1Sa 9:19-20 | KingComments | STEP | When Saul stands before Samuel, it turns out that he does not know Samuel. Because Samuel was informed by the LORD of the coming of Saul, he also knows what to say to Saul. He can tell Saul what lives in his mind, what will happen to him, and what he should do. To this end, he invites Saul to go before him to the high place and eat with him. The high place is the right place and the meal the right occupation to communicate these things to Saul.

‏ 1 Samuel 9:19-20

Saul Meets Samuel

When Saul stands before Samuel, it turns out that he does not know Samuel. Because Samuel was informed by the LORD of the coming of Saul, he also knows what to say to Saul. He can tell Saul what lives in his mind, what will happen to him, and what he should do. To this end, he invites Saul to go before him to the high place and eat with him. The high place is the right place and the meal the right occupation to communicate these things to Saul.

The Amazement of Saul

Before Saul can ask his question about the lost donkeys, Samuel tells him they have been found. Samuel knows not only that the donkeys were lost and have been found now, but also how long they have been looking for them. But, Samuel adds, what do some donkeys mean to a future king who will have at his disposal all that is desirable in Israel? As king he will take it, as Samuel told the people in the previous chapter.

“All that is desirable in Israel” can also refer to Saul himself. In Saul everything that Israel considers desirable takes shape. He answers to everything they desire. This is the man who provides what they imagine to be a king. Saul is in this a great contrast to the Lord Jesus. When the Lord Jesus comes, there is nothing desirable in Him for the unbelieving people (Isa 53:2).

Saul must have noticed something of the special content of what Samuel says. This is clear from his answer. Why these honors to someone like him who comes from the least family of Benjamin? We do not know what he has been thinking in his heart. It is one thing to think small of yourself compared to others, it is something else to take your true place in the presence of God. Humility in comparison with others can be something you are forced to do. Sometimes you can only honestly admit that you are not as big as the other, but that does not prove that you are convinced of your own failure against God.