Then you will go on from there until you come to the Oak of Tabor. Three men going up to God at Bethel will meet you there, one carrying three young goats, another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a skin of wine. Then you will go on from there until you come to the Oak of Tabor.The Oak of Tabor is a significant landmark in the narrative, though its exact location is not definitively known today. Oaks were often used as meeting places or landmarks in ancient Israel, symbolizing strength and endurance. This particular oak may have been a well-known site for travelers. The mention of Tabor could refer to a region or a specific tree, not necessarily Mount Tabor, which is located in the northern part of Israel. The journey signifies a transition in Saul's life, moving from his private life to his public role as king. Three men going up to God at Bethel will meet you there,
Bethel, meaning "house of God," was a significant religious site in Israel's history. It was a place where patriarchs like Abraham and Jacob had encounters with God. The act of "going up to God" suggests a pilgrimage or religious duty, indicating the men's devotion. This encounter is divinely orchestrated, serving as a sign to Saul of God's guidance and confirmation of his anointing as king. one carrying three young goats,
The three young goats could symbolize a sacrificial offering, as goats were commonly used in various sacrifices and religious rituals in Israel. The number three often signifies completeness or divine perfection in the Bible. This detail highlights the men's purpose and the sacred nature of their journey, reinforcing the theme of divine providence in Saul's path. another carrying three loaves of bread,
Bread is a staple food and often represents sustenance and provision in biblical texts. The three loaves may symbolize the provision of God, both physically and spiritually. Bread is also significant in covenantal meals and offerings, pointing to fellowship and communion with God. This detail underscores the theme of God's provision and care for His people. and another carrying a skin of wine.
Wine in the Bible is frequently associated with joy, celebration, and covenantal blessings. The skin of wine carried by the third man could symbolize the joy and abundance that comes from God's favor. Wine is also used in religious ceremonies, such as offerings and feasts, indicating the sacredness of the journey. This element of the narrative foreshadows the blessings and responsibilities that come with Saul's anointing as king. Persons / Places / Events 1. SamuelThe prophet who anointed Saul as the first king of Israel. He is God's chosen instrument to guide Saul in his early reign. 2. SaulThe first king of Israel, chosen by God and anointed by Samuel. This verse is part of the signs given to Saul to confirm his anointing. 3. Oak of TaborA significant landmark mentioned in the account. It serves as a meeting point for Saul and the three men. 4. Three MenThese individuals are on a pilgrimage to Bethel, carrying offerings. They symbolize God's provision and the confirmation of Saul's kingship. 5. BethelA sacred place in Israel, often associated with worship and encounters with God. It signifies the spiritual journey and dedication to God. Teaching Points Divine ConfirmationGod provides specific signs to confirm His calling and purpose in our lives, as seen in the detailed instructions given to Saul. Provision and PreparationThe three men carrying provisions symbolize God's readiness to equip us for the tasks He assigns. Trust in His provision as you step into new roles. Spiritual PilgrimageThe journey to Bethel represents our spiritual journey towards God. Regular worship and dedication are essential in our walk with Him. Symbolism of OfferingsThe goats, bread, and wine carried by the men can be seen as symbols of sacrifice, sustenance, and joy in the Lord. Reflect on how these elements are present in your spiritual life. Obedience to God's GuidanceSaul's encounter with the men is a reminder to follow God's guidance even when the path is not fully clear. Obedience leads to the fulfillment of His promises. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the encounter at the oak of Tabor serve as a confirmation of God's calling in your own life? 2. In what ways can you see God's provision in your current circumstances, similar to the provisions carried by the three men? 3. Reflect on a time when you were on a "spiritual pilgrimage" like the journey to Bethel. How did it impact your relationship with God? 4. How do the elements of sacrifice, sustenance, and joy manifest in your daily walk with Christ? 5. What steps can you take to ensure obedience to God's guidance, even when the path ahead seems uncertain? Consider connections to other biblical examples of obedience. Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 28Bethel is where Jacob had his dream of the ladder reaching to heaven, marking it as a place of divine encounter and promise. Judges 4The oak of Tabor is near the site of Deborah and Barak's victory, symbolizing God's deliverance and guidance. 1 Samuel 9The preceding chapter provides context for Saul's anointing and the signs given by Samuel, emphasizing God's sovereignty in choosing leaders. People Benjamin, Egyptians, Kish, Matri, Matrites, Rachel, Samuel, SaulPlaces Bethel, Egypt, Gibeah, Gibeath-elohim, Gilgal, Mizpah, Tabor, Zelzah, ZuphTopics Bearing, Bethel, Beth-el, Beyond, Bottle, Bread, Cakes, Carrying, Flask, Forward, Full, Further, Goats, Hast, Jug, Kids, Loaves, Meet, Oak, Oak-tree, Passed, Plain, Skin, Tabor, Terebinth, Thence, Tree, WineDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 10:3 5234 bottle 1 Samuel 10:2-4 4548 wineskin 1 Samuel 10:3-4 4418 bread
5328 greeting Library The King after Man's Heart
'And Samuel called the people together unto the Lord to Mizpeh; 18. And said unto the children of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and of them that oppressed you; 19. And ye have this day rejected your God, who Himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto Him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScripturePlace of Jesus in the History of the World.
