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1 Samuel 9 Israel's rejection of God as their king

1 Samuel Anoints Saul
There was a Benjamite, a man of standing, whose name was Kish son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah of Benjamin.

2 He had a son named Saul, an impressive young man without equal among the Israelites—a head taller than any of the others.

3 Now the donkeys belonging to Saul’s father Kish were lost, and Kish said to his son Saul, “Take one of the servants with you and go and look for the donkeys.”

4 So he passed through the hill country of Ephraim and through the area around Shalisha, but they did not find them. They went on into the district of Shaalim, but the donkeys were not there. Then he passed through the territory of Benjamin, but they did not find them.

5 When they reached the district of Zuph, Saul said to the servant who was with him, “Come, let’s go back, or my father will stop thinking about the donkeys and start worrying about us.”

6 But the servant replied, “Look, in this town there is a man of God; he is highly respected, and everything he says comes true. Let’s go there now. Perhaps he will tell us what way to take.”

7 Saul said to his servant, “If we go, what can we give the man? The food in our sacks is gone. We have no gift to take to the man of God. What do we have?”

8 The servant answered him again. “Look,” he said, “I have a quarter of a shekel of silver. I will give it to the man of God so that he will tell us what way to take.”

9 (Formerly in Israel, if a man went to inquire of God, he would say, “Come, let us go to the seer,” because the prophet of today used to be called a seer.)

10 “Good,” Saul said to his servant. “Come, let’s go.” So they set out for the town where the man of God was.

11 As they were going up the hill to the town, they met some girls coming out to draw water, and they asked them, “Is the seer here?”

12 “He is,” they answered. “He’s ahead of you. Hurry now; he has just come to our town today, for the people have a sacrifice at the high place.

13 As soon as you enter the town, you will find him before he goes up to the high place to eat. The people will not begin eating until he comes, because he must bless the sacrifice; afterward, those who are invited will eat. Go up now; you should find him about this time.”

14 They went up to the town, and as they were entering it, there was Samuel, coming toward them on his way up to the high place.

15 Now the day before Saul came, the Lord had revealed this to Samuel:

16 “About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin. Anoint him leader over my people Israel; he will deliver my people from the hand of the Philistines. I have looked upon my people, for their cry has reached me.”

17 When Samuel caught sight of Saul, the Lord said to him, “This is the man I spoke to you about; he will govern my people.”

18 Saul approached Samuel in the gateway and asked, “Would you please tell me where the seer’s house is?”

19 “I am the seer,” Samuel replied. “Go up ahead of me to the high place, for today you are to eat with me, and in the morning I will let you go and will tell you all that is in your heart.

20 As for the donkeys you lost three days ago, do not worry about them; they have been found. And to whom is all the desire of Israel turned, if not to you and all your father’s family?”

21 Saul answered, “But am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why do you say such a thing to me?”

22 Then Samuel brought Saul and his servant into the hall and seated them at the head of those who were invited—about thirty in number.

23 Samuel said to the cook, “Bring the piece of meat I gave you, the one I told you to lay aside.”

24 So the cook took up the leg with what was on it and set it in front of Saul. Samuel said, “Here is what has been kept for you. Eat, because it was set aside for you for this occasion, from the time I said, ‘I have invited guests.’” And Saul dined with Samuel that day.

25 After they came down from the high place to the town, Samuel talked with Saul on the roof of his house.

26 They rose about daybreak and Samuel called to Saul on the roof, “Get ready, and I will send you on your way.” When Saul got ready, he and Samuel went outside together.

27 As they were going down to the edge of the town, Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the servant to go on ahead of us”—and the servant did so—“but you stay here awhile, so that I may give you a message from God.”

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Analysis of 1 Samuel Chapter 9

1 Samuel Chapter 9 marks a pivotal turn in the Biblical narrative, introducing Saul and his rise to prominence. The chapter not only serves as the confluence of divine destiny and human agency but also presents significant themes on God’s sovereignty, the role of prophets, and the qualities of leadership. Let’s delve into the chapter, examining its critical verses and extracting deep insights.

Verses 1-2: Introduction to Saul

The chapter opens with the introduction of Kish, a man of Benjamin, described as “a man of wealth” (1 Samuel 9:1). His son, Saul, is described as “a handsome young man” and “there was not a man among the people of Israel more handsome than he; from his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people” (1 Samuel 9:2).

“There was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish… a man of wealth… and he had a son whose name was Saul, a handsome young man. There was not a man among the people of Israel more handsome than he; from his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people.” (1 Samuel 9:1-2)

Saul’s physical attributes and lineage establish him as an ideal candidate for leadership from a human perspective. These verses set Saul up as the embodiment of Israel’s desires—a tall, handsome, and wealthy leader. However, this physical excellence contrasts sharply with his future moral and spiritual failings, highlighting the theme that outward appearances do not always align with inward character.

Verses 3-4: The Lost Donkeys

The narrative then shifts to a seemingly mundane task: Saul is sent by his father to find lost donkeys.

“Now the donkeys of Kish, Saul’s father, were lost. So Kish said to Saul, his son, ‘Take one of the young men with you, and arise, go and look for the donkeys.'” (1 Samuel 9:3)

This incident, while trivial on the surface, serves as a divine setup. It sends Saul on a path that will lead to a significant encounter with the prophet Samuel. This illustrates that God’s providence often works through ordinary events. The lost donkeys are the means through which Saul’s destiny as the first king of Israel is revealed.

