1 Samuel: Chapter 9
This chapter outlines the humble beginnings of Israel’s first King, who was appointed to his throne by the LORD’s grace and guidance.
Chapter Recap
The chapter introduces Saul, details his appearance, and his family. We then follow Saul’s quest to find his father’s missing donkeys and how the quest reaches an unlikely end.
Saul
The description Saul gets is very direct and to the point, and is covered in the first two verses. Firstly, his father is introduced as “a man of standing”, from the tribe of Benjamin (the smallest tribe in Israel). A few of his ancestors are also mentioned. Next, we get the physical description of Saul as “an impressive young man without equal” and “a head taller than any of the others”. Interestingly, there is no mention of his mental prowess or his looks. There is no mention of any remarkable physical feats either. For all intents and purposes, Saul was just an ordinary man, who was taller than others. But this is the person God chose to rule the nation.
The LORD’s guidance
Though Saul was an ordinary man, his calling is extraordinary. We see in this chapter, time and again, how the LORD guided and led Saul to Samuel, to be made king of the nation Israel. This journey is marked with a rather mundane quest - a quest to find his father’s lost donkeys, on which Saul and a servant embark
Saul and the servant passed through the territory of Ephraim and Benjamin but did not find the lost donkeys. When they reach the district of Zuph, Saul suggests that they return home, as his father would now be worrying about his son who hasn’t returned yet. The servant, who was maybe more religious, mentions about a man of God, who is highly respected and recommends that they visit this person. Saul points out that they have nothing to give the man of God, and the servant responds stating he has some silver, and so Saul agrees and they head to the town.
The lost donkeys were an excuse to lead Saul to Samuel. We also see how the LORD guides Saul through the servant, who, being sincere to his work, wanted to ensure a way to find the donkeys. It is also evident he knew about Samuel and his whereabouts.
We then follow Saul and the servant going up the hill and inquiring about the man of God to the people on the way . They are informed that the prophet is indeed there, and that he has come today to sacrifice. They are also told exactly where they would find the prophet, and that the people are waiting for the sacrifice to be blessed by the prophet and then they would start eating. We notice that the people are well informed about the regular circuits of Samuel. It is likely that this would be a frequent stop for Samuel, and it is clear that Samuel is well known among them. A testament to the personal relationship between the judge and the people.
As they enter the town, they are intercepted by Samuel, who through God, knew the arrival of Saul.
“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.” I Samuel 9:16
Soon as Samuel caught sight of Saul, the LORD spoke to Samuel, “This is the man I spoke to you about, he will govern my people.” Saul approached Samuel and inquired about the seer’s (prophet’s) residence, at which point Samuel revealed that he was the seer, and invited them to eat with him, and states that his father’s donkeys have been found. Samuel also specifically says, “in the morning I will let you go and will tell you all that is in your heart” and refers to Saul as “to whom is all the desire of Israel turned, if not to you and your father’s family?” Saul, probably puzzled, humbly 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?”
Here we are once again shown the closeness between Samuel and the LORD, who directly tells him what is to happen and how he should proceed. Samuel also displays a heartfelt respect towards Saul, since he is chosen by the LORD to be the king of Israel. Samuel is also truly happy about this, despite the fact that Saul would be replacing him and his office. A mark of character of a true man of God. We will also see later how Samuel guides Saul.
Saul would have been very surprised at this encounter. Firstly, the man of God invites a stranger, he just met to dine with him. Second, the man of God reveals the whereabouts of the donkeys without even being asked. Showing that he is indeed a true man of God. And thirdly, gives a very cryptic statement about how all of Israel is looking at him. We also see here that Saul gave a very humble reply to the high praise given by Samuel. He acknowledged that he was just an ordinary person. But this is the person whom the LORD decided to make king, very much like in Hannah’s prayer (1 Samuel 2:8).
Samuel then takes Saul (and his servant) to the feast. Asks the cook to bring the piece of meat set apart prior, and gives it to Saul, who dined with Samuel. After they came down from the high place to the town, Samuel talked with Saul on the roof of the house. They woke up about daybreak, and Samuel instructed Saul to get ready. Samuel instructs Saul to send his servant ahead, but tells Saul to stay here awhile, so that he may give Saul the message from God. With this, the chapter ends.
Throughout this chapter we saw how Saul was guided to this very moment, and now we see the special treatment he gets here. The piece of meat was set apart for this very person and this very occasion. Much alike how Saul is now set apart as the ruler of this nation. Samuel probably spoke to Saul about the people’s request for a king, and how the LORD responded, and how the people were stubborn and finally how the LORD allowed their request to come to pass. It seems like Samuel was preparing Saul to hear the big news. Saul no doubt would have had many questions as to why he was being told all these, or perhaps he took this to be the hospitality of Samuel. Either way, Saul was now at the crucial point of his life.
The main focus of this chapter was how the LORD guided Saul to meet with Samuel. We also saw how Samuel was happy to oblige to the LORD’s will. We also see that the people who asked for king, did not themselves contest for the post, but rather waited for the LORD to set up the king through Samuel. Overall, the LORD was still taking care of Israel, even though, through their actions the Israelites were moving away from the LORD.
The LORD always guides us towards what is good and best for us. But sometimes we are adamant and stubborn to get something which would not be good for us, yet, the LORD helps to ensure that we don’t harm ourselves in our efforts to attain that. But still, by continuing in the same path, despite the warnings against it from the LORD, we would be dooming ourselves. So with every task and decision in our lives, let's ensure that we are following the LORD’s will and inherit the blessings and be a blessing for others in our lives. Take care of yourself and each other. See you in the next one!
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