There was a Benjamite, a man of standing, whose
name was Kish son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bekorath, the son of Aphiah of Benjamin. 2 Kish had a son named Saul, as handsome a young man as could be found anywhere in Israel, and he was a head taller than anyone else. 3Now the donkeys belonging to Saul’s father Kish were lost, and Kish said to his son Saul, “Take one of the servants with you and go and look for the donkeys.” 4 So he passed through the hill country of Ephraim and through the area around Shalisha, but they did not find them. They went on into the district of Shaalim, but the donkeys were not there. Then he passed through the territory of Benjamin, but they did not find them.
1. What can we say about Saul’s background?
Saul’s father, Kish, is a Benjamite of some reputation. Our text “a man of standing” or as in the KJV a “mighty man of valor”(9:1). This expression can be understood to refer to a man’s courage, his military skill and success, or even his wealth. He is, for one reason or many, a man of renown. Saul, an impressive looking fellow is from an impressive family. The Heb. root for “Saul” means “that which has been asked for” or “asked of God.” In 8:10, the people “asked… [for] a king.” Although God appointed Saul, he was really the people’s choice, given by the Lord in answer to their request. The Lord’s choice would be from the tribe of Judah (cf. Ge 49:10).
2. What’s the big deal about a couple of lost donkeys?
Donkeys were wealth. They weren’t pets; they were used for work, to make money. If you own trucking company and you find two of your trucks gone, you’re going to look for them.
Saul is introduced as a donkey wrangler sent in search of donkeys that had strayed from home—perhaps symbolizing Saul and the rebellious people who had asked for a king.
The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s crib, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.” Isaiah 1:3 (ESV)
David would be introduced as a shepherd caring for his father’s flock and later pictured as the shepherd over the Lord’s flock.
Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” 1 Sam 16:11 (ESV)
“Saul is out looking for the asses of his father, and the asses of Israel are looking for a king. They are bound to get together, friend, and they do. The Lord must smile when a thing like this takes place. What a commentary on the human race!”JV MCGee
5 When they reached the district of Zuph, Saul said to the servant who was with him, “Come, let’s go back, or my father will stop thinking about the donkeys and start worrying about us.” 6 But the servant replied, “Look, in this town there is a man of God; he is highly respected, and everything he says comes true. Let’s go there now. Perhaps he will tell us what way to take.” 7 Saul said to his servant, “If we go, what can we give the man? The food in our sacks is gone. We have no gift to take to the man of God. What do we have?” 8The servant answered him again. “Look,” he said, “I have a quarter of a shekel[a] of silver. I will give it to the man of God so that he will tell us what way to take.”
Saul is a practical man, he operates in the “real world” he’s not thinking in spiritual teams. Saul is ready to give up until his servant suggests trying God for help. This is Saul’s greatest downfall, he is reluctant to rely on God. He is streetwise but not God wise. Neither one of these guys know the name of the greatest prophet and leader of their nation. Saul obviously was not raised in a “religious” environment. Samuel was a highly respected man of God and had been there a long time and Saul did not know that, his servant had to tell him. Saul does not have his GPS, God’s Position System.
"Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" (1 Sam. 16:7).
7 Saul said to his servant, “If we go, what can we give the man? The food in our sacks is gone. We have no gift to take to the man of God. What do we have?” 8 The servant answered him again. “Look,” he said,“I have a quarter of a shekel[a] of silver. I will give it to the man of God so that he will tell us what way to take.”
4. What is Saul worried about?
He is focusing on what he doesn’t have instead of what God can do. This is the natural man, because at this point he does not know the Lord. He is thinking he can’t ask of God because he needs to come with an offering to get Gods attention.
9 (Formerly in Israel, if someone went to inquire of God, they would say, “Come, let us go to the seer,” because the prophet of today used to be called a seer.) 10 “Good,” Saul said to his servant. “Come, let’s go.” So they set out for the town where the man of God was.11 As they were going up the hill to the town, they met some young women coming out to draw water, and they asked them, “Is the seer here?”
5. Is there a difference between a seer and a prophet?
There is a change of names. Seer is a generic name for a people who dealt in necromancy (summoning up the spirits of the dead) and spiritism were called “seers.” God wanted a different name for His man, and so he is called a “prophet.” This actually makes Samuel the first of the order of prophets. Although Moses is called a prophet, Samuel is the first of the order of prophets. Samuel, of course, is the man Saul and his servant are talking about.
