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Difference between revisions of "1 Samuel Chapter 9:3-10"

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[[O.T.Henry Commentary 1 Samuel | '''1:1-8''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 1:9-10|'''1:9-18''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 1:19-28|'''1:19-28''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 2:1-10|'''2:1-10''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 2:11-26|'''2:11-26''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 2:27-36|'''2:27-36''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 3:1-10|'''3:1-10''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 3:11-18|'''3:11-18''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 3:19-21|'''3:19-21''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 4:1-9|'''4:1-9''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 4:10-11|'''4:10-11''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 4:12-18|'''4:12-18''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 4:19-22|'''4:19-22''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 5:1-5|'''5:1-5''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 5:6-12|'''5:6-12''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 6:1-9|'''6:1-9''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 6:10-18|'''6:10-18''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 6:19-21|'''6:19-21''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 7:1-2|'''7:1-2''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 7:3-6|'''7:3-6''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 7:7-12|'''7:7-12''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 7:13-17|'''7:13-17''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 8:1-3|'''8:1-3''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 8:4-22|'''8:4-22''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 9:1-2|'''9:1-2''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 9:3-10|'''9:3-10''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 9:11-17|'''9:11-17''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 9:18-27|'''9:18-27''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 10:1-8|'''10:1-8''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 10:9-16|'''10:9-16''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 10:17-27|'''10:17-27''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 11:1-4|'''11:1-4''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 11:5-11|'''11:5-11''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 11:12-15|'''11:12-15''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 12:1-5|'''12:1-5''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 12:6-15|'''12:6-15''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 12:16-25|'''12:16-25''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 13:1-7|'''1:1-7''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 13:8-14|'''13:8-14''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 13:15-23|'''13:15-23''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 14:1-15|'''14:1-15''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 14:16-23|'''14:16-23''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 14:24-35|'''14:24-35''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 14:36-46|'''14:36-46''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 14:47-52|'''14:47-52''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 15:1-9|'''15:1-9''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 15:10-23|'''15:10-23''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 15:24-31|'''15:24-31''']],  [[1 Samuel Chapter 15:32-35|'''15:32-35''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 16:1-5|'''16:1-5''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 16:6-13|'''16:6-13''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 16:14-23|'''16:14-23''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 17:1-11|'''17:1-11''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 17:12-30|'''17:12-30''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 17:31-39|'''17:31-39''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 17:40-47|'''17:40-47''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 17:48-58|'''17:48-58''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 18:1-5|'''18:1-5''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 18:6-11|'''18:6-11''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 18:12-30|'''18:12-30''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 19:1-7|'''19:1-7''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 19:8-10|'''19:8-10''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 19:11-17|'''19:11-17''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 19:18-24|'''19:18-24''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 20:1-8|'''20:1-8''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 20:9-23|'''20:9-23''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 20:24-34|'''20:24-34''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 20:35-42|'''20:35-42''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 21:1-9|'''21:1-9''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 21:10-15|'''21:10-15''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 22:1-5|'''22:1-5''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 22:6-19|'''22:6-19''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 22:20-23|'''22:20-23''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 23:1-6|'''23:1-6''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 23:7-13|'''23:7-13''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 23:14-18|'''23:14-18''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 23:19-29|'''23:19-29''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 24:1-8|'''24:1-8''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 24:9-15|'''24:9-15''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 24:16-22|'''24:16-22''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 25:1|'''25:1''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 25:2-11|'''25:2-11''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 25:12-17|'''25:12-17''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 25:18-31|'''25:18-31''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 25:32-35|'''25:32-35''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 25:36-44|'''25:36-44''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 26:1-5|'''26:1-5''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 26:6-12|'''26:6-12''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 26:13-20|'''26:13-20''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 26:21-25|'''26:21-25''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 27:1-7|'''27:1-7''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 27:8-12|'''27:8-12''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 28:1-6|'''28:1-6''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 28:7-14|'''28:7-14''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 28:15-19|'''28:15-19''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 28:20-25|'''28:20-25''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 29:1-5|'''29:1-5''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 29:6-11|'''29:6-11''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 30:1-6|'''30:1-6''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 30:7-20|'''30:7-20''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 30:21-31|'''30:21-31''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 31:1-7|'''31:1-7''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 31:8-13|'''31:8-13''']],
+