The great event of the History of the world is the revolution by which the noblest portions of humanity have passed from the ancient religions, comprised under the vague name of Paganism, to a religion founded on the Divine Unity, the Trinity, and the Incarnation of the Son of God. It has taken nearly a thousand years to accomplish this conversion. The new religion had itself taken at least three hundred years in its formation. But the origin of the revolution in question with which we have to do …
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus And V the Kingdom Undivided and the Kingdom Divided
THE HISTORICAL BOOKS: I and II Samuel. I and II Kings. I and II Chronicles. NOTE.--As these three pairs of books are so closely related in their historical contents, it is deemed best to study them together, though they overlap the two divisions of IV and V. I. CHARTS Chart A. General Contents +--+ " I AND II SAMUEL " +-------------+-----+------+ "Samuel "Saul "David " +-------------+-----+------+----------+ " " " " I AND II KINGS "NOTE.--Biblical …
Frank Nelson Palmer—A Bird's-Eye View of the Bible The Earliest Chapters in Divine Revelation
[Sidenote: The nature of inspiration] Since the days of the Greek philosophers the subject of inspiration and revelation has been fertile theme for discussion and dispute among scholars and theologians. Many different theories have been advanced, and ultimately abandoned as untenable. In its simplest meaning and use, inspiration describes the personal influence of one individual upon the mind and spirit of another. Thus we often say, "That man inspired me." What we are or do under the influence …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament The Trial of Saul.
"And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering."--1 Samuel xiii. 9. We are all on our trial. Every one who lives is on his trial, whether he will serve God or not. And we read in Scripture of many instances of the trials upon which Almighty God puts us His creatures. In the beginning, Adam, when he was first created, was put upon his trial. He was placed in a beautiful garden, he had every thing given him for his pleasure and comfort; …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII The History Books
[Illustration: (drop cap T) Assyrian idol-god] Thus little by little the Book of God grew, and the people He had chosen to be its guardians took their place among the nations. A small place it was from one point of view! A narrow strip of land, but unique in its position as one of the highways of the world, on which a few tribes were banded together. All around great empires watched them with eager eyes; the powerful kings of Assyria, Egypt, and Babylonia, the learned Greeks, and, in later times, …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making Letter xxii (Circa A. D. 1129) to Simon, Abbot of S. Nicholas
To Simon, Abbot of S. Nicholas Bernard consoles him under the persecution of which he is the object. The most pious endeavours do not always have the desired success. What line of conduct ought to be followed towards his inferiors by a prelate who is desirous of stricter discipline. 1. I have learned with much pain by your letter the persecution that you are enduring for the sake of righteousness, and although the consolation given you by Christ in the promise of His kingdom may suffice amply for …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Blessed are they that Mourn
Blessed are they that mourn. Matthew 5:4 Here are eight steps leading to true blessedness. They may be compared to Jacob's Ladder, the top whereof reached to heaven. We have already gone over one step, and now let us proceed to the second: Blessed are they that mourn'. We must go through the valley of tears to paradise. Mourning were a sad and unpleasant subject to treat on, were it not that it has blessedness going before, and comfort coming after. Mourning is put here for repentance. It implies …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah
"And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall come forth unto Me (one) [Pg 480] to be Ruler in Israel; and His goings forth are the times of old, the days of eternity." The close connection of this verse with what immediately precedes (Caspari is wrong in considering iv. 9-14 as an episode) is evident, not only from the [Hebrew: v] copulative, and from the analogy of the near relation of the announcement of salvation to the prophecy of disaster …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Samuel 10:3 NIV1 Samuel 10:3 NLT1 Samuel 10:3 ESV1 Samuel 10:3 NASB1 Samuel 10:3 KJV
1 Samuel 10:3 Commentaries
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