College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
1 Samuel 9 - Introduction
A DIGEST OF CHAPTER 9
Saul's search for his father's asses. God knew of Israel's demand for a king. He also knew where to find a man who would meet the people's requirements as a leader. His background was one of humble nature, but his appearance was impressive. As the reader of the Bible meets him, he is on an expedition to find the lost animals of his father.
Saul seeks the seer. A man who was called a prophet in Israel had formerly been called a seer. The seer was the kind of man who would be able to give answers to all kinds of hard questions. The servant who was with Saul was especially insistent that they employ the services of such a man. They thought he could help find the asses.
Saul and Samuel meet. God had told Samuel that Saul would come to him. The two met as Samuel was in a nearby city to lead the people in a sacrifice. Samuel announced to Saul that he should become king of Israel, but Saul could hardly believe it.
Samuel honors Saul. Samuel gave Saul a place of honor at the sacrifice. The best portion of the sacrificial animal had been set aside. Samuel ordered this to be put before Saul.
LESSONS FOR LEARNING
1.
Life situations often demand the counsel of a man of God. God's ministers are servants of all. Like the Master Himself, they should seek to serve and not to be served. Those who are men and women of faith will often seek out these men of God for their good offices. No burden is so great that they cannot be of some assistance, and no problem is so small that they will not stoop to help.
2.
God exalts the humble. Saul described himself as being ... of the smallest of the tribes of Israel (1 Samuel 9:21). He was amazed that Samuel had intimated that the desire of all Israel was upon him. If he had remained as humble as this, he might have been a great leader. When he lost this humility and disobeyed God, he was rejected as king. When he was humble, God's prophet exalted him by giving him a place of honor at the feast and prophesying good about him.
CHAPTER 9 IN REVIEW
1.
Whose son was Saul?
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2.
Of what tribe was Saul?
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3.
Where was Saul's home?
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4.
For what was Saul searching when he met Samuel?
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5.
What was the old name for a prophet?
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6.
Did Samuel know Saul was coming to meet him?
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7.
Was Samuel in his home when he anointed Saul?
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8.
Who was with Saul when he met Samuel?
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9.
On what kind of occasion was Saul anointed?
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10.
In what part of the house were Samuel and Saul when they conversed?
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