12 “He is,” they answered. “He’s ahead of you. Hurry now; he has just come to our town today, for the people have a sacrifice at the high place. 13 As soon as you enter the town, you will find him before he goes up to the high place to eat. The people will not begin eating until he comes, because he must bless the sacrifice; afterward, those who are invited will eat. Go up now; you should find him about this time.” 14 They went up to the town, and as they were entering it, there was Samuel, coming toward them on his way up to the high place.
6. Why are high places mentioned so many times in the bible?
The high places were places of religious worship. Six religious activities occurred here: animal sacrifices (1 Kings 3:2), prostitution (Jeremiah 3:2), the burning of incense (1 Kings 3:3), daughters walking through fire (Jer 32:35), and human sacrifices (2 Kings 23:20, Jer. 7:31). It appears that there were sacred pillars at the high places (2 Kings 17:8-12). These appear to be carved pillars depicting the female goddess of fertility and male deities. It appears that each high place had priests (Num. 22:41). The "gods" that were worshipped at the "high places" included Baal (Num. 22:41), Asherah (2 Kings 21:3), Asherim (2 Chron. 17:6), Topheth (Jer. 7:31), and the gods of the sun, the moon, the constellations, and all the host of heaven (2 Kings 23:5, 2 Chr. 33:3). The gods at the "high places" were depicted as carved and molten images (2 Chr. 34:3). Why did they use high places for worship? Were they attempting to get closer to their god? Was there a psychological appeal to being up high? Was there a spiritual experience? Sexual experiences were part of worship. Today, people seek spiritual highs. It is interesting that God's tabernacle in the wilderness was in the plain and not on a high place. God's concept of worship is not "sexual experiences," burning our children or making our children walk through fire.
15 Now the day before Saul came, the Lord had revealed this to Samuel: 16 “About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin. Anoint him ruler over my people Israel; he will deliver them from the hand of the Philistines. I have looked on my people, for their cry has reached me.” 17 When Samuel caught sight of Saul, the Lord said to him, “This is the man I spoke to you about; he will govern my people.”
7. How did God communicate to Samuel who his choice for king would be?
“revealed”KJV says literally“came near to his ear and spoke.” I have never heard God speak words into my ear. The prophet heard a very clear precise word from God; no misunderstanding. Not a series of confusing thoughts that I have to sort through to figure out what is from God, what is from Satan, and what is my own conscience. This is gift of prophesy that established the prophet.
18 Saul approached Samuel in the gateway and asked, “Would you please tell me where the seer’s house is?” 19 “I am the seer,”Samuel replied. “Go up ahead of me to the high place, for today you are to eat with me, and in the morning I will send you on your way and will tell you all that is in your heart. 20 As for the donkeys you lost three days ago, do not worry about them; they have been found. And to whom is all the desire of Israel turned, if not to you and your whole family line?”
8. What does Samuel mean “I will let you go and will tell you all that is in your heart.”?
Samuel amazes Saul in that he answers Saul’s question before he gets a chance to ask it. He tells him they are looking for donkeys, they’ve been looking three days, they have been found. It’s all good in the hood. So if that issue is cleared up what is it that will be on Saul’s heart in the morning? He will be wondering what Samuel means by “”to whom is all the desire of Israel turned, if not to you “
21 Saul answered, “But am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why do you say such a thing to me?”
9. What was the issue of being from the tribe of Benjamin?
Paul’s family was one of the smallest families of the tribe of Benjamin, and the tribe of Benjamin was the smallest tribe of all the other tribes. They had almost been wiped out when they had gone to war against all the other tribes back in Judges 19. Of all the people in Israel even Saul knew he was the last person that should have been made king in Israel.
