Saul Chosen as King 1Now there was a Benjamite, a powerful man, whose name was Kish son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah of Benjamin. 2And he had a son named Saul, choice and handsome, without equal among the Israelites—a head taller than any of the people. 3One day the donkeys of Saul’s father Kish wandered off, and Kish said to his son Saul, “Take one of the servants and go look for the donkeys.” 4So Saul passed through the hill country of Ephraim and then through the land of Shalishah, but they did not find the donkeys. He and the servant went through the region of Shaalim, but they were not there. Then they went through the land of Benjamin, and still they did not find them. 5When they reached the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant, “Come, let us go back, or my father will stop worrying about the donkeys and start worrying about us.” 6“Look,” said the servant, “in this city there is a man of God who is highly respected; everything he says surely comes to pass. Let us go there now. Perhaps he will tell us which way to go.” 7“If we do go,” Saul replied, “what can we give the man? For the bread in our packs is gone, and there is no gift to take to the man of God. What do we have?” 8The servant answered him again. “Look,” he said, “I have here in my hand a quarter shekel of silver.a I will give it to the man of God, and he will tell us our way.” 9(Formerly in Israel, a man on his way to inquire of God would say, “Come, let us go to the seer.” For the prophet of today was formerly called the seer.) 10“Good,” said Saul to his servant. “Come, let us go.” So they set out for the city where the man of God was. 11And as they were climbing the hill to the city, they met some young women coming out to draw water and asked, “Is the seer here?” 12“Yes, he is ahead of you,” they answered. “Hurry now, for today he has come to the city because the people have a sacrifice on the high place. 13As soon as you enter the city, you will find him before he goes up to the high place to eat. The people will not eat until he comes, because he must bless the sacrifice; after that, the guests will eat. Go up at once; you will find him.” 14So Saul and his servant went up toward the city, and as they were entering it, there was Samuel coming toward them on his way up to the high place. 15Now on the day before Saul’s arrival, the LORD had revealed to Samuel, 16“At this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you are to anoint him ruler over My people Israel; he will save them from the hand of the Philistines. For I have looked upon My people, because their cry has come to Me.” 17When Samuel saw Saul, the LORD told him, “Here is the man of whom I spoke; he shall rule over My people.” 18Saul 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 before me to the high place, for you shall eat with me today. And when I send you off in the morning, I will tell you all that is in your heart. 20As for the donkeys you lost three days ago, do not worry about them, for they have been found. And upon whom is all the desire of Israel, if not upon you and all your father’s house?” 21Saul replied, “Am I not a Benjamite from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of Benjamin? So why would you say such a thing to me?” 22Then Samuel took Saul and his servant, brought them into the hall, and seated them in the place of honor among those who were invited—about thirty in all. 23And Samuel said to the cook, “Bring the portion I gave you and told you to set aside.” 24So the cook picked up the leg and what was attached to it and set it before Saul. Then Samuel said, “Here is what was kept back. It was set apart for you. Eat, for it has been kept for you for this occasion, from the time I said, ‘I have invited the people.’” So Saul dined with Samuel that day. 25And after they had come down from the high place into the city, Samuel spoke with Saul on the roof of his house. 26They got up early in the morning, and just before dawn Samuel called to Saul on the roof, “Get ready, and I will send you on your way!” So Saul got ready, and both he and Samuel went outside together. 27As they were going down to the edge of the city, Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the servant to go on ahead of us, but you stay for a while, and I will reveal to you the word of God.” So the servant went on. Footnotes: 8 a A quarter shekel is approximately 0.1 ounces or 2.85 grams of silver. