Instructions from young women

Saul and his servant encountered some young women going out to draw water and asked them if a seer was in the town (in those times, fetching water was women’s work). The young women informed them that they came at a perfect timing. (1) Samuel had come to the town that day to offer a sacrifice at a high place. (2) During this time, before the temple was built, it was permissible for priests like Samuel to offer sacrifices at high places (altars). (3) After offering the sacrifice, Samuel was scheduled to have a meal with the invited guests.

The work of God’s providence

Before proceeding further, let’s acknowledge how wonderfully God’s providence was at work. (1) The people of Israel demanded for a king. God accepted their demand, but it was His permissive will. (2) The process of God’s selection of a person began. The first event was the disappearance of Kish’s donkeys. (3) Kish commanded his son, Saul, to search for them. Saul searched for them extensively, but they were not found. (4) When they were about to return home, the servant accompanying Saul suggested visiting the seer. Remarkably, he had a quarter shekel of silver for a gift. (5) That day, Samuel had come to Ramah to offer a sacrifice. (6) Samuel and Saul met in the center of the town. God’s providence refers to the “invisible hand of God.” Behind all everyday events, the hand of God is at work. Blessed are those who live their daily lives being carried by the divine hand. Let’s walk in peace today, for God prepares the encounters we need through His providence.