Berean Study Bible Saul Chosen as KingBenjamin, Jacob’s youngest son, gave rise to a tribe known for courageous fighters and located between Israel’s northern and southern regions. Its territory included Jerusalem, though the city later became David’s capital. Saul’s tribal identity connected him to one of Israel’s smaller but influential tribes. 1Sa 10:21 Then he had the tribe of Benjamin come forward by its clans,… a powerful man, Kish was a man of substance and standing in Benjamin, possessing the resources, reputation, and leadership expected of a respected household head. Jdg 6:12 And the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon and said,… whose name was Kish son of Abiel, Kish belonged to an established family within Benjamin. His ancestry identified Saul as the son of a recognized and honorable Israelite household. 1Sa 14:50-51 His wife’s name was Ahinoam daughter of Ahimaaz.… the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah of Benjamin. The record of Kish’s forefathers confirms his Benjaminite heritage and roots Saul’s coming role in a specific family and tribe. God’s choice of Israel’s first king arose within the ordinary lines of Israel’s tribal life. 1Ch 8:40 The sons of Ulam were mighty men of valor, archers,… And he had a son named Saul, Saul, whose name means “asked for” or “prayed for,” enters the account as the man God would appoint to lead Israel during its transition to monarchy. He came from Benjamin, a small tribe marked by earlier national tragedy, showing that God was not limited by tribal prominence or human expectations. 1Ch 8:33 Ner was the father of Kish, Kish was the father of Saul,… choice and handsome, Saul possessed the outward qualities Israel expected in a king. His appearance made him impressive in the eyes of a people seeking a ruler like those of the surrounding nations. 1Sa 16:12 So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in.… without equal among the Israelites— He stood apart from his countrymen in ways that initially made him widely acceptable as king. Yet his later reign would show that outward distinction could not replace faithful obedience to God. 2Sa 14:25 Now there was not a man in all Israel as handsome… a head taller than any of the people. Saul’s unusual height reinforced his commanding presence and likely suited the people’s expectations of a military leader. His stature, however, would not preserve his kingdom when he chose his own judgment over God’s command. 1Sa 10:23 So they ran and brought Saul, and when he stood… One day the donkeys of Saul’s father Kish wandered off, Donkeys were valuable animals in Israel, serving as transportation and pack animals. Their loss required immediate attention, and the incident became the ordinary means by which God directed Saul toward Samuel. 1Sa 10:2 When you leave me today, you will find two men… and Kish said to his son Saul, Kish’s instruction identifies Saul within a Benjamite household of some standing. Saul’s willingness to go reflects the expected respect of a son for his father’s authority. 1Sa 17:17-18 One day Jesse said to his son David, “Take this… “Take one of the servants and go look for the donkeys.” The presence of a servant indicates that Kish had resources and entrusted Saul with an important family responsibility. Saul’s search would lead him to the prophet Samuel and begin the events that resulted in his anointing as Israel’s first king. 1Sa 10:14-16 Now Saul’s uncle asked him and his servant,… So Saul passed through the hill country of Ephraim Saul’s search began in the central highlands of Israel, a rugged and prominent region associated with the tribe of Ephraim. His route carried him beyond his own territory as he faithfully pursued his father’s lost animals. 1Sa 1:1 Now there was a man named Elkanah who was from… and then through the land of Shalishah, Shalishah was likely a district near Ephraim, though its precise location is unknown. Saul’s travel through several regions shows that the search had become extensive. 2Ki 4:42 Now a man from Baal-shalishah came to the man of God… but they did not find the donkeys. The missing animals remained beyond Saul’s reach, directing his journey toward the place where Samuel would reveal God’s purpose for him. 1Sa 10:2 When you leave me today, you will find two men… He and the servant went through the region of Shaalim, Saul did not search alone; his servant accompanied him and later encouraged him to seek Samuel’s guidance. Their continued travel reflects Saul’s sense of responsibility toward his father’s command. 