1 Samuel 9
Wayne Barber · Citado em PreceptAustin
1 Samuel 9
Barber - In a brief flashback we learn that God had taken the initiative in selecting a king for His people. The day before, He had whispered in Samuel’s ear, “About [this] time tomorrow I will send to you a man out of the land of Benjamin; and you shall anoint him [to be] the leader of my people Israel” (1 Samuel 9:16). Samuel’s godward relationship was remarkable. His trust in the Lord was implicit. After being rejected by the people (1 Samuel 8) he did not show any resentment when God told him about the man who would replace him as judge of the nation. Instead we note a readiness to further the plan and purpose of God. Such obedience is both noteworthy and praiseworthy. When Samuel saw Saul and his servant, the Lord said to him, “Look, the man of whom I spoke to you; this [one] shall rule over My people” (1Sa 9:17). (Books of Samuel) William Blaikie - THE meeting between Samuel and Saul was preceded by previous meetings between Samuel and God. God had prepared the prophet for his visit from the future king of Israel, and the first thing brought before us in these verses is the communication on this subject which had been made to the prophet a day before. It is very interesting to observe how readily Samuel still lends himself for any service he can render on behalf of his people, under the new arrangement that God had permitted for their government. We have seen how mortified Samuel was at first, when the people came to him with their request for a king. He took it as a personal affront, as well as a grave public error. Conscious as he was of having done his duty faithfully, and of having rendered high service to the nation, and reposing calmly, as he probably was, on the expectation that at least for some time to come, Israel would move forward peacefully and happily on the lines which he had drawn for them, it must have been a staggering blow when they came to him and asked him to overturn all that he had done, and make them a king. It must have been one of those bewildering moments when one's whole life appears lost, and all one's dearest hopes and hardest labours lie shattered, like the fragments of a potter's vessel. We have seen how, in that sad moment, Samuel carried his sorrows to the Lord, and learning thus to view the whole matter from God's point of view, how he came to make comparatively little account of his own disappointment, and to think only how he could still serve the cause of God, how he could still help the people, how he could prevent the vessel which he was no longer to steer from dashing against the hidden rocks he saw so clearly ahead. It is impossible not to be struck with the beauty and purity of Samuel's character in this mode of action. How many a good man takes offence when slighted or superseded by some committee or other body, in connection with a political, social, or religious cause which he has tried to help! If they won't have me, he says, let them do without me. If they won't allow me to carry out the course which I have followed, and which has been undoubtedly highly beneficial, I'll have nothing more to do with them. He sulks in his tent like Achilles, or goes over to the enemy like Coriolanus. Not so Samuel! His love for the people is too deep to allow of such a course. They have behaved badly to him, but notwithstanding he will not leave them. Like an injured but loving wife, who labours with every art of patient affection to reclaim the husband that has abused her and broken her heart; like a long-suffering father, who attends with his own hands to the neglected work of his dissipated son, to save him if possible from the consequences of his folly - Samuel overlooks his personal slight, and bears with the public folly of the people, in the endeavour to be of some use to them in the important stage of their history on which they are entering. He receives Divine communications respecting the man who is to supersede him in the government of the people, and instead of jealousy and dislike, shows every readiness to help him. It is refreshing