What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 9:14?

So Saul and his servant went up toward the city

“ So Saul and his servant went up toward the city ” (1 Samuel 9:14)

• God’s hidden hand is guiding a mundane search for lost donkeys into a meeting with destiny. Compare Genesis 24:27, where the servant rejoices that the LORD “led me on the journey.”

• Saul’s obedience to his father Kish (1 Samuel 9:3–4) positions him for divine appointment, echoing Proverbs 16:9, “A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.”

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and as they were entering it

“ and as they were entering it ” (1 Samuel 9:14)

• Timing is impeccable. Saul arrives at the very moment Samuel is near, underscoring Psalm 37:23, “The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD.”

• The gate scene anticipates future royal entrances (2 Samuel 15:2–4); God often meets His servants at thresholds of change.

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there was Samuel coming toward them

“ there was Samuel coming toward them ” (1 Samuel 9:14)

• Samuel, already told by God to expect Saul (1 Samuel 9:15–16), moves proactively. This models shepherding leadership seen later in John 10:4, where the shepherd “goes on ahead of them.”

• Divine revelation and human action work together. Samuel’s forward movement pictures James 2:17—faith expressed in deeds.

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on his way up to the high place

“ on his way up to the high place ” (1 Samuel 9:14)

• The high place was where the sacrifice and fellowship meal would occur (1 Samuel 9:12–13). Worship frames this entire encounter, reminding us that true leadership begins with fellowship before God (Psalm 24:3–4).

• Saul will be given “the portion” (1 Samuel 9:23–24), symbolizing God’s choosing. Much later, Jesus hosts a meal that signals a new covenant (Luke 22:14–20), fulfilling the pattern.

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summary

Every phrase of 1 Samuel 9:14 showcases God’s precise orchestration. Ordinary obedience (seeking donkeys) intersects with prophetic expectation (Samuel’s advance) within a setting of worship (the high place). The verse reassures us that, for those who walk in simple faithfulness, God masterfully aligns steps, times, and places to unveil His purposes.