1Sa 10:3 Then you will go on from there until you come to the Oak… but they were not there. Each unsuccessful search brought Saul nearer to the appointed meeting with Samuel. What began as an ordinary task would lead to his anointing as Israel’s first king. 1Sa 10:14-16 Now Saul’s uncle asked him and his servant,… Then they went through the land of Benjamin, Saul returned through the territory of his own tribe, Benjamin, but still found no trace of the animals. Benjamin was a small yet significant tribe, and Saul’s family lived there in Gibeah. Jos 18:11 The first lot came up for the clans of the tribe of Benjamin… and still they did not find them. Saul’s efforts could not accomplish what God had ordered differently. The lost donkeys became the means by which Saul was brought to Samuel at the time God had determined. 1Sa 10:21 Then he had the tribe of Benjamin come forward by its clans,… When they reached the land of Zuph, Saul and his servant entered the region associated with Samuel’s family near Ramah in the hill country of Ephraim. Their search for Kish’s donkeys had brought them to the place where God intended Saul to meet the prophet. 1Sa 1:1 Now there was a man named Elkanah who was from… Saul said to his servant, Saul showed concern for his father and considered the practical limits of their journey. 1Sa 14:1 One day Jonathan son of Saul said to the young man… “Come, let us go back, After searching through several regions without success, Saul proposed returning home rather than continuing indefinitely. Num 14:4 So they said to one another, “Let us appoint a leader… or my father will stop worrying about the donkeys The animals were valuable property, but Saul understood that his father’s concern would soon shift from the lost donkeys to the safety of his son and servant. 1Sa 10:2 When you leave me today, you will find two men… and start worrying about us.” Saul’s concern for Kish reveals a dutiful son, while the delay in finding the donkeys was directing him toward the appointment God had prepared. Gen 42:36 Jacob said to them, “You have deprived me of my sons.… “Look,” said the servant, Saul’s servant recognized that their search had reached a point where human effort was not enough. His counsel directed Saul toward God’s appointed prophet. 2Ki 5:13 Naaman’s servants, however, approached him and said,… “in this city there is a man of God who is highly respected; The man was Samuel, Israel’s judge and prophet. His faithful leadership and established reputation made him a trusted source of God’s direction. 2Ki 4:9 Then the woman said to her husband, “Behold, now I know… everything he says surely comes to pass. Samuel’s words were known to be dependable because he spoke under God’s authority. God was already guiding Saul toward the meeting that would lead to his anointing as king. 1Sa 3:19 And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him,… Let us go there now. The servant urged immediate action, unaware that the lost donkeys had brought them to the place God intended. Luk 2:15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven,… Perhaps he will tell us which way to go.” Saul sought help in finding the animals, but Samuel would reveal a far greater purpose: God had chosen Saul to lead Israel. Jer 42:3 Pray that the LORD your God will tell us the way… “If we do go,” Saul replied, Saul was willing to seek the prophet’s help, recognizing that Samuel could provide guidance from God. Jas 4:13-15 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow… “what can we give the man? Visitors commonly brought a gift when approaching a prophet or honored leader. Saul did not want to appear before Samuel empty-handed. Gen 43:11 Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so… For the bread in our packs is gone, Saul and his servant had used their provisions during the search for the lost donkeys, leaving them with little to offer. 1Sa 21:3-4 Now then, what do you have on hand? Give me five loaves… and there is no gift to take to the man of God. “Man of God” was a respectful title for one who spoke and acted under God’s authority. Saul understood that Samuel’s position deserved honor. 2Ki 4:42-43 Now a man from Baal-shalishah came to the man of God… What do we have?” Saul looked for whatever small resource remained, showing concern to approach Samuel properly rather than presume upon his help. 2Ki 4:2 “How can I help you?” asked Elisha. “Tell me…”… The servant answered him again. Saul’s servant showed practical wisdom and loyalty by offering a solution when their search for the lost donkeys had failed. Though a servant, he was trusted enough to speak freely and help guide Saul’s next steps. 