So the cook picked up the leg and what was attached to it and set it before Saul. Then Samuel said, "Here is what was kept back. It was set apart for you. Eat, for it has been kept for you for this occasion, from the time I said, 'I have invited the people.'" So Saul dined with Samuel that day. So the cook picked up the leg and what was attached to it and set it before Saul.The choice portion of the sacrificial meal was placed before Saul in the presence of Samuel and the gathered guests. Such an honor identified Saul as the principal guest and quietly prepared him for the greater honor God had appointed for him. What appeared to be a customary meal had been ordered by the Lord to mark Saul as Israel’s coming king. Lev 7:32-34 And you are to give the right thigh to the priest… Then Samuel said, “Here is what was kept back. Samuel revealed that Saul’s place at the meal had been prepared in advance. The reserved portion showed that Samuel had expected Saul’s arrival because God had already told him whom He would send. Saul had come seeking lost donkeys, but the Lord had brought him to receive the first public sign of his royal calling. Lev 2:3 The remainder of the grain offering shall belong to Aaron… It was set apart for you. The portion reserved for Saul reflected his own being set apart for a distinct office. Israel’s king was not merely a political leader chosen by popular preference; he was to be the Lord’s anointed servant, responsible to govern God’s people under God’s authority. The honor bestowed on Saul also increased the seriousness of his future accountability. 1Sa 21:4-6 “There is no common bread on hand,” the priest replied,… Eat, for it has been kept for you for this occasion, Samuel called Saul to receive what had been prepared for him. The meal expressed welcome, fellowship, and divine provision at the beginning of Saul’s new calling. God’s timing was evident: Saul received this honor on the very day he met Samuel, before he understood the purpose for which the Lord had led him. Jhn 2:10 Everyone serves the fine wine first, and then the cheap wine… from the time I said, ‘I have invited the people.’” Samuel had arranged the sacrificial gathering with Saul in view, though the guests did not yet know why he would be honored. The invited men witnessed Saul’s elevation at the meal, providing an early public setting for the king whom Samuel would soon anoint privately. Samuel acted as God’s prophet, directing the events according to the revelation he had received. Luk 14:16-17 But Jesus replied, “A certain man prepared a great banquet… So Saul dined with Samuel that day. Saul’s fellowship with Samuel joined him to the prophet through whom God would announce and confirm his kingship. Sharing the sacrificial meal also pointed to peace with God and participation in the life of His covenant people. The day that began with concern over his father’s donkeys became the beginning of Saul’s path toward the throne. Exo 24:9-11 Then Moses went up with Aaron, Nadab and Abihu,… Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe first king of Israel, chosen by God through the prophet Samuel. At this point, Saul is unaware of his future role as king. 2. Samuel A prophet and judge of Israel who anoints Saul as king. He plays a crucial role in transitioning Israel from a theocracy to a monarchy. 3. The Cook An unnamed servant who follows Samuel's instructions to serve the reserved portion to Saul, symbolizing God's provision and choice. 4. The Meal A significant event where Saul is honored, symbolizing his future leadership and God's provision. 5. Ramah The place where this event occurs, Samuel's hometown, and a center for worship and prophecy. Teaching Points Divine AppointmentGod orchestrates events for His purposes. Saul's meal with Samuel was divinely appointed, reminding us that God has a plan for each of us. Symbolism of Provision The reserved portion signifies God's provision and choice. Trust in God's provision, even when the future is uncertain. Honor and Humility Saul is honored with the best portion, yet he remains humble. We should accept God's blessings with humility and gratitude. Preparation for Leadership Saul's meal is a preparation for his future role. God often prepares us in small ways for larger responsibilities. Community and Fellowship The communal meal underscores the importance of fellowship in God's plans. Engage in community as a way to experience God's presence and purpose. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the reserved portion given to Saul reflect God's sovereignty and provision in your own life?2. In what ways can you see God preparing you for future roles or responsibilities, as He did with Saul? 3. How can you practice humility and gratitude when receiving honor or blessings from God? 4. What are some ways you can engage in community and fellowship to better understand God's plans for you? 5. How does the concept of divine appointments in this passage encourage you to trust in God's timing and purpose? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 10:1This verse describes Samuel anointing Saul as king, connecting the meal as a precursor to Saul's anointing. Genesis 18:1-8 Abraham's hospitality to the three visitors, which also involves a meal, highlighting the importance of meals in divine encounters. Luke 22:19 Jesus' Last Supper, where He breaks bread with His disciples, symbolizing a new covenant, similar to how Saul's meal symbolizes a new beginning for Israel.
People Abiel, Aphiah, Bechorath, Benjamin, Benjaminites, Benjamites, Israelites, Kish, Samuel, Saul, Zeror, ZuphPlaces Ramah, Shaalim, Shalishah, ZuphTopics Appointed, Aside, Ate, Behold, Cook, Dined, Eat, Eateth, Fat, Feast, Front, Guests, Hour, Invite, Invited, Kept, Leg, Lifteth, Occasion, Portion, Present, Reserved, Samuel, Saul, Saying, Season, Setteth, Shoulder, Tail, Thigh, Till, UpperDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 9:11-24Library 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 9:24 NIV1 Samuel 9:24 NLT 1 Samuel 9:24 ESV 1 Samuel 9:24 NASB 1 Samuel 9:24 KJV 1 Samuel 9:24 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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