1 Samuel 9

Saul Chosen as King

In this section, we see the intersection of the will of the people and the providence of God as a young Saul meets the prophet Samuel for the first time. 

In chapters 9-11 the writer painted Saul as the ideal man to serve as king from the human viewpoint.       - Thomas Constable

An Impressive Young Man

Vs. 2 - There was no one more impressive among the Israelites than he. He stood a head taller than anyone else.

Saul was noted for both his family and his appearance. If being king over Israel was all about image and appearances, Saul was the man – the king from central casting.      - David Guzik

Come, Let’s Go to The Seer

Details

Vs. 3 - One day the donkeys of Saul’s father Kish wandered off.

The pace of this passage feels different than the prior narrative.  The entire section could have been summarized with a few sentences, but the author slowed the story to explain every known detail of the circumstances that led Saul to Samuel.  These detailed descriptions become even more frequent when David enters the plot.

Providence 

Vs. 15-16 - Now the day before Saul’s arrival, the Lord had informed Samuel, “At this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin. Anoint him ruler over my people Israel.”

In the details, we can see how God was orchestrating every event that led to Saul becoming king.  In His providence, God gave His people what they wanted.  

Even though Israel rejected the LORD as their king (1 Samuel 8:7), God was still in control. He didn’t step off His throne just because Israel asked Him to. He would indeed give them a king, but He sent a flawed king to a flawed Israel.       - David Guzik

Indicators

Vs. 18-19 - Saul approached Samuel in the city gate and asked, “Would you please tell me where the seer’s house is?” “I am the seer,” Samuel answered.

Saul approached Samuel but did not recognize him, as his question reveals. The text may again provide a hint at the negative direction Saul’s kingdom would take. All Israel knew Samuel was a prophet of the Lord (3:20), but Saul did not even recognize him.                           - Bryan E. Beyer

Who Does All Israel Desire?

A Question

Vs. 21 - So why have you said something like this to me?”

Saul…originally had no desire for political power and little interest in the spiritual ministry of Samuel. As the son of a wealthy landowner, he was more concerned about the loss of his father’s donkeys, and the worry he might cause his father by being away so long in search of them.          - Don Fleming

An Explanation

Vs. 19 - I’ll tell you everything that’s in your heart.

Vs. 27 - I’ll reveal the word of God to you.

In chapter 10, we will see that the prophet chose this private and modest setting for Saul’s anointing as king.  After this brief encounter, the young farmer’s primary concern would shift from corralling donkeys to commanding a nation.