1 Samuel 9
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).
1 Samuel 10:1-16
10:1 bc Samuel later repeated this process by anointing David with olive oil (16:13 bd).• The people of Israel did not belong to the king but to the Lord. The king was to act as manager rather than owner (cp. 8:10-18 be).
Summary for 1Sam 10:2-6: 10:2-6 bf These three “signs” were to convince a reluctant Saul (9:21 bg) that he had in fact been chosen to be king. 10:2 bh Rachel’s tomb at Zelzah: See Gen 35:16-20 bi; the precise location is unknown.
10:3 bj oak of Tabor: This location, somewhere in Benjamin, is not to be confused with the village of the same name in Zebulun (1 Chr 6:77 bk).
• Bethel: See study note on 1 Sam 7:16.
10:5 bl Gibeah of God, Saul’s hometown (10:26 bm), had been a lawless city (Judg 19–21 bn). Nowhere else is it described as being “of God.” This description might point to God’s ownership of the town despite the occupation of the Philistines.
• band: Prophets often lived in groups (e.g., 2 Kgs 2:3 bo).
• harp ... lyre: Ancient prophets sometimes used musical instruments to stimulate and accompany prophesying (e.g., 2 Kgs 3:15 bp).
10:6 bq prophesy: Cp. 2 Sam 23:2 br; Acts 2:29-31 bs.
• different person: Saul would become a spiritual and charismatic national leader (cp. 1 Sam 16:14 bt).
10:7 bu for God is with you: God’s presence empowered Saul to carry out his responsibilities.
10:8 bv Gilgal: See study note on 7:16.
• wait for seven days: Saul apparently fulfilled this instruction in 11:14-15 bw (cp. 13:8 bx).
10:9 by a new heart: God gave Saul courage and strength, helping him overcome his hesitancy and enabling him to be king (10:6 bz).
10:10 ca the Spirit of God came powerfully upon Saul: See thematic note for The Spirit’s Presence at end of chapter; see also 11:6 cb; Judg 14:6 cc, 19 cd; 15:14 ce; cp. Acts 2:17-18 cf, 39 cg).
• When Saul ... began to prophesy, it was a clear sign that he had been chosen to lead Israel (see also 1 Sam 19:18-23 ch).
10:11 ci Those who knew Saul might have known him to be nonreligious and thus an unlikely candidate for prophet. Their surprise might indicate disappointment at receiving a prophet instead of a king (cp. John 6:14-15 cj).
10:12 ck “Can anyone become a prophet, no matter who his father is?” Unlike priests and kings, prophets never inherited their office. Possibly the people were asking why Saul, whose well-to-do father was well known, would associate himself with a group of people who had no pedigree.
10:16 cl Perhaps Saul didn’t tell his uncle because he had lingering uncertainty about what had transpired.
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