to find such tokens of magnanimity and disinterestedness. However paltry human nature may be in itself, it can become very noble when rehabilitated by the Spirit of God. Need we ask which is the nobler course? You feel that you have not been treated perhaps by your church with sufficient consideration. You fret, you complain, you stay away from church, you pour your grievance into every open ear. Would Samuel have done so? Is not your conduct the very reverse of his? Side by side with his, must not yours be pronounced poor and paltry? Have you not need to study the thirteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians, and when you read of the charity that "beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things," ask yourselves whether it might not be said of you that you have neither part nor lot in this matter? 1 Samuel 9:16 "About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him to be prince over My people Israel; and he will deliver My people from the hand of the Philistines. For I have regarded My people, because their cry has come to Me." BGT 1 Samuel 9:16 ὡς ὁ καιρὸς αὔριον ἀποστελῶ πρὸς σὲ ἄνδρα ἐκ γῆς Βενιαμιν καὶ χρίσεις αὐτὸν εἰς ἄρχοντα ἐπὶ τὸν λαόν μου Ισραηλ καὶ σώσει τὸν λαόν μου ἐκ χειρὸς ἀλλοφύλων ὅτι ἐπέβλεψα ἐπὶ τὴν ταπείνωσιν τοῦ λαοῦ μου ὅτι ἦλθεν βοὴ αὐτῶν πρός με KJV 1 Samuel 9:16 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. NET 1 Samuel 9:16 "At this time tomorrow I will send to you a man from the land of Benjamin. You must consecrate him as a leader over my people Israel. He will save my people from the hand of the Philistines. For I have looked with favor on my people. Their cry has reached me!" CSB 1 Samuel 9:16 "At this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin. Anoint him ruler over My people Israel. He will save them from the hand of the Philistines because I have seen the affliction of My people, for their cry has come to Me." ESV 1 Samuel 9:16 "Tomorrow about this time I will send to you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him to be prince over my people Israel. He shall save my people from the hand of the Philistines. For I have seen my people, because their cry has come to me." NIV 1 Samuel 9:16 "About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin. Anoint him leader over my people Israel; he will deliver my people from the hand of the Philistines. I have looked upon my people, for their cry has reached me." NLT 1 Samuel 9:16 "About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin. Anoint him to be the leader of my people, Israel. He will rescue them from the Philistines, for I have looked down on my people in mercy and have heard their cry." NRS 1 Samuel 9:16 "Tomorrow about this time I will send to you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him to be ruler over my people Israel. He shall save my people from the hand of the Philistines; for I have seen the suffering of my people, because their outcry has come to me." YLT 1 Samuel 9:16 'At this time tomorrow, I send unto thee a man out of the land of Benjamin -- and thou hast anointed him for leader over My people Israel, and he hath saved My people out of the hand of the Philistines; for I have seen My people, for its cry hath come in unto Me.' you shall 1Sa 10:1 15:1 16:3 1Ki 19:15,16 2Ki 9:3-6 regarded: Ex 2:23-25 Ex 3:7-9 Ps 25:18 106:44 1 Samuel 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Proverbs 16:9 The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps. Proverbs 20:24 Man’s steps are ordained by the LORD, How then can man understand his way? Exodus 2:23-25 Now it came about in the course of those many days that the king of Egypt died. And the sons of Israel sighed because of the bondage, and they cried out; and their cry for help because of their bondage rose up to God. So God heard their groaning; and (WHY DID GOD RESPOND TO THEM?) God remembered His (UNCONDITIONAL) covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 25 God saw the sons of Israel, and God took notice of them. Exodus 3:7 The LORD said, “I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and