[[O.T.Henry Commentary 1 Samuel | '''1:1-8''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 1:9-18|'''1:9-18''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 1:19-28|'''1:19-28''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 2:1-10|'''2:1-10''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 2:11-26|'''2:11-26''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 2:27-36|'''2:27-36''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 3:1-10|'''3:1-10''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 3:11-18|'''3:11-18''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 3:19-21|'''3:19-21''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 4:1-9|'''4:1-9''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 4:10-11|'''4:10-11''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 4:12-18|'''4:12-18''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 4:19-22|'''4:19-22''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 5:1-5|'''5:1-5''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 5:6-12|'''5:6-12''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 6:1-9|'''6:1-9''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 6:10-18|'''6:10-18''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 6:19-21|'''6:19-21''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 7:1-2|'''7:1-2''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 7:3-6|'''7:3-6''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 7:7-12|'''7:7-12''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 7:13-17|'''7:13-17''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 8:1-3|'''8:1-3''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 8:4-22|'''8:4-22''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 9:1-2|'''9:1-2''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 9:3-10|'''9:3-10''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 9:11-17|'''9:11-17''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 9:18-27|'''9:18-27''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 10:1-8|'''10:1-8''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 10:9-16|'''10:9-16''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 10:17-27|'''10:17-27''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 11:1-4|'''11:1-4''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 11:5-11|'''11:5-11''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 11:12-15|'''11:12-15''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 12:1-5|'''12:1-5''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 12:6-15|'''12:6-15''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 12:16-25|'''12:16-25''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 13:1-7|'''13:1-7''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 13:8-14|'''13:8-14''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 13:15-23|'''13:15-23''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 14:1-15|'''14:1-15''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 14:16-23|'''14:16-23''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 14:24-35|'''14:24-35''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 14:36-46|'''14:36-46''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 14:47-52|'''14:47-52''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 15:1-9|'''15:1-9''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 15:10-23|'''15:10-23''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 15:24-31|'''15:24-31''']],  [[1 Samuel Chapter 15:32-35|'''15:32-35''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 16:1-5|'''16:1-5''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 16:6-13|'''16:6-13''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 16:14-23|'''16:14-23''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 17:1-11|'''17:1-11''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 17:12-30|'''17:12-30''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 17:31-39|'''17:31-39''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 17:40-47|'''17:40-47''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 17:48-58|'''17:48-58''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 18:1-5|'''18:1-5''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 18:6-11|'''18:6-11''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 18:12-30|'''18:12-30''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 19:1-7|'''19:1-7''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 19:8-10|'''19:8-10''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 19:11-17|'''19:11-17''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 19:18-24|'''19:18-24''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 20:1-8|'''20:1-8''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 20:9-23|'''20:9-23''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 20:24-34|'''20:24-34''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 20:35-42|'''20:35-42''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 21:1-9|'''21:1-9''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 21:10-15|'''21:10-15''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 22:1-5|'''22:1-5''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 22:6-19|'''22:6-19''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 22:20-23|'''22:20-23''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 23:1-6|'''23:1-6''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 23:7-13|'''23:7-13''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 23:14-18|'''23:14-18''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 23:19-29|'''23:19-29''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 24:1-8|'''24:1-8''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 24:9-15|'''24:9-15''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 24:16-22|'''24:16-22''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 25:1|'''25:1''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 25:2-11|'''25:2-11''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 25:12-17|'''25:12-17''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 25:18-31|'''25:18-31''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 25:32-35|'''25:32-35''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 25:36-44|'''25:36-44''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 26:1-5|'''26:1-5''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 26:6-12|'''26:6-12''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 26:13-20|'''26:13-20''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 26:21-25|'''26:21-25''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 27:1-7|'''27:1-7''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 27:8-12|'''27:8-12''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 28:1-6|'''28:1-6''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 28:7-14|'''28:7-14''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 28:15-19|'''28:15-19''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 28:20-25|'''28:20-25''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 29:1-5|'''29:1-5''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 29:6-11|'''29:6-11''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 30:1-6|'''30:1-6''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 30:7-20|'''30:7-20''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 30:21-31|'''30:21-31''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 31:1-7|'''31:1-7''']], [[1 Samuel Chapter 31:8-13|'''31:8-13''']],
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2Sa 8:15-18 <br>
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1Sa 9:3-10 <br>
David was not so engaged in his wars abroad as to neglect the administration of the government at home.<br>
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Here is, I. A great man rising from small beginnings. It does not appear that Saul had any preferment at all, or was in any post of honour or trust, till he was chosen king of Israel. Most that are advanced rise gradually, but Saul, from the level with his neighbours, stepped at once into the throne, according to that of Hannah, He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, to set them among princes, 1Sa 2:8. Saul, it should seem, though he was himself married and had children grown up, yet lived in his father's house, and was subject to him. Promotion comes not by chance nor human probabilities, but God is the Judge.<br>
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II. A great event arising from small occurrences. How low does the history begin! Having to trace Saul to the crown, we find him first employed as meanly as any we meet with called out to preferment.<br>
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1. Saul's father sends him with one of his servants to seek some asses that he had lost. It may be they had no way then to give public notice of such a number of asses strayed or stolen out of the grounds of Kish the Benjamite.
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A very good law they had to oblige men to bring back an ox or an ass that went astray, but it is to be feared that was, as other good laws, neglected and forgotten. It is easy to observe here that those who have must expect to lose, that it is wisdom to look after what is lost, that no man should think it below him to know the state of his flocks, that children should be forward to serve their parents' interests. Saul readily went to seek his father's asses, 1Sa 9:3, 4. His taking care of the asses is to be ascribed, not so much to the humility of his spirit as to the plainness and simplicity of those times. But his obedience to his father in it was very commendable. Seest thou a man diligent in his business, and dutiful to his superiors, willing to stoop and willing to take pains? he does as Saul stand fair for preferment. The servant of Kish would be faithful only as a servant, but Saul as a son, in his own business, and therefore he was sent with him. Saul and his servants travelled far (probably on foot) in quest of the asses, but in vain: they found them not. He missed of what he sought, but had no reason to complain of the disappointment, for he met with the kingdom, which he never dreamed of.<br>
  
