1 Samuel 9:24
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 part
In 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
The act of setting the choice portion before Saul is symbolic of God's providence and favor. Saul, who was unaware of his future role, is being prepared and honored by God through Samuel. This gesture is a physical manifestation of God's selection and blessing, emphasizing the divine orchestration in Saul's life.

And Samuel said, 'Here is what has been reserved
The word "reserved" in Hebrew is "shamar," meaning to keep, guard, or preserve. This indicates that God had a specific plan and purpose for Saul, which had been safeguarded until the appointed time. It reflects the biblical theme of God's sovereignty and His ability to orchestrate events according to His divine will.

Set it before you and eat
This invitation to eat is more than a mere act of hospitality; it is a covenantal gesture. In biblical times, sharing a meal often signified fellowship and agreement. Samuel's invitation to Saul to partake in this meal symbolizes the beginning of Saul's journey under God's guidance and the establishment of a new covenantal relationship.

because it has been kept for you for this appointed time
The phrase "appointed time" is significant in biblical theology, often denoting God's perfect timing in fulfilling His promises. The Hebrew term "moed" suggests a divinely ordained moment. This underscores the idea that Saul's rise to kingship is not by chance but by divine appointment, reinforcing the belief in God's meticulous planning and timing.

since I said, ‘I have invited the people.’
Samuel's reference to inviting the people highlights the communal aspect of Saul's anointing. It suggests that Saul's leadership is not just a personal calling but one that involves and impacts the entire nation of Israel. This communal invitation reflects the biblical principle that leadership is both a divine calling and a service to the community.

So Saul ate with Samuel that day
The act of eating together signifies acceptance and unity. Saul's participation in the meal with Samuel marks the beginning of his acceptance into God's plan for Israel. It is a moment of transformation, where Saul moves from being an ordinary man to the chosen leader of God's people. This shared meal is a precursor to the anointing and the responsibilities that will follow, emphasizing the importance of fellowship and divine purpose in leadership.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Saul
The 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 Appointment
God 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 10:1
This 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.
The King Desired by the PeopleB. Dale 1 Samuel 9:1-25
People
Abiel, Aphiah, Bechorath, Benjamin, Benjaminites, Benjamites, Israelites, Kish, Samuel, Saul, Zeror, Zuph
Places
Ramah, Shaalim, Shalishah, Zuph
Topics
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, Upper
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Samuel 9:11-24

     4476   meals

1 Samuel 9:22-24

     4478   meat
     5355   invitations

1 Samuel 9:23-24

     5268   cooking

Library
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...
1. To pray does not imply that without prayer God would not give us anything or that He would be unaware of our needs, but it has this great advantage, that in the attitude of prayer the soul is best fitted to receive the Giver of blessing as well as those blessings He desires to bestow. Thus it was that the fullness of the Spirit was not poured out upon the Apostles on the first day, but after ten days of special preparation. If a blessing were conferred upon one without a special readiness for
Sadhu Sundar Singh—At The Master's Feet

Ramah. Ramathaim Zophim. Gibeah.
There was a certain Ramah, in the tribe of Benjamin, Joshua 18:25, and that within sight of Jerusalem, as it seems, Judges 19:13; where it is named with Gibeah:--and elsewhere, Hosea 5:8; which towns were not much distant. See 1 Samuel 22:6; "Saul sat in Gibeah, under a grove in Ramah." Here the Gemarists trifle: "Whence is it (say they) that Ramah is placed near Gibea? To hint to you, that the speech of Samuel of Ramah was the cause, why Saul remained two years and a half in Gibeah." They blindly
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Meditations Before Dinner and Supper.
Meditate that hunger is like the sickness called a wolf; which, if thou dost not feed, will devour thee, and eat thee up; and that meat and drink are but as physic, or means which God hath ordained, to relieve and cure this natural infirmity and necessity of man. Use, therefore, to eat and to drink, rather to sustain and refresh the weakness of nature, than to satisfy the sensuality and delights of the flesh. Eat, therefore, to live, but live not to eat. There is no service so base, as for a man
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
1 Samuel 9:24 NIV
1 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
1 Samuel 9:23
Top of Page
Top of Page