2Ki 5:13 Naaman’s servants, however, approached him and said,… “Look,” he said, He urged Saul to consider another course of action before returning home empty-handed. Jhn 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said,… “I have here in my hand a quarter shekel of silver. The servant had a small amount of silver available, enough to present as a customary gift when seeking the counsel of a man of God. Exo 30:13 Everyone who crosses over to those counted must pay… I will give it to the man of God, Samuel was known as a man through whom God gave direction to Israel. The gift was not payment for prophecy but an appropriate expression of respect for his ministry. 2Ki 5:15 Then Naaman and all his attendants went back… and he will tell us our way.” The servant expected Samuel to provide guidance concerning their immediate problem, yet God was directing Saul toward the greater purpose of his anointing as Israel’s king. Jer 42:3 Pray that the LORD your God will tell us the way… (Formerly in Israel, a man on his way to inquire of God would say, “Come, let us go to the seer.” In the days of the judges and the early monarchy, Israelites commonly sought God’s direction through men appointed to receive and communicate His revelation. A seer could provide guidance in personal concerns as well as matters affecting the nation. Saul’s search for his father’s lost donkeys brought him to Samuel, whose direction from God led to Saul’s anointing as Israel’s first king. 2Ki 8:8 So the king said to Hazael, “Take a gift in your hand… For the prophet of today was formerly called the seer.) The earlier title emphasized the reception of divine revelation, while prophet came to describe the broader office of declaring God’s word, confronting sin, instructing the people, and directing the nation according to God’s will. Samuel served in both capacities, receiving God’s revelation and faithfully making it known to Israel. The prophets who followed continued this ministry, calling Israel to covenant faithfulness and announcing God’s purposes. 2Sa 24:11 When David got up in the morning, the word of the LORD… “Good,” said Saul to his servant. Saul accepts his servant’s counsel and agrees to seek Samuel’s help. Though he does not yet know that Samuel has been sent to anoint him king, Saul shows a willingness to act on sound guidance. 2Ki 5:13 Naaman’s servants, however, approached him and said,… “Come, let us go.” Saul immediately follows through, joining his servant in the search for the man of God. Their concern over the lost donkeys becomes the means by which God brings Saul to Samuel. 1Sa 14:1 One day Jonathan son of Saul said to the young man… So they set out for the city where the man of God was. They travel to Samuel’s city, likely Ramah, where the prophet regularly served Israel. What begins as an ordinary search leads directly to the events that will establish Saul as Israel’s first king. 2Ki 5:9-10 So Naaman came with his horses and chariots… And as they were climbing the hill to the city, Saul and his servant approached the town where Samuel was staying. Like many Israelite cities, it stood on elevated ground, requiring an ascent from the surrounding area. Psa 122:3-4 Jerusalem is built up as a city united together,… they met some young women coming out to draw water Women commonly drew water for their households, often at springs or wells outside the city. Their arrival provided Saul with timely direction. Gen 24:11-20 As evening approached, he made the camels kneel down… and asked, “Is the seer here?” Saul sought Samuel, known as a seer because God revealed His will through him. Their question led them directly toward the meeting God had arranged, where Samuel would announce Saul’s coming role as Israel’s king. 1Ch 9:22 The number of those chosen to be gatekeepers… “Yes, he is ahead of you,” they answered. Saul’s search for Samuel had brought him to the appointed place at the appointed time. The women’s answer confirmed that Samuel was nearby and that Saul’s journey had not been directed by chance. Mat 26:32 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you… “Hurry now, Samuel had arrived for the day’s sacrifice, and Saul needed to reach him before the meal began. The urgency reflects the importance of the gathering, the limited opportunity to speak with Samuel, and the specific time for the sacrifice. Est 6:10 “Hurry,” said the king to Haman, “and do as you proposed… for today he has come to the city Samuel did not live in this city, but his arrival drew the community together. As Israel’s prophet and judge, he continued to guide the people according to the word of the Lord. 1Sa 16:2 “How can I go?” Samuel asked. “Saul will hear of it…”… because the people have a sacrifice on the high place. The sacrifice was a public act of worship offered to the Lord at the local high place, which was permitted before the temple was established in Jerusalem. The gathering provided the setting in which Samuel would receive Saul and prepare him for his role as Israel’s first king. 1Ki 3:2 The people, however, were still sacrificing… As soon as you enter the city, you will find him before he goes up to the high place to eat. Samuel was in Ramah, where a sacrificial meal had been prepared at the high place, a recognized place of worship before the temple was built in Jerusalem. His presence there reflects his leadership over Israel’s worship and public life. Saul’s arrival at the appointed moment shows God directing events toward their meeting. 