1 Samuel 9:10

"Good," said Saul to his servant. "Come, let us go." So they set out for the city where the man of God was.

Study Bible

“Good,” said Saul to his servant.
Saul's response indicates his agreement and willingness to seek guidance from the man of God, showing a level of humility and openness to divine direction. This moment is significant as it marks the beginning of Saul's journey towards kingship, a role he was initially unaware of. Saul's character is introduced here as someone who listens to advice, a trait that is both commendable and necessary for leadership. This phrase also highlights the servant's influence, suggesting that God can use anyone, regardless of social status, to guide His purposes.

“Come, let us go.”
This phrase demonstrates initiative and action, reflecting a readiness to pursue God's will. It echoes the biblical theme of seeking God’s guidance, as seen in other scriptures like Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages trust in the Lord for direction. Saul's decision to go to the man of God is a step of faith, showing reliance on spiritual insight rather than solely on human wisdom. This action can be seen as a precursor to the New Testament call to follow Christ, who is the ultimate "man of God."

So they set out for the city where the man of God was.
The city referred to is likely Ramah, where Samuel, the prophet, resided. This journey is not just a physical one but also a spiritual quest for understanding and revelation. The "man of God" is a term used for prophets, indicating someone who speaks on behalf of God, as seen with Moses and Elijah. This journey foreshadows Saul's anointing as king, a pivotal moment in Israel's history. The act of seeking out the man of God underscores the importance of prophetic guidance in the Old Testament, which is fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, the ultimate prophet, priest, and king.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Saul
The son of Kish, from the tribe of Benjamin, who would later become the first king of Israel. At this point in the account, Saul is on a journey to find his father's lost donkeys.

2. Saul's Servant
An unnamed servant accompanying Saul. He plays a crucial role in suggesting they seek guidance from the man of God, demonstrating wisdom and initiative.

3. The City
The specific city is not named in this verse, but it is the place where the man of God, Samuel, resides. It represents a place of divine encounter and guidance.

4. The Man of God
Refers to Samuel, the prophet and judge of Israel, who is known for his close relationship with God and his role in anointing the first two kings of Israel.

5. The Journey
Saul and his servant's journey to find the donkeys, which leads them to Samuel, is a divinely orchestrated event that sets the stage for Saul's anointing as king.

Teaching Points

Divine Guidance in Ordinary Circumstances
God often uses ordinary events in our lives to lead us to His purposes. Like Saul, we should be open to divine guidance in our daily routines.

The Importance of Seeking Godly Counsel
Saul's willingness to listen to his servant and seek the man of God highlights the value of seeking wise and godly counsel in decision-making.

God's Sovereignty in Our Journeys
The journey to find the donkeys was not just about lost animals but was part of God's sovereign plan to anoint a king. Trust that God is at work in the details of our lives.

Responding to God's Leading
Saul's response, "Come, let us go," shows a readiness to act on the guidance received. We should be prompt and willing to follow God's leading.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Saul's journey to find the donkeys illustrate God's ability to use ordinary circumstances for His divine purposes?

2. In what ways can we seek and recognize godly counsel in our own lives, similar to Saul's interaction with his servant?

3. Reflect on a time when a seemingly mundane event in your life led to a significant spiritual insight or decision. How did you see God's hand in it?

4. How does the concept of divine sovereignty in Saul's journey encourage you to trust God with the details of your life?

5. Compare Saul's readiness to seek the man of God with your own responsiveness to God's leading. What steps can you take to be more open and obedient to His guidance?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 3
This chapter introduces Samuel's calling as a prophet, establishing his role as a man of God who hears from the Lord, which is crucial for understanding his authority in 1 Samuel 9.

Proverbs 3:5-6
This passage emphasizes trusting in the Lord and seeking His guidance, paralleling Saul's decision to seek the man of God for direction.

Acts 9
Saul's journey can be compared to the Apostle Paul's conversion journey, where a seemingly ordinary trip leads to a significant divine encounter and calling.