1 Samuel 9:10

"Good," said Saul to his servant. "Come, let us go." So they set out for the city where the man of God was.

Study Bible

Good, said Saul to his servant
The word "Good" here reflects Saul's agreement and willingness to follow the advice of his servant. In Hebrew, the word used is "טוֹב" (tov), which conveys a sense of approval, agreement, or something that is pleasing. This moment is significant as it shows Saul's openness to seeking divine guidance, a trait that is crucial for a leader in Israel. Saul's response indicates a readiness to pursue wisdom and direction from God, which is a foundational principle in the life of a believer.

Come, let us go
This phrase demonstrates initiative and action. Saul's decision to proceed reflects a proactive approach to seeking God's will. The Hebrew verb "לֵךְ" (lek) means "to go" or "to walk," and it often implies a journey or a purposeful movement. In the context of biblical narratives, going to see a "man of God" often signifies a step towards divine revelation or intervention. Saul's willingness to embark on this journey with his servant underscores the importance of community and partnership in seeking God's guidance.

So they set out for the town
The act of setting out signifies a transition from contemplation to action. The Hebrew root "יָצָא" (yatsa) means "to go out" or "to come forth," indicating a departure from one's current state towards a new destination. This movement towards the town where the man of God resides is symbolic of a spiritual journey towards understanding and enlightenment. It reflects the biblical principle that faith often requires us to step out of our comfort zones and move towards God's calling.

where the man of God was
The "man of God" refers to the prophet Samuel, who was known for his close relationship with God and his role as a spiritual leader in Israel. The Hebrew term "אִישׁ הָאֱלֹהִים" (ish ha-Elohim) is used to describe someone who is a messenger or representative of God. This highlights the importance of seeking counsel from those who are spiritually mature and have a deep connection with God. In the historical context, prophets were seen as intermediaries between God and His people, providing guidance, wisdom, and sometimes correction. Saul's journey to meet Samuel signifies a desire to align his actions with God's will, a crucial aspect of leadership and faith.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Saul
The son of Kish, from the tribe of Benjamin, who would later become the first king of Israel. At this point in the account, Saul is on a journey to find his father's lost donkeys.

2. Saul's Servant
An unnamed servant accompanying Saul. He plays a crucial role in suggesting they seek guidance from the man of God, demonstrating wisdom and initiative.

3. The City
The specific city is not named in this verse, but it is the place where the man of God, Samuel, resides. It represents a place of divine encounter and guidance.

4. The Man of God
Refers to Samuel, the prophet and judge of Israel, who is known for his close relationship with God and his role in anointing the first two kings of Israel.

5. The Journey
Saul and his servant's journey to find the donkeys, which leads them to Samuel, is a divinely orchestrated event that sets the stage for Saul's anointing as king.

Teaching Points

Divine Guidance in Ordinary Circumstances
God often uses ordinary events in our lives to lead us to His purposes. Like Saul, we should be open to divine guidance in our daily routines.

The Importance of Seeking Godly Counsel
Saul's willingness to listen to his servant and seek the man of God highlights the value of seeking wise and godly counsel in decision-making.

God's Sovereignty in Our Journeys
The journey to find the donkeys was not just about lost animals but was part of God's sovereign plan to anoint a king. Trust that God is at work in the details of our lives.

Responding to God's Leading
Saul's response, "Come, let us go," shows a readiness to act on the guidance received. We should be prompt and willing to follow God's leading.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Saul's journey to find the donkeys illustrate God's ability to use ordinary circumstances for His divine purposes?

2. In what ways can we seek and recognize godly counsel in our own lives, similar to Saul's interaction with his servant?

3. Reflect on a time when a seemingly mundane event in your life led to a significant spiritual insight or decision. How did you see God's hand in it?

4. How does the concept of divine sovereignty in Saul's journey encourage you to trust God with the details of your life?

5. Compare Saul's readiness to seek the man of God with your own responsiveness to God's leading. What steps can you take to be more open and obedient to His guidance?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 3
This chapter introduces Samuel's calling as a prophet, establishing his role as a man of God who hears from the Lord, which is crucial for understanding his authority in 1 Samuel 9.

Proverbs 3:5-6
This passage emphasizes trusting in the Lord and seeking His guidance, paralleling Saul's decision to seek the man of God for direction.

Acts 9
Saul's journey can be compared to the Apostle Paul's conversion journey, where a seemingly ordinary trip leads to a significant divine encounter and calling.