I. His care extended itself to all the parts of his dominion: He reigned over all Israel (2Sa 8:15); not only he had a right to reign over all the tribes, but he did so; they were all safe under his protection, and shared in the fruits of his good government.<br>
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2. When he could not find them, he determined to return to his father (1Sa 9:5), in consideration of his father's tender concern for him, being apprehensive that if they staid out any longer his aged father would begin to fear, as Jacob concerning Joseph, that an evil beast had devoured them or some mischief had befallen them; he will leave caring for the asses, as much as he was in care about them, and will take thought for us. Children should take care that they do nothing to grieve or frighten their parents, but be tender of their tenderness.<br>
  
II. He did justice with an unbiased unshaken hand: He executed judgment unto all his people, neither did wrong nor denied or delayed right to any. This intimates, 1. His industry and close application to business, his easiness of access and readiness to admit all addresses and appeals made to him. All his people, even the meanest, and those too of the meanest tribes, were welcome to his council-board. 2. His impartiality and the equity of his proceedings, in administering justice. He never perverted justice through favour or affection, nor had respect of persons in judgment. Herein he was a type of Christ, who was faithful and true, and who doth in righteousness both judge and make war, Rev 19:11. See Psa 72:1, 2.<br>
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3. His servant proposed (for, it should seem, he had more religion in him than his master) that, since they were now at Ramah, they should call on Samuel, and take his advice in this important affair. Observe here, (1.) They were close by the city where Samuel lived, and that put it into their heads to consult him (1Sa 9:6): There is in this city a man of God. Note, Wherever we are we should improve our opportunities of acquainting ourselves with those that are wise and good. But there are many that will consult a man of God, if he comes in their way, that would not go a step out of their way to get wisdom. (2.) The servant spoke very respectfully concerning Samuel, though he had not personal knowledge of him, but by common fame only: He is a man of God, and an honourable man. Note, Men of God are honourable men, and should be so in our eyes. Acquaintance with the things of God, and serviceableness to the kingdom of God, put true honour upon men, and make them great.  
  
