1 Samuel 9:12

"Yes, he is ahead of you," they answered. "Hurry now, for today he has come to the city because the people have a sacrifice on the high place.

Study Bible

Yes, he is ahead of you
This phrase indicates a confirmation and a sense of urgency. The Hebrew word for "yes" is "הִנֵּה" (hinneh), often used to draw attention or emphasize certainty. The phrase "ahead of you" suggests that Saul is on the right path, both physically and spiritually, as he is about to encounter Samuel, God's prophet. This encounter is divinely orchestrated, highlighting God's sovereignty in guiding Saul's journey.

they answered
The response from the young women at the well is immediate and direct. In the Hebrew context, the act of answering signifies a communal knowledge and awareness of Samuel's presence and importance. It reflects the societal respect and recognition of Samuel as a prophet and leader in Israel.

Hurry now
The urgency in this command underscores the importance of the moment. The Hebrew root "מַהֵר" (maher) conveys a sense of haste and immediacy. This urgency is not just about physical speed but also about seizing the divine opportunity presented. It reflects the biblical theme of responding promptly to God's call.

for he has come to the city today
This phrase situates the narrative in a specific time and place, emphasizing the providential timing of Saul's arrival. The Hebrew word for "city" is "עִיר" (ir), which in ancient Israel was often a place of gathering and significance. The mention of "today" highlights the immediacy and divine timing of the encounter, suggesting that God's plans are unfolding in the present moment.

because the people have a sacrifice
The act of sacrifice is central to Israelite worship and covenant relationship with God. The Hebrew word "זֶבַח" (zevach) refers to a communal offering, often associated with thanksgiving and fellowship. This context indicates that the community is engaged in worship, setting the stage for Saul's anointing as king, which is both a religious and communal event.

at the high place
High places, or "בָּמָה" (bamah) in Hebrew, were elevated sites used for worship. In the context of ancient Israel, these were often locations where people gathered to offer sacrifices before the establishment of the temple in Jerusalem. The high place signifies a meeting point between the divine and human, a sacred space where God’s presence is sought. This setting foreshadows the significant spiritual encounter Saul is about to have with Samuel, marking the beginning of his journey as Israel's first king.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Saul
The son of Kish, from the tribe of Benjamin, who is on a journey to find his father's lost donkeys. This journey leads to his anointing as the first king of Israel.

2. Samuel
The prophet and judge of Israel, who is in the city to offer a sacrifice. He is God's chosen instrument to anoint Saul as king.

3. The City
The unnamed city where Samuel is present to offer a sacrifice. It serves as the setting for Saul's encounter with Samuel.

4. The High Place
A location of worship where sacrifices are made. In ancient Israel, high places were often used for worship before the temple was built in Jerusalem.

5. The Sacrifice
A communal religious event that draws people together, providing the context for Saul's meeting with Samuel.

Teaching Points

Divine Providence
God orchestrates events in our lives, often using ordinary circumstances to fulfill His purposes. Saul's search for donkeys leads to his anointing as king, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in guiding our paths.

Obedience and Timing
The urgency in the instruction to "hurry now" highlights the importance of obedience and timing in God's plans. We must be attentive and responsive to God's leading in our lives.

Community Worship
The gathering for sacrifice at the high place underscores the importance of communal worship and fellowship. Engaging in corporate worship strengthens our faith and aligns us with God's purposes.

God's Choice of Leaders
God's selection of Saul, despite his initial humility and lack of ambition, reminds us that God often chooses leaders based on His criteria, not human expectations.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of divine providence in Saul's journey encourage you to trust God in your own life circumstances?

2. In what ways can you be more attentive to God's timing and instructions in your daily decisions?

3. How does participating in communal worship and fellowship impact your spiritual growth and understanding of God's will?

4. Reflect on a time when God used an ordinary event in your life to lead you to a significant spiritual insight or decision. How did that experience shape your faith?

5. Considering God's choice of Saul as king, how can you apply the principle of looking beyond outward appearances when evaluating leadership qualities in yourself and others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 10:1
This verse describes Samuel anointing Saul as king, fulfilling the purpose of Saul's journey.

1 Samuel 16:13
This verse parallels the anointing of David, showing the continuity of God's plan for leadership in Israel.

Deuteronomy 12:5-6
These verses discuss the centralization of worship, which relates to the use of high places before the temple was established.