This Is The Man I Spoke To You About

1 Samuel 9:1-27

Key Verse: 9:17

“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.”

In this passage, we will think about 

1) Saul’s character: Positive and Negative 

2) God’s Providence [God’s guidance-Sovereignty] 

May God open our hearts to see your glorious guidance upon our lives so that we can fully surrender to him for his glory! 

1. Read verses 1-10. How were Kish and his son, Saul, described? (1-2) What happened to the donkeys belonging to Kish and what did he ask his son Saul to do? (3) How did Saul obey his father? (4) What did Saul suggest to his servant? (5) What did Saul and his servant decide to do? (6-10)

1-1) Read verses 1-10.

There was a Benjamite, a man of standing, whose name was Kish son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah of Benjamin. 2 He had a son named Saul, an impressive young man without equal among the Israelites—a head taller than any of the others.3 Now 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.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?”8 The servant answered him again. “Look,” he said, “I have a quarter of a shekel of silver. I will give it to the man of God so that he will tell us what way to take.” 9 (Formerly in Israel, if a man went to inquire of God, he 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.

1-2) How were Kish and his son, Saul, described? (1-2)

1 There was a Benjamite, a man of standing, whose name was Kish son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah of Benjamin. 2 He had a son named Saul, an impressive young man without equal among the Israelites—a head taller than any of the others.

a) Kish: Benjamite, 

A man of standing [a mighty man of power/wealth] 

The father of Saul was a wealthy and powerful man in Israel. 

b) Saul: Kish’s Son:

i) Family Background: Saul is from a prestigious family 

ii) Appearance: handsome, good looking and tall (like Absalom: 2Sam 14:25)

c) Only Saul’s appearance and human background were described. 

There was nothing about his relationship [heart] with God. (1Sam 16:7)

This is clearly contrasting to David. (1Sam 16:18) 

         

1-3) What happened to the donkeys belonging to Kish and what did he ask his son Saul to do? (3)

Verse 3 “Now 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.”’

a) The donkeys were lost. [normal event in the farm]

i) God uses every day event to fulfill His own plan. 

Runaway donkeys (v3), servant’s suggestion (v6), 

Talkative girls (v12-13), and exact timing (v11,14). 

ii) This is God’s guidance [Providence] and God’s Sovereignty 

Nothing in our life happens by accident.

b) Father Kish asked his son Saul to look for the donkeys. 

Losing donkeys is serious loss of wealth. 

c) Saul was introduced as a donkey finder. (v3)

Contrast to David: David was introduced as a shepherd. (1Sam 16:11-13) 

1-4) How did Saul obey his father? (4)

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.

a) He passed through Ephraim, Shalisha, Shaalim, & Benjamin.

He was walking around to find donkeys. 

But spiritually, he was being guided by God to finally meet Samuel. 

b) Saul’s Characters [a man of heart and obedience]

He was obedient to His father.

He was faithful/hard-working: searching many places, dedicating his time and energy.

 

c) Saul’s obedience reminds us of obedience of Jesus although Saul’s obedience is almost nothing compare to that of Jesus.

Jesus obeyed God’s direction, even that meant Jesus’ death on the cross. (Mat 26:39,42) 

Jesus learned obedience through suffering. (Heb 5:8)

1-5) What did Saul suggest to his servant? (5)

Verse 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.””

a) “Come let’s go back” or my father will start worrying about us. 

He was considerate about his father. 

He was sensitive to others. 

He was a man of consideration for others.

1-6) What did Saul and his servant decide to do? (6-10)

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?”8 The servant answered him again. “Look,” he said, “I have a quarter of a shekel of silver. I will give it to the man of God so that he will tell us what way to take.” 9 (Formerly in Israel, if a man went to inquire of God, he 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.

a) “A man of God” is referred to a “prophet”. (1Sam 2:27) (v6)

In OT, “a man of God” is used for a man who spoke for God. (Deut 33:1) 

In NT, “a man of God” is used as a technical term for an official preacher (2Tim 3:17)

This term was used for Timothy only. (1Tim 6:11) 

b) Saul’s servant says, “Everything he says comes true.” (1 Sam 9:6; 3:19) 

c) Saul’s servant says “Perhaps he will tell us what way to take”. (v6,8)

This servant seeks a man of God to find lost donkeys. 