III. He kept good order and good officers in his court. David being the first king that had an established government (for Saul's reign was short and unsettled) he had the modelling of the administration. In Saul's time we read of no other great officer than Abner, that was captain of the host. But David appointed more officers: Joab that was general of the forces in the field, and Banaiah that was over the Cherethites and Pelethites, who were either the city train-bands (archers and slingers, so the Chaldee), or rather the life-guards, or standing force, that attended the king's person, the pretorian band, the militia.  
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This was the honour of Samuel, as a man of God, that all he saith comes surely to pass. This was observed concerning him when he was a young prophet (1Sa 3:19), God did let none of his words fall to the ground; and still it held true. (3.) They agreed to consult him concerning the way that they should go; peradventure he can show us. All the use they would make of the man of God was to be advised by him whether they should return home, or, if there were any hopes of finding the asses, which way they must go next - a poor business to employ a prophet about! Had they said, &quot;Let us give up the asses for lost, and, now that we are so near the man of God, let us go and learn from him the good knowledge of God, let us consult him how we may order our conversations aright, and enquire the law at his mouth, since we may not have such another opportunity, and then we shall not lose our journey&quot; - the proposal would have been such as became Israelites; but to make prophecy, that glory of Israel, serve so mean a turn as this, discovered too much what manner of spirit they were of.  
  
They were ready to do service at home, to assist in the administering of justice, and to preserve the public peace. We find them employed in proclaiming Solomon, 1Ki 1:38. 2. Two ecclesiastical officers: Zadok and Ahimelech were priests, that is, they were most employed in the priests' work under Abiathar, the high priest. 3. Two civil officers: one that was recorder, or remembrancer, to put the king in mind of business in its season (he was prime minister of state, yet not entrusted with the custody of the king's conscience, as they say of our lord chancellor, but only of the king's memory; let the king be put in mind of business and he would do it himself); another that was scribe, or secretary of state, that drew up public orders and despatches, and recorded judgments given.  
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Note, Most people would rather be told their fortune than told their duty, how to be rich than how to be saved. If it were the business of the men of God to direct for the recovery of lost asses, they would be consulted much more than they are now that it is their business to direct for the recovery of lost souls; so preposterous is the care of most men! (4.) Saul was thoughtful what present they should bring to the man of God, what fee they should give him for his advice (1Sa 9:7): What shall we bring the man? They could not present him, as Jeroboam's wife did Ahijah, with loaves and cakes (1Ki 14:3), for their bread was spent; but the servant bethought himself that he had in his pocket the fourth part of a shekel, about seven-pence halfpenny in value, and that he would give to the man of God to direct them, 1Sa 9:8. &quot;That will do,&quot; says Saul; &quot;let us go,&quot; 1Sa 9:10. Some think that when Saul talked of giving Samuel a fee he measured him by himself, or by his sons, as if he must be hired to do an honest Israelite a kindness, and was like the false prophets, that divined for money, Mic 3:11.  
  
4. David's sons, as they grew up to be fit for business, were made chief rulers; they had places of honour and trust assigned them, in the household, or in the camp, or in the courts of justice, according as their genius led them. They were chief about the king (so it is explained, 1Ch 18:17), employed near him, that they might be under his eye. Our Lord Jesus has appointed officers in his kingdom, for his honour and the good of the community; when he ascended on high he gave these gifts (Eph 4:8-11), to every man his work, Mark 13:34. David made his sons chief rulers; but all believers, Christ's spiritual seed, are better preferred, for they are made to our God kings and priests, Rev 1:6.<br>
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He came to him as a fortune-teller, rather than as a prophet, and therefore thought the fourth part of a shekel was enough to give him. But it rather seems to be agreeable to the general usage of those times, as it is to natural equity, that those who sowed spiritual things should reap not only eternal things from him that employs them, but temporal things from those for whom they are employed. Samuel needed not their money, nor would he have denied them his advice if they had not brought it (it is probable, when he had it, he gave it to the por); but they brought it to him as a token of their respect and the value they put upon his office; nor did he refuse it, for they were able to give it, and, though it was but little, it was the widow's mite. But Saul, as he never thought of going to the man of God till the servant proposed it, so, it should seem, he mentioned the want of a present as an objection against their going; he would not own that he had money in his pocket, but, when the servant generously offered to be at the charge, then, &quot;Well, said,&quot; says Saul; &quot;come, let us go.&quot; Most people love a cheap religion, and like it best when they can devolve the expense of it on others. (5.) The historian here takes notice of the name then given to the prophets: they called them Seers, or seeing men (1Sa 9:9), not but that the name prophet was then used, and applied to such persons, but that of seers was more in use. Note, Those that are prophets must first be seers; those who undertake to speak to others of the things of God must have an insight into those things themselves.<br>

