1 Samuel 9 summary meaning ai explained commentary

1 Samuel 9 meaning explained in AI Summary

This chapter marks a significant turning point in the book, introducing us to Saul and setting the stage for his anointing as the first king of Israel.

The Lost Donkeys: The chapter opens with the story of Kish, a wealthy Benjamite, whose donkeys have strayed. He sends his son, Saul, a handsome and impressive young man, to search for them. After an unsuccessful search, Saul's servant suggests seeking out a "man of God" in a nearby town who might have divine insight into the donkeys' whereabouts.

Meeting Samuel: Guided by God, they encounter Samuel, who is already aware of their arrival and Saul's future destiny. Samuel initially appears hesitant to reveal his knowledge, but he invites Saul and his servant to a sacrificial feast.

Saul, the Honored Guest: At the feast, Samuel treats Saul with exceptional honor, seating him in the place of prominence and serving him the choicest portion of the meat. This puzzles Saul, who sees himself as insignificant.

A Private Conversation: After the feast, Samuel takes Saul up to the roof of his house for a private conversation. He reveals that God has chosen Saul for a great purpose and hints at his future kingship.

The Anointing: The next morning, Samuel anoints Saul with oil, signifying God's choice and blessing. He then gives Saul three signs to confirm God's will and reassure him of his calling.

Saul's Transformation: Saul returns home a changed man, filled with the Spirit of God and exhibiting new leadership qualities. However, he remains humble and initially keeps his encounter with Samuel and his anointing a secret from his family.

Key Themes:

God's Sovereignty: The chapter emphasizes God's control over events, even seemingly insignificant ones like lost donkeys. He orchestrates Saul's encounter with Samuel to fulfill His plan.
Divine Calling: Saul's story highlights the unexpected nature of God's calling. He is chosen not for his lineage or accomplishments, but by God's sovereign will.
Humility and Obedience: Despite his impressive physique and lineage, Saul initially displays humility and obedience, submitting to Samuel's guidance.
The Role of the Prophet: Samuel's role as a prophet is central. He receives God's revelation, guides Saul, and acts as a mediator between God and the future king.

This chapter lays the groundwork for the complex and dramatic story of Saul's reign, filled with both promise and tragedy.

1 Samuel 9 bible study ai commentary

This chapter narrates the providential anointing of Saul as Israel's first king. Through a series of seemingly coincidental events, guided by God's unseen hand, Saul's mundane search for his father's lost donkeys leads him directly to the prophet Samuel. The story masterfully illustrates God's sovereignty, where He uses ordinary circumstances to fulfill His divine plan and answer the people's request for a king, yet on His own terms and timing. It highlights the contrast between human perspective, focused on trivial matters, and God's grander, redemptive purposes.

1 Samuel 9 Context

At this point in Israel's history, the nation is in a state of transition. The period of the Judges, characterized by a loose tribal confederacy and cycles of apostasy and deliverance, is ending. The people, feeling threatened by external enemies like the Philistines and desiring stability like the surrounding nations, have demanded a king (1 Samuel 8). God has consented to their request but warned them of the consequences. Culturally, prophets known as "seers" were consulted for divine guidance on matters both great and small. Donkeys were a significant measure of wealth and utility, so losing them was a serious family matter. High places were common sites for worship, not yet forbidden as the central sanctuary in Jerusalem had not been established.

1 Samuel 9:1-2

Now there was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish... a man of great 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.

In-depth-analysis

Kish: Described as a gibbôr ḥayil, a term meaning both "mighty man of valor" and "man of great wealth/standing." This establishes Saul's reputable lineage.
Benjamin: Ironically, Saul is from the smallest and historically disgraced tribe of Israel (Judges 20-21), a detail Saul himself later notes (v. 21). This underscores God's ability to exalt the humble.
Saul's Appearance: The text emphasizes his physical attributes. He is "handsome" (ṭôḇ - good, pleasing) and exceptionally tall. This directly corresponds to the worldly ideal of a king that the people desired—a monarch who looked impressive and powerful. This external quality is a central element of his selection, setting a deliberate contrast with God's later choice of David, who is judged by his heart (1 Sam 16:7).

Bible references

1 Samuel 16:7: "...For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart." (A direct theological contrast to Saul's selection criteria).
Judges 6:15: "And he said to him, 'Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.'" (Gideon's humble response from a small clan mirrors Saul's initial sentiment).
Jeremiah 9:23: "Thus says the LORD: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches...'" (A warning against glorying in the very attributes Saul seems to possess).

