1 Samuel 9:15-21
15 Now a day before Saul’s coming, the Lord had revealed this to Samuel, saying,
16 “About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him as ruler over My people Israel; and he will save My people from the hand of the Philistines. For I have considered My people, because their outcry has come to Me.”
17 When Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said to him, “Behold, the man of whom I spoke to you! This one shall rule over My people.”
18 Then Saul approached Samuel at the gateway and said, “Please tell me where the seer’s house is.”
19 And Samuel answered Saul and said, “I am the seer. Go up ahead of me to the high place, for you shall eat with me today; and in the morning I will let you go, and will tell you everything that is on your mind.
20 And as for your donkeys that wandered off three days ago, do not be concerned about them, for they have been found. And for whom is everything that is desirable in Israel? Is it not for you and for all your father’s household?”
21 Saul replied, “Am I not a Benjaminite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel, and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then have you spoken to me in this way?”
Meeting with Samuel
The revelation from the Lord
Saul was searching for Samuel, but Samuel already knew of Saul’s coming, as he had received a revelation from the Lord the day before. (1) The Lord had prepared someone to be the king of Israel and was sending him to Samuel. (2) This person was from the tribe of Benjamin and would be anointed by Samuel as king. (3) He would save the people of Israel from the Philistines. Although during Samuel’s time, Israel had seen a significant victories over the Philistines, by this time, they had regained strength and were again oppressing Israel. (4) The moment Samuel saw Saul, he received a word from the Lord saying, “Behold, the man of whom I spoke to you! This one shall rule over My people.” This word was a reconfirmation of the revelation Samuel had received the previous day.
Meeting Samuel
(1) Saul meets Samuel but does not realize that he is Samuel. (2) Samuel reveals himself as the seer and invites Saul to the feast held after the offering of the sacrifice. (3) He also informs Saul that the female donkeys have already been found; speaking as if he sees through Saul’s mind. He points out that Saul’s real concern is not about the donkeys but about how he can serve the people of Israel. (4) Samuel then prophesies that the kingship of Israel will be bestowed upon Saul. Saul, hearing the prophecy, seems to have been greatly surprised. (1) He tells Samuel that he belongs to the smallest tribe in Israel, the tribe of Benjamin (indeed, the tribe of Benjamin had significantly decreased in number after the battles in Judges Ch. 20 and 21). (2) He also says that his family is the least significant within the tribe of Benjamin. Saul was very humble, which pleased the Lord. There are many people in the world, but there is only one person, who set out to search for lost donkeys and end up discovering kingship – Saul. Saul started off well with a humble attitude. Let’s remember that the Lord still seeks vessels that serve God and people with humility.
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, I will go out into the world today, clothing myself with humility, so that I can be used by You. Please protect me from arrogance. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.