1 Samuel 9:26

They got up early in the morning, and just before dawn Samuel called to Saul on the roof, "Get ready, and I will send you on your way!" So Saul arose, and both he and Samuel went outside together.

Study Bible

They got up early in the morning
Rising early in the morning is a common biblical motif indicating diligence and readiness to fulfill God's purposes. In the ancient Near East, early rising was often associated with important tasks or divine encounters, as seen with Abraham (Genesis 22:3) and Joshua (Joshua 3:1). This phrase sets the stage for a significant event in Saul's life, marking the beginning of his journey as Israel's first king.

and just before dawn Samuel called to Saul on the roof
In ancient Israel, roofs were flat and often used as additional living space. Calling someone from the roof suggests a private and intimate setting, away from the public eye. This moment signifies a personal and direct communication from the prophet Samuel to Saul, highlighting the importance of the message. The timing, just before dawn, symbolizes a new beginning for Saul, as the light of day breaks, so does his new role.

“Get ready, and I will send you on your way!”
Samuel's command to "get ready" implies preparation for a significant mission. This phrase echoes the biblical theme of divine commissioning, where God prepares and sends individuals for His purposes, as seen with Moses (Exodus 3:10) and Isaiah (Isaiah 6:8). Samuel, as God's prophet, acts as the intermediary, emphasizing the divine authority behind Saul's impending kingship.

So Saul got ready
Saul's obedience in getting ready reflects his initial humility and willingness to follow God's direction through Samuel. This moment is pivotal, as it demonstrates Saul's acceptance of his calling, a theme that resonates with the biblical principle of readiness to serve God, seen in the lives of other leaders like David (1 Samuel 16:12-13).

and both he and Samuel went outside together
The act of going outside together signifies unity and shared purpose between Saul and Samuel. It underscores the transition from private instruction to public action. This partnership between prophet and king is crucial in Israel's history, as it sets the tone for the relationship between divine guidance and earthly leadership. The unity here foreshadows the ideal relationship between God and His anointed leaders, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies both roles.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Samuel
A prophet and judge of Israel, Samuel is a key figure in the transition from the period of judges to the establishment of the monarchy. He is known for his obedience to God and his role in anointing the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David.

2. Saul
The first king of Israel, Saul is chosen by God through Samuel. At this point in the account, Saul is still humble and unaware of the full scope of his future role as king.

3. The Roof
In ancient Israel, roofs were often flat and used for various activities, including sleeping during warm weather. This setting indicates a private and significant moment between Samuel and Saul.

4. Early Morning
The timing of this event, "just before dawn," suggests a new beginning and the importance of the task at hand. It symbolizes the dawn of a new era for Israel with the anointing of its first king.

5. Sending on the Way
This phrase indicates a commissioning or a sending forth with purpose. Samuel is preparing Saul for his journey, both physically and spiritually, as he steps into his role as king.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Obedience
Samuel's call to Saul to "get ready" emphasizes the need for readiness and obedience to God's calling. As believers, we must be prepared to respond to God's direction promptly.

New Beginnings
The early morning setting symbolizes new beginnings. In our spiritual lives, we should be open to the new things God wants to do in and through us.

Divine Appointments
Just as Samuel and Saul had a divinely appointed meeting, we should be attentive to the divine appointments God sets in our lives, recognizing their significance in His greater plan.

Mentorship and Guidance
Samuel's role in guiding Saul highlights the importance of mentorship in the faith. We should seek godly mentors and also be willing to mentor others.

Spiritual Preparation
The act of getting ready signifies spiritual preparation. We must prepare our hearts and minds for the tasks God has set before us, seeking His guidance and strength.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the early morning setting of this passage reflect the theme of new beginnings in your own life?

2. In what ways can you ensure you are ready and obedient to God's calling, as Saul was when Samuel called him?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "divine appointment." How did it impact your spiritual journey?

4. How can you seek out or become a mentor in your faith community