Cross references

Deu 17:15 (king chosen by God), Jdg 21:1-25 (Benjamin's diminished state), 1 Sam 10:23 (Saul's height noted again), Phil 2:3 (esteem others).

1 Samuel 9:3-5

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.” ...When they came to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant who was with him, “Come, let us return, lest my father stop caring about the donkeys and become anxious about us.”

In-depth-analysis

The Quest: The entire divine appointment is set in motion by a common, mundane event: lost donkeys. This illustrates the doctrine of providence—God orchestrating grand outcomes through ordinary affairs.
Saul's Character: He is shown to be an obedient son, immediately undertaking the task given by his father. He is also diligent, covering a vast territory in his search.
Concern for his Father: Saul’s desire to turn back is not out of laziness but out of concern (dā’aḡ) for his father's well-being. This empathetic quality is presented as a positive trait, showing a responsible nature.

Bible references

Genesis 22:3: "So Abraham rose early in the morning... and went to the place of which God had told him." (Shows patriarchal obedience).
Luke 2:48-49: "Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress." (The anxiety of parents for a lost son).
Matthew 6:25: "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life..." (Contrasts Saul's fatherly concern with a general command against anxiety).

Cross references

Col 3:20 (children's obedience), Prov 22:6 (upbringing), 1 Tim 5:8 (providing for one's household).

1 Samuel 9:6-10

But the servant said to him, “Behold, there is a man of God in this city... perhaps he can tell us the way we should go.”...Saul said to his servant, "Well said; come, let us go."... (Verse 9 explains that a prophet [nābî’] was formerly called a seer [rō’eh]).

In-depth-analysis

The Servant's Role: It is the unnamed servant, not Saul, who suggests seeking the prophet. God uses a secondary, humble figure to direct His chosen one. The servant's faith and practical thinking (he also has the money) are instrumental.
Seeking God in Small Things: Consulting a "man of God" about lost livestock was normal. It shows a culture where God's guidance was sought for everyday problems, not just national crises.
Seer vs. Prophet: The narrator includes a parenthetical note (v. 9) to explain the terminological shift from "Seer" (rō’eh, one who "sees") to "Prophet" (nābî’, one who "speaks for" God). This historical clarification helps later readers understand the function of figures like Samuel. Samuel bridges this transition, acting as both.
The Payment: The quarter shekel of silver was not a fee for a miracle but a customary gift or honorarium to support the man of God.

Bible references

2 Kings 5:2-3: "And the Syrians... had taken captive a little girl from the land of Israel, and she waited on Naaman's wife. She said to her mistress, 'Would that my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria!'" (A servant girl directs a powerful man to a prophet).
Judges 13:6: "Then the woman came and told her husband, 'A man of God came to me, and his appearance was like the appearance of the angel of God, very awesome.'" (Description of a "man of God").
Acts 8:29: "And the Spirit said to Philip, 'Go over and join this chariot.'" (Divine direction in a seemingly chance encounter).

Cross references

1 Ki 13:1 (man of God), Exo 7:1 (nābî' definition), 1 Cor 1:27 (God chooses the foolish), Num 22:28-30 (God uses a donkey to speak).

1 Samuel 9:11-14

As they went up the hill to the city, they met young women going out to draw water and said to them, “Is the seer here?”... They answered... "He came to the city today, for the people have a sacrifice today on the high place... you will find him at once, before he goes up to the high place to eat."

In-depth-analysis

Divine Timing: This encounter is another layer of God's "coincidences." They arrive at the exact right moment. Had they been moments earlier or later, they would have missed him.
The Young Women: Like the servant, these unnamed characters provide crucial, specific information that guides Saul. They are unknowing agents in God's plan. Their detailed instructions underscore the precision of God's timing.
High Place (bāmāh): Worship at high places became idolatrous later (1 Kings 3:2), but here it is a legitimate center for Yahwistic sacrifice before the Temple's centralization of worship. Samuel, God’s premier prophet, officiates.

Bible references

Genesis 24:15: "Before he had finished speaking, behold, Rebekah... came out with her water jar on her shoulder." (Another providential well-side meeting for a divine purpose).
John 4:7: "A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, 'Give me a drink.'" (A divine appointment at a well).
Psalm 37:23: "The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way..." (God directs the path of the faithful).

