What does Saul's willingness to give a gift reveal about his character? Setting the Scene: A Simple Question in Verse 7 “ ‘If we go,’ Saul replied, ‘what can we give the man? The bread in our sacks is gone, and we have no gift to take to the man of God. What do we have?’ ” (1 Samuel 9:7) Saul and his servant are searching for lost donkeys. They believe Samuel, the respected seer, can help—but approaching a man of God empty-handed feels improper. Saul’s instinct is to honor the prophet with a gift. Gifts in the Ancient Near East: Context Matters • Bringing a present to an honored person or prophet was normal courtesy (cf. 1 Kings 14:3). • Gifts acknowledged someone’s authority and served as tangible gratitude for spiritual service. • Refusing to come empty-handed showed humility and respect—never bribery, but recognition of divine office. Character Insights from Saul’s Offer • Respectful of Spiritual Authority – Saul does not presume free access to the prophet’s help; he wants to honor Samuel’s role as God’s spokesperson. • Humble and Considerate – He stops their journey to ask, “What can we give?” revealing awareness of his social obligations. • Responsible Leadership Potential – Even before he is anointed king, Saul shows thoughtfulness toward proper protocol—an early hint of leadership courtesy. • Practical Realism – He notes the practical problem: “The bread in our sacks is gone.” Saul balances spiritual intentions with material realities. • Dependent Yet Willing – When his servant produces the silver (v. 8), Saul readily accepts the solution, demonstrating flexibility and teachability. Echoes in Other Scriptures • Genesis 24:52-53—Abraham’s servant gives costly gifts to Rebekah’s family, acknowledging God’s guidance. • Proverbs 18:16—“A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.” Saul intuitively follows this principle. • 2 Kings 5:5—Naaman brings gifts to Elisha, underscoring the enduring pattern of honoring God’s messengers. • Luke 17:15-16—The grateful leper returns to thank Jesus, linking gratitude with proper worship. Personal Takeaways for Today • Cultivate a heart that honors God’s servants and ministries with tangible support. • Approach spiritual counsel with humility, recognizing its divine significance. • Combine practical responsibility with reverence—meeting material needs while upholding spiritual values. |
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