Read 1 Samuel 9
Samuel Anoints Saul
1 There was a Benjamite, a man of standing, whose name was Kish son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bekorath, the son of Aphiah of Benjamin. 2 Kish had a son named Saul, as handsome a young man as could be found anywhere in Israel, and he was a head taller than anyone else.
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 someone went to inquire of God, they 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 young women 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 ruler over my people Israel; he will deliver them from the hand of the Philistines. I have looked on 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 send you on your way 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 your whole family line?”
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 thigh 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 for a while, so that I may give you a message from God.”
Go Deeper
If someone asks you to describe yourself, what would you say? Would you start with your age, gender, occupation, school, or marital status? Would you include adjectives describing some of your defining characteristics? Maybe you’d share your enneagram number or skin color. We all use different words to describe or define ourselves.
In 1 Samuel 9 we see how two men (Saul and Samuel) are described. Saul the son of Kish, was “as handsome a young man as could be found anywhere in Israel, and was a head taller than anyone else” (1 Samuel 9:2). Saul will deliver God’s people from the hand of the Philistines. Samuel, on the other hand, was known as the “man of God.” One is described by his physical characteristics and the other is described in terms of his relationship with the Lord.
We’ll soon see that Saul’s character deficits lead to his downfall. His pride, impatience, and godless actions cause him to fail as Israel’s first king. God chooses to replace Saul with a man after His own heart to lead His people (1 Samuel 13:14).
What comes after your name? Are you described by a physical characteristic, by your job, or by your character. As followers of Christ, we want to be known as children of God, as people who are defined by our relationship with the Lord and the subsequent fruit we produce. Yes, we see glimpses of greatness in Saul at times. He’s more than just someone who’s tall, dark, and handsome. But unfortunately the fruit is not long-lasting, and his long-term reputation is not one worthy of respect or renown. May we be people who are like Samuel, known for our relationship with the Lord.
Questions
- How would you describe yourself in a few sentences if someone asked about you? Would you share physical characteristics, or would you describe your relationship with the Lord?
- What are some admirable qualities we see in Saul in this chapter?
- How would you like your character and reputation to be remembered? What steps can you take today toward that goal?
Pray This
God, I pray we would be men and women after your own heart. We pray that we, like Samuel, would be known as men and women of God. On our own, we will seek our own credit, pleasure, and fame, but please help us to be people of God. Help strengthen us so that we can strengthen your church, so that we might be about the things you want us to be about. Help us to be known not just by physical or material characteristics but by our character. Amen.
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6 responses to “1 Samuel 9”
Listen to obey. Both Samuel and Saul did that here. Israel was wanting a king. So God gave them someone that was physically nice to see but was his heart what it needed to be like? Yes, God gave them what they were searching for but was it in aligntment and harmony with being a true blessing or just an appeasement. Contiunally seeking and asking God for what is best in our life , not just good enough is a lesson to be learned from here. Are we pursuing what God has for us, or are we settling for something less just because it fits our immediate desires?
God thank You for hearing, listening and obedience. God thank You for not just good enough but for what is best for this season in my life. You say to fear not, for You are with me. I am to not be dismayed for You are my God. I am believing that You will give me strength for this day and these minutes to help me. Your word says You will uphold me with Your righteous right hand. I am thankful for Your fulfilling of Your word. God You are so amazing to continue to pursue me, to love me, to show me You even in my failures. God help me to continue to pursue and seek You all the days of my life. God thank You for that HESED love that You contine to overflow to/through and in me. God thank You for the details of this day that I can hear listen and obey all that You give me today, that I glorify You in these minutes of this day in Jesus name amen.
WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The revelation that Samuel heard in his ear from God was detailed. He also received word of knowledge and word of wisdom telling him what to say to Saul (v. 19 &20). The choice piece of meat representing strength, which Samuel had already told the cook to set aside, was set before Saul. And finally, before sending Saul home, Samuel says stand still that I may show you the word of God.
That is the characteristics I desire to be remembered for: a man that heard from God and spoke the Word of God to others.
Rick! This is who I know you to be.
“I have looked on my people, for their cry has reached me” (v16).
I’m noticing the trait of compassion in our God. Scripture reveals over and over that God responds and is moved to take action by the cries of his people. How often do we linger in prayer pouring out our hearts to him? Is it our last resort or first response?
God looks at our inner character, not our outward appearances. A gentle quiet spirit is precious in the sight of God. I pray that my spiritual depth be centered in humility.
21 “Why do you say such a thing to me?”
For me, it is interesting to read about Saul at this early stage. He seems naturally humble, not self-promoting, or a social climber. Therefore, maybe he later became seduced by the power that was entrusted to him?