Cross references

1 Ki 3:4 (Solomon at the high place), Psa 104:27 (creation waits on God), Prov 16:9 (man plans, God directs).

1 Samuel 9:15-17

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.”...When Samuel saw Saul, the LORD told him, “Here is the man of whom I spoke to you! He it is who shall rule my people.”

In-depth-analysis

The Narrative Reveal: The narrator pulls back the curtain, confirming that the entire journey was no accident. God had pre-arranged this meeting, informing Samuel a day in advance. This is the theological core of the chapter.
Prince (Nāgîd): Saul is to be anointed "prince" or "ruler" (nāgîd), not king (melek). This is a significant distinction. Nāgîd denotes a leader appointed by and accountable to God. The term melek becomes more common later, often associated with the worldly aspects of monarchy that Samuel warned against.
God's Motive: God states the purpose for the ruler: to save Israel from the Philistines. This shows that even while granting the people's sinful request for a king (1 Sam 8:7), God integrates it into His own redemptive plan. His primary concern remains the salvation of His people.

Bible references

Exodus 3:7-8: "Then the LORD said, 'I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt... I have come down to deliver them...'" (God seeing his people's suffering and acting to save them).
Acts 9:15-16: "But the Lord said to him [Ananias], 'Go, for he [Saul/Paul] is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles...'" (A divine pre-revelation about the calling of a different Saul).
Galatians 4:4: "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son..." (God's perfect timing in salvation history).

Cross references

Gen 50:20 (what you meant for evil), Hos 13:11 (king in anger), Amos 3:7 (Lord reveals His plans).

1 Samuel 9:18-21

Then Saul approached Samuel... and said, “Tell me, please, where is the seer's house?” Samuel answered Saul... “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?” Saul answered, “Am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest of the tribes of Israel? And is not my clan the most humble of all the clans...? Why then have you spoken to me in this way?”

In-depth-analysis

Shifting Focus: Samuel immediately redirects Saul's attention. He dismisses the donkeys (the mundane concern) and points him toward his destiny: "all that is desirable in Israel." He elevates Saul's perspective from the earthly to the divine.
Saul's Humble Response: Saul's reaction is one of astonishment and humility. He protests his own insignificance, citing his small tribe and humble clan. At this stage, this appears to be genuine humility, which is a virtuous quality for a leader. However, it may also hint at an underlying insecurity that will later manifest as paranoia and disobedience.
Polemics: Scholars debate whether Saul’s response is true humility or an early sign of a man unequipped for the pressures of leadership. Initially, the text presents it favorably, contrasting with the pride of later kings. It serves as a reminder that God’s call often comes to those who feel unworthy.

Bible references

Judges 6:15: "Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh..." (Gideon’s nearly identical humble protest).
Luke 1:38: "And Mary said, 'Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.'" (An ideal response of humble acceptance of a divine calling).
Matthew 5:3: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Humility as a primary virtue in God's kingdom).

Cross references

Exo 3:11 (Moses's self-doubt), 1 Cor 1:27-29 (God chose the weak), 1 Pet 5:6 (humble yourselves).

1 Samuel 9:22-24

Then Samuel took Saul and his young man and brought them into the guest hall and gave them a place of honor at the head of those who had been invited... Samuel said to the cook, “Bring the portion I gave you, of which I said to you, ‘Put it aside.’” So the cook took up the leg and what was on it and set them before Saul. And Samuel said, “See, what was kept is set before you. Eat..."

In-depth-analysis

Public Honor: Giving Saul the seat of honor among thirty guests was a significant public, yet subtle, gesture. Samuel is beginning to present Saul as the chosen leader.
The Reserved Portion: The "leg" (likely the thigh, šôq), a choice cut, had been specifically set aside in advance. This is tangible proof of Samuel's foreknowledge and that this entire event, including the feast, was orchestrated for Saul. It physically symbolizes Saul's set-apart status.
Symbolic Act: The entire meal acts as a preparatory rite. The reserved portion, meant only for Saul, symbolizes the kingdom that has been reserved for him by God.

Bible references

Genesis 43:34: "Portions were taken to them from Joseph's table, but Benjamin's portion was five times as much as any of theirs." (A favored portion given to a special guest as a sign of honor).
Leviticus 7:32: "And the right thigh you shall give to the priest as a contribution from the sacrifice of your peace offerings." (The thigh was often a portion reserved for the priestly, set-apart figure).
Luke 14:10: "...When you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored..." (The principle of being exalted by the host).

