What significance do the three men and their gifts hold in this verse? The Text in Focus “Then they will greet you and give you two loaves of bread, which you will accept from their hands.” (1 Samuel 10:4) Historical Setting • Saul has just been anointed privately by Samuel (1 Samuel 10:1). • Samuel gives Saul three confirming signs (10:2–7); the encounter with the three men is the second sign. • The men are “going up to God at Bethel” (10:3)—pilgrims headed to worship. Literal Details of the Sign • Three actual men. • Three specific items: – One carries three young goats. – One carries three loaves of bread. – One carries a skin of wine. • Two loaves are handed to Saul, and he is to accept them. Sacrificial Symbolism Behind the Gifts The items match the basic components of a Mosaic sacrifice: 1. Goats – a sin offering (Numbers 28:15). 2. Bread (grain) – a grain offering (Leviticus 2:1–4). 3. Wine – a drink offering (Exodus 29:40). Together they picture a complete act of worship. God is showing Saul that his kingship must be rooted in obedient, whole-hearted sacrifice. Why Three Men? • Completeness: three often signals fullness in Scripture (Isaiah 6:3; Matthew 28:19). • Corporate witness: “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses” (Deuteronomy 19:15). Personal Provision for the New King • Saul’s supplies had run out earlier (1 Samuel 9:7). God now replenishes him. • Accepting the bread marks Saul as the chosen king, receiving sustenance directly from God’s worshipers. • It assures Saul that the One who calls also provides (Philippians 4:19). Spiritual Foreshadowing • Bread and wine look ahead to the covenant meal shared by the Messiah with His followers (Matthew 26:26–28). • The goats point to the Substitute who would bear sin (Isaiah 53:4–6; John 1:29). • Just as Saul receives confirming bread, believers receive Christ, “the bread of life” (John 6:35), as the guarantee of God’s favor. Takeaways for Believers Today • God confirms His call with clear, observable signs rooted in His Word. • True leadership flows out of worship and sacrifice, not mere politics. • The Lord provides what His servants lack, often through fellow worshipers. • Every provision ultimately directs our eyes to Christ, the perfect and complete offering. |
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