1Sa 10:5 After that you will come to Gibeah of God,… The people will not eat until he comes, because he must bless the sacrifice; Samuel was expected to bless the sacrifice before the meal began. The people’s willingness to wait demonstrates their respect for his office and for the sacred character of the sacrifice. Lev 9:22 Aaron lifted up his hands toward the people and blessed… after that, the guests will eat. The sacrificial meal joined the worshipers in fellowship after the offering had been presented and blessed. Exo 24:11 But God did not lay His hand on the nobles of Israel… Go up at once; you will find him.” Saul was urged to act without delay. His meeting with Samuel would lead directly to his anointing as Israel’s first king. Mat 2:8-9 And sending them to Bethlehem, he said: “Go and search… So Saul and his servant went up toward the city, Saul’s search for his father’s lost donkeys brought him to the city where God had arranged his meeting with Samuel. What appeared to be an ordinary errand was leading Saul toward his appointment as Israel’s first king. 1Sa 10:5 After that you will come to Gibeah of God,… and as they were entering it, Their arrival came at the decisive moment. Saul was moving from a personal concern into an event that would shape the nation’s future. Jdg 19:15-16 They stopped to go in and lodge in Gibeah.… there was Samuel coming toward them Samuel had been prepared by the Lord to receive Saul. The meeting joined Saul’s unknowing journey with God’s purpose for Israel and Samuel’s duty as prophet and judge. Exo 4:27 Meanwhile, the LORD had said to Aaron, “Go and meet Moses… on his way up to the high place. Samuel was going to the place of sacrifice and communal worship. The setting emphasized that Saul’s coming kingship would begin in connection with Israel’s worship and under God’s authority. 1Ki 3:4 Now the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there… Now on the day before Saul’s arrival, The day before Saul arrived, the Lord had already arranged the events that would lead him to Samuel. Saul’s search for the lost donkeys became the means by which God brought Israel’s future king to the prophet at the appointed time. 1Ki 14:5 But the LORD had said to Ahijah, “Behold, the wife… the LORD had revealed to Samuel, The LORD had revealed to Samuel that Saul would come, preparing him to recognize Saul and to act according to God’s direction in establishing the monarchy. 1Sa 3:21 And the LORD continued to appear at Shiloh,… “At this time tomorrow God appointed the exact moment when Saul would come to Samuel, directing events according to His purpose. 2Ki 7:1 Then Elisha said, “Hear the word of the LORD!… I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, Saul came from Israel’s smallest tribe, weakened after the civil conflict described in Judges. God’s choice showed that Israel’s future king would be raised up by His direction, not by tribal strength or human expectation. 1Sa 10:20-24 Thus Samuel had all the tribes of Israel come forward,… and you are to anoint him ruler over My people Israel; Samuel was to set Saul apart for leadership under God’s authority. Though Saul would govern Israel, he remained accountable to the Lord, Israel’s true King. His anointing anticipated the greater kingship of Christ, the Lord’s anointed King. 1Sa 10:1 Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head… he will save them from the hand of the Philistines. The Philistines had oppressed Israel for years. Saul would begin to lead Israel in resisting their power, bringing needed military deliverance. Jdg 13:5 For behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son.