1 Samuel 9:26

They got up early in the morning, and just before dawn Samuel called to Saul on the roof, "Get ready, and I will send you on your way!" So Saul arose, and both he and Samuel went outside together.

Study Bible

They got up early in the morning
This phrase indicates a sense of urgency and purpose. In the Hebrew context, rising early often signifies diligence and readiness to fulfill God's will. The Hebrew word for "early" (שָׁכַם, shakham) suggests a proactive approach to the tasks at hand, reflecting a heart prepared to receive divine instruction.

just before dawn
The timing here is significant. Dawn symbolizes new beginnings and revelation. In biblical narratives, God often acts or reveals His plans at pivotal moments like dawn, suggesting that Saul is on the brink of a new chapter in his life. The Hebrew term for "dawn" (עֲלוֹת הַשַּׁחַר, alot hashachar) can also imply enlightenment and the dispelling of darkness, both literally and metaphorically.

Samuel called to Saul on the roof
In ancient Israel, roofs were flat and used for various purposes, including prayer and meditation. Samuel calling Saul from the roof signifies a place of elevation, both physically and spiritually. The act of calling (קָרָא, qara) in Hebrew often denotes a summons to a divine appointment or mission, highlighting the importance of the moment.

Get ready
This command from Samuel is a call to preparation. The Hebrew root (כּוּן, kun) implies establishing or making firm. Saul is being instructed to prepare himself not just physically, but spiritually and mentally, for the journey and the responsibilities ahead.

I will send you on your way
Samuel's role as a prophet is to guide and direct according to God's will. The phrase "send you" (שָׁלַח, shalach) in Hebrew often carries the connotation of commissioning or dispatching with authority. Saul is being sent on a path ordained by God, marking the beginning of his journey as Israel's first king.

So Saul got ready
Saul's obedience is immediate, reflecting a heart willing to follow divine guidance. The act of getting ready (וַיָּקָם, vayakom) suggests a readiness to embrace God's plan, a crucial quality for leadership in the biblical narrative.

he and Samuel went outside together
This signifies unity and partnership in the mission ahead. The Hebrew concept of walking together (יָצָא, yatza) often implies agreement and shared purpose. Samuel and Saul's joint departure underscores the prophetic endorsement of Saul's kingship and the divine orchestration of events.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Samuel
A prophet and judge of Israel, Samuel is a key figure in the transition from the period of judges to the establishment of the monarchy. He is known for his obedience to God and his role in anointing the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David.

2. Saul
The first king of Israel, Saul is chosen by God through Samuel. At this point in the account, Saul is still humble and unaware of the full scope of his future role as king.

3. The Roof
In ancient Israel, roofs were often flat and used for various activities, including sleeping during warm weather. This setting indicates a private and significant moment between Samuel and Saul.

4. Early Morning
The timing of this event, "just before dawn," suggests a new beginning and the importance of the task at hand. It symbolizes the dawn of a new era for Israel with the anointing of its first king.

5. Sending on the Way
This phrase indicates a commissioning or a sending forth with purpose. Samuel is preparing Saul for his journey, both physically and spiritually, as he steps into his role as king.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Obedience
Samuel's call to Saul to "get ready" emphasizes the need for readiness and obedience to God's calling. As believers, we must be prepared to respond to God's direction promptly.

New Beginnings
The early morning setting symbolizes new beginnings. In our spiritual lives, we should be open to the new things God wants to do in and through us.

Divine Appointments
Just as Samuel and Saul had a divinely appointed meeting, we should be attentive to the divine appointments God sets in our lives, recognizing their significance in His greater plan.

Mentorship and Guidance
Samuel's role in guiding Saul highlights the importance of mentorship in the faith. We should seek godly mentors and also be willing to mentor others.

Spiritual Preparation
The act of getting ready signifies spiritual preparation. We must prepare our hearts and minds for the tasks God has set before us, seeking His guidance and strength.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the early morning setting of this passage reflect the theme of new beginnings in your own life?

2. In what ways can you ensure you are ready and obedient to God's calling, as Saul was when Samuel called him?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "divine appointment." How did it impact your spiritual journey?

4. How can you seek out or become a mentor in your faith community, following the example of Samuel and Saul?

5. What steps can you take to spiritually prepare for the tasks God has set before you, and how can you incorporate this preparation into your daily routine?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 10:1
This verse follows the account where Samuel anoints Saul as king, connecting the preparation in 9:26 to the fulfillment of God's plan for Saul.

Genesis 19:27
Abraham rises early to stand before the Lord, showing the significance of early morning encounters with God.

Mark 1:35
Jesus rises early to pray, highlighting the importance of seeking God at the start of the day.