1Sa 9 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for 1Sam 9:1-11:15: 9:1–11:15 Saul’s rise to power involved a threefold sequence: (1) his secret anointing by Samuel (9:1–10:16 ), (2) his selection by lot (10:17-27 ), and (3) his victory over the Ammonites (11:1-15 ). See also study note on 13:1–16:13. 9:1 influential man named Kish: Saul came from a wealthy family.

Summary for 1Sam 9:1-11:15: 9:1–11:15 ^a Saul’s rise to power involved a threefold sequence: (1) his secret anointing by Samuel (9:1–10:16 ^b), (2) his selection by lot (10:17-27 ^c), and (3) his victory over the Ammonites (11:1-15 ^d). See also study note on 13:1–16:13. 9:1 ^e influential man named Kish: Saul came from a wealthy family.
9:2 ^f Saul’s mere appearance—most handsome ... taller than anyone else—inspired loyalty among the people (see 10:23 ^g; cp. 16:12 ^h; 2 Sam 14:25-26 ⁱ).
9:5 ^j Zuph, which was probably located in Ephraim, was Samuel’s home region (1:1 ^k). God’s providence led Saul there.
9:6 ^l The phrase man of God was used to describe a prophet (2:27 ^m; also Deut 33:1 ⁿ; Josh 14:6 ^o; 1 Kgs 13:1-32 ^p).
9:7 ^q anything to offer him: Evidently, it was customary to take a gift when one sought the help of a prophet (cp. 1 Kgs 14:2-3 ^r; 2 Kgs 5:5 ^s, 15 ^t; 8:8 ^u). Some false prophets demanded gifts in return for their services (Mic 3:11 ^v). Saul’s concern might reflect the spiritual ignorance of thinking that advice from a prophet of God could be purchased (Acts 8:20 ^w).
9:12 ^x Leaders of a community would normally convene for business at the town gates (cp. Ruth 4:1-2 ^y).

• take part in a public sacrifice: Samuel is one of very few individuals in whom prophetic and priestly ministries unite (also Moses, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Jesus).

• place of worship (literally high place): An open-air altar or platform on a hill near the city gate. High places easily became sites for pagan idolatry (see Num 33:52 ^z; 1 Kgs 15:14 ^aa; 22:43 ^ab; 2 Kgs 12:3 ^ac; 14:4 ^ad; 15:4 ^ae, 35 ^af).
9:13 ^ag to eat: Part of a sacrifice made during worship was burned on the altar, while the remainder was eaten in a ceremonial feast by the guests (see also 1:4 ^ah).

• to bless the food: As a Levite, Samuel’s priestly role included offering blessings (see Deut 10:8 ^ai; 21:5 ^aj).
9:16 ^ak God’s directive to anoint him (by pouring olive oil on the head) marked Saul’s elevation in status and consecration for a special purpose (see Exod 30:22-33 ^al; Lev 8:12 ^am; 1 Kgs 19:16 ^an; Isa 45:1 ^ao).

• He will rescue them: As they had requested (1 Sam 8:20 ^ap; cp. Judg 13:5 ^aq). David eventually subdued the Philistines (2 Sam 5:17-25 ^ar; 8:1 ^as; 21:15 ^at, 18-22 ^au).

• for I have ... heard their cry (cp. Exod 3:7-9 ^av): The Philistines were again threatening to conquer Israel and demand homage from them as vassals.
9:21 ^aw the smallest tribe: Saul tried to downplay Benjamin’s prominence, but they were powerful warriors (Judg 20:14-31 ^ax; cp. study note on 1 Sam 10:17). What better tribe to lead in battle?

• least important of all the families: Cp. 9:1 ^ay.
9:25 ^az A typical house had a flat roof that was used for a variety of purposes, such as sleeping in warm weather (see Deut 22:8 ^ba; 2 Kgs 4:10 ^bb).