Childlike faith vs. Superstitious faith.

d) Saul said, “What can we give the man?” (v7) 

It was common courtesy to bring a gift to the prophet. (1 Kings 14:3, 2 Kings 8:8-9)

However, those who prophesy for money were false prophets. (Micah 3:11) 

e) A seer: prophet (v9): A seer and a prophet were the same. 

f) Saul did not know Samuel. 

Saul did not have any knowledge of a great man of God in his generation.

It might possibly indicate that his family was not spiritual after all. 

2. Read verses 11-17. What did they ask some girls from the town and how did they answer? (11-13) How did they meet and what did God reveal to Samuel about Saul? (14-16) How could Samuel recognize Saul as ‘the man’? (17) Think about God who orchestrated all these things.

2-1) Read verses 11-17

11 As they were going up the hill to the town, they met some girls coming out to draw water, and they asked them, “Is the seer here?”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.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 leader over my people Israel; he will deliver my people from the hand of the Philistines. I have looked upon 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.”

2-2) What did they ask some girls from the town and how did they answer? (11-13)    

“11 As they were going up the hill to the town, they met some girls coming out to draw water, and they asked them, “Is the seer here?”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.””

a) Saul and his servant says: 

“Is the seer here?”  (v11) 

b) Some girls say: 

“Hurry now, he has just come to our town today.” (v12)

On the same day, Samuel was in town. 

God is guiding them through these circumstances. 

2-3) How did they meet and what did God reveal to Samuel about Saul? (14-16)

“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.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 leader over my people Israel; he will deliver my people from the hand of the Philistines. I have looked upon my people, for their cry has reached me.””

a) They met Samuel as they were entering the town.

b) God’s plan for Saul. (v16)

- Anoint Saul leader

- He (Saul) will deliver my people from the hand of the Philistines. This is God’s purpose

in calling Saul. God calls leaders to deliver his people from slavery as he used Moses to

  deliver the Israelites from Pharaoh. Jesus delivered his people from slavery of sin and

death. God has a clear purpose when he calls people as leaders.

c) God’s mercy for His people. (v16c)

The main reason that God anointed Saul as leader is to deliver them from the Philistine. 

God listened to their cry and planed to work for them.  

2-4)    How could Samuel recognize Saul as ‘the man’? (17)

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.”

The Lord said to him.

2-5)  Think about God who orchestrated all these things.

a) God’s providence. [guidance] 

i) God delicately lead Saul to Samuel through every day event. 

Runaway donkeys (v3), servant’s suggestion (v6), 

Talkative girls (v12-13), and exact timing (v11,14). 

ii) Nothing in our life happens by accident.

Although sometimes, we do not aware of it and do not understand it. 

There is no chance or luck in the life of believers. 

b) God’s Sovereignty.

God is the Creator. 

When God created the heavens and the earth God orchestrated everything.

God is the God of universe. Everything is under God’s hands. 

God is God of the living. 

God of Abraham: God called Abraham and chose him as a source of blessing. 

God of Isaac: God prepared Isaac’s wife Rebecca through Abraham’s servant.    

God of Jacob: God chose Jacob and showed him heavenly ladder. 

God of Joseph: God sent Joseph to Egypt to save and build up Israelites.

God of Judges: God sent many judges to lead God’s people. 

God is God of Israel: When people chose to have a king like other countries

God was choosing Saul as a king of Israelites.

Later, God chose King David for the shadow of Jesus and his kingdom. 

God is God of the world [gentiles] 

God sent Jesus to be crucified on the cross for the salvation. 

God is the ruler of universe, running history according to his will. 

God is God of the promise. 

Jesus will come as he promised.

We’ll participate in his glory despite of current hardships and difficulties. 

