1 Samuel 9:22-27
22 Then Samuel took Saul and his servant and brought them into the hall, and gave them a place at the head of those who were invited, who were about thirty men.
23 And Samuel said to the cook, “Serve the portion that I gave you about which I said to you, ‘Set it aside.’”
24 Then the cook took up the leg with what was on it and placed it before Saul. And Samuel said, “Here is what has been reserved! Place it before you and eat, because it has been kept for you until the appointed time, since I said I have invited the people.” So Saul ate with Samuel that day.
25 When they came down from the high place into the city, Samuel spoke with Saul on the roof.
26 And they got up early; and at daybreak Samuel called to Saul on the roof, saying, “Get up, so that I may send you on your way.” So Saul got up, and both he and Samuel went out into the street.
27 As they were going down to the edge of the city, Samuel said to Saul, “Speak to the servant and have him go on ahead of us and pass by; but you stand here now, so that I may proclaim the word of God to you.”
Meal as the Guest of Honor
With the invited guests
Saul, who had no qualifications, was invited to a meal and received the highest level of treatment. This closely resembles the blessings we, Christians, experience. (1) This meal was a commemorative feast held after offering the sacrifice and only those who were invited can attend. (2) About thirty guests were present, among them Saul and his servant. Samuel placed them in the place of honor. (3) Moreover, Samuel set before Saul the portion of the thigh and its covering (Lev. 7:32-33), which was reserved for the priest to eat. This portion had been specially set aside for Saul by Samuel. Saul received exceptional treatment. All who were present must have been astonished. However, the most surprised of all must have been Saul himself.
Just the two
After the meal, Samuel and Saul went down to the city, and they talked alone on the rooftop of a certain house. It was likely at this time, Samuel shared with Saul the content of the revelation he had received from the Lord. The next morning, Samuel escorted Saul to the outskirts of the town, where he spoke in more detail about the Lord’s revelation. Samuel sent his servant ahead, and he continued the conversation with Saul in private. The fact that Saul was being given the kingship was kept secret at this stage, known only to the two of them. Jesus compared the kingdom of God to a wedding feast held by a king for his son. “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who held a wedding feast for his son” (ref. Matt. 22:1-14). In the parable, no one of those invited came to the feast. So, the king decided to invite those who were not originally invited. However, among them, there was someone who did not wear the wedding clothes provided by the king. The king became angry and threw the person out into the outer darkness. Hearing the gospel is like being invited to God’s feast. Those who are not worthy can attend the feast by wearing the robe of righteousness provided by Jesus Christ. Have you received God’s invitation? Do you believe in the cross of Jesus Christ and clothe yourself in his righteousness?
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, by wearing the robe of righteousness provided through the cross of Jesus Christ, even I, a sinner, have been allowed to attend the feast of Your kingdom. This truly is Your grace. Please strengthen me today by the grace of Jesus Christ. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.