Cross references

1 Cor 10:31 (do all to glory of God), Rev 3:20 (dining with the Lord).

1 Samuel 9:25-27

...they went down from the high place into the city, and he spoke with Saul on the roof. And they arose early... And as they were going down to the outskirts of the city, Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the servant to pass on before us... but you stand here a while, that I may make known to you the word of God.”

In-depth-analysis

Private Counsel: The conversation on the flat housetop was a private place for important discussion, away from the crowds. Samuel is preparing Saul mentally and spiritually for what is to come.
Secrecy of the Anointing: Samuel sends the servant ahead. The formal act of revealing "the word of God" and the subsequent anointing (10:1) is to be a private moment between God's prophet and God's chosen leader. The public announcement will come later (ch. 10). This separation ensures the call is understood as coming from God alone, not from public acclamation.

Bible references

Nehemiah 8:3: "And he read from it... from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand." (Public proclamation of God's word).
Acts 10:9: "The next day... Peter went up on the housetop to pray..." (Housetops as places of private divine communication).
Galatians 1:16-17: "...I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia..." (Paul's private preparation after his divine calling).

Cross references

Deu 22:8 (rooftop safety), Pro 25:9 (private matters), 1 Sam 10:1 (the anointing itself).

1 Samuel chapter 9 analysis

Divine Sovereignty and Human Means: The chapter is a masterclass in divine providence. God's plan is absolute, yet He works through the normal, everyday actions, thoughts, and conversations of people (Saul's obedience, the servant's idea, the women's directions). There is no tension between divine control and human freedom; they work in perfect harmony.
From Mundane to Holy: The narrative structure deliberately moves from the most mundane of concerns (lost farm animals) to the most sacred (anointing a ruler by God's word). This pattern encourages believers to see God's potential purpose in their own ordinary lives.
The "Asked For" King: Saul’s name (Sha'ul) means "asked for." He is literally the king the people demanded in chapter 8. God gives them exactly what they asked for—a king who looks the part, chosen from among them, to save them from their enemies. This sets up the tragic irony of his eventual failure and the nation's need for a king after God's own heart.
The Invisible and the Visible: God, who is invisible, orchestrates every step. Saul, who is visibly impressive, is the product of this unseen work. The theme of seeing—what man sees (height) versus what God sees (the heart, the future)—is central. Samuel, the "seer," is the one who helps Saul "see" his true calling beyond the donkeys.

1 Samuel 9 summary

Through a string of divinely arranged "coincidences," Saul, a tall and handsome Benjamite, is sent by his father to find lost donkeys. The mundane search leads him, at the prompting of his servant, to the city where the prophet Samuel resides. God had already revealed to Samuel that Israel's future leader would arrive that day. Samuel receives Saul, honors him at a feast with a specially reserved portion, and privately prepares to anoint him as the ruler chosen by God to deliver Israel.

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1 Samuel chapter 9 kjv

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 honorable man; all that he saith cometh surely to pass: now let us go thither; peradventure he can show 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 parlor, 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 show thee the word of God.