have given heed to their cry because of their taskmasters, for I am aware of their sufferings. GOD WILL SEND A MAN TO HIS PROPHET About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin - Note (1) God gives the exact time and (2) states it is He who is sending Saul, clearly indicating the donkey "two step" was God plan all along! In this entire unfolding scenario God is behind the scene and is in full control! God says a man but does not tell Samuel his name. The implication is that He will give Samuel discernment to recognize Saul, which in fact he does in verse 17. God said it and the next day God followed through like He always does! Guzik on I will send a man - He would indeed give them a king, but He sent a flawed king to a flawed Israel. Bergen alludes to the sovereignty of God - Deeper than any mortal motives driving the encounter were the currents of divine will: the Lord was fulfilling his promise to give Israel their new leader (Hb. nāgîd), who would deliver (Hb. hôšîaʿ) Israel from “the hand of the Philistines.” (Borrow 1 & 2 Samuel - New American Commentary) As Davis quips "This is not another episode of "As the Cookie Crumbles"; Saul is sent, designated, disclosed by Yahweh. Sometimes it helps to be in on the secret." And you shall anoint (masah/maschah'; Lxx = chrio) him to be prince (nagid) over My people Israel - NET - "You must consecrate him as a leader over my people Israel. God does not call Saul a king here but uses the word for leader (Lxx = archoo - one exercising authority, invested with power). And he will deliver (save - yasha') My people from the hand of the Philistines - Notice will defines this as a prophecy. Not all uses of "will" indicate a prophetic statement, but many do as shown by the context. Deliver is used repeatedly in the book of Judges to describe the role of the judges God raised up to deliver the people from the hand of their enemies. Now that role transfers to the monarchy and God will use kings to carry out that same function. It is notable that the Philistines are now "back in the picture," for during all the days of Samuel the Philistines were subdued and did not come anymore within the border of Israel (1Sa 7:13). Clearly the Philistines are "rattling their sabers" again and we will encounter them in 1Sa 13+. And remember God is sovereign over all these events so clearly it is God Who is arousing the Philistines. But He is also the One anointing a king to provide deliverance. These events will prove crucial in laying a foundation for the new king to exert power and authority. For - Term of explanation. What is Yahweh explaining to Samuel. I have regarded My people, because their cry has come to Me - God says He heard the cries of Israel. While this could refer to their cry for a king, in context it more likely refers to their cry because they are aware of the rising Philistine threat. Note God refers to Israel not as Saul's subjects but as "My people" (4x in vv16-17). The point is that while they had rejected God as their King, God had not rejected them and still laid claim to them as His treasured possession (Ex 19:5; Dt 7:6; 14:2; Dt 26:18). W. G. Blaikie has summed God's response to their cry - God speaks after the manner of men. He needs no cry to come into His ears to tell Him of the woes of the oppressed. Nevertheless He seems to wait till that cry is raised, till the appeal is made to Him, till the consciousness of utter helplessness sends men to His footstool. And a very blessed truth it is, that He sympathizes with the cry of the oppressed. There is much meaning in the simple expression—“their cry is come up to Me.” It denotes a very tender sympathy a concern for all that they have been suffering, and a resolution to interpose on their behalf. God is never impassive nor indifferent to the sorrows and sufferings of His people. (Expositor's Bible Commentary) Davis has an interesting comment which relates the events in chapter 9 to all of our lives - However, we might ask: Does Yahweh's providence only operate in the affairs of major figures in salvation history (Saul in this case) or does his (mostly) invisible wisdom follow my path as well? Does Yahweh direct only major episodes in his kingdom or does his sway extend to the individual lives of his subjects? Surely the latter. Wisdom testifies to it: "A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps" (Pr 16:9); and "A man's steps are ordered by the Lord; how then can man understand his way?" (Pr 20:24RSV). So Yahweh's strange and baffling providence is not the exclusive privilege of some kingdom elite; it extends to each of his people no matter how apparently common. However, unlike 1 Samuel 9, he may not let you in on the secret. You may see traces of what he has been doing much later as you look back, but in the present you may be just as much in the dark as Saul was. If so, you must simply go on looking for the lost asses—or whatever task God has given you to do. Anoint (04886) masah/maschah is a verb which basically means to smear something on, to rub with oil, to anoint (as in setting one apart for office or function - Elisha as prophet = 1Ki 19:16, kings for office = 1Sa 9:16 = Saul,1Sa 16:12 = David, 1Ki 1:39 = Solomon) and by implication to sanctify (set aside for sacred purpose) or consecrate (dedicate for a sacred purpose) (altar = Nu 7:10; vessels for worship - Ex 29:36 = "you shall anoint it to consecrate it;" Ex 30:26, 40:9-10). In the first OT use, Jacob "anointed a pillar" and made a vow to God (Ge 31:13; Lxx = aleipho = to anoint by applying a liquid - Jesus' feet were anointed with perfume - Lk 7:38, 46). Baker adds that "The anointing was done with oil to symbolize the elevation of the person to a new position such as priest or king (2Sa 5:3)." Masah is used of Aaron being anointed (Ex 28:41+, Ex 29:7+, Ex 29:29+) and is translated in the Septuagint (Lxx) with chrio which means to anoint and in the NT only referred to an anointing by God of someone, setting them apart for special service under divine direction (2Co 1:21). In Lk 4:18+ chrio refers to the anointing of Jesus for His ministry (quoting from Isa 61:1+ which also uses chrio to translate masah) Chrio also refers to Jesus' being anointed in Hebrew 1:9+ "“YOU HAVE LOVED RIGHTEOUSNESS AND HATED LAWLESSNESS; THEREFORE GOD, YOUR GOD, HAS ANOINTED YOU WITH THE OIL OF GLADNESS ABOVE YOUR COMPANIONS.” Deliver (save, help) (03467) yasha' (See also yeshua from which we get our word "Jesus") is an important Hebrew verb which means to help, to save, to deliver. The root in Arabic is "make wide" which underscores the main thought of yasha' as to bring to a place of safety or broad pasture in contrast to a narrow strait which symbolizes distress or danger. Yasha' connotes protection that produces freedom from a present danger (2Sa 22:3, Job 5:4), salvation or deliverance in a religious sense (Ps 51:12), a title of God (Savior - 2Sa 22:47; 1Chr 16:35; Ps 18:46; Ps 24:5; Ps 25:5; Ps 27:9; Ps 65:5; Ps 79:9; Ps 85:4; Isa 17:10; 62:11; Mic 7:7 Hab 3:18), victory as an act or a result of conquering (2Sa 22:36; Ps 18:35) It is notable that almost 20% of the uses of yasha' are found during the dark days of Judges (dominated by the heart attitude of Jdg 21:25), which surely speaks of the undeserved lovingkindness of God! Uses in this section of 1 Samuel - 1 Sam. 9:16; 1 Sam. 10:19; 1 Sam. 10:27; 1 Sam. 11:3; Yasha - 198 verses - Exod. 2:17; Exod. 14:30; Num. 10:9; Deut. 20:4; Deut. 22:27; Deut. 28:29; Deut. 28:31; Deut. 33:29; Jos. 10:6; Jos. 22:22; Jdg. 2:16; Jdg. 2:18; Jdg. 3:9; Jdg. 3:15; Jdg. 3:31; Jdg. 6:14; Jdg. 6:15; Jdg. 6:31; Jdg. 6:36; Jdg. 6:37; Jdg. 7:2; Jdg. 7:7; Jdg. 8:22; Jdg. 10:1; Jdg. 10:12; Jdg. 10:13; Jdg. 10:14; Jdg. 12:2; Jdg. 12:3; Jdg. 13:5; 1 Sam. 4:3; 1 Sam. 7:8; 1 Sam. 9:16; 1 Sam. 10:19; 1 Sam. 10:27; 1 Sam. 11:3; 1 Sam. 14:6; 1 Sam. 14:23; 1 Sam. 14:39; 1 Sam. 17:47; 1 Sam. 23:2; 1 Sam. 23:5; 1 Sam. 25:26; 1 Sam. 25:31; 1 Sam. 25:33; 2 Sam. 3:18; 2 Sam. 8:6; 2 Sam. 8:14; 2 Sam. 10:11; 2 Sam. 10:19; 2 Sam. 14:4; 2 Sam. 22:3; 2 Sam. 22:4; 2 Sam. 22:28; 2 Sam. 22:42; 2 Ki. 6:26; 2 Ki. 6:27; 2 Ki. 13:5; 2 Ki. 14:27; 2 Ki. 16:7; 2 Ki. 19:19; 2 Ki. 19:34; 1 