"I am the seer," Samuel 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. “I am the seer,” Samuel replied.Samuel identified himself by the office through which God revealed His will to Israel. Before the term prophet became more common, seer described a man whom God enabled to perceive matters hidden from ordinary human knowledge. All Israel had come to recognize Samuel as the Lord’s faithful prophet (1 Samuel 3:19–20). His meeting with Saul was not accidental; the Lord had already told Samuel that Saul would come and that he was to be anointed ruler over Israel (1 Samuel 9:15–17). 1Ch 29:29 Now the acts of King David, from first to last,… “Go up before me to the high place, Samuel directed Saul toward the local place of sacrifice and worship. At this time, before the tabernacle and Israel’s worship were centralized in Jerusalem, sacrifices were offered at approved high places. Samuel’s presence and leadership show that the gathering was devoted to the worship of the Lord rather than pagan practice. Saul’s ascent to the high place prepared him to receive a calling that would place him over the Lord’s people. 1Ki 3:4 Now the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there… for you shall eat with me today. Samuel had reserved a portion of the sacrificial meal for Saul, honoring him before the invited guests (1 Samuel 9:23–24). Eating together after a sacrifice expressed fellowship before God and marked Saul’s acceptance into a solemn occasion. The meal preceded Saul’s private anointing and pointed to the divine favor resting upon him for the task ahead. 2Sa 9:7 “Do not be afraid,” said David, “for surely”… And when I send you off in the morning, Saul’s departure would follow a night in Samuel’s care and instruction. The next morning would begin a decisive change in Saul’s life: he had left home searching for lost donkeys, but he would return knowing that God had chosen him to lead Israel. The Lord often directs His servants through ordinary responsibilities and unexpected encounters. Gen 24:54-56 Then he and the men with him ate and drank… I will tell you all that is in your heart. Samuel promised to answer the concerns Saul had brought with him and to reveal the greater purpose God had prepared for him. Saul’s immediate worry involved his father’s donkeys and his family’s concern for him, but the desire and destiny of Israel’s kingdom were also before him. The Lord knew Saul fully and used Samuel to disclose what Saul could not discover on his own. 1Ki 8:39 For You alone know the hearts of all men—… Persons / Places / Events 1. SamuelA prophet and the last judge of Israel, Samuel plays a crucial role in the transition from the period of judges to the establishment of the monarchy. He is God's chosen instrument to anoint the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David. 2. Saul The son of Kish from the tribe of Benjamin, Saul is searching for his father's lost donkeys when he encounters Samuel. This meeting marks the beginning of his journey to becoming the first king of Israel. 3. The High Place A location often used for worship and sacrifices in ancient Israel. In this context, it is where Samuel invites Saul to join him for a meal, signifying a moment of divine appointment and revelation. 4. The Seer An older term for a prophet, indicating one who sees or perceives divine messages. Samuel identifies himself as the seer, emphasizing his role as God's spokesperson. 5. The Meal Sharing a meal in the high place is significant, symbolizing fellowship and the impartation of God's plans. It is a precursor to the revelation Samuel will give Saul about his future. Teaching Points Divine AppointmentsGod orchestrates meetings and events in our lives for His purposes. Like Saul, we may encounter divine appointments that lead to significant changes in our lives. The Role of Prophets Prophets serve as God's messengers, providing guidance and revelation. We should seek to understand and respect the role of spiritual leaders in our lives. Preparation for Leadership Saul's journey to kingship begins with obedience and humility. God often prepares us for leadership through unexpected paths and experiences. The Importance of Fellowship Sharing a meal in the high place signifies fellowship and unity. As believers, we should value and seek opportunities for fellowship with others in the faith. Listening to God's Voice Samuel's role as a seer reminds us of the importance of listening to God's voice and being open to His guidance in our lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the encounter between Samuel and Saul illustrate the concept of divine appointments in our own lives?2. In what ways can we recognize and respect the role of spiritual leaders, similar to how Saul respected Samuel as a seer? 3. How does Saul's journey to the high place with Samuel prepare him for his future role as king, and what can we learn from this about preparation for leadership? 4. What significance does the shared meal in the high place have for us today in terms of fellowship and community within the church? 5. How can we cultivate a heart that is open to hearing and responding to God's voice, as demonstrated by Samuel's role as a prophet? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 3Samuel's calling as a prophet is detailed, establishing his credibility and divine appointment as a seer. 1 Samuel 10 The anointing of Saul as king, which follows this encounter, fulfills the promise of revelation and guidance given by Samuel. Acts 13 Paul references Samuel's role in the history of Israel, highlighting the transition from judges to kings and the importance of divine guidance in leadership.
People Abiel, Aphiah, Bechorath, Benjamin, Benjaminites, Benjamites, Israelites, Kish, Samuel, Saul, Zeror, ZuphPlaces Ramah, Shaalim, Shalishah, ZuphTopics Ahead, Answereth, Declare, Eat, Eaten, Heart, Mind, Morning, Morrow, Opening, Replied, Samuel, Saul, Secrets, Seer, To-day, To-morrowDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 9:19Library The Old Judge and the Young King'Now the Lord had told Samuel In his ear a day before Saul came, saying, 16, To-morrow, about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over My people Israel, that he may save My people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon My people, because their cry is come unto Me. 17. And when Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over My people. 18. Then Saul drew … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture 1 to Pray Does not Imply that Without Prayer God Would not Give us Anything... Ramah. Ramathaim Zophim. Gibeah. Meditations Before Dinner and Supper. Samuel Links 1 Samuel 9:19 NIV1 Samuel 9:19 NLT 1 Samuel 9:19 ESV 1 Samuel 9:19 NASB 1 Samuel 9:19 KJV 1 Samuel 9:19 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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