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  1 Samuel 9 Summary Saul Chosen as KingVerses 1–2 – A Benjamite of Standing Verses 3–5 – The Lost Donkeys and the Search Verses 6–10 – Consulting the Seer Verses 11–14 – Meeting the Young Women Verses 15–17 – The LORD’s Word to Samuel Verses 18–21 – A Surprising Greeting Verses 22–24 – An Honored Guest at the Feast Verses 25–27 – A Private Word In 1 Samuel 9, the divine orchestration of events leads to the first meeting between Saul, the future king of Israel, and the prophet Samuel. This chapter serves as a crucial turning point in Israel's history as they transition from a nation ruled by judges to a monarchy. Historical Setting: From Judges to a King Israel has shifted from the loose tribal confederacy of Judges to a yearning for centralized leadership (8:5). Chapter 9 records God’s quiet answer: He selects Saul, even as the people look for someone impressive. The transitional feel is palpable—Samuel the last judge, Saul the first king. People and Places • Tribe of Benjamin – Nearly wiped out in Judges 20–21, now unexpectedly produces Israel’s first king. God can raise fresh beginnings from fractured histories. • Ramah – Samuel’s hometown, modern-day er-Ram, about 8 km north of Jerusalem. • Gibeah – Saul’s later capital, situated on a hill ideal for defense. • The “Land of Zuph” – Identified with the highlands around Ramah; Zuph was Samuel’s ancestor (1 Samuel 1:1). • High Place – An elevated site for legitimate sacrifice before the temple era (cf. 1 Samuel 7:17). Providence in Everyday Events Lost livestock feels mundane, yet God uses it to steer Saul straight into Samuel’s path. Parallel moments: • Genesis 24 – Rebekah meets Abraham’s servant at a well; ordinary water-drawing becomes covenant history. • Ruth 2 – “Her chance chanced” into Boaz’s field (literal Hebrew), aligning with God’s unseen hand. The Role of the Seer “Formerly in Israel, if a man went to inquire of God, he would say, ‘Come, let us go to the seer,’ for the prophet of today was formerly called a seer” (9:9). Prophets not only foretold but guided practical affairs—lost animals, wars, judgment, anointings. Compare: • 2 Kings 6:6 – Elisha retrieves a lost axe head. • Amos 7:12 – Amaziah calls Amos “seer,” revealing the term persisted. Divine Choice vs. Human Appearance Saul’s height dazzles (9:2), matching Israel’s appetite for a leader who “may go out before us and fight our battles” (8:20). Yet God later reminds Samuel while selecting David: “Man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart” (16:7). The contrast foreshadows Saul’s outward triumphs and inward flaws. Feasting and the Reserved Portion Samuel seats thirty guests (v. 22), giving Saul “the leg and what was on it” (v. 24). In Leviticus 7:32-34 the priest receives the right thigh and breast from peace offerings. By handing that choice cut to Saul, Samuel symbolically honors him as one who will stand before the LORD and lead His people. Archaeology and Geography • Pottery and building remains at Tell en-Nasbeh (often identified with biblical Mizpah) confirm flourishing Benjaminite settlements in the Iron Age I (1200-1000 BC), fitting Saul’s era. • Donkeys were vital pack animals; donkey figurines unearthed in the highlands attest to their economic value, clarifying Kish’s concern. • High places: excavated cultic platforms at sites like Gibeon illustrate open-air worship centers similar to the one in this chapter. Monarchy Foreshadowed in the Torah • Deuteronomy 17:14-20 outlines kingly boundaries—copying the Law, avoiding excess. Saul’s later missteps (1 Samuel 13, 15) highlight Israel’s need for a king who fulfills these standards—ultimately pointing to Christ, “great David’s greater Son” (Luke 1:32-33). Deliverance from the Philistines God’s stated purpose: Saul “will save My people from the hand of the Philistines” (9:16). Initial victories (11:11; 14:23) affirm this. Yet ultimate relief comes through David (2 Samuel 5:17-25) and, in the New Testament, through the Messiah who conquers every spiritual enemy (Colossians 2:15). Spiritual Lessons for Today • Ordinary errands can carry kingdom significance; faithfulness in small tasks positions believers for larger callings (Luke 16:10). • Seek godly counsel; Saul’s journey turns on his servant’s suggestion. Proverbs 15:22: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” • Humility before promotion: Saul’s initial modesty (9:21) exemplifies Proverbs 18:12, though his later pride warns how beginnings can be squandered. Key Words • “Chosen/Anointed” (v. 16) – Hebrew mashach, root of “Messiah.” The kingship idea is drenched in anticipation of the ultimate Anointed One. • “Donkeys” (v. 3) – Symbol of peaceful service (cf. Judges 10:4), contrasting with war horses. Jesus’ triumphal entry on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9; John 12:14-15) whispers through the text. Connections