And 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?" And as they were climbing the hill to the city,Saul and his servant approached a city built on elevated ground, where Samuel had come to preside over a sacrificial meal. Their search for lost donkeys had brought them, without their understanding, to the place where God would reveal Saul’s calling. The upward journey anticipates Saul’s movement from ordinary concerns into the public responsibility of kingship. Psa 122:3-4 Jerusalem is built up as a city united together,… they met some young women coming out to draw water The women were performing a regular household duty at a customary gathering place outside the city. God used this ordinary encounter to direct Saul precisely to Samuel. Similar meetings at wells in the lives of Rebekah and Rachel show how the Lord often advances His purposes through daily events and willing servants. Gen 24:11-20 As evening approached, he made the camels kneel down… and asked, “Is the seer here?” Saul sought Samuel’s guidance because the seer was known as one who received God’s revelation. Samuel was not merely able to help locate the donkeys; he had been prepared by the Lord to announce Saul’s anointing. Saul’s question opened the way for an encounter that would change Israel’s history. 1Ch 9:22 The number of those chosen to be gatekeepers… Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe son of Kish, from the tribe of Benjamin, who is on a journey to find his father's lost donkeys. This journey leads to his anointing as the first king of Israel. 2. Servant Accompanies Saul on his journey and suggests seeking the guidance of a seer, demonstrating faith and practicality. 3. Young Women They are drawing water, a common task in ancient times, and provide directions to Saul and his servant, showing the role of women in daily life and divine encounters. 4. Seer (Samuel) The prophet and judge of Israel, who is later revealed to be the one Saul is seeking. The term "seer" (Hebrew: "ro'eh") indicates one who sees visions or has insight from God. 5. City The unnamed city where Samuel resides, representing a place of divine appointment and revelation. Teaching Points Divine AppointmentsGod orchestrates events and encounters in our lives for His purposes. We should be attentive to seemingly ordinary moments that may have divine significance. Seeking Godly Counsel Like Saul and his servant seeking the seer, we should seek guidance from those who are spiritually mature and have insight from God. Role of Women The young women play a crucial role in directing Saul. This highlights the importance of women in God's plans and the value of their contributions. Faith in Action The servant's suggestion to seek the seer demonstrates faith in action. We should be proactive in seeking God's will and direction in our lives. Preparation for Leadership Saul's journey is part of his preparation for leadership. God often uses ordinary circumstances to prepare us for future roles and responsibilities. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the encounter with the young women at the well demonstrate God's providence in Saul's journey? Can you think of a time when a seemingly ordinary encounter had a significant impact on your life?2. In what ways can we seek godly counsel in our own lives, and how can this be related to the advice given in Proverbs 3:5-6? 3. How does the role of the young women in this passage challenge or affirm your understanding of the role of women in biblical accounts and in the church today? 4. Reflect on a time when you had to take a step of faith, like Saul's servant. What was the outcome, and how did it shape your understanding of God's guidance? 5. How can we prepare ourselves for future roles and responsibilities that God may have for us, as seen in Saul's journey to kingship? Consider connections to other biblical figures who were prepared by God for leadership. Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 24The encounter at the well with Rebekah, which also involves divine guidance and provision, parallels the meeting of Saul with the young women. John 4 Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well, highlighting themes of divine appointment and revelation. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trusting in the Lord for guidance, as Saul and his servant seek direction from the seer.
People Abiel, Aphiah, Bechorath, Benjamin, Benjaminites, Benjamites, Israelites, Kish, Samuel, Saul, Zeror, ZuphPlaces Ramah, Shaalim, Shalishah, ZuphTopics Ascent, Draw, Forth, Girls, Hill, Maidens, Met, Seer, Slope, Town, WomenDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 9:11Library The Old Judge and the Young King'Now the Lord had told Samuel In his ear a day before Saul came, saying, 16, To-morrow, about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over My people Israel, that he may save My people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon My people, because their cry is come unto Me. 17. And when Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over My people. 18. Then Saul drew … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture 1 to Pray Does not Imply that Without Prayer God Would not Give us Anything... Ramah. Ramathaim Zophim. Gibeah. Meditations Before Dinner and Supper. Samuel Links 1 Samuel 9:11 NIV1 Samuel 9:11 NLT 1 Samuel 9:11 ESV 1 Samuel 9:11 NASB 1 Samuel 9:11 KJV 1 Samuel 9:11 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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