3. Read vs 18-24. What did Saul ask Samuel? (18) How did Samuel reply and further imply? (19-20) Why was Saul so puzzled? (21) How did Samuel highly honor Saul when they dined together before the guests? (22-24)

3-1) Read vs 18-24

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 let you go 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 all your father’s family?”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?”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. 23 Samuel 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 leg 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.

3-2) What did Saul ask Samuel? (18)

18 Saul approached Samuel in the gateway and asked, “Would you please tell me where the seer’s house is?”

a) “Would you please tell me where the seer’s house is?”

Obviously, Saul never saw Samuel before. 

b) God delicately guided Saul to meet Samuel. 

We can sense God’s guidance in the life of Saul. 

3-3) How did Samuel reply and further imply? (19-20)

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 let you go 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 all your father’s family?” 

a) “I am the seer.” (the prophet) 

b) “I will tell you all that is in your heart.” (v19)

c) “To whom is all the desire of Israel turned, if not to you and all your father’s family?”

Samuel hints to Saul that he would be a king whom all of Israel desired. 

It also implies that Saul was the kind of king that people wanted, not God. 

3-4) Why was Saul so puzzled? (21)

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?”

a) Saul said, “I am a Benjamites, from the smallest tribe of Israel.” 

It is true statement. (Judge 20:46-48)

b) Saul said, “My clan is the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin.” 

This is modest expression, because his father was actually powerful and wealthy. (v1) 

c) Humble response from Saul.

Saul considered himself as the least. He considered he was not worthy.

God uses the humble for God’s purpose. (Prov 3:34) 

3-5) How did Samuel highly honor Saul when they dined together before the guests? (22-24)

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. 23 Samuel 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 leg 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.

a) Samuel seated Saul in the place of honor. 

Seated Saul at the head of those who were invited. 

b) Samuel provided special portion of food for Saul. 

The leg [thigh; shoulder part]: reserved to priests (Lev 7:32-33) 

Possibly shoulder symbolize the government. (Isa 9:6)

Possibly symbolize his upcoming anointing. 

4. Read vs 25-27. What did Samuel do with Saul on the roof of his house? (25) What did Samuel ask Saul and his servant to do? (26-27a) Why did Samuel ask Saul to stay a little longer? (27b)

4-1) Read vs 25-27.

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 awhile, so that I may give you a message from God.”

4-2) What did Samuel do with Saul on the roof of his house? (25)

Verse 25 “After they came down from the high place to the town, Samuel talked with Saul on the roof of his house.”

a) They talked on the roof of his house.

Their conversations were not written. 

  Samuel might talk to Saul about the kingship; blessing/responsibility to God. 

Possibly, he might tell Saul all that is in his [Saul’s] heart. (v19)

4-3) What did Samuel ask Saul and his servant to do? (26-27a)

“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.”

a) “Get ready, and I will send you on your way.”

b) “Tell the servant to go on ahead of us.”

4-4)  Why did Samuel ask Saul to stay a little longer? (27b)

“but you stay here awhile, so that I may give you a message from God.”

a) Samuel wanted to give Saul a message from God. 

Anointing: continue in Ch. 10 

In Conclusion

1) God is in control. [Sovereignty] 

God orchestrates everything from the beginning to the end.

Just like God led the spiritual ancestors (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph and so on)

God is leading our lives.  

God has been leading our lives according to God’s will and plans. 

There will be ups and downs, but one thing is sure. Everything is under God’s hands. God has been using ‘time’ and ‘space’ to fulfill God’s plans. God can count even our hairs. (Mat 10:30) God cares birds in the air plants in the field, then, how much more God would care and lead us and our lives! (Mat 6:26)

b) Saul’s characters were described. 

He was humble, faithful, sensitive to others and responsible when he was chosen by God. 

although human’s merits can’t be the points that God could consider.

But it was also hinted that he was not spiritual. 

c) Samuel obeyed God. 

Samuel knew that establishing a king was not God’s idea. 

Yet, since God allowed this to happen, he obeyed God’s direction. 

The end.

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