22 Then Samuel brought Saul and his servant into the hall and seated them at the head of those who were invited—about thirty in number. 23Samuel said to the cook, “Bring the piece of meat I gave you, the one I told you to lay aside.” 24 So the cook took up the thigh with what was on it and set it in front of Saul. Samuel said, “Here is what has been kept for you. Eat, because it was set aside for you for this occasion from the time I said, ‘I have invited guests.’” And Saul dined with Samuel that day. 25 After they came down from the high place to the town, Samuel talked with Saul on the roof of his house. 26 They rose about daybreak, and Samuel called to Saul on the roof, “Get ready, and I will send you on your way.” When Saul got ready, he and Samuel went outside together. 27 As they were going down to the edge of the town, Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the servant to go on ahead of us”—and the servant did so—“but you stay here for a while, so that I may give you a message from God.” Then Samuel took a flask of olive oil and poured it on Saul’s head and kissed him, saying, “Has not the Lord anointed you ruler over his inheritance?”
10. What qualifies Saul to be king?
Only that he was impressive looking and a head taller than any of the others. His father was powerful. He looked like a king.
“This boy Saul was handsome. Physically he looked like a king, but he was an actor that played a part. The people, however, were choosing their king by his outward appearance and not according to his character.
The children of Israel wanted a king, and they liked Saul. He was handsome. He was tall. He was fine looking. There wasn’t a more kingly-looking man in the nation. He could have been both a television and a movie star. He looked the part and could play the part; the trouble was he was not a king at heart.” Dr. McGee
11. What does this anointing with oil mean?
The origin of anointing was from a practice of shepherds. Lice and other insects would often get into the wool of sheep, and when they got near the sheep's head, they could burrow into the sheep's ears and kill the sheep. So, ancient shepherds poured oil on the sheep's head. This made the wool slippery, making it impossible for insects to get near the sheep's ears because they would just slide off. From this, anointing became symbolic of blessing, protection, and empowerment.
In Bible times, people were anointed with oil to signify God’s blessing or call on that person’s life (Exodus 29:7; Exodus 40:9; 2 Kings 9:6; Ecclesiastes 9:8; James 5:14). A person was anointed for a special purpose—to be a king, to be a prophet, to be an builder, etc. There is nothing wrong with anointing a person with oil today. We just have to make sure that the purpose of anointing is in agreement with Scripture. Anointing should not be viewed as a "magic potion." The oil itself does not have any power. It is only God that can anoint a person for a specific purpose. If we use oil, it is only a symbol of what God is doing. Another meaning for the word anointed is "chosen one." The Bible says that Jesus Christ was anointed by God with the Holy Spirit to spread the Good News and free those who have been held captive by sin (Luke 4:18-19; Acts 10:38). After Christ left the earth, He left us the gift of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16). Now all Christians are anointed, chosen for a specific purpose in furthering God's Kingdom (1 John 2:20). "Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee" (2 Corinthians 1:21-22). gotquestions.org.
1. What can we say about Saul’s background?
Saul’s father, Kish, is a Benjamite of some reputation. Our text “a man of standing” or as in the KJV a “mighty man of valor”(9:1). This expression can be understood to refer to a man’s courage, his military skill and success, or even his wealth. He is, for one reason or many, a man of renown. Saul, an impressive looking fellow is from an impressive family. The Heb. root for “Saul” means “that which has been asked for” or “asked of God.” In 8:10, the people “asked… [for] a king.” Although God appointed Saul, he was really the people’s choice, given by the Lord in answer to their request. The Lord’s choice would be from the tribe of Judah (cf. Ge 49:10).
2. What’s the big deal about a couple of lost donkeys?
Donkeys were wealth. They weren’t pets; they were used for work, to make money. If you own trucking company and you find two of your trucks gone, you’re going to look for them.
Saul is introduced as a donkey wrangler sent in search of donkeys that had strayed from home—perhaps symbolizing Saul and the rebellious people who had asked for a king.
The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s crib, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.” Isaiah 1:3 (ESV)
David would be introduced as a shepherd caring for his father’s flock and later pictured as the shepherd over the Lord’s flock.
Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” 1 Sam 16:11 (ESV)
“Saul is out looking for the asses of his father, and the asses of Israel are looking for a king. They are bound to get together, friend, and they do. The Lord must smile when a thing like this takes place. What a commentary on the human race!”JV MCGee
5 When they reached the district of Zuph, Saul said to the servant who was with him, “Come, let’s go back, or my father will stop thinking about the donkeys and start worrying about us.” 6 But the servant replied, “Look, in this town there is a man of God; he is highly respected, and everything he says comes true. Let’s go there now. Perhaps he will tell us what way to take.” 7 Saul said to his servant, “If we go, what can we give the man? The food in our sacks is gone. We have no gift to take to the man of God. What do we have?” 8The servant answered him again. “Look,” he said, “I have a quarter of a shekel[a] of silver. I will give it to the man of God so that he will tell us what way to take.”
"Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" (1 Sam. 16:7).
7 Saul said to his servant, “If we go, what can we give the man? The food in our sacks is gone. We have no gift to take to the man of God. What do we have?” 8 The servant answered him again. “Look,” he said,“I have a quarter of a shekel[a] of silver. I will give it to the man of God so that he will tell us what way to take.”
4. What is Saul worried about?
He is focusing on what he doesn’t have instead of what God can do. This is the natural man, because at this point he does not know the Lord. He is thinking he can’t ask of God because he needs to come with an offering to get Gods attention.
5. Is there a difference between a seer and a prophet?
There is a change of names. Seer is a generic name for a people who dealt in necromancy (summoning up the spirits of the dead) and spiritism were called “seers.” God wanted a different name for His man, and so he is called a “prophet.” This actually makes Samuel the first of the order of prophets. Although Moses is called a prophet, Samuel is the first of the order of prophets. Samuel, of course, is the man Saul and his servant are talking about.
12 “He is,” they answered. “He’s ahead of you. Hurry now; he has just come to our town today, for the people have a sacrifice at the high place. 13 As soon as you enter the town, you will find him before he goes up to the high place to eat. The people will not begin eating until he comes, because he must bless the sacrifice; afterward, those who are invited will eat. Go up now; you should find him about this time.” 14 They went up to the town, and as they were entering it, there was Samuel, coming toward them on his way up to the high place.
6. Why are high places mentioned so many times in the bible?
The high places were places of religious worship. Six religious activities occurred here: animal sacrifices (1 Kings 3:2), prostitution (Jeremiah 3:2), the burning of incense (1 Kings 3:3), daughters walking through fire (Jer 32:35), and human sacrifices (2 Kings 23:20, Jer. 7:31). It appears that there were sacred pillars at the high places (2 Kings 17:8-12). These appear to be carved pillars depicting the female goddess of fertility and male deities. It appears that each high place had priests (Num. 22:41). The "gods" that were worshipped at the "high places" included Baal (Num. 22:41), Asherah (2 Kings 21:3), Asherim (2 Chron. 17:6), Topheth (Jer. 7:31), and the gods of the sun, the moon, the constellations, and all the host of heaven (2 Kings 23:5, 2 Chr. 33:3). The gods at the "high places" were depicted as carved and molten images (2 Chr. 34:3). Why did they use high places for worship? Were they attempting to get closer to their god? Was there a psychological appeal to being up high? Was there a spiritual experience? Sexual experiences were part of worship. Today, people seek spiritual highs. It is interesting that God's tabernacle in the wilderness was in the plain and not on a high place. God's concept of worship is not "sexual experiences," burning our children or making our children walk through fire.
15 Now the day before Saul came, the Lord had revealed this to Samuel: 16 “About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin. Anoint him ruler over my people Israel; he will deliver them from the hand of the Philistines. I have looked on my people, for their cry has reached me.” 17 When Samuel caught sight of Saul, the Lord said to him, “This is the man I spoke to you about; he will govern my people.”
7. How did God communicate to Samuel who his choice for king would be?
“revealed”KJV says literally“came near to his ear and spoke.” I have never heard God speak words into my ear. The prophet heard a very clear precise word from God; no misunderstanding. Not a series of confusing thoughts that I have to sort through to figure out what is from God, what is from Satan, and what is my own conscience. This is gift of prophesy that established the prophet.
18 Saul approached Samuel in the gateway and asked, “Would you please tell me where the seer’s house is?” 19 “I am the seer,”Samuel replied. “Go up ahead of me to the high place, for today you are to eat with me, and in the morning I will send you on your way and will tell you all that is in your heart. 20 As for the donkeys you lost three days ago, do not worry about them; they have been found. And to whom is all the desire of Israel turned, if not to you and your whole family line?”