Forward and Backward Backward: Hannah’s song (2:10) envisioned a king; Chapter 9 shows its first fulfillment step. Forward: Saul’s private anointing (10:1) leads to public acclamation (11:15). David, then Christ, follow the pattern: private call, public recognition, universal reign. Conclusion 1 Samuel 9 captures God’s seamless weaving of everyday life, prophetic insight, and covenant purpose. Lost donkeys, a tall farmer’s son, and a kindly prophet at a high-place table—ordinary threads stitched into redemptive history. Connections to Additional Scriptures Proverbs 16:9A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope. Romans 8:28 And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. Teaching Points Divine Providence in the OrdinaryNow the donkeys of Saul’s father Kish were lost. So Kish said to his son Saul, 'Take one of the servants and go look for the donkeys.' (1 Samuel 9:3). This verse sets the stage for God's intervention through ordinary circumstances. God's Choice and Human Appearance Saul is described as a choice and handsome young man; there was not a man among the Israelites more handsome than he, a head taller than any of the people (1 Samuel 9:2). This highlights how God often uses human attributes to fulfill His purposes, even though His ultimate criteria are spiritual. The Role of the Prophet Samuel, the prophet, plays a crucial role in revealing God's will. Now the day before Saul’s arrival, the LORD had revealed to Samuel, 'At this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you are to anoint him as ruler over My people Israel' (1 Samuel 9:15-16). God's Sovereignty and Timing The meeting between Saul and Samuel was divinely orchestrated. As they were going up the hill to the city, they met some young women coming out to draw water, and they asked them, 'Is the seer here?' (1 Samuel 9:11). This encounter was not by chance but by God's perfect timing. Practical Applications Trust in God's PlanEven in mundane tasks, trust that God is working behind the scenes to fulfill His purposes in your life. Seek Godly Counsel Like Saul sought Samuel, seek guidance from godly mentors and leaders who can help discern God's will for your life. Be Open to God's Surprises Be prepared for God to use unexpected circumstances to lead you into His plans. Recognize God's Sovereignty Acknowledge that God is in control of all events, big and small, and His timing is always perfect. People 1. SaulSaul is introduced as a "choice and handsome" young man, the son of Kish. He is from the tribe of Benjamin and is described as taller than any of the people (1 Samuel 9:2). The Hebrew root for "handsome" (טוֹב, tov) implies good or pleasing, indicating Saul's favorable appearance. 2. Kish Kish is Saul's father, described as a "mighty man of valor" from the tribe of Benjamin (1 Samuel 9:1). The Hebrew term for "mighty man of valor" (גִּבּוֹר חַיִל, gibbor chayil) suggests a man of strength and wealth. 3. Samuel Although not directly introduced in the initial verses, Samuel is the prophet whom God instructs to anoint Saul as king. He is a significant figure in this chapter, acting as God's messenger and leader of Israel (1 Samuel 9:14-17). 4. Servant of Saul The servant accompanies Saul on his journey to find the lost donkeys. He suggests seeking the man of God (Samuel) for guidance, showing his practical wisdom and faith (1 Samuel 9:3-10). 5. God While not a person in the human sense, God plays a crucial role in the narrative, communicating with Samuel about Saul's arrival and his future as king (1 Samuel 9:15-17). Places 1. ZuphIn 1 Samuel 9:5, Zuph is mentioned as a land where Saul and his servant were searching for the lost donkeys. The Hebrew root for Zuph (צוּף) can mean "honeycomb" or "overflow," indicating a fertile or abundant area. 2. Shalisha According to 1 Samuel 9:4, Shalisha is one of the regions Saul and his servant passed through during their search. The name Shalisha (שָׁלִישָׁה) is derived from the Hebrew root meaning "three" or "third," possibly indicating a third district or region. 3. Shaalim In 1 Samuel 9:4, Shaalim is another area they traveled through. The name Shaalim (שָׁעֲלִים) is related to the Hebrew word for "foxes" or "burrows," suggesting a place known for wildlife or rugged terrain. 4. Benjamin The territory of Benjamin is mentioned in 1 Samuel 9:4 as the starting point of Saul's journey. Benjamin (בִּנְיָמִין) means "son of the right hand" in Hebrew, and it was one of the tribes of Israel, located in the central part of the land. 5. Zuph Mentioned again in 1 Samuel 9:5, Zuph is the land where Saul and his servant decided to seek the prophet Samuel's guidance. The repetition emphasizes its significance as a turning point in their journey. 