1 Samuel chapter 9 nkjv

¹ 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 choice and handsome son whose name was Saul. There was not a more handsome person than he among the children of Israel. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people.
³ Now the donkeys of Kish, Saul's father, were lost. And Kish said to his son Saul, "Please take one of the servants with you, and arise, go and look for the donkeys."
⁴ So he passed through the mountains of Ephraim and through the land of Shalisha, but they did not find them. Then they passed through the land of Shaalim, and they were not there. Then he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they did not find them.
⁵ When they had come to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant who was with him, "Come, let us return, lest my father cease caring about the donkeys and become worried about us."
⁶ And he said to him, "Look now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is an honorable man; all that he says surely comes to pass. So let us go there; perhaps he can show us the way that we should go."
⁷ Then Saul said to his servant, "But look, if we go, what shall we bring the man? For the bread in our vessels is all gone, and there is no present to bring to the man of God. What do we have?"
⁸ And the servant answered Saul again and said, "Look, I have here at hand one-fourth of a shekel of silver. I will give that to the man of God, to tell us our way."
⁹ (Formerly in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, he spoke thus: "Come, let us go to the seer"; for he who is now called a prophet was formerly called a seer.)
¹⁰ Then Saul said to his servant, "Well said; come, let us go." So they went to the city where the man of God was.
¹¹ As they went up the hill to the city, they met some young women going out to draw water, and said to them, "Is the seer here?"
¹² And they answered them and said, "Yes, there he is, just ahead of you. Hurry now; for today he came to this city, because there is a sacrifice of the people today on the high place.
¹³ As soon as you come into the city, you will surely find him before he goes up to the high place to eat. For the people will not eat until he comes, because he must bless the sacrifice; afterward those who are invited will eat. Now therefore, go up, for about this time you will find him."
¹⁴ So they went up to the city. As they were coming into the city, there was Samuel, coming out toward them on his way up to the high place.
¹⁵ Now the LORD had told Samuel in his ear the day before Saul came, saying,
¹⁶ "Tomorrow about this time I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him commander over My people Israel, that he may save My people from the hand of the Philistines; for I have looked upon My people, because their cry has come to Me."
¹⁷ So when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said to him, "There he is, the man of whom I spoke to you. This one shall reign over My people."
¹⁸ Then Saul drew near to Samuel in the gate, and said, "Please tell me, where is the seer's house?"
¹⁹ Samuel answered Saul and said, "I am the seer. Go up before me to the high place, for you shall eat with me today; and tomorrow I will let you go and will tell you all that is in your heart.
²⁰ But as for your donkeys that were lost three days ago, do not be anxious about them, for they have been found. And on whom is all the desire of Israel? Is it not on you and on all your father's house?"
²¹ And Saul answered and said, "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 like this to me?"
²² Now Samuel took Saul and his servant and brought them into the hall, and had them sit in the place of honor among those who were invited; there were about thirty persons.
²³ And Samuel said to the cook, "Bring the portion which I gave you, of which I said to you, 'Set it apart.' "
²⁴ So the cook took up the thigh with its upper part and set it before Saul. And Samuel said, "Here it is, what was kept back. It was set apart for you. Eat; for until this time it has been kept for you, since I said I invited the people." So Saul ate with Samuel that day.
²⁵ When they had come down from the high place into the city, Samuel spoke with Saul on the top of the house.
²⁶ They arose early; and it was about the dawning of the day that Samuel called to Saul on the top of the house, saying, "Get up, that I may send you on your way." And Saul arose, and both of them went outside, he and Samuel.
²⁷ As they were going down to the outskirts of the city, Samuel said to Saul, "Tell the servant to go on ahead of us." And he went on. "But you stand here awhile, that I may announce to you the word of God."

1 Samuel chapter 9 niv

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."

1 Samuel chapter 9 esv

¹ There was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, son of Zeror, son of Becorath, son of Aphiah, a Benjaminite, a man of wealth.
² 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.
³ 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."
⁴ And he passed through the hill country of Ephraim and passed through the land of Shalishah, but they did not find them. And they passed through the land of Shaalim, but they were not there. Then they passed through the land of Benjamin, but did not find them.
⁵ When they came to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant who was with him, "Come, let us go back, lest my father cease to care about the donkeys and become anxious about us."
⁶ 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."
⁷ Then Saul said to his servant, "But if we go, what can we bring the man? For the bread in our sacks is gone, and there is no present to bring to the man of God. What do we have?"
⁸ The servant answered Saul again, "Here, I have with me a quarter of a shekel of silver, and I will give it to the man of God to tell us our way."
⁹ (Formerly in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, he said, "Come, let us go to the seer," for today's "prophet" was formerly called a seer.)
¹⁰ And Saul said to his servant, "Well said; come, let us go." So they went to the city where the man of God was.
¹¹ As they went up the hill to the city, they met young women coming out to draw water and said to them, "Is the seer here?"
¹² They answered, "He is; behold, he is just ahead of you. Hurry. He has come just now to the city, because the people have a sacrifice today on the high place.
¹³ As soon as you enter the city you will find him, before he goes up to the high place to eat. For the people will not eat till he comes, since he must bless the sacrifice; afterward those who are invited will eat. Now go up, for you will meet him immediately."
¹⁴ So they went up to the city. As they were entering the city, they saw Samuel coming out toward them on his way up to the high place.
¹⁵ Now the day before Saul came, the LORD had revealed to Samuel:
¹⁶ "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."
¹⁷ When Samuel saw Saul, the LORD told him, "Here is the man of whom I spoke to you! He it is who shall restrain my people."
¹⁸ Then Saul approached Samuel in the gate and said, "Tell me where is the house of the seer?"
¹⁹ 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.
²⁰ 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?"
²¹ 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?"
²² 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.
²³ And Samuel said to the cook, "Bring the portion I gave you, of which I said to you, 'Put it aside.'"
²⁴ So the cook took up the leg and what was on it and set them before Saul. And Samuel said, "See, what was kept is set before you. Eat, because it was kept for you until the hour appointed, that you might eat with the guests." So Saul ate with Samuel that day.
²⁵ And when they came down from the high place into the city, a bed was spread for Saul on the roof, and he lay down to sleep.
²⁶ Then 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.
²⁷ 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 chapter 9 nlt

