When Samuel saw Saul, the LORD told him, "Here is the man of whom I spoke; he shall rule over My people." Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 9:17? 2. How does God's choice of Saul in 1 Samuel 9:17 demonstrate His sovereignty? 3. What qualities in Saul might have led God to say, "This is the man"? 4. How can we discern God's guidance in leadership decisions today? 5. Compare Saul's selection with David's in 1 Samuel 16; what lessons emerge? 6. How should we respond when God chooses unexpected leaders in our lives? 7. Why did God choose Saul as king in 1 Samuel 9:17 despite his later failures? 8. How does 1 Samuel 9:17 reflect God's sovereignty in leadership selection? 9. What does 1 Samuel 9:17 reveal about God's criteria for leadership? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 9? 11. How did Samuel lead Israel and anoint its first kings? 12. How do the ominous predictions about a king’s behavior (1 Samuel 8:11–18) align with the notion of a divinely sanctioned ruler? 13. Can the events in 1 Samuel 9:22-24, where Saul is given an honored portion of meat, be verified by any archaeological or external ancient Near Eastern sources supporting such practices? 14. How can 1 Samuel 9:1-2 claim Saul was from a 'mighty' or 'wealthy' family when some extrabiblical historical records do not corroborate this social status? Discussion Questions 1. How does the appointment of Saul as king reflect God's sovereignty, and what does this teach us about God's involvement in leadership today?2. In what ways can we discern God's will in our lives, similar to how Samuel received guidance from God? 3. How does the account of Israel's demand for a king challenge us to evaluate our own desires and align them with God's will? 4. What lessons can we learn from Saul's eventual disobedience, and how can we apply these lessons to our own walk with God? 5. How does the transition from judges to a monarchy in Israel relate to the broader account of God's redemptive plan, and what implications does this have for understanding God's faithfulness?1. Reflect on the theme of divine providence in this chapter. How have you experienced God's divine providence in your own life? 2. How does God's choice of Saul, a Benjamite, challenge human expectations about leadership? 3. What lessons can we learn from Saul's humility and obedience in seeking Samuel's guidance? 4. What are the significance of the lost donkeys in this chapter? What might they symbolize? 5. How did Saul's servant influence the outcome of events? How does this reflect on the importance of the company we keep? 6. Consider the role of the women at the well in this story. How does this emphasize the value of seemingly insignificant encounters? 7. How does the meeting between Saul and Samuel demonstrate God's sovereignty? 8. What can we learn from Saul's reaction when Samuel suggests he is the hope of Israel? 9. What does this chapter tell us about God's timing? 10. Discuss the private conversation between Samuel and Saul. Why do you think it was important for it to be private? 11. In what ways does Samuel model spiritual leadership in this chapter? 12. How does the story of Saul challenge our views on the relationship between personal ability and God's calling? 13. How does God’s selection of Saul underscore the concept that man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart? 14. Saul’s search for his father’s lost donkeys led him to his destiny. Have you ever had an experience where a frustrating or seemingly futile effort led you to something greater? 15. How does this chapter inspire you to seek God's will in times of uncertainty or loss? 16. If you were in Saul's position, how would you have reacted to Samuel's words? Why? 17. How does Saul's story resonate with your personal life experiences or challenges? 18. In today's world, where do you see the theme of God's sovereignty being either acknowledged or denied? 19. Samuel played a crucial role as a mentor in Saul’s life. Who are the mentors in your life and how have they helped shape your path? 20. What does this chapter teach us about faith and patience in waiting for God's plans to unfold? Links 1 Samuel 9:17 NIV1 Samuel 9:17 NLT 1 Samuel 9:17 ESV 1 Samuel 9:17 NASB 1 Samuel 9:17 KJV 1 Samuel 9:17 Commentaries Bible Hub |