6. Ramah In 1 Samuel 9:6, Ramah is identified as the city where the prophet Samuel resides. Ramah (רָמָה) means "height" or "high place" in Hebrew, indicating its elevated location and possibly its spiritual significance as a place of prophecy. Events 1. Introduction of Saul and His FamilyThe chapter begins by introducing Kish, a wealthy man from the tribe of Benjamin, and his son Saul, described as "a choice and handsome young man" (1 Samuel 9:2). The Hebrew word for "handsome" here is "טוֹב" (tov), indicating Saul's physical attractiveness and stature. 2. The Lost Donkeys Kish's donkeys go missing, and he sends Saul and a servant to find them (1 Samuel 9:3). This sets the stage for Saul's encounter with Samuel. 3. Saul's Search and Decision to Consult a Seer After searching unsuccessfully, Saul considers returning home, but his servant suggests consulting a "seer" (1 Samuel 9:6). The term "seer" is translated from the Hebrew "רֹאֶה" (ro'eh), indicating a prophet who receives divine insight. 4. The Servant's Suggestion and Offering The servant offers to give the seer a quarter shekel of silver as a gift, which was customary when seeking a prophet's guidance (1 Samuel 9:8). 5. Meeting the Young Women and Directions to Samuel Saul and his servant meet young women drawing water, who direct them to Samuel, emphasizing the cultural practice of seeking local guidance (1 Samuel 9:11-13). 6. God's Revelation to Samuel The day before Saul's arrival, the LORD reveals to Samuel that He will send a man from Benjamin to be anointed as leader over Israel (1 Samuel 9:15-16). The Hebrew word for "anoint" is "מָשַׁח" (mashach), which is significant in the context of appointing a king. 7. Samuel Meets Saul As Saul approaches, the LORD confirms to Samuel that Saul is the chosen one (1 Samuel 9:17). 8. Samuel's Invitation to Saul Samuel invites Saul to a meal and assures him that the donkeys have been found, hinting at Saul's future role (1 Samuel 9:19-20). 9. Saul's Humility Saul expresses humility, questioning why Samuel speaks to him in such a manner, given his background from the smallest tribe of Israel (1 Samuel 9:21). 10. The Feast and Saul's Honor Samuel honors Saul at the feast by giving him a special portion of meat, signifying his future importance (1 Samuel 9:22-24). 11. Samuel's Private Conversation with Saul After the feast, Samuel speaks privately with Saul on the roof, preparing him for the revelation of his future as king (1 Samuel 9:25-27). Topics 1. Saul's Ancestry and IntroductionThe chapter begins by introducing Saul, the son of Kish, a man of Benjamin. Saul is described as "a choice and handsome young man" (1 Samuel 9:2). The Hebrew word for "handsome" (טוֹב, tov) implies not only physical appearance but also a sense of goodness or suitability. 2. The Lost Donkeys Kish's donkeys are lost, and he sends Saul and a servant to find them. This sets the stage for Saul's encounter with Samuel. The search for the donkeys symbolizes a divine orchestration, as God uses ordinary circumstances to fulfill His purposes. 3. The Search for the Seer Saul and his servant decide to seek the guidance of a "seer" (1 Samuel 9:9), an old term for a prophet. The Hebrew word for seer is "רֹאֶה" (ro'eh), indicating one who sees or perceives, highlighting the prophetic insight Samuel possesses. 4. Meeting the Young Women On their way to find the seer, Saul and his servant meet young women who direct them to Samuel. This encounter emphasizes the providential guidance in Saul's journey, as the women provide timely and accurate information. 5. God's Revelation to Samuel The day before Saul's arrival, the LORD reveals to Samuel that He will send a man from Benjamin to be anointed as leader over Israel (1 Samuel 9:15-16). The Hebrew term for "leader" is "נָגִיד" (nagid), meaning prince or ruler, indicating Saul's future role. 6. Samuel's Encounter with Saul When Samuel sees Saul, the LORD confirms that Saul is the chosen one. Samuel invites Saul to a meal, signifying honor and the beginning of Saul's divine appointment. 7. The Anointing of Saul Samuel anoints Saul privately, signifying God's choice and empowerment for leadership. This anointing is a pivotal moment, marking the transition from judges to monarchy in Israel. 8. Saul's Humility and Reluctance Saul expresses humility and reluctance, questioning why Samuel speaks to him in such a manner, given his background as a Benjamite, the smallest tribe (1 Samuel 9:21). This reflects Saul's initial humility and the unexpected nature of God's choice. 