How does Saul's approach to Samuel demonstrate humility and respect for God's prophet? Setting the scene: Saul’s ordinary search meets God’s extraordinary plan • Saul and his servant have spent days chasing lost donkeys (1 Samuel 9:3–4). • Out of options, the servant suggests seeking “the man of God” in a nearby town (9:6). • They prepare a small gift, honoring the prophet’s office even before they meet him (9:7–8). Observations from 1 Samuel 9:18 “Then Saul approached Samuel at the gate and asked, ‘Please tell me where the seer’s house is.’ ” Marks of humility in Saul’s approach • He “approached” personally—no entourage, no demand, just a seeker coming to the man of God. • The courteous “Please” signals deference rather than entitlement. • He addresses Samuel only as “seer,” unaware of Samuel’s identity, proving he is not currying favor but genuinely seeking guidance. • Saul’s earlier question, “What can we bring the man?” (9:7), shows he feels the need to give rather than take. • Moments later he says, “Am I not a Benjamite… the least of all the tribes?” (9:21), underscoring a humble self-view. Expressions of respect for God’s prophet • Waiting at the city gate—an ancient place of authority—he observes local custom, signaling he will not barge into Samuel’s space. • He seeks directions instead of asserting who he is; he has not yet been anointed king and acts as an ordinary Israelite. • Gift-giving (9:8) mirrors other respectful approaches to prophets (2 Kings 4:42; 8:8). • He recognizes Samuel’s spiritual authority before learning Samuel already knows him (9:19–20). Related Scriptures that reinforce these qualities • 1 Samuel 9:6—Samuel is “highly respected”; Saul’s demeanor matches that reputation. • Isaiah 66:2—God looks to “the one who is humble and contrite in spirit.” • Proverbs 3:34; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5—“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” • Hebrews 13:17—Believers are to “obey your leaders and submit to them,” a principle Saul models here. Take-away principles • True humility shows in how we approach God’s messengers—and, by extension, God’s Word. • Courtesy and honor open doors to divine guidance; arrogance shuts them. • Small acts (“please,” a modest gift, waiting at the gate) reveal a heart ready for God’s assignment. • Saul’s early humility reminds us that initial reverence must be guarded; later pride cost him dearly (1 Samuel 15:17). |
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