Latest revision as of 23:09, 12 April 2011

1:1-8, 1:9-18, 1:19-28, 2:1-10, 2:11-26, 2:27-36, 3:1-10, 3:11-18, 3:19-21, 4:1-9, 4:10-11, 4:12-18, 4:19-22, 5:1-5, 5:6-12, 6:1-9, 6:10-18, 6:19-21, 7:1-2, 7:3-6, 7:7-12, 7:13-17, 8:1-3, 8:4-22, 9:1-2, 9:3-10, 9:11-17, 9:18-27, 10:1-8, 10:9-16, 10:17-27, 11:1-4, 11:5-11, 11:12-15, 12:1-5, 12:6-15, 12:16-25, 13:1-7, 13:8-14, 13:15-23, 14:1-15, 14:16-23, 14:24-35, 14:36-46, 14:47-52, 15:1-9, 15:10-23, 15:24-31, 15:32-35, 16:1-5, 16:6-13, 16:14-23, 17:1-11, 17:12-30, 17:31-39, 17:40-47, 17:48-58, 18:1-5, 18:6-11, 18:12-30, 19:1-7, 19:8-10, 19:11-17, 19:18-24, 20:1-8, 20:9-23, 20:24-34, 20:35-42, 21:1-9, 21:10-15, 22:1-5, 22:6-19, 22:20-23, 23:1-6, 23:7-13, 23:14-18, 23:19-29, 24:1-8, 24:9-15, 24:16-22, 25:1, 25:2-11, 25:12-17, 25:18-31, 25:32-35, 25:36-44, 26:1-5, 26:6-12, 26:13-20, 26:21-25, 27:1-7, 27:8-12, 28:1-6, 28:7-14, 28:15-19, 28:20-25, 29:1-5, 29:6-11, 30:1-6, 30:7-20, 30:21-31, 31:1-7, 31:8-13,


1Sa 9:3-10
Here is, I. A great man rising from small beginnings. It does not appear that Saul had any preferment at all, or was in any post of honour or trust, till he was chosen king of Israel. Most that are advanced rise gradually, but Saul, from the level with his neighbours, stepped at once into the throne, according to that of Hannah, He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, to set them among princes, 1Sa 2:8. Saul, it should seem, though he was himself married and had children grown up, yet lived in his father's house, and was subject to him. Promotion comes not by chance nor human probabilities, but God is the Judge.

II. A great event arising from small occurrences. How low does the history begin! Having to trace Saul to the crown, we find him first employed as meanly as any we meet with called out to preferment.
1. Saul's father sends him with one of his servants to seek some asses that he had lost. It may be they had no way then to give public notice of such a number of asses strayed or stolen out of the grounds of Kish the Benjamite.

A very good law they had to oblige men to bring back an ox or an ass that went astray, but it is to be feared that was, as other good laws, neglected and forgotten. It is easy to observe here that those who have must expect to lose, that it is wisdom to look after what is lost, that no man should think it below him to know the state of his flocks, that children should be forward to serve their parents' interests. Saul readily went to seek his father's asses, 1Sa 9:3, 4. His taking care of the asses is to be ascribed, not so much to the humility of his spirit as to the plainness and simplicity of those times. But his obedience to his father in it was very commendable. Seest thou a man diligent in his business, and dutiful to his superiors, willing to stoop and willing to take pains? he does as Saul stand fair for preferment. The servant of Kish would be faithful only as a servant, but Saul as a son, in his own business, and therefore he was sent with him. Saul and his servants travelled far (probably on foot) in quest of the asses, but in vain: they found them not. He missed of what he sought, but had no reason to complain of the disappointment, for he met with the kingdom, which he never dreamed of.