9. The Banquet and Honor Saul is given a place of honor at the banquet, further indicating his chosen status. The meal symbolizes fellowship and the beginning of Saul's relationship with Samuel and his role as leader. 10. Divine Providence and Preparation Throughout the chapter, the theme of divine providence is evident as God orchestrates events to prepare Saul for leadership. The narrative highlights God's sovereignty and the unfolding of His plan for Israel. Themes 1. Divine Providence and GuidanceIn 1 Samuel 9, the theme of divine providence is evident as God orchestrates events to bring Saul to Samuel. The chapter illustrates how God guides individuals to fulfill His purposes. The Hebrew root word "נָחָה" (nahah), meaning to lead or guide, is reflected in how God leads Saul to Samuel through seemingly ordinary circumstances, such as the search for his father's donkeys. 2. The Role of Prophets Samuel's role as a prophet is highlighted in this chapter. He is depicted as a seer who receives divine revelation. The Hebrew word "נָבִיא" (navi), meaning prophet, underscores the importance of prophets as God's mouthpieces. Samuel's ability to foresee Saul's arrival and his future as king demonstrates the prophetic office's significance in Israel. 3. God's Sovereignty in Leadership Selection The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty in choosing leaders. Despite Saul's humble beginnings and his initial reluctance, God selects him to be king over Israel. This theme is rooted in the Hebrew concept of "מָשַׁח" (mashach), meaning to anoint, signifying God's authority in appointing leaders. 4. Human Obedience and Responsibility Saul's journey reflects the theme of human obedience and responsibility. His willingness to seek guidance from Samuel and follow his instructions shows the importance of obedience to God's appointed leaders. The narrative suggests that human actions, aligned with divine guidance, play a crucial role in fulfilling God's plans. 5. The Intersection of the Ordinary and the Divine The chapter illustrates how God uses ordinary events, such as the search for lost donkeys, to accomplish His divine purposes. This theme highlights the intersection of the mundane and the divine, showing that God's hand is at work in everyday life, guiding individuals toward His greater plan. Answering Tough Questions 1. How can 1 Samuel 9:1–2 claim Saul was from a “mighty” or “wealthy” family when some extrabiblical historical records do not corroborate this social status? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. Reflect on the theme of divine providence in this chapter. How have you experienced God's divine providence in your own life? 2. How does God's choice of Saul, a Benjamite, challenge human expectations about leadership? 3. What lessons can we learn from Saul's humility and obedience in seeking Samuel's guidance? 4. What are the significance of the lost donkeys in this chapter? What might they symbolize? 5. How did Saul's servant influence the outcome of events? How does this reflect on the importance of the company we keep? 6. Consider the role of the women at the well in this story. How does this emphasize the value of seemingly insignificant encounters? 7. How does the meeting between Saul and Samuel demonstrate God's sovereignty? 8. What can we learn from Saul's reaction when Samuel suggests he is the hope of Israel? 9. What does this chapter tell us about God's timing? 10. Discuss the private conversation between Samuel and Saul. Why do you think it was important for it to be private? 11. In what ways does Samuel model spiritual leadership in this chapter? 12. How does the story of Saul challenge our views on the relationship between personal ability and God's calling? 13. How does God’s selection of Saul underscore the concept that man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart? 14. Saul’s search for his father’s lost donkeys led him to his destiny. Have you ever had an experience where a frustrating or seemingly futile effort led you to something greater? 15. How does this chapter inspire you to seek God's will in times of uncertainty or loss? 16. If you were in Saul's position, how would you have reacted to Samuel's words? Why? 17. How does Saul's story resonate with your personal life experiences or challenges? 18. In today's world, where do you see the theme of God's sovereignty being either acknowledged or denied? 19. Samuel played a crucial role as a mentor in Saul’s life. Who are the mentors in your life and how have they helped shape your path? 20. What does this chapter teach us about faith and patience in waiting for God's plans to unfold? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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