1 Samuel 9 - Introduction
IX. (1 Samuel 9:1) The Preparation of Saul the Son of Kish the Benjamite, for his appointment as anointed King of Israel.... [ Continue Reading ]
IX. (1 Samuel 9:1) The Preparation of Saul the Son of Kish the Benjamite, for his appointment as anointed King of Israel.... [ Continue Reading ]
SAUL. — The inspired compiler of these books — having related the circumstances which accompanied the people’s request to the last of the judges for a king — closed the first part of the story of this momentous change in the fortunes of the chosen people with the words of the prophet-judge, bidding... [ Continue Reading ]
A CHOICE YOUNG MAN, AND A GOODLY. — The Hebrew word which is rendered in English by “a choice young man” cannot signify both these epithets. The translators were probably influenced by the Vulg. (Latin) Version, which translates the Hebrew word by _electus,_ “chosen, or choice,” the more common sign... [ Continue Reading ]
AND HE PASSED THROUGH MOUNT EPHRAIM. The chain of the mountains of Ephraim ran southward into the territory of Benjamin, where were situated the patrimonial possessions of Saul’s house. AND PASSED THROUGH THE LAND OF SHALISHA. — Or land “of the Three;” so called because three valleys there united i... [ Continue Reading ]
THE LAND OF ZUPH. — This was believed to be in the south-west of Benjamin. LEST MY FATHER... TAKE THOUGHT FOR US. — “Saul’s tender regard for his father’s feelings here is a favourable indication of character.” — _Dr. Kitto. _... [ Continue Reading ]
A MAN OF GOD. — When Saul determined to give up the search for his father’s asses, he was in the neigh. bourhood of the city of Samuel the seer — “Raman of the Watchers.” The servant points out to him the tower of the then famous residence of the seer and judge, Samuel. “Will you not ask him,” sugge... [ Continue Reading ]
WHAT SHALL WE BRING? — It would seem at first strange that one like Samuel should be approached by presents, but the custom of offering gifts was in many cases an act of respectful homage to a superior rather than a mere fee. Compare, for instance, the many detailed accounts of presents offered and... [ Continue Reading ]
THE FOURTH PART OF A SHEKEL OF SILVER. — “Probably this shekel of silver was roughly stamped, and divided into four quarters by a cross, and broken when needed. What was its proportionate value in Samuel’s days we cannot tell, for silver then was rare.” — _Dean Payne Smith. _... [ Continue Reading ]
BEFORETIME IN ISRAEL. — This verse was evidently inserted in the original book of memoirs of the days of Samuel by a later hand. Three special words are found in the Divine writings for the inspired messengers or interpreters of the Eternal wilt; of these, the title seer (_roeh_) was the most ancien... [ Continue Reading ]
UNTO THE CITY. — The name of the city where Samuel and Saul first met in this strange way is not given. Still, the impression which the narrative leaves on the mind is that it was Samuel’s usual residence — “Ramah.” We know Samuel had built an altar to the Lord at Ramah (1 Samuel 7:17); on the day o... [ Continue Reading ]
HE CAME TO-DAY. — The little scene — in itself in no way remarkable — is recounted by an eye-witness, evidently as introducing momentous consequences. Every detail of that day’s proceedings was of deep interest to Israel. Some of the maidens of Raman were at the well side, drawing water for their h... [ Continue Reading ]
HE DOTH BLESS THE SACRIFICE. — It has been well remarked that we have here, in this note of the people’s conduct at the sacrificial banquet of “Raman of the Watchers,” a very early instance of the devout practice among the Hebrews of asking a blessing on meals.... [ Continue Reading ]
BEHOLD, SAMUEL CAME OUT AGAINST THEM. — “Saul comes before Samuel, bashfully pursuing his humble quest, in apparent unconsciousness of the power slumbering within him of aspiring and attaining to the highest place; the great seer receives him in a way quite different from all that he could have hope... [ Continue Reading ]
HAD TOLD SAMUEL IN HIS EAR. — Literally, _had uncovered the ear of Samuel._ The image is taken from the action of pushing aside the head-dress, in order the more conveniently to whisper some words to the ear. This is one of the few more direct intimations in the sacred records of one of the ways in... [ Continue Reading ]
THE PHILISTINES. — This statement evidently points to the fact — of which, a little later, we have such ample evidence — that at this juncture the Philistines were again harassing the Israelite territory with their destructive raids. The power of the Philistines was broken, but by no means destroyed... [ Continue Reading ]
BEHOLD THE MAN. — This verse, it must be remembered, follows closely on 1 Samuel 9:14, the statements of 1 Samuel 9:15 being parenthetical. The young Saul and his servant came up to accost the seer on his way to the sacred height; Samuel, at once impressed by the great stature and splendid beauty of... [ Continue Reading ]
IN THE GATE. — The LXX. (Greek Version) here reads, “in the midst of the city.” It is not improbable that this is the original reading, it being very possible for a scribe to write the Hebrew word “gate” for “city.”... [ Continue Reading ]
GO UP BEFORE ME UNTO THE HIGH PLACE. — The desiring the young stranger to precede him to the public place of sacrifice was a sign of distinguished honour from one of Samuel’s rank to a young unknown wayfarer like Saul. These words of courteous respect were addressed to Saul alone: “Go thou up before... [ Continue Reading ]
AND SAMUEL TOOK SAUL. — The seer gave Saul no answer to this question, in which the young man’s wonderment was expressed that one so insignificant should be chosen for so high a destiny. Samuel merely wished, in the first instance, to awaken new and grander thoughts and aspirations in this young hea... [ Continue Reading ]
AND SAMUEL SAID UNTO THE COOK. — The meaning of this statement is simply this — all that took place in the meeting of the prophet and Saul at the sacrificial feast, and subsequently in Samuel’s house, was arranged for beforehand; every event was foreseen and provided for, even the trivial details —... [ Continue Reading ]
AND SAMUEL SAID. — There is an error here in the English translation which requires correction. Although the matter is not one of great moment, yet it is important and deeply interesting to notice the little details that the inspired historian has thought it right to preserve in connection with this... [ Continue Reading ]
AND WHEN THEY WERE COME DOWN. — After the public sacrificial meal at which such signal honours had been shown to the Benjamite stranger and his servant, the prophet-judge detained Saul from continuing his journey homewards, and persuaded him to remain as his guest that night at Ramah. He conducted h... [ Continue Reading ]
AND THEY AROSE EARLY. — The English translation of this verse is misleading. It should run thus “And they arose early, namely, when the morning dawned. Samuel called for Saul upon the roof, Get up, that I may send thee, &c.” The English rendering seems to suppose that they rose first, and afterwards... [ Continue Reading ]
THAT I MAY SHEW THEE THE WORD OF GOD. — The wonderment of Saul at the strange honour and distinction shown to him, a comparatively unknown Benjamite, by the famous prophet-judge, was, no doubt, increased by this proposal of Samuel to accompany him a little way on his journey homeward. The meaning of... [ Continue Reading ]