1 Samuel 9:11-14
9:12 a Leaders of a community would normally convene for business at the town gates (cp. Ruth 4:1-2 b).• 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 c; 1 Kgs 15:14 d; 22:43 e; 2 Kgs 12:3 f; 14:4 g; 15:4 h, 35 i).
9:13 j 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 k).
• to bless the food: As a Levite, Samuel’s priestly role included offering blessings (see Deut 10:8 l; 21:5 m).
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