1 Samuel 9 explained: Lost Donkeys Lead Saul to Samuel

Saul and his family (vv. 1-2)

Saul's father Kish is a well-off man from the small tribe of Benjamin, and Saul is described only by his looks and his great height, not his character. Many readers notice the contrast with the later choice of David, where God says he looks at the heart rather than appearance.

Searching for lost donkeys (vv. 3-10)

Animals were often left to roam and graze, then tracked down, so this was an ordinary family errand that went on for days. When Saul wants to give up, his servant suggests asking a respected holy man, and bringing a small gift, even a bit of silver, was the normal courtesy when visiting someone important.

An old word explained (v. 9)

This is a note added by the writer for later readers. In earlier times a prophet was called a "seer," meaning someone who sees what others cannot.

Directions at the well (vv. 11-14)

Young women drawing water tell them Samuel has come for a sacrifice at the "high place," a hilltop site for worship, followed by a shared meal that he must bless first. The town is not named, and scholars are unsure whether it was Samuel's home town of Ramah.

God prepares Samuel (vv. 15-17)

The day before, the LORD told Samuel to anoint this man, meaning pour oil on his head to mark him as chosen, as ruler to rescue Israel from the Philistines. The text presents this as God responding to the people's cry for help.

An honored guest (vv. 18-24)

Samuel tells Saul the donkeys are found and hints that Israel's hopes now rest on his family, but Saul protests that his tribe is the smallest, nearly wiped out in an earlier civil war. Samuel still seats him at the head of about thirty guests and serves him a choice cut saved just for him, an honor the others would have noticed.

A private word at dawn (vv. 25-27)

Saul spends the night at Samuel's house, where they talk on the flat roof, a common place for guests to sleep. At daybreak Samuel sends the servant ahead so he can give Saul a message from God alone, which comes in the next chapter.

Key verse: 1 Samuel 9:16

Where Christians differ

Christians differ on whether this story presents Saul's kingship mainly as God's gift to a suffering people or as a concession to people who, in the previous chapter, rejected God as their king.

Something to think about

Have you ever set out looking for one small thing and found your life turning in a direction you never expected?