1 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.
2 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.
3 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.
4 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.
5 [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.
6 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.
7 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?
8 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.
9 (Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to inquire 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.)
10 Then said Saul to his servant, Well said; come, let us go. So they went unto the city where the man of God [was].
11 [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?
12 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:
13 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.
14 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.
15 Now the LORD had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying,
16 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.
17 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.
18 Then Saul drew near to Samuel in the gate, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, where the seer’s house [is].
19 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.
20 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?
21 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?
22 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.
23 And Samuel said unto the cook, Bring the portion which I gave thee, of which I said unto thee, Set it by thee.
24 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.
25 And when they were come down from the high place into the city, [Samuel] communed with Saul upon the top of the house.
26 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.
27 [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.
Overview of 1 Samuel Chapter 9
1 Samuel Chapter 9 narrates the story of Saul’s anointing as the first king of Israel. This chapter is pivotal as it marks a significant transition in Israel’s governance from a theocracy led by judges to a monarchy. The chapter introduces key characters, sets the stage for Saul’s rise, and highlights the divine orchestration behind his selection.
Key Characters
- Saul: A young man from the tribe of Benjamin, described as handsome and tall, who becomes the first king of Israel.
- Kish: Saul’s father, a wealthy man of Benjamin who loses his donkeys, prompting Saul’s journey.
- Samuel: The prophet and judge of Israel who is directed by God to anoint Saul as king.
- The Servant: Accompanies Saul on his quest to find the lost donkeys, representing guidance and support.
Plot Summary
- The Lost Donkeys (Verses 1-5):
Kish, Saul’s father, loses his donkeys and sends Saul and a servant to search for them. They travel through the hill country of Ephraim and the land of Shalisha, but they cannot find the donkeys.
- Seeking Guidance (Verses 6-10):
After searching for a long time, the servant suggests that they consult a man of God (Samuel) in a nearby city. Saul expresses concern about their provisions but ultimately agrees to seek Samuel’s help.
- Divine Appointment (Verses 11-14):
As they approach the city, they encounter young women going to draw water, who inform them that Samuel is in the city. This moment illustrates the divine orchestration of events leading Saul to Samuel.
- Samuel’s Revelation (Verses 15-17):
God reveals to Samuel the day before that He has chosen Saul to be the king of Israel. Samuel is instructed to anoint him, indicating God’s sovereign choice.
- Saul Meets Samuel (Verses 18-21):
Saul meets Samuel and inquires about the lost donkeys. Samuel assures him that they have been found and then reveals Saul’s destiny as the leader of Israel, which initially surprises Saul, who feels unworthy.
- The Anointing (Verses 22-27):
Samuel invites Saul to a sacrificial feast, where he honors Saul as a special guest. After the meal, Samuel anoints Saul privately, marking the beginning of his kingship. Samuel gives Saul specific signs to confirm his calling, emphasizing that God is with him.
Thematic Analysis
- Divine Sovereignty: The chapter emphasizes God’s control over the events in Israel, as He orchestrates the circumstances leading to Saul’s anointing.
- Leadership and Humility: Saul’s initial response to his calling reflects a theme of humility. Despite being chosen as king, he expresses doubt about his qualifications, highlighting the importance of humility in leadership.
- Transition of Power: This chapter marks a critical transition from the period of judges to monarchy, indicating a shift in Israel’s identity and governance.
Conclusion
1 Samuel Chapter 9 serves as a foundational text in the narrative of Israel’s monarchy. It introduces Saul as a significant figure, chosen by God, and sets the stage for the challenges and developments that will follow in his reign. The chapter underscores themes of divine guidance, the nature of leadership, and the unfolding of God’s plan for His people.