Verses 5-14: Seeking the Seer

After a fruitless search for the donkeys, Saul’s servant suggests consulting a “man of God” (Samuel) in the city of Zuph.

“But he said to him, ‘Behold, there is a man of God in this city, and he is a man who is held in honor; all that he says comes true. So now let us go there. Perhaps he can tell us the way we should go.'” (1 Samuel 9:6)

This passage underscores the role of prophets in Israelite society. The “man of God” is someone who is recognized and respected for his spiritual insight and divine connection. Their decision to consult Samuel acknowledges the importance of seeking divine guidance in moments of uncertainty.

Saul’s initial reluctance, worried about what to offer the seer, introduces a hint of his character—practical, concerned about appearances, but open to guidance from others. His journey to find the seer is significant: it portrays Saul’s humility in seeking assistance and foreshadows his reliance on prophetic counsel during his reign.

Verses 15-17: Divine Revelation to Samuel

Before Saul’s arrival, God reveals to Samuel that Saul is the chosen one to save Israel from the Philistines. This encounter between divine foresight and human action highlights God’s omniscience and omnipotence.

“Now the day before Saul came, the LORD had revealed to Samuel: ‘Tomorrow about this time I will send to you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him to be prince over my people Israel. He shall save my people from the hand of the Philistines. For I have seen my people, because their cry has come to me.'” (1 Samuel 9:15-16)

These verses are crucial. God’s election of Saul, despite his subsequent failures, signifies that divine purposes often work through flawed individuals. It also underscores God’s compassion; He hears the cries of His people and responds by providing a leader.

Verses 18-21: Saul Meets Samuel

When Saul meets Samuel, he is unaware of his impending anointment. Samuel’s cryptic assurances and special treatment surprise Saul.

“Saul approached Samuel in the gate and said, ‘Tell me where is the house of the seer?’ Samuel answered Saul, ‘I am the seer; go up before me to the high place, for today you shall eat with me, and in the morning I will let you go and will tell you all that is on your mind. As for your donkeys that were lost three days ago, do not set your mind on them, for they have been found. And for whom is all that is desirable in Israel? Is it not for you and for all your father’s house?'” (1 Samuel 9:18-20)

Saul’s response reveals his humility and perhaps a lack of self-awareness of his destiny:

“But Saul answered, ‘Am I not a Benjaminite, from the least of the tribes of Israel? And is not my clan the humblest of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then have you spoken to me in this way?'” (1 Samuel 9:21)

This dialogue emphasizes Saul’s initial humility and the unexpected nature of God’s choices. Saul’s surprise and modesty here contrast with his later presumption and disobedience as king.

Verses 22-27: Special Treatment and Private Conversation

Samuel gives Saul a place of honor at the feast and later speaks privately with him, revealing the divine will.

“Then Samuel took Saul and his young man and brought them into the hall and gave them a place at the head of those who had been invited, who were about thirty persons. And Samuel said to the cook, ‘Bring the portion I gave you, of which I said to you, ‘Put it aside.’'” (1 Samuel 9:22-23)

This honor, offered to Saul, signals his chosen status and foreshadows his future leadership. In sharing a meal and special portion with Saul, Samuel is symbolically acknowledging God’s anointing.

Later, Samuel speaks privately with Saul:

“And they arose early, and at the break of dawn Samuel called to Saul on the roof, ‘Up, that I may send you on your way.’ So Saul arose, and both he and Samuel went out into the street. As they were going down to the outskirts of the city, Samuel said to Saul, ‘Tell the servant to pass on before us, and when he has passed on, stop here yourself for a while, that I may make known to you the word of God.'” (1 Samuel 9:26-27)

Here, Samuel prepares to reveal God’s plans for Saul, emphasizing the personal and direct nature of divine callings. The privacy underscores the sacred and sensitive nature of the divine message, preparing Saul for his new role with the necessary gravity and solemnity.

Theological and Practical Implications

The chapter is rich with themes that offer lessons both theological and practical:

  • God’s Sovereignty: The narrative makes it clear that God orchestrates events according to His will. Seemingly trivial circumstances (like lost donkeys) are used to fulfill His greater purposes.
  • Divine Compassion: God responds to the cries of His people by providing a leader, reminding readers that God is attentive to human suffering and actively intervenes in history.
  • The Role of Prophets: Prophets act as intermediaries between God and people. Samuel’s role underscores the importance of prophetic counsel and divine revelation in guiding both individuals and the nation.
  • Preparations for Leadership: Saul’s journey from anonymity to prominence illustrates the formative experiences that precede leadership. His humility and willingness to seek advice in these early stages contrast with his later actions as king, providing a profound commentary on the challenges of maintaining godly character amidst power.
  • Outward Appearances versus Inward Character: Saul’s physical appearance and immediate favorable impression suggest that human perspectives can be superficial. True leadership, as the narrative will show, relies on more than just outward qualifications.

Conclusion

1 Samuel Chapter 9 sets the stage for Saul’s anointing and eventual kingship by weaving a narrative of divine providence, human humility, and the critical role of prophetic insight. Through each event and interaction, it illustrates profound truths about God’s interaction with the world and His ways of raising leaders. Saul’s initial humility, practical nature, and respect for divine guidance portray a promising beginning, though they also foreshadow the complexities and challenges ahead. The chapter, in its detailed progression from ordinary tasks to extraordinary destiny, encapsulates the mysterious and often surprising ways in which God operates in human history.