Chr. 11:14; 1 Chr. 16:35; 1 Chr. 18:6; 1 Chr. 18:13; 1 Chr. 19:12; 1 Chr. 19:19; 2 Chr. 20:9; 2 Chr. 32:22; Neh. 9:27; Job 5:15; Job 22:29; Job 26:2; Job 40:14; Ps. 3:7; Ps. 6:4; Ps. 7:1; Ps. 7:10; Ps. 12:1; Ps. 17:7; Ps. 18:3; Ps. 18:27; Ps. 18:41; Ps. 20:6; Ps. 20:9; Ps. 22:21; Ps. 28:9; Ps. 31:2; Ps. 31:16; Ps. 33:16; Ps. 34:6; Ps. 34:18; Ps. 36:6; Ps. 37:40; Ps. 44:3; Ps. 44:6; Ps. 44:7; Ps. 54:1; Ps. 55:16; Ps. 57:3; Ps. 59:2; Ps. 60:5; Ps. 69:1; Ps. 69:35; Ps. 71:2; Ps. 71:3; Ps. 72:4; Ps. 72:13; Ps. 76:9; Ps. 80:3; Ps. 80:7; Ps. 80:19; Ps. 86:2; Ps. 86:16; Ps. 98:1; Ps. 106:8; Ps. 106:10; Ps. 106:21; Ps. 106:47; Ps. 107:13; Ps. 107:19; Ps. 108:6; Ps. 109:26; Ps. 109:31; Ps. 116:6; Ps. 118:25; Ps. 119:94; Ps. 119:117; Ps. 119:146; Ps. 138:7; Ps. 145:19; Prov. 20:22; Prov. 28:18; Isa. 19:20; Isa. 25:9; Isa. 30:15; Isa. 33:22; Isa. 35:4; Isa. 37:20; Isa. 37:35; Isa. 38:20; Isa. 43:3; Isa. 43:11; Isa. 43:12; Isa. 45:15; Isa. 45:17; Isa. 45:20; Isa. 45:21; Isa. 45:22; Isa. 46:7; Isa. 47:13; Isa. 47:15; Isa. 49:25; Isa. 49:26; Isa. 59:1; Isa. 59:16; Isa. 60:16; Isa. 63:1; Isa. 63:5; Isa. 63:8; Isa. 63:9; Isa. 64:5; Jer. 2:27; Jer. 2:28; Jer. 4:14; Jer. 8:20; Jer. 11:12; Jer. 14:8; Jer. 14:9; Jer. 15:20; Jer. 17:14; Jer. 23:6; Jer. 30:7; Jer. 30:10; Jer. 30:11; Jer. 31:7; Jer. 33:16; Jer. 42:11; Jer. 46:27; Lam. 4:17; Ezek. 34:22; Ezek. 36:29; Ezek. 37:23; Hos. 1:7; Hos. 13:4; Hos. 13:10; Hos. 14:3; Obad. 1:21; Hab. 1:2; Zeph. 3:17; Zeph. 3:19; Zech. 8:7; Zech. 8:13; Zech. 9:9; Zech. 9:16; Zech. 10:6; Zech. 12:7 Prince (05057)(nagid/nagiyd) leader, a ruler, a prince. This root basically denotes "to place a matter high, conspicuous before a person" (KB). Baker - This term has a broad range of applications. At the top, it could allude to the king of Israel (1 Sam. 9:16; 13:14; 1 Ki. 1:35); a ruler from a foreign land like Tyre (Ezek. 28:2); or Assyria (2 Chr. 32:21). It could also be used regarding cultic leaders and officials from the high priest down (1 Chr. 9:11, 20; 2 Chr. 31:12, 13; 35:8; Jer. 20:1). It could also be a label for various other lesser positions of leadership (1 Chr. 27:16; 2 Chr. 11:11, 22; 19:11; Job 29:10). The word is also used in an abstract sense to convey that which is princely, noble, and honorable (Prov. 8:6). (The Complete Word Study Dictionary – Old Testament) Vine - nāgîd Usage Notes: "chief leader." This noun occurs 44 times in biblical Hebrew. In 1 Sam. 9:16 the word is used as a "chief leader" that is equivalent to a king: "Tomorrow 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…." Nāgîd appears in 1 Chron. 9:11 to refer to a "chief leader" (ruler) of a smaller region. The word may also be used of a head of a family (1 Chron. 9:20). (Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old Testament and New Testament Words) Gilbrant - Nāghîdh is best understood as a generic word, indicating one who is a leader in a variety of societal roles. The head of a tribe falls under this rubric (1 Chr. 27:16). A number of public officials bore this title. The most notable were the kings of the united monarchy (Saul, 1 Sam. 10:1; David, 1 Sam. 13:14; Solomon, 1 Ki. 1:35), Israel (Jeroboam, 1 Ki. 14:7; Jehu, 1 Ki. 16:2) and Judah (Hezekiah, 2 Ki. 20:5). An unnamed king of Tyre is alluded to in Ezekiel's satirical lament of the coming destruction of the city (Ezek. 28:2). A number of priestly officials had this designation. The high priest (Jer. 20:1), the overseer of community offerings (2 Chr. 31:12) and the supervisor of the gatekeepers (1 Chr. 9:20) all are referred to by nāghîdh. Court officials also bore this title, though they had otherwise unidentified roles (1 Chr. 26:24; 2 Chr. 19:11; 28:7). Israelite military governors of fortresses were designated as nāghîdh (2 Chr. 11:11). Lesser officers in David's army were nāghîdh (1 Chr. 13:1) as were Assyrian military officials of uncertain rank (2 Chr. 32:21). (Complete Biblical Library) Nagid/nagiyd - 45v - chief(2), chief officer(3), commander(1), leader(14), noble things(1), nobles(1), officer(3), officers(1), officials(1), Prince(1), prince(5), princes(1), ruler(11). 1 Sam. 9:16; 1 Sam. 10:1; 1 Sam. 13:14; 1 Sam. 25:30; 2 Sam. 5:2; 2 Sam. 6:21; 2 Sam. 7:8; 1 Ki. 1:35; 1 Ki. 14:7; 1 Ki. 16:2; 2 Ki. 20:5; 1 Chr. 5:2; 1 Chr. 9:11; 1 Chr. 9:20; 1 Chr. 9:26; 1 Chr. 11:2; 1 Chr. 12:27; 1 Chr. 13:1; 1 Chr. 17:7; 1 Chr. 26:24; 1 Chr. 27:4; 1 Chr. 27:16; 1 Chr. 28:4; 1 Chr. 29:22; 2 Chr. 6:5; 2 Chr. 11:11; 2 Chr. 11:22; 2 Chr. 19:11; 2 Chr. 28:7; 2 Chr. 31:12; 2 Chr. 31:13; 2 Chr. 32:21; 2 Chr. 35:8; Neh. 11:11; Job 29:10; Job 31:37; Ps. 76:12; Prov. 8:6; Prov. 28:16; Isa. 55:4; Jer. 20:1; Ezek. 28:2; Dan. 9:25; Dan. 9:26; Dan. 11:22 G Campbell
