1 Samuel 9:16

"At this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you are to anoint him leader over My people Israel; he will save them from the hand of the Philistines. For I have looked upon My people, because their cry has come to Me."

Study Bible

At this time tomorrow
This phrase indicates God's precise timing and foreknowledge. The Hebrew word for "tomorrow" (מָחָר, machar) suggests an imminent future, emphasizing God's control over time and events. It reassures believers that God’s plans are perfectly timed, and His interventions are neither early nor late.

I will send you a man
The phrase underscores God's sovereignty in choosing and directing individuals for His purposes. The Hebrew verb "send" (שָׁלַח, shalach) implies a divine mission. This highlights the belief that God actively orchestrates events and people to fulfill His divine will, encouraging believers to trust in His guidance.

from the land of Benjamin
This specifies Saul's tribal origin, linking to Jacob's prophecy in Genesis 49:27 about Benjamin being a "ravenous wolf." Historically, the tribe of Benjamin was known for its warriors, and Saul's selection aligns with this martial heritage. It reminds believers of God's ability to use one's background and heritage for His purposes.

and you are to anoint him
Anointing (מָשַׁח, mashach) in Hebrew culture was a sacred act, symbolizing consecration and divine appointment. This act set Saul apart for leadership, signifying God's choice and empowerment. It serves as a reminder of the sanctity and responsibility of God-given roles.

ruler over My people Israel
The term "ruler" (נָגִיד, nagid) implies leadership under God's authority. It reflects the theocratic nature of Israel's governance, where leaders were expected to act as God's representatives. This phrase encourages leaders to govern with humility and accountability to God.

He will deliver them
The promise of deliverance (יָשַׁע, yasha) is central to God's covenant relationship with Israel. It reassures believers of God's commitment to rescue and protect His people from oppression, symbolizing spiritual salvation and liberation from sin.

from the hand of the Philistines
The Philistines were a persistent threat to Israel, representing external challenges and spiritual adversaries. This phrase highlights God's power to overcome formidable enemies, encouraging believers to rely on Him for victory over life's battles.

For I have looked upon My people
God's attentive observation (רָאָה, ra'ah) signifies His compassion and concern for Israel's plight. It reassures believers that God is aware of their struggles and is moved to act on their behalf, reflecting His loving and personal nature.

because their cry has come to Me
The cry (צְעָקָה, tzeakah) of the Israelites reached God, indicating their desperation and need for divine intervention. This phrase emphasizes the power of prayer and supplication, encouraging believers to persistently seek God's help, trusting that He hears and responds to their pleas.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Samuel
A prophet and judge of Israel, Samuel is the one receiving God's instructions to anoint a new leader for Israel.

2. Saul
The man from the tribe of Benjamin whom God has chosen to be the first king of Israel.

3. Benjamin
The smallest tribe of Israel, from which Saul hails.

4. Philistines
A perennial enemy of Israel, oppressing them during this period.

5. Israel
The chosen people of God, who are crying out for deliverance from their enemies.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Leadership
God is the ultimate authority in appointing leaders. He chooses Saul, demonstrating His control over the affairs of nations and His people.

Divine Response to Human Distress
God hears the cries of His people and responds with compassion and action. This encourages believers to bring their concerns to God, trusting in His attentive care.

The Role of Anointing
Anointing signifies God's selection and empowerment for a specific task. Believers are reminded of the importance of seeking God's anointing in their own lives for the roles they are called to fulfill.

Deliverance from Oppression
Just as God raised Saul to deliver Israel from the Philistines, He raises leaders and provides means for deliverance in our lives today. This points to the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ.

Listening to God's Instructions
Samuel's obedience to God's instructions is a model for believers to listen and act upon God's guidance in their lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does God's choice of Saul from the tribe of Benjamin reflect His sovereignty and wisdom in leadership selection?

2. In what ways can we be attentive to God's response to our cries for help, as seen in His response to Israel's distress?

3. How does the concept of anointing in the Old Testament relate to the New Testament understanding of being anointed by the Holy Spirit?

4. What are some modern-day "Philistines" or challenges that believers face, and how can we seek God's deliverance from them?

5. How can we cultivate a heart like Samuel's, ready to listen and obey God's instructions in our daily lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 8
This chapter provides context for Israel's demand for a king, which leads to God's instruction to Samuel in 1 Samuel 9:16.

Exodus 3:7
Similar to God's response to the cries of the Israelites in Egypt, God hears the cries of His people in 1 Samuel 9:16.

Judges 2:16-18
Illustrates the cycle of Israel's disobedience, oppression, crying out, and deliverance, which is echoed in the need for a king to deliver them from the Philistines.