1 Samuel Chapter 9 — Saul Meets Samuel
Saul travels to find his father's lost donkeys and meets the prophet Samuel, who honors him as the future leader of Israel.
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Notable Verses
1 Samuel 9:2
“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.”
This verse establishes Saul's physical appearance and presence as a potential leader who fits the people's expectations.
1 Samuel 9:17
“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.””
This marks the official identification of Saul as God's chosen leader for Israel.
1 Samuel 9:21
“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?””
This verse highlights Saul's initial humility and the surprising nature of his selection from a small tribe.
Chapter Summary
1 Samuel 9 introduces Saul, a handsome Benjamite of great stature, who is sent by his father Kish to find lost donkeys. After an unsuccessful search through several regions, Saul's servant suggests consulting a 'man of God' or 'seer' in a nearby city. Unbeknownst to Saul, God had already told Samuel that He would send the future prince of Israel to him that day. Upon meeting, Samuel invites Saul to a feast, honoring him with the best portion of meat and assuring him the donkeys have been found. Samuel hints at Saul's high destiny, telling him that all Israel's desire is upon him. The chapter concludes with Samuel preparing to deliver a private message from God to Saul, setting the stage for his official anointing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Saul was sent by his father, Kish, to recover several donkeys that had wandered off and were lost. This mundane task served as the catalyst that brought him into contact with the prophet Samuel.
The 'seer' is the prophet Samuel. The text explains that in earlier times in Israel, prophets were commonly called seers because they were known for receiving divine visions or insights.
The Lord had revealed to Samuel the day before that He would send a man from the land of Benjamin to be anointed as the prince over Israel to save them from the Philistines.
Saul reacted with humility and confusion, questioning why Samuel would speak so highly of him since he came from the smallest tribe, Benjamin, and the least of its families.
Study Note
Verse 9 provides a parenthetical historical note explaining that the term 'seer' was the archaic Hebrew title for those later known as 'prophets.'
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