1 Samuel 9:16-27 ▼

16 “At this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin (son of the right hand), and you are to anoint him ruler over My people Israel (he wrestles with God); he will save them from the hand of the Philistines (immigrants). For I have looked upon My people, because their cry has come to Me.”

17 When Samuel (his name is El) saw Saul (desired), the LORD {YHWH} told him, “Here is the man of whom I spoke; he shall rule over My people.”

18 Saul (desired) approached Samuel (his name is El) in the gateway and asked, “Would you please tell me where the seer’s house is?”

19 “I am the seer,” Samuel (his name is El) (desired) replied. “Go up before me to the high place, for you⁺ shall eat with me today. And when I send you off in the morning, I will tell you all that is in your heart.

20 As for the donkeys you lost three days ago, do not worry about them, for they have been found. And upon whom is all the desire of Israel (he wrestles with God), if not upon you and all your father’s house?”

21 Saul (desired) replied, “Am I not a Benjamite (son of the right hand) from the smallest tribe of Israel (he wrestles with God), and is not my clan the least of all the clans of Benjamin? So why would you say such a thing to me?”

22 Then Samuel (his name is El) took Saul (desired) and his servant, brought them into the hall, and seated them in the place of honor among those who were invited—about thirty in all.

23 And Samuel (his name is El) said to the cook, “Bring the portion I gave you and told you to set aside.”

24 So the cook picked up the leg and what was attached to it and set it before Saul (desired). 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 (his name is El) that day.

25 And after they had come down from the high place into the city, Samuel spoke with Saul (desired) on the roof of his house.

26 They got up early in the morning, and just before dawn Samuel (his name is El) called to Saul (desired) on the roof, “Get ready, and I will send you on your way!” So Saul got ready, and both he and Samuel went outside together.

27 As they were going down to the edge of the city, Samuel (his name is El) said to Saul (desired), “Tell the servant to go on ahead of us, but you stay for a while, and I will reveal to you the word of God {Elohim}.” So the servant went on.