1 Samuel 10 3

1 Samuel 10:3 kjv

Then shalt thou go on forward from thence, and thou shalt come to the plain of Tabor, and there shall meet thee three men going up to God to Bethel, one carrying three kids, and another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a bottle of wine:

1 Samuel 10:3 nkjv

Then you shall go on forward from there and come to the terebinth tree of Tabor. There three men going up to God at Bethel will meet you, one carrying three young goats, another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a skin of wine.

1 Samuel 10:3 niv

"Then you will go on from there until you reach the great tree of Tabor. Three men going up to worship God at Bethel will meet you there. One will be carrying three young goats, another three loaves of bread, and another a skin of wine.

1 Samuel 10:3 esv

Then you shall go on from there farther and come to the oak of Tabor. Three men going up to God at Bethel will meet you there, one carrying three young goats, another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a skin of wine.

1 Samuel 10:3 nlt

"When you get to the oak of Tabor, you will see three men coming toward you who are on their way to worship God at Bethel. One will be bringing three young goats, another will have three loaves of bread, and the third will be carrying a wineskin full of wine.

1 Samuel 10 verses

1 Samuel 10 3 Meaning

This verse details the second of three signs Samuel gives Saul to confirm his divine anointing as king. It prophesies a precise encounter at the Oak of Tabor, where three men traveling to Bethel for worship will meet Saul. These men will be carrying specific provisions: three young goats, three loaves of bread, and a bottle of wine, symbolic of religious pilgrimage and offering. This pre-ordained event serves as tangible proof of God's presence and direction in Saul's life, orchestrating circumstances to affirm his new role.

1 Samuel 10 3 Context

This verse is embedded in 1 Samuel 10, immediately following Samuel's anointing of Saul as the first king of Israel. Samuel provides three precise, time-sensitive signs to confirm the divine legitimacy of Saul's anointing and the Lord's hand upon him. The preceding verse (1 Samuel 10:2) described the first sign (Saul finding two men who inform him his donkeys are found). This verse details the second sign, an encounter that would impress upon Saul the reality of God's involvement in his new leadership role. The chapter then continues with the third sign (meeting a band of prophets) and culminates in Saul's public selection as king at Mizpah. Historically, Israel was transitioning from a tribal confederacy led by judges to a monarchy, a significant shift in its social and political structure, guided by the prophetic leadership of Samuel.

1 Samuel 10 3 Word analysis

• "Then you shall go on forward from there": Marks a progression from the initial anointing location (Samuel's city). The Hebrew word for "go on forward" (עָבַר 'avar) implies movement beyond a current point, signaling continuation of a divinely directed journey.
• "and you shall come": Indicates certainty and divine ordination. The future tense emphasizes the surety of this encounter.
• "to the oak of Tabor": Hebrew: עֵלוֹן תָּבוֹר ('elon Tavor). 'Elon refers to a large, ancient tree, often an oak or terebinth, sometimes marking a sacred or prominent spot. "Tabor" denotes a geographical landmark in the northern Israelite tribal territories, known for its strategic location and distinct shape. It pinpointed the precise location for Saul, signifying a planned, specific meeting place.
• "there three men shall meet you": The number "three" in biblical contexts often denotes completion, confirmation, or divine authority (e.g., three witnesses, three persons of the Trinity). Their meeting Saul is divinely orchestrated, not coincidental, as indicated by "shall meet you" (נִמְצָאֶה nimtsa'eh, implying they will be found or come upon you).
• "going up to God at Bethel": Hebrew: עֹלִים אֶל-הָאֱלֹהִים בֵּית-אֵל ('olim el-ha'Elohim Beit-El).
  • "going up" ('olim): Signifies pilgrimage or ascent, characteristic of travel to a sacred site. It implies purposeful journeying towards worship.
  • "to God" (el-ha'Elohim): Specifies the clear purpose of their journey – worship and fellowship with the divine, reinforcing the sacred nature of their trip.
  • "at Bethel" (Beit-El): Meaning "House of God" in Hebrew. Bethel was an ancient, highly significant holy site in Israelite history, linked with Abraham's altar building (Gen 12:8) and Jacob's vision and vow (Gen 28:10-22). It was a place of divine revelation and worship, signifying the destination's spiritual importance.
• "one carrying three young goats": Young goats were common animals for various sacrifices, especially peace offerings, which involved communal meals and celebration. The "three" corresponds with the "three men" and highlights abundance or a full offering.
• "another carrying three loaves of bread": Bread (לֶחֶם lechem) was a staple food and often part of grain offerings (minchah) or fellowship meals. "Three loaves" indicates significant provision.
• "and another carrying a bottle of wine": Wine (יַיִן yayin) was used in drink offerings (nesekh) accompanying burnt sacrifices, often symbolizing joy, covenant, or thanksgiving. A "bottle" (נֵבֶל nevel) likely refers to a leather wineskin. Together, the goats, bread, and wine represent a comprehensive offering, typical of a pilgrimage for worship and sacrifice, demonstrating the men's devotion and purpose. This collection foreshadows that a portion would be given to Saul.

1 Samuel 10 3 Bonus section

The details of this encounter, including the number "three" and the specific provisions (goats, bread, wine), reinforce the ancient Israelite understanding of worship and covenant. These items are intrinsically linked to pilgrimage, sacrifice, and fellowship with God, demonstrating that Saul's journey to kingship was deeply spiritual and ordained. The event serves as a visual sermon, showing Saul that God orchestrates events, not just individuals. It also implicitly highlights the importance of devotion and offering to the Lord, setting an example for the future king. The fact that the men were going "up to God" highlights a prevalent cultural understanding of approaching God, often literally involving an ascent to a high place or designated sanctuary.

1 Samuel 10 3 Commentary

This verse encapsulates God's precise and proactive involvement in confirming His chosen king. The specificity of the signs Samuel provides Saul—location, number of people, their purpose, and even their specific provisions—serves to eliminate any doubt that Saul's anointing is purely human. The encounter at the "oak of Tabor" with pilgrims journeying to "Bethel," the "House of God," places Saul within a deeply spiritual context. The offerings of young goats, bread, and wine are not merely sustenance; they are symbolic of Israelite worship and devotion, common elements of peace offerings or tithes, pointing to God as the ultimate provider and recipient of worship. The act of these men sharing bread with Saul (implied in the following verse) would integrate him into this fellowship of divine provision, confirming his God-given authority through practical spiritual means. This meticulously planned sign demonstrates God's sovereignty, providing concrete evidence to fortify Saul for his weighty calling as Israel's first monarch. It serves as a reminder that divine appointments are often accompanied by clear confirmations.