1 Samuel 9:14

So Saul and his servant went up toward the city, and as they were entering it, there was Samuel coming toward them on his way up to the high place.

Study Bible

So Saul and his servant went up toward the city
This phrase sets the scene for a significant encounter. Saul, the son of Kish, is on a mission to find his father's lost donkeys, accompanied by his servant. The journey to the city, likely Ramah, is divinely orchestrated, as God has already informed Samuel of Saul's coming (1 Samuel 9:15-16). The act of "going up" is both literal, as cities were often built on elevated ground for defense, and symbolic, representing an ascent towards a divine appointment. This journey foreshadows Saul's rise to kingship, as God uses ordinary circumstances to fulfill His purposes.

and as they were entering it
The timing of their entrance is crucial. It highlights God's providence and perfect timing, as Saul and his servant arrive just as Samuel is about to perform a significant religious duty. This moment underscores the theme of divine guidance and intervention, a recurring motif in the narrative of Israel's history. The entrance into the city marks a transition from the mundane search for donkeys to a pivotal moment in Israel's monarchy.

there was Samuel coming toward them
Samuel, the last judge and a prophet, plays a central role in this narrative. His approach signifies the meeting of divine purpose with human action. Samuel's presence is a fulfillment of God's revelation to him about Saul's arrival (1 Samuel 9:16). This encounter is not coincidental but orchestrated by God, demonstrating His sovereignty. Samuel's role as a mediator between God and Israel is highlighted here, as he is about to anoint Saul as the first king of Israel.

on his way up to the high place
The "high place" refers to a site of worship, often located on elevated terrain. In ancient Israel, high places were used for sacrifices and religious ceremonies before the establishment of the temple in Jerusalem. Samuel's journey to the high place indicates his role as a spiritual leader and his commitment to worship and sacrifice. This setting underscores the religious and cultural context of the time, where high places were central to communal worship. The high place also symbolizes a meeting point between God and man, foreshadowing Saul's anointing and the establishment of the monarchy as part of God's plan for Israel.

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 him to a divine appointment with Samuel.

2. Samuel
The prophet and last judge of Israel, who is on his way to the high place to offer sacrifices. He is a key figure in the transition of Israel from a theocracy to a monarchy.

3. The City
The unnamed city where Samuel resides and where Saul is directed to find him. It serves as the setting for this pivotal encounter.

4. The High Place
A location of worship and sacrifice, significant in Israelite religious practice. It is where Samuel is headed to perform his priestly duties.

5. Divine Appointment
The orchestrated meeting between Saul and Samuel, which is part of God's plan to anoint Saul as the first king of Israel.

Teaching Points

Divine Guidance
God orchestrates events in our lives, often in ways we do not immediately understand. Trust in His guidance even when the path seems unclear.

Obedience in the Ordinary
Saul was simply obeying his father’s request to find lost donkeys, yet this led to a significant turning point in his life. God often uses our everyday obedience to lead us to His greater purposes.

Recognizing God's Timing
Samuel's timely appearance as Saul enters the city illustrates God's perfect timing. We should be patient and attentive to God's timing in our lives.

The Role of Prophets
Samuel's role as a prophet highlights the importance of spiritual leaders who guide and direct according to God's will. We should seek and respect godly counsel.

Preparation for Leadership
Saul's journey and meeting with Samuel were preparatory steps for his future role as king. God often prepares us for future responsibilities through current experiences.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Saul's journey to find the donkeys illustrate the concept of divine appointments in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we be more attentive to God's guidance in our daily routines, as seen in Saul's encounter with Samuel?

3. How does the role of Samuel as a prophet inform our understanding of spiritual leadership and guidance today?

4. Reflect on a time when God's timing was evident in your life. How did it shape your faith and understanding of His sovereignty?

5. How can we prepare ourselves for future roles and responsibilities that God may have for us, as seen in Saul's preparation for kingship?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 9:15-17
These verses reveal that God had already informed Samuel about Saul's coming, highlighting God's sovereignty and foreknowledge.

1 Samuel 10:1
This verse describes the anointing of Saul by Samuel, fulfilling the purpose of their meeting.

Proverbs 16:9
This verse speaks to the idea that while humans plan their course, it is the Lord who establishes their steps, reflecting the divine orchestration seen in Saul's journey.

Acts 9:3-6
Saul's encounter with Samuel can be paralleled with Saul of Tarsus' encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, both being transformative divine appointments.