¹ There was a wealthy, influential man named Kish from the tribe of Benjamin. He was the son of Abiel, son of Zeror, son of Becorath, son of Aphiah, of the tribe of Benjamin.
² His son Saul was the most handsome man in Israel ? head and shoulders taller than anyone else in the land.
³ One day Kish's donkeys strayed away, and he told Saul, "Take a servant with you, and go look for the donkeys."
⁴ So Saul took one of the servants and traveled through the hill country of Ephraim, the land of Shalishah, the Shaalim area, and the entire land of Benjamin, but they couldn't find the donkeys anywhere.
⁵ Finally, they entered the region of Zuph, and Saul said to his servant, "Let's go home. By now my father will be more worried about us than about the donkeys!"
⁶ But the servant said, "I've just thought of something! There is a man of God who lives here in this town. He is held in high honor by all the people because everything he says comes true. Let's go find him. Perhaps he can tell us which way to go."
⁷ "But we don't have anything to offer him," Saul replied. "Even our food is gone, and we don't have a thing to give him."
⁸ "Well," the servant said, "I have one small silver piece. We can at least offer it to the man of God and see what happens!"
⁹ (In those days if people wanted a message from God, they would say, "Let's go and ask the seer," for prophets used to be called seers.)
¹⁰ "All right," Saul agreed, "let's try it!" So they started into the town where the man of God lived.
¹¹ As they were climbing the hill to the town, they met some young women coming out to draw water. So Saul and his servant asked, "Is the seer here today?"
¹² "Yes," they replied. "Stay right on this road. He is at the town gates. He has just arrived to take part in a public sacrifice up at the place of worship.
¹³ Hurry and catch him before he goes up there to eat. The guests won't begin eating until he arrives to bless the food."
¹⁴ So they entered the town, and as they passed through the gates, Samuel was coming out toward them to go up to the place of worship.
¹⁵ Now the LORD had told Samuel the previous day,
¹⁶ "About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin. Anoint him to be the leader of my people, Israel. He will rescue them from the Philistines, for I have looked down on my people in mercy and have heard their cry."
¹⁷ When Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said, "That's the man I told you about! He will rule my people."
¹⁸ Just then Saul approached Samuel at the gateway and asked, "Can you please tell me where the seer's house is?"
¹⁹ "I am the seer!" Samuel replied. "Go up to the place of worship ahead of me. We will eat there together, and in the morning I'll tell you what you want to know and send you on your way.
²⁰ And don't worry about those donkeys that were lost three days ago, for they have been found. And I am here to tell you that you and your family are the focus of all Israel's hopes."
²¹ Saul replied, "But I'm only from the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest tribe in Israel, and my family is the least important of all the families of that tribe! Why are you talking like this to me?"
²² Then Samuel brought Saul and his servant into the hall and placed them at the head of the table, honoring them above the thirty special guests.
²³ Samuel then instructed the cook to bring Saul the finest cut of meat, the piece that had been set aside for the guest of honor.
²⁴ So the cook brought in the meat and placed it before Saul. "Go ahead and eat it," Samuel said. "I was saving it for you even before I invited these others!" So Saul ate with Samuel that day.
²⁵ When they came down from the place of worship and returned to town, Samuel took Saul up to the roof of the house and prepared a bed for him there.
²⁶ At daybreak the next morning, Samuel called to Saul, "Get up! It's time you were on your way." So Saul got ready, and he and Samuel left the house together.
²⁷ When they reached the edge of town, Samuel told Saul to send his servant on ahead. After the servant was gone, Samuel said, "Stay here, for I have received a special message for you from God."