So the cook picked up the leg and what was attached to it and set it before Saul. Then Samuel said, "Here is what was kept back. It was set apart for you. Eat, for it has been kept for you for this occasion, from the time I said, 'I have invited the people.'" So Saul dined with Samuel that day. Then the cook took up the thigh with its upper partIn ancient Israelite culture, the thigh, particularly the upper part, was considered a choice portion of meat, often reserved for honored guests or significant religious offerings. The Hebrew word for "thigh" here is "shoq," which can denote strength and honor. This act of presenting the thigh to Saul signifies his impending elevation to a position of honor and leadership, foreshadowing his anointing as king. and set it before Saul And Samuel said, 'Here is what has been reserved Set it before you and eat because it has been kept for you for this appointed time since I said, ‘I have invited the people.’ So Saul ate with Samuel that day Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe first king of Israel, chosen by God through the prophet Samuel. At this point, Saul is unaware of his future role as king. 2. Samuel A prophet and judge of Israel who anoints Saul as king. He plays a crucial role in transitioning Israel from a theocracy to a monarchy. 3. The Cook An unnamed servant who follows Samuel's instructions to serve the reserved portion to Saul, symbolizing God's provision and choice. 4. The Meal A significant event where Saul is honored, symbolizing his future leadership and God's provision. 5. Ramah The place where this event occurs, Samuel's hometown, and a center for worship and prophecy. Teaching Points Divine AppointmentGod orchestrates events for His purposes. Saul's meal with Samuel was divinely appointed, reminding us that God has a plan for each of us. Symbolism of Provision The reserved portion signifies God's provision and choice. Trust in God's provision, even when the future is uncertain. Honor and Humility Saul is honored with the best portion, yet he remains humble. We should accept God's blessings with humility and gratitude. Preparation for Leadership Saul's meal is a preparation for his future role. God often prepares us in small ways for larger responsibilities. Community and Fellowship The communal meal underscores the importance of fellowship in God's plans. Engage in community as a way to experience God's presence and purpose. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the reserved portion given to Saul reflect God's sovereignty and provision in your own life?2. In what ways can you see God preparing you for future roles or responsibilities, as He did with Saul? 3. How can you practice humility and gratitude when receiving honor or blessings from God? 4. What are some ways you can engage in community and fellowship to better understand God's plans for you? 5. How does the concept of divine appointments in this passage encourage you to trust in God's timing and purpose? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 10:1This verse describes Samuel anointing Saul as king, connecting the meal as a precursor to Saul's anointing. Genesis 18:1-8 Abraham's hospitality to the three visitors, which also involves a meal, highlighting the importance of meals in divine encounters. Luke 22:19 Jesus' Last Supper, where He breaks bread with His disciples, symbolizing a new covenant, similar to how Saul's meal symbolizes a new beginning for Israel.
People Abiel, Aphiah, Bechorath, Benjamin, Benjaminites, Benjamites, Israelites, Kish, Samuel, Saul, Zeror, ZuphPlaces Ramah, Shaalim, Shalishah, ZuphTopics Appointed, Aside, Ate, Behold, Cook, Dined, Eat, Eateth, Fat, Feast, Front, Guests, Hour, Invite, Invited, Kept, Leg, Lifteth, Occasion, Portion, Present, Reserved, Samuel, Saul, Saying, Season, Setteth, Shoulder, Tail, Thigh, Till, UpperDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 9:11-24Library The Old Judge and the Young King'Now the Lord had told Samuel In his ear a day before Saul came, saying, 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. 17. And when Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over My people. 18. Then Saul drew … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture 1 to Pray Does not Imply that Without Prayer God Would not Give us Anything... Ramah. Ramathaim Zophim. Gibeah. Meditations Before Dinner and Supper. Samuel Links 1 Samuel 9:24 NIV1 Samuel 9:24 NLT 1 Samuel 9:24 ESV 1 Samuel 9:24 NASB 1 Samuel 9:24 KJV 1 Samuel 9:24 Commentaries Bible Hub |