Samuel privately informs Saul that the donkeys he had been searching for have been found, relieving Saul’s anxiety about his father’s concerns.
- Revelation of Saul’s Future Kingship:
- During the feast, Samuel reveals to Saul that he is the one whom God has chosen to be the leader of Israel, astonishing Saul with this unexpected announcement.
- Saul’s Initial Doubts:
- Despite Samuel’s assurance and the signs of divine favor, Saul expresses doubt and humility, feeling unworthy of such a significant role.
- Assurance from Samuel:
- Samuel reassures Saul of God’s guidance and promises that Saul will be transformed into a new man through the power of God’s Spirit, equipping him for his future responsibilities.
1 Samuel 9:1-21 reminds us that God has a plan for our lives, even when we don’t see it. Saul was simply looking for his father’s lost donkeys, but God was leading him to something greater—becoming Israel’s first king. This teaches us that even ordinary events in our lives can be part of God’s bigger purpose. When things don’t go as planned, we should trust that God is guiding us in ways we may not understand yet. He can use even small moments to lead us toward something greater.
1 Samuel 9:1-21 (WEB)
9:1 Now 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. 2 He 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.3 The 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.” 4 He 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.5 When 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.”6 The 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.”7 Then 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?”8 The 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.)10 Then Saul said to his servant, “Well said. Come! Let’s go.” So they went to the city where the man of God was. 11 As 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?”12 They 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. 13 As 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.”14 They went up to the city. As they came within the city, behold, Samuel came out toward them to go up to the high place.15 Now 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.”17 When Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said to him, “Behold, the man of whom I spoke to you! He will have authority over my people.”18 Then Saul approached Samuel in the gateway, and said, “Please tell me where the seer’s house is.”19 Samuel 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. 20 As 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?”21 Saul 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?”