2. When he could not find them, he determined to return to his father (1Sa 9:5), in consideration of his father's tender concern for him, being apprehensive that if they staid out any longer his aged father would begin to fear, as Jacob concerning Joseph, that an evil beast had devoured them or some mischief had befallen them; he will leave caring for the asses, as much as he was in care about them, and will take thought for us. Children should take care that they do nothing to grieve or frighten their parents, but be tender of their tenderness.

3. His servant proposed (for, it should seem, he had more religion in him than his master) that, since they were now at Ramah, they should call on Samuel, and take his advice in this important affair. Observe here, (1.) They were close by the city where Samuel lived, and that put it into their heads to consult him (1Sa 9:6): There is in this city a man of God. Note, Wherever we are we should improve our opportunities of acquainting ourselves with those that are wise and good. But there are many that will consult a man of God, if he comes in their way, that would not go a step out of their way to get wisdom. (2.) The servant spoke very respectfully concerning Samuel, though he had not personal knowledge of him, but by common fame only: He is a man of God, and an honourable man. Note, Men of God are honourable men, and should be so in our eyes. Acquaintance with the things of God, and serviceableness to the kingdom of God, put true honour upon men, and make them great.

This was the honour of Samuel, as a man of God, that all he saith comes surely to pass. This was observed concerning him when he was a young prophet (1Sa 3:19), God did let none of his words fall to the ground; and still it held true. (3.) They agreed to consult him concerning the way that they should go; peradventure he can show us. All the use they would make of the man of God was to be advised by him whether they should return home, or, if there were any hopes of finding the asses, which way they must go next - a poor business to employ a prophet about! Had they said, "Let us give up the asses for lost, and, now that we are so near the man of God, let us go and learn from him the good knowledge of God, let us consult him how we may order our conversations aright, and enquire the law at his mouth, since we may not have such another opportunity, and then we shall not lose our journey" - the proposal would have been such as became Israelites; but to make prophecy, that glory of Israel, serve so mean a turn as this, discovered too much what manner of spirit they were of.

Note, Most people would rather be told their fortune than told their duty, how to be rich than how to be saved. If it were the business of the men of God to direct for the recovery of lost asses, they would be consulted much more than they are now that it is their business to direct for the recovery of lost souls; so preposterous is the care of most men! (4.) Saul was thoughtful what present they should bring to the man of God, what fee they should give him for his advice (1Sa 9:7): What shall we bring the man? They could not present him, as Jeroboam's wife did Ahijah, with loaves and cakes (1Ki 14:3), for their bread was spent; but the servant bethought himself that he had in his pocket the fourth part of a shekel, about seven-pence halfpenny in value, and that he would give to the man of God to direct them, 1Sa 9:8. "That will do," says Saul; "let us go," 1Sa 9:10. Some think that when Saul talked of giving Samuel a fee he measured him by himself, or by his sons, as if he must be hired to do an honest Israelite a kindness, and was like the false prophets, that divined for money, Mic 3:11.

He came to him as a fortune-teller, rather than as a prophet, and therefore thought the fourth part of a shekel was enough to give him. But it rather seems to be agreeable to the general usage of those times, as it is to natural equity, that those who sowed spiritual things should reap not only eternal things from him that employs them, but temporal things from those for whom they are employed. Samuel needed not their money, nor would he have denied them his advice if they had not brought it (it is probable, when he had it, he gave it to the por); but they brought it to him as a token of their respect and the value they put upon his office; nor did he refuse it, for they were able to give it, and, though it was but little, it was the widow's mite. But Saul, as he never thought of going to the man of God till the servant proposed it, so, it should seem, he mentioned the want of a present as an objection against their going; he would not own that he had money in his pocket, but, when the servant generously offered to be at the charge, then, "Well, said," says Saul; "come, let us go." Most people love a cheap religion, and like it best when they can devolve the expense of it on others. (5.) The historian here takes notice of the name then given to the prophets: they called them Seers, or seeing men (1Sa 9:9), not but that the name prophet was then used, and applied to such persons, but that of seers was more in use. Note, Those that are prophets must first be seers; those who undertake to speak to others of the things of God must have an insight into those things themselves.