1 Samuel 9
Barber - Samuel’s words were designed to arouse Saul’s curiosity and lead him into an ever-deepening understanding of himself and God’s purpose for him. (Books of Samuel) 1 Samuel 9:21 Saul replied, "Am I not a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel, and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then do you speak to me in this way?" BGT 1 Samuel 9:21 καὶ ἀπεκρίθη Σαουλ καὶ εἶπεν οὐχὶ ἀνδρὸς υἱὸς Ιεμιναίου ἐγώ εἰμι τοῦ μικροῦ σκήπτρου φυλῆς Ισραηλ καὶ τῆς φυλῆς τῆς ἐλαχίστης ἐξ ὅλου σκήπτρου Βενιαμιν καὶ ἵνα τί ἐλάλησας πρὸς ἐμὲ κατὰ τὸ ῥῆμα τοῦτο KJV 1 Samuel 9:21 And Saul answered and said, Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou so to me? NET 1 Samuel 9:21 Saul replied, "Am I not a Benjaminite, from the smallest of Israel's tribes, and is not my family clan the smallest of all the tribes of Benjamin? Why do you speak to me in this way?" CSB 1 Samuel 9:21 Saul responded, "Am I not a Benjaminite from the smallest of Israel's tribes and isn't my clan the least important of all the clans of the Benjaminite tribe? So why have you said something like this to me?" ESV 1 Samuel 9:21 Saul answered, "Am I not a Benjaminite, from the least of the tribes of Israel? And is not my clan the humblest of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then have you spoken to me in this way?" NIV 1 Samuel 9:21 Saul answered, "But am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why do you say such a thing to me?" NLT 1 Samuel 9:21 Saul replied, "But I'm only from the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest tribe in Israel, and my family is the least important of all the families of that tribe! Why are you talking like this to me?" NRS 1 Samuel 9:21 Saul answered, "I am only a Benjaminite, from the least of the tribes of Israel, and my family is the humblest of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin. Why then have you spoken to me in this way?" YLT 1 Samuel 9:21 And Saul answereth and saith, 'Am not I a Benjamite -- of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? and why hast thou spoken unto me according to this word?' a Benjamite: Jdg 20:46-48 Ps 68:27 my family: 1Sa 10:27 15:17 18:18,23 Jdg 6:14,15 Ho 13:1 Lu 14:11 Eph 3:8 1 Samuel 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SAUL'S HUMILITY OVER SAMUEL'S PROPHECY Saul replied, "Am I not a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel,and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? - Saul is perplexed, not fully grasping the intent of Israel's desire (for a king). Also Saul's attitude appears to speak of some degree of humility, a good place to be, for God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the humble. Saul's mention of being a Benjamite is not without significance, for this is the tribe that the other 11 tribes had almost annihilated because of their sin (cf Jdg 20:35, 48). Indeed Saul came from Gibeah, a Benjamite town whose citizens (Saul’s forebears?) had committed one of the most heinous crimes in Israelite history (cf. Judg 19:22–26). Why then do you speak to me in this way?" - Saul has a "why me" attitude in view of his tribal and family origins. Why would God want him as to be king? Oh, had he maintained this humble attitude once the crown was placed on his head! And as Adam Clarke chimes "This speech of Saul is exceedingly modest; he was now becomingly humble; but who can bear elevation and prosperity?” Note that we have no record of Samuel responding to Saul's questions.
