1 Samuel 10 4

1 Samuel 10:4 kjv

And they will salute thee, and give thee two loaves of bread; which thou shalt receive of their hands.

1 Samuel 10:4 nkjv

And they will greet you and give you two loaves of bread, which you shall receive from their hands.

1 Samuel 10:4 niv

They will greet you and offer you two loaves of bread, which you will accept from them.

1 Samuel 10:4 esv

And they will greet you and give you two loaves of bread, which you shall accept from their hand.

1 Samuel 10:4 nlt

They will greet you and offer you two of the loaves, which you are to accept.

1 Samuel 10 verses

1 Samuel 10 4 Meaning

This verse describes the third specific sign given by the prophet Samuel to Saul, immediately following his private anointing as Israel's first king. It prophesies that Saul will encounter three men journeying to Bethel, who will greet him with an offer of two loaves of bread. Saul is explicitly commanded to accept this provision, signifying God's detailed care for his journey and affirming the divine source of Samuel's prophecy.

1 Samuel 10 4 Context

1 Samuel 10:4 is part of a series of three specific signs given by Samuel to Saul after privately anointing him king (1 Sam 10:1). These signs were intended to confirm the truth of Samuel's prophetic word, assure Saul of God's favor, and prepare him for the transformative experience of the Holy Spirit.

The broader context is Israel's transition from a tribal confederacy under judges to a centralized monarchy, initiated by the people's demand for a king in chapter 8. Samuel, while warning of the pitfalls of monarchy, nevertheless anoints God's chosen leader. Saul, initially a humble and searching man (he was looking for lost donkeys in chapter 9), is being progressively prepared by these signs to understand that his unexpected ascent to kingship is entirely by divine appointment and grace. The signs remove any doubt about his calling, building his faith before the public revelation of his kingship.

1 Samuel 10 4 Word analysis

• And they will salute you (וְשָׁאֲלוּ לְךָ לְשָׁלוֹם – wěšāʾălû lĕḵā lĕšālôm): Lit. "and they will ask concerning peace for you."
  • Wěšāʾălû: "And they will ask/inquire." The verb implies an intentional inquiry, often for welfare.
  • Lĕḵā: "For you." The indirect object.
  • Lĕšālôm: "For peace." Shalom is a profound Hebrew concept, meaning wholeness, well-being, prosperity, security, and completeness.
  • Significance: This is more than a casual greeting; it signifies an unsolicited, deliberate act of welcome and blessing directed towards Saul, an act orchestrated by God. It validates Saul's presence at that location and signifies a divine blessing upon his journey.
• and give you (וְנָתְנוּ לְךָ – wĕnātĕnû lĕḵā):
  • Wĕnātĕnû: "And they will give." Simple future tense, emphasizing certainty of action.
  • Lĕḵā: "To you."
  • Significance: Highlights the unexpected nature of the provision. Saul is not asking for anything; it is freely offered, again showing God's foresight and detailed planning for His anointed one.
• two loaves of bread (שְׁתֵּי לֶחֶם – šətê leḥem):
  • Šətê: "Two (feminine)." The numeral here indicates a specific, small quantity.
  • Leḥem: "Bread, food, a meal." Can refer to general provisions or sustenance.
  • Significance: "Bread" represents basic sustenance. The offering is practical, providing for his physical needs during his journey back. "Two" suggests sufficiency, enough for himself or perhaps himself and his servant. It signifies a humble yet adequate provision, underlining God's care in everyday matters.
• which you shall receive from their hand (מִיָּדָם תִּקָּח – mîyādām tiqqāḥ):
  • Mîyādām: "From their hand/power." Yad refers to the physical hand, but can also denote power or possession.
  • Tiqqāḥ: "You shall take/receive." Imperative, a command for Saul to actively accept the offering.
  • Significance: Saul is not just a passive recipient; he is commanded to accept. This act of reception is an acknowledgement of the divine origin of the encounter and the sign. It teaches him to trust and respond obediently to God's unexpected provisions.

Words-group Analysis:

• "And they will salute you and give you two loaves of bread": This entire phrase highlights divine orchestration. These are strangers offering unsolicited kindness and practical provision. The details, from the greeting to the quantity of bread, confirm Samuel's prophetic accuracy, reinforcing God's detailed knowledge and control over human interactions.
• "which you shall receive from their hand": This command emphasizes Saul's active participation in acknowledging the divine signs. It's a test of his obedience and his capacity to internalize God's provisions and confirmations. Accepting the gift, no matter how small, becomes an act of faith and compliance with God's pre-arranged plan.

1 Samuel 10 4 Bonus section

• The series of three signs (1 Sam 10:2-7) constitutes a structured divine curriculum for Saul, building his faith progressively and confirming his call. This sign, with its immediate and practical nature, adds another layer of certainty to the more complex sign involving prophetic ecstasy later.
• The number "two" loaves is a subtle detail pointing to sufficiency rather than excess. It echoes principles of daily provision, emphasizing God's reliability for basic necessities.
• The encounter at the "oak of Tabor" (mentioned in some versions, but implied context from 10:3) signifies specific, recognizable landmarks for Saul's journey, making the fulfillment of the prophecy even more remarkable.
• The instruction for Saul to receive the bread highlights the reciprocal nature of the divine-human relationship – God provides, and humanity must willingly accept and participate in His plan. This initial obedience is foundational for Saul's future leadership.

1 Samuel 10 4 Commentary

1 Samuel 10:4 serves as a practical, yet profound, confirmation of Saul's divine anointing and the reliability of God's prophetic word through Samuel. Far from being grand miracles, these signs are mundane occurrences precisely arranged by God, illustrating His meticulous care in every detail of His plan. The greeting and provision of bread signify divine hospitality and the direct involvement of God in Saul's journey. It's not a large feast but two loaves, perfectly sufficient for the need, teaching Saul that God provides not extravagantly but precisely what is required. Saul's mandated action of receiving the bread is crucial; it underscores the importance of active acceptance of God's provisions and affirmations. This verse builds Saul's faith, preparing him not only physically but also spiritually for the transformation promised in the next verse, as he moves toward accepting his momentous call to lead Israel. It subtly reminds us that God is concerned with both the grand destiny and the daily needs of those He calls.