1 Samuel 9:12

"Yes, he is ahead of you," they answered. "Hurry now, for today he has come to the city because the people have a sacrifice on the high place.

Study Bible

"Yes, he is ahead of you," they answered.
This phrase indicates a direct response to Saul's inquiry about the seer's whereabouts. The seer, Samuel, is ahead, suggesting a divine orchestration in Saul's journey. This encounter is pivotal, as it leads to Saul's anointing as the first king of Israel. The phrase also highlights the role of divine providence in guiding Saul to Samuel, setting the stage for the establishment of monarchy in Israel, which was a significant shift from the period of the judges.

"Hurry now,"
The urgency in this command underscores the importance of the meeting between Saul and Samuel. It reflects the cultural practice of seizing the moment, especially in matters involving divine appointments. The urgency also suggests that there is a specific time for the sacrifice, and missing it could mean missing the opportunity for divine guidance and blessing.

"for today he has come to the city"
This indicates that Samuel's presence in the city is not a regular occurrence, emphasizing the special nature of the event. Samuel, as a prophet and judge, traveled throughout Israel, and his presence in a particular city would draw attention. This also reflects the itinerant nature of prophetic ministry during this period, where prophets would move from place to place to deliver God's messages.

"because the people have a sacrifice on the high place."
High places were common sites for worship in ancient Israel, often located on elevated ground. While later condemned for idolatrous practices, at this time, they were still used for legitimate worship of Yahweh. The sacrifice indicates a communal religious event, possibly a peace offering or a festival, which would involve the entire community. This setting provides a backdrop for Saul's anointing, linking his kingship to the religious life of Israel. The high place also foreshadows the centralization of worship in Jerusalem under David and Solomon, pointing to the future establishment of the temple.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Saul
The son of Kish, from the tribe of Benjamin, who is on a journey to find his father's lost donkeys. This journey leads to his anointing as the first king of Israel.

2. Samuel
The prophet and judge of Israel, who is in the city to offer a sacrifice. He is God's chosen instrument to anoint Saul as king.

3. The City
The unnamed city where Samuel is present to offer a sacrifice. It serves as the setting for Saul's encounter with Samuel.

4. The High Place
A location of worship where sacrifices are made. In ancient Israel, high places were often used for worship before the temple was built in Jerusalem.

5. The Sacrifice
A communal religious event that draws people together, providing the context for Saul's meeting with Samuel.

Teaching Points

Divine Providence
God orchestrates events in our lives, often using ordinary circumstances to fulfill His purposes. Saul's search for donkeys leads to his anointing as king, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in guiding our paths.

Obedience and Timing
The urgency in the instruction to "hurry now" highlights the importance of obedience and timing in God's plans. We must be attentive and responsive to God's leading in our lives.

Community Worship
The gathering for sacrifice at the high place underscores the importance of communal worship and fellowship. Engaging in corporate worship strengthens our faith and aligns us with God's purposes.

God's Choice of Leaders
God's selection of Saul, despite his initial humility and lack of ambition, reminds us that God often chooses leaders based on His criteria, not human expectations.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of divine providence in Saul's journey encourage you to trust God in your own life circumstances?

2. In what ways can you be more attentive to God's timing and instructions in your daily decisions?

3. How does participating in communal worship and fellowship impact your spiritual growth and understanding of God's will?

4. Reflect on a time when God used an ordinary event in your life to lead you to a significant spiritual insight or decision. How did that experience shape your faith?

5. Considering God's choice of Saul as king, how can you apply the principle of looking beyond outward appearances when evaluating leadership qualities in yourself and others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 10:1
This verse describes Samuel anointing Saul as king, fulfilling the purpose of Saul's journey.

1 Samuel 16:13
This verse parallels the anointing of David, showing the continuity of God's plan for leadership in Israel.

Deuteronomy 12:5-6
These verses discuss the centralization of worship, which relates to the use of high places before the temple was established.