1 Samuel 9
Barber - A great deal of controversy has arisen over Saul’s being given this honor. Some commentators point out that the right thigh was reserved solely for the priests (cf. Exodus 29:27; Leviticus 7:34; 10:14–15; Numbers 6:20) and imply that Samuel was virtually bestowing priestly prerogatives on Saul. These commentators seem to forget that an animal has two hind legs and that the words “that which remains” (1 Samuel 9:24) may well be a reference to the left hind leg that remained after the priests had taken their rightful share. Josephus in his Antiquities of the Jews identified this piece of meat as the “royal portion,” which would have further indicated to Saul the great events that were soon to fulfill Samuel’s words of 9:20. (Books of Samuel)
1 Samuel 9
Barber - Samuel showed Saul a significant honor by walking with him down to the gate of the city to see him on his way. 1 Samuel 9:27 As they were going down to the edge of the city, Samuel said to Saul, "Say to the servant that he might go ahead of us and pass on, but you remain standing now, that I may proclaim the word of God to you." BGT 1 Samuel 9:27 αὐτῶν καταβαινόντων εἰς μέρος τῆς πόλεως καὶ Σαμουηλ εἶπεν τῷ Σαουλ εἰπόν τῷ νεανίσκῳ καὶ διελθέτω ἔμπροσθεν ἡμῶν καὶ σὺ στῆθι ὡς σήμερον καὶ ἄκουσον ῥῆμα θεοῦ KJV 1 Samuel 9:27 And as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us, (and he passed on,) but stand thou still a while, that I may shew thee the word of God. NET 1 Samuel 9:27 While they were going down to the edge of town, Samuel said to Saul, "Tell the servant to go on ahead of us." So he did. Samuel then said, "You remain here awhile, so I can inform you of God's message." CSB 1 Samuel 9:27 As they were going down to the edge of the city, Samuel said to Saul, "Tell the attendant to go on ahead of us, but you stay for a while, and I'll reveal the word of God to you." So the attendant went on. ESV 1 Samuel 9:27 As they were going down to the outskirts of the city, Samuel said to Saul, "Tell the servant to pass on before us, and when he has passed on, stop here yourself for a while, that I may make known to you the word of God." NIV 1 Samuel 9:27 As they were going down to the edge of the town, Samuel said to Saul, "Tell the servant to go on ahead of us"--and the servant did so--"but you stay here awhile, so that I may give you a message from God." NLT 1 Samuel 9:27 When they reached the edge of town, Samuel told Saul to send his servant on ahead. After the servant was gone, Samuel said, "Stay here, for I have received a special message for you from God." NRS 1 Samuel 9:27 As they were going down to the outskirts of the town, Samuel said to Saul, "Tell the boy to go on before us, and when he has passed on, stop here yourself for a while, that I may make known to you the word of God." YLT 1 Samuel 9:27 They are going down in the extremity of the city, and Samuel hath said unto Saul, 'Say to the young man that he pass on before us (and he passeth on), and thou, stand at this time, and I cause thee to hear the word of God.' the servant: 1Sa 20:38,39 Joh 15:14,15 that I may: 1Sa 15:16 2Ki 9:5,6 1 Samuel 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SAMUEL SEPARATES SAUL FOR SPECIAL MESSAGE This verse is a poor chapter break as the narrative clearly continues in 1Sa 10:1+ "Then Samuel took the flask of oil, poured it on his head, kissed him and said, “Has not the LORD anointed you a ruler over His inheritance?" As they were going down to the edge of the city, Samuel said to Saul, "Say to the servant that he might go ahead of us and pass on, but you remain standing now, that I may proclaim the word of God to you." - This message for to be given in private. Note the word of God to you indicates the message Samuel has is not his but is the word of God to Saul. Samuel and the Young Man Saul - Spurgeon, Charles Haddon 1 Samuel 9:27 And as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us, (and he passed on)… This was Samuel's third interview with this goodly young man. This time he spoke to him with great closeness of personal application, sending the servant out of the way that he might say things to him which nobody else might hear. He tried to speak to the young man's inmost soul. The prophet felt a deep solemnity, his whole heart saying every word that fell from his lip. I think I hear his earnest tones, and accents sweetened by a great love, for Samuel loved Saul, and it was his affection which made him speak so earnestly and pointedly. This time the preacher would hold you fast, as if he said to each one, "I will not let thee go unless thou givest thy heart to Christ, and become His servant from this very hour." I. First, let us think upon THE ATTENTION WHICH HE