… For I have looked upon My people, God had not ignored Israel’s distress. Though the nation had wrongly demanded a king, He continued to show concern for His covenant people. Exo 2:25 God saw the Israelites and took notice. because their cry has come to Me.” Israel’s suffering was known to God, and He answered by providing a ruler to lead them against their enemies. Exo 3:9 And now the cry of the Israelites has reached Me,… When Samuel saw Saul, Samuel recognized the man God had prepared for Israel’s kingship. Saul’s search for his father’s lost donkeys had brought him from Benjamin into the land of Zuph near Ramah, where Samuel lived and judged Israel. What appeared to be an ordinary errand had directed Saul to the moment of his appointment. 1Sa 10:24 Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see the one… the LORD told him, God had already revealed that Saul would arrive and that Samuel was to anoint him. Samuel’s knowledge of Saul’s purpose came by divine revelation, confirming his role as God’s prophet and Israel’s spiritual leader. 1Sa 3:21 And the LORD continued to appear at Shiloh,… “Here is the man of whom I spoke; Saul matched the man God had described to Samuel. Though Israel had demanded a king like the surrounding nations, the Lord remained sovereign over the selection and installation of their first king. 1Sa 16:12 So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in.… he shall rule over My people.” Saul was appointed to govern Israel under God’s authority, leading and defending the nation against its enemies. His reign marked Israel’s transition from the period of judges to a monarchy, while Israel remained the Lord’s covenant people. 2Sa 7:8 Now then, you are to tell My servant David… Saul approached Samuel in the gateway Saul’s search for his father’s lost donkeys brought him to the city where Samuel was staying. The meeting had been directed by God, who had already told Samuel that Saul would come and that he was to be anointed as Israel’s ruler. The city gate was a public gathering place where business, legal matters, and community affairs were handled, making it a natural place for Saul to encounter Samuel. Their meeting marked the beginning of Israel’s transition from the period of judges to the establishment of the monarchy. Rut 4:1 Meanwhile, Boaz went to the gate and sat down there.… and asked, “Would you please tell me where the seer’s house is?” Saul did not yet recognize Samuel, though Samuel was widely known as a prophet and judge. Seeking the seer’s guidance showed Saul’s desire for help in finding the donkeys and prepared the way for him to learn God’s greater purpose for his life. Samuel would soon reveal that Saul had been chosen to lead Israel. 2Ki 5:9-10 So Naaman came with his horses and chariots… “I am the seer,” Samuel replied. Samuel was widely recognized as the Lord’s prophet and the spiritual leader of Israel. As the nation moved from the period of the judges toward a monarchy, God used Samuel to reveal His will and to oversee the selection of Israel’s first king. 1Ch 29:29 Now the acts of King David, from first to last,… “Go up before me to the high place, The high place was a local site for sacrifice and worship before the temple was built in Jerusalem. Samuel was preparing to lead Saul into a sacred gathering where a sacrifice and communal meal would take place. 1Ki 3:4 Now the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there… for you shall eat with me today. Samuel’s invitation honored Saul and brought him into fellowship at the sacrificial meal. It also prepared Saul for the revelation that God had chosen him for a central role in Israel. 2Sa 9:7 “Do not be afraid,” said David, “for surely”… And when I send you off in the morning, Saul’s visit would continue through the night, marking the end of his search for his father’s donkeys and the beginning of God’s new purpose for him. Gen 24:54-56 Then he and the men with him ate and drank… I will tell you all that is in your heart. Samuel knew Saul’s concerns because the Lord had revealed them to him. He would answer Saul’s immediate questions and disclose the greater matter of Israel’s future kingship. 1Ki 8:39 For You alone know the hearts of all men—… As for the donkeys you lost three days ago, Kish’s missing animals had caused enough concern for Saul and his servant to search for them across several districts. Donkeys were valuable property in Israel, serving households in travel, farming, and trade. 1Sa 10:2 When you leave me today, you will find two men… do not worry about them, for they have been found. Samuel’s knowledge of the donkeys confirms that God had revealed Saul’s situation to him. The matter that had brought Saul to the region was already resolved, freeing him to hear the greater purpose for which God had directed him there. Mat 6:25-34 Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life,… And upon whom is all the desire of Israel, Israel had asked for a king to lead them and fight their battles. The nation’s expectation of a human ruler was about to rest on Saul. 1Sa 12:13 Now here is the king you have chosen, the one you requested.