1 Samuel 9:1-27
Q.1. What were we told about Saul? Why did Saul and his servant seek out a man of God? Was Saul familiar with the role of a prophet? How did the seers survive? What directions were they given? – (1 Sam.9:1-14)
Saul belonged to the Kish family, from the tribe of Benjamin. He was – 1 … a mighty man of valour. 2 … a choice and handsome man, and there was not a more handsome person than he among the sons of Israel; from his shoulders and up he was taller than any of the people (1 Sam.9:1-2). He was sent on an errand with his servant to bring home some lost donkeys belonging to his father. However, after a thorough search, they could not locate the donkeys (1 Sam.9:3-4). When Saul became concerned that his father would be worrying about his delay, his servant informed him – … there is a man of God in this city, and the man is held in honour; all that he says surely comes true. Now let us go there. Perhaps he can tell us about our journey on which we have set out (1 Sam.9:6). It was well known that prophets and seers were paid for their services, and Saul knew that they had run out of resources. The servant told him not to worry because – … I have in my hand a fourth of a shekel of silver; I will give it to the man of God, and he will tell us our way (1 Sam.9:8 c.f. 1 Sam.9:5-9). Soon they came upon some young women drawing water, who told them – 12 … He is; see, he is ahead of you. Hurry now, for he has come into the city today, for the people have a sacrifice on the high place today. 13 … go up for you will find him at once (1 Sam.9:12-13). After this, they went to the city.
Q.2. How did Samuel know the identity of the one to be anointed as king? What transpired at the meeting between Samuel and Saul? How did Samuel honour Saul? What did Samuel plan to do? – (1 Sam.9:15-27)
A day prior to this, the Lord had told Samuel – About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him to be prince over My people Israel; and he will deliver My people from the hand of the Philistines. For I have regarded My people because their cry has come to Me (1 Sam.9:16). When Saul arrived, the Lord said to Samuel – … Behold, the man of whom I spoke to you! This one shall rule over My people (1 Sam.9:17). Upon meeting Saul, Samuel identified himself and told him that the donkeys had been found (1 Sam.9:19-20). He also declared that God would give him much more than a few donkeys – … for whom is all that is desirable in Israel? Is it not for you and for all your father’s household? (1 Sam.9:20). Saul humbly reminded Samuel about his humble beginnings – … 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 in this way? (1 Sam.9:21 c.f. 1 Sam.15:17). At the feast Samuel placed Saul at the head of the table, in front of the invited guests (1 Sam.9:22). Not only this, but he also set the best portion of meat before him (1 Sam.9:22-24). He asked Saul to dismiss his servant, because he planned to proclaim the word of God to Saul about his future (1 Sam.9:25-27).