REQUESTED. He said to the servant, "Pass on before us," and he passed on. Bid the servant pass on; forget for a while your business, forget your family, forget your joys, forget your sorrows. I wish I could so speak that men would say of my preaching what they said of Whitefields. One man said, "Whenever I went to church before, I calculated how many looms the church would hold" — for he was a weaver — "but when I heard Whitefield I never thought of a loom." Another said, "While I have been in church I have often built a ship from stem to stern; but when I heard Mr. Whitefield I could not lay a plank; he took my mind right away from such things, and occupied me with higher thoughts." The next point in the attention requested was the desire that he would "stand still a while." I pray you bask in the gospel as men do in the sunlight when they would be warm. Let the gospel have its own legitimate effect upon you. Lay bare your bosom to it. Ask that your soul may have no stone of carelessness laid upon it, as though it were a dead thing in a sepulchre, but that it may come forth in resurrection life through the quickening word of the Divine Spirit. Is not this what the word of God deserves? Should it not have our living, loving attention? When God speaks let all be silent. I have heard that the great clock at St. Paul's can scarcely be heard in Cheapside, by reason of the traffic that is going on; and so the most solemn voices are drowned amidst the din and uproar of our business, and we do not often hear God's voice, unless we are accustomed to give ourselves a little quiet and holy stillness, and sit in our chamber alone, and say, "Now, Lord, commune with me." As the Word of God deserves such quiet attention, it certainly is only by such attention that it is likely to bless us. I remember a child who used to be noted for great attention during sermon, and his mother, noticing his deep earnestness, asked him why He said, "Because, mother, I heard the preacher once say that if there was a piece of the discourse that was likely to be of good to our souls, Satan would try to make us lose it; and as I do not know which part God will bless me by, I try to hear it all, and to remember it all." Oh, when people come to listen to the preacher with such a spirit as that, it is sweet work to preach. But many things arise to prevent this attrition. You cannot get some folks to be still, they are so frivolous; you cannot make them think. Some men dread the process of thinking, almost as much as they would a touch of the "cat" on their backs. They cannot bear to consider and meditate. God has distinguished them above brutes by giving them the faculty of thought, but this high privilege they try to ignore. Do stand still a while, and let nothing come in to break the silence of your spirit, while you listen to the voice of God. I would earnestly persuade every one here who is not saved to get an hour alone somehow. II. THE SUBJECT UPON WHICH SAMUEL DISCOURSED with Saul, or rather the subject about which I would discourse at this time, if I am so happy as to have secured your ear. The subject is the Word of God. That God should give us a Word at all is very gracious. It is wonderful that he should condescend to speak to us, because we cannot understand much: we are like little children at the very best. In the particular word of God which Samuel spoke to Saul there was some likeness to the message which I am bound to deliver to you! Samuel spoke to Saul about a kingdom, of which this young man should be the king. Little did Saul dream that on this day the kingdom should be given him, and little dost thou dream of it perhaps as yet; but I pray thee let me show thee the word of God, for thou mayest yet find a kingdom there, a kingdom for thee, a crown of life for thee which fadeth not away, and a seat at the right hand of God with Christ in the day of His appearing. 2. Samuel not only spoke about the kingdom, but he showed him the word of God by an anointing Thou sayest, "I am not capable of high and noble things." Thou shalt be made capable, for in the day when God anoints thee thou shalt receive strength, — "To as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God." Thou shalt receive enlightenment and illumination by the Divine unction of the Holy Ghost. 3. Samuel spake to Saul about another matter, namely, about a change that he should undergo. Hast thou never heard that God can create thee for the second time? can destroy in thee the power for sin, and bring thee under another dominion, and make thee an eager after right as thou hast been after wrong, and make thee as happy in the service of Christ as ever thou wast in the service of the devil, ay, and ten thousand times more so?