… if not upon you and all your father’s house?” Saul, though from Benjamin, the smallest of Israel’s tribes, was being identified as the man chosen to rule. The honor extended to his father’s household because Saul’s appointment would establish a royal position within his family. 1Sa 10:24 Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see the one… Saul replied, “Am I not a Benjamite Saul belonged to Benjamin, a tribe nearly destroyed during the civil war recorded in Judges 20–21. Though preserved, Benjamin remained marked by its earlier devastation and held little prominence among Israel’s tribes. Act 13:21 Then the people asked for a king, and God gave them Saul… from the smallest tribe of Israel, Saul viewed Benjamin as insignificant in comparison with the larger and more influential tribes. His selection showed that the Lord’s choice did not rest on tribal strength, status, or human expectation. Psa 68:27 There is Benjamin, the youngest, ruling them,… and is not my clan the least of all the clans of Benjamin? Saul also considered his own family to be of little importance within Benjamin. His response contrasts sharply with the royal future Samuel had just announced. Jdg 6:15 “Please, my Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I save Israel?”… So why would you say such a thing to me?” Saul was genuinely surprised that he could be chosen for such an honor. His words reveal an early humility that would later be tested as he ruled Israel. 2Sa 7:18 Then King David went in, sat before the LORD… Then Samuel took Saul and his servant, Samuel personally received Saul and brought him into a setting prepared for the occasion. Though Saul had come seeking lost donkeys, the Lord was directing him toward the office for which he had been chosen. 1Sa 16:11-12 And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons”… brought them into the hall, Samuel led them to a public meal attended by leading men of the town. The gathering had evidently been arranged in advance, showing that Samuel knew Saul’s arrival was part of God’s purpose. Mat 22:10 So the servants went out into the streets and gathered everyone… and seated them in the place of honor Saul was given the chief position at the meal, publicly distinguishing him before the assembled guests. The honor anticipates his anointing and recognizes the authority he would soon receive as Israel’s first king. Mrk 12:39 to have the chief seats in the synagogues… among those who were invited— The invited men served as witnesses to the respect Samuel showed Saul. Their presence also gave public weight to the events surrounding Saul’s selection. Mat 22:3-9 He sent his servants to call those he had invited… about thirty in all. The sizable company underscores that this was not an ordinary private meal but an important gathering connected with Saul’s coming appointment. Jdg 14:11 And when the Philistines saw him, they selected thirty men… And Samuel said to the cook, Samuel directed the meal with the authority of Israel’s prophet and judge. The gathering appears to have been connected with the sacrificial feast at the high place, where invited guests shared in the offering. Gen 18:7-8 Meanwhile, Abraham ran to the herd, selected a tender and… “Bring the portion I gave you Samuel had previously arranged for a special portion to be reserved. Such portions were given to honored guests at sacrificial meals, and Saul’s reception marked him out before the people as one chosen for a significant purpose. Gen 43:34 When the portions were served to them from Joseph’s table,… and told you to set aside.” The meal had been prepared before Saul arrived, showing that Samuel acted according to God’s direction. Before Saul was publicly identified as Israel’s king, he was given the honor due to the man God had selected. Num 18:8-11 Then the LORD said to Aaron, “Behold, I have put you… So the cook picked up the leg and what was attached to it and set it before Saul. The choice portion of the sacrifice was placed before Saul as an honor reserved for a distinguished guest. Samuel had arranged the meal in advance, showing that Saul’s arrival was not accidental but part of God’s purpose. Lev 7:32-34 And you are to give the right thigh to the priest… Then Samuel said, “Here is what was kept back. The portion had been reserved before Saul came, confirming that Samuel expected him and had prepared for this meeting. Lev 2:3 The remainder of the grain offering shall belong to Aaron… It was set apart for you. As the food had been designated for Saul, so Saul himself was being chosen for a task God had appointed. He was about to receive a calling that would set him apart from ordinary life in Israel. 