1 Samuel 9:19

"I am the seer," Samuel replied. "Go up before me to the high place, for you shall eat with me today. And when I send you off in the morning, I will tell you all that is in your heart.

Study Bible

“I am the seer,” Samuel replied.
In ancient Israel, a "seer" was a prophet who received divine revelations, often through visions. Samuel, as a seer, was recognized as a spiritual leader and intermediary between God and the people. This role is significant in the context of Israel's transition from a theocracy to a monarchy. Samuel's identification as a seer underscores his authority and the divine legitimacy of his actions, as seen in 1 Samuel 3:20, where all Israel recognized him as a prophet of the Lord.

“Go up before me to the high place,
High places were sites of worship, often located on elevated terrain. In Israelite culture, these were places where sacrifices and religious ceremonies were conducted. Samuel's instruction to go to the high place indicates a setting for worship and sacrifice, aligning with the cultural and religious practices of the time. This also foreshadows the sacrificial system that would be centralized in Jerusalem under King Solomon.

for you shall eat with me today.
Sharing a meal in the ancient Near East was a sign of fellowship and covenant. By inviting Saul to eat with him, Samuel is extending a gesture of hospitality and establishing a relationship. This meal is not merely social but has spiritual significance, as it precedes the anointing of Saul as king, symbolizing acceptance and divine favor.

And when I send you off in the morning,
The mention of sending Saul off in the morning suggests a time of preparation and transition. Mornings in biblical narratives often symbolize new beginnings or revelations. This phrase indicates that Saul's encounter with Samuel is a pivotal moment that will lead to a new phase in his life, aligning with the biblical theme of God orchestrating events in His timing.

I will tell you all that is in your heart.
This phrase highlights Samuel's prophetic insight and the divine revelation he possesses. It suggests that God has already revealed to Samuel the concerns and questions that Saul harbors. This assurance of divine knowledge and guidance is a recurring theme in scripture, as seen in Psalm 139:1-4, where God is depicted as knowing the innermost thoughts of individuals. Samuel's role as a prophet is to communicate God's will and provide clarity to Saul, setting the stage for Saul's anointing as king.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Samuel
A prophet and the last judge of Israel, Samuel plays a crucial role in the transition from the period of judges to the establishment of the monarchy. He is God's chosen instrument to anoint the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David.

2. Saul
The son of Kish from the tribe of Benjamin, Saul is searching for his father's lost donkeys when he encounters Samuel. This meeting marks the beginning of his journey to becoming the first king of Israel.

3. The High Place
A location often used for worship and sacrifices in ancient Israel. In this context, it is where Samuel invites Saul to join him for a meal, signifying a moment of divine appointment and revelation.

4. The Seer
An older term for a prophet, indicating one who sees or perceives divine messages. Samuel identifies himself as the seer, emphasizing his role as God's spokesperson.

5. The Meal
Sharing a meal in the high place is significant, symbolizing fellowship and the impartation of God's plans. It is a precursor to the revelation Samuel will give Saul about his future.

Teaching Points

Divine Appointments
God orchestrates meetings and events in our lives for His purposes. Like Saul, we may encounter divine appointments that lead to significant changes in our lives.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets serve as God's messengers, providing guidance and revelation. We should seek to understand and respect the role of spiritual leaders in our lives.

Preparation for Leadership
Saul's journey to kingship begins with obedience and humility. God often prepares us for leadership through unexpected paths and experiences.

The Importance of Fellowship
Sharing a meal in the high place signifies fellowship and unity. As believers, we should value and seek opportunities for fellowship with others in the faith.

Listening to God's Voice
Samuel's role as a seer reminds us of the importance of listening to God's voice and being open to His guidance in our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the encounter between Samuel and Saul illustrate the concept of divine appointments in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we recognize and respect the role of spiritual leaders, similar to how Saul respected Samuel as a seer?

3. How does Saul's journey to the high place with Samuel prepare him for his future role as king, and what can we learn from this about preparation for leadership?

4. What significance does the shared meal in the high place have for us today in terms of fellowship and community within the church?

5. How can we cultivate a heart that is open to hearing and responding to God's voice, as demonstrated by Samuel's role as a prophet?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 3
Samuel's calling as a prophet is detailed, establishing his credibility and divine appointment as a seer.

1 Samuel 10
The anointing of Saul as king, which follows this encounter, fulfills the promise of revelation and guidance given by Samuel.

Acts 13
Paul references Samuel's role in the history of Israel, highlighting the transition from judges to kings and the importance of divine guidance in leadership.