8. What does Samuel mean “I will let you go and will tell you all that is in your heart.”?
Samuel amazes Saul in that he answers Saul’s question before he gets a chance to ask it. He tells him they are looking for donkeys, they’ve been looking three days, they have been found. It’s all good in the hood. So if that issue is cleared up what is it that will be on Saul’s heart in the morning? He will be wondering what Samuel means by “”to whom is all the desire of Israel turned, if not to you “
21 Saul answered, “But am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why do you say such a thing to me?”
9. What was the issue of being from the tribe of Benjamin?
Paul’s family was one of the smallest families of the tribe of Benjamin, and the tribe of Benjamin was the smallest tribe of all the other tribes. They had almost been wiped out when they had gone to war against all the other tribes back in Judges 19. Of all the people in Israel even Saul knew he was the last person that should have been made king in Israel.
10. What qualifies Saul to be king?
Only that he was impressive looking and a head taller than any of the others. His father was powerful. He looked like a king.
“This boy Saul was handsome. Physically he looked like a king, but he was an actor that played a part. The people, however, were choosing their king by his outward appearance and not according to his character.
The children of Israel wanted a king, and they liked Saul. He was handsome. He was tall. He was fine looking. There wasn’t a more kingly-looking man in the nation. He could have been both a television and a movie star. He looked the part and could play the part; the trouble was he was not a king at heart.” Dr. McGee
11. What does this anointing with oil mean?
The origin of anointing was from a practice of shepherds. Lice and other insects would often get into the wool of sheep, and when they got near the sheep's head, they could burrow into the sheep's ears and kill the sheep. So, ancient shepherds poured oil on the sheep's head. This made the wool slippery, making it impossible for insects to get near the sheep's ears because they would just slide off. From this, anointing became symbolic of blessing, protection, and empowerment.
In Bible times, people were anointed with oil to signify God’s blessing or call on that person’s life (Exodus 29:7; Exodus 40:9; 2 Kings 9:6; Ecclesiastes 9:8; James 5:14). A person was anointed for a special purpose—to be a king, to be a prophet, to be an builder, etc. There is nothing wrong with anointing a person with oil today. We just have to make sure that the purpose of anointing is in agreement with Scripture. Anointing should not be viewed as a "magic potion." The oil itself does not have any power. It is only God that can anoint a person for a specific purpose. If we use oil, it is only a symbol of what God is doing. Another meaning for the word anointed is "chosen one." The Bible says that Jesus Christ was anointed by God with the Holy Spirit to spread the Good News and free those who have been held captive by sin (Luke 4:18-19; Acts 10:38). After Christ left the earth, He left us the gift of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16). Now all Christians are anointed, chosen for a specific purpose in furthering God's Kingdom (1 John 2:20). "Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee" (2 Corinthians 1:21-22). gotquestions.org.
NIVSN……………….NIV Study Notes.
JVM ………………….J Vernon McGee,
ACC ………………… Adam Clarke’s Commentary
BN ……………………Barnes Notes
WBC………….…….Wycliffe Bible Commentary
CN ……….…………..Constables Notes
IC……………….…….Ironside Commentary
NET…………….…….Net Bible Study Notes.
JFB……………………Jamieson Fausset Brown Commentary
VWS………………….Vincent Word Studies
CMM………………..Commentary on Matthew and Mark
BDB……………..….Barclay’s Daily Study Bible (NT)
Darby……………….John Darby’s Synopsis of the OT and NT
Johnson……………Johnson’s Notes on the New Testament.
NTCMM…………..The New Testament Commentary: Matthew and Mark.
EHS………………….Expositions of the Holy Scriptures
CPP…………………The Complete Pulpit Commentary
SBC…………………..Sermon Bible Commentary
K&D…………………Keil and Deilitzsch Commentary on the OT
EBC……………….…Expositors Bible Commentary
CBSC……………….Cambridge Bible for Schools and College
GC……………………Guzik Commentary
RD…………………..Robert Deffinbaugh
NSB …………………The Nelson Study Bible
MHC…………………Matthew Henry Commentary
ESVN……………..….ESV Study Bible Notes
MSBN……………….MacArthur NASB Study Notes
CSTTB………………..Chuck Smith Through the Bible
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