1Sa 21:4-6 “There is no common bread on hand,” the priest replied,… Eat, for it has been kept for you for this occasion, Saul was invited to receive the honor Samuel had prepared for him. The meal marked the beginning of his transition from searching for his father’s donkeys to being called to lead the nation. Jhn 2:10 Everyone serves the fine wine first, and then the cheap wine… from the time I said, ‘I have invited the people.’” Samuel had made preparations for the sacrifice and meal with Saul’s arrival in view. The gathered guests witnessed Saul being given a place of special honor. Luk 14:16-17 But Jesus replied, “A certain man prepared a great banquet… So Saul dined with Samuel that day. Sharing the sacrificial meal established peace and fellowship between Samuel and Saul. Before Saul was anointed, he was received by Israel’s prophet and publicly honored among the people. Exo 24:9-11 Then Moses went up with Aaron, Nadab and Abihu,… And after they had come down from the high place into the city, Samuel and Saul returned from the sacrificial meal at the high place to the city. Before the temple was built, Israelites commonly offered sacrifices at approved high places. Samuel’s leadership and the sacrifice made there show that the gathering was devoted to the worship of the Lord. Luk 9:37 The next day, when they came down from the mountain,… Samuel spoke with Saul on the roof of his house. Flat rooftops provided a quiet, private setting apart from the activity below. Samuel used this time to prepare Saul for what lay ahead, speaking with him before revealing that the Lord had chosen him to be Israel’s king. 2Sa 11:2 One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around… They got up early in the morning, Samuel and Saul rose before the day’s work began, preparing for Saul’s departure after the private events of the previous night. Jos 6:12 Joshua got up early the next morning, and the priests… and just before dawn Samuel called to Saul on the roof, Saul had slept on the flat roof of Samuel’s house, a common lodging place in Israelite homes. Samuel called him at daybreak for a final private instruction before Saul returned home. Mrk 1:35 Early in the morning, while it was still dark,… “Get ready, and I will send you on your way!” Samuel dismissed Saul with the authority of God’s prophet, knowing that Saul’s journey would lead directly into the public confirmation of his anointing. 2Ki 4:29 “Tie up your garment, take my staff in your hand…”… So Saul got ready, Saul responded without hesitation, still unaware of the full significance of the events about to unfold. Gen 24:61 Then Rebekah and her servant girls got ready… and both he and Samuel went outside together. Leaving the house, they moved away from others so Samuel could speak to Saul alone and reveal God’s purpose for him. Gen 22:6 Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering… As they were going down to the edge of the city, Samuel accompanied Saul beyond Ramah’s settled area, where they could speak without interruption. The setting prepared Saul for a private disclosure concerning God’s purpose for him. Jos 2:15 Then Rahab let them down by a rope through the window,… Samuel said to Saul, Samuel acted with prophetic authority as God’s appointed servant, directing Saul toward the role the Lord had chosen for him. 1Sa 10:1 Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head… “Tell the servant to go on ahead of us, Saul’s servant was sent away so that the message would be heard by Saul alone. What Samuel was about to reveal concerned Saul personally and required discretion. 2Ki 4:29 “Tie up your garment, take my staff in your hand…”… but you stay for a while, Saul was asked to remain and give full attention to Samuel’s words. His search for his father’s lost donkeys had led him to an encounter that would change the course of his life. Gen 22:5 “Stay here with the donkey,” Abraham told his servants… and I will reveal to you the word of God.” Samuel would disclose God’s instruction concerning Saul’s coming anointing as Israel’s first king. The monarchy was not arising merely from public demand but would begin under God’s direction. 1Sa 3:21 And the LORD continued to appear at Shiloh,… So the servant went on. With the servant gone, Samuel and Saul were left alone for the revelation and the events that would follow. Gen 24:61 Then Rebekah and her servant girls got ready… This is a draft of the Berean Study Bible. Please send all comments and recommendations to bereanstudybible@aol.com. Bible Hub |
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