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1 Samuel 9

27 verses

TL;DR

Saul, a Benjamite youth, travels to find his lost asses and encounters the prophet Samuel, who announces that Saul will be anointed king of Israel.

Summary

Saul leaves his father Kish’s home with a servant to find his lost asses, traveling through several territories without success. Arriving in the land of Zuph, they seek out a local seer, the prophet Samuel, offering a small amount of silver. Samuel is introduced to Saul and, guided by the LORD, reveals that Saul will be anointed king over Israel to defeat the Philistines. Saul meets Samuel, shares a meal with him, and is invited to stay, where Samuel proclaims Saul’s future leadership. The chapter ends with Samuel preparing Saul for the divine commission and indicating that Saul’s fate has been determined by God.

Outline
  1. Saul’s quest for lost asses leads to encounter with Samuel
  2. Samuel’s divine announcement of Saul’s anointing as king
  3. Saul meets Samuel, shares a meal, and is prepared for leadership
Themes
Divine appointment and anointingHumility and identity of a simple BenjamiteEmergence of leadership
Keywords
SaulSamuelBenjaminanointinghigh placeseeker of assesprophet
People
KishSaulAbielZerorBechorathAphiahSamuelservant
Places
BenjaminMount Ephraimland of Shalishaland of Shalimland of the Benjamitesland of Zuphthe city where Samuel dwellshigh place
Things
assesshekel of silverhigh placesacrificeparlorthe act of anointing
Key Verses
  • 1 Samuel 9:15: Samuel receives God's instruction to anoint Saul
  • 1 Samuel 9:19: Samuel invites Saul to the high place and speaks of the future
  • 1 Samuel 9:25: Saul partakes in a meal with Samuel, symbolizing fellowship and acceptance
Questions
  • Why did Saul choose to visit a seer for guidance?
  • What does Samuel’s offering of a small silver amount signify about the nature of divine appointments?
  • How does the setting of the high place influence the interaction between Saul and Samuel?
  • In what ways does Saul’s humility contrast with his future role as king?
  • What is the significance of the meal shared between Saul and Samuel?
Sentiment

neutral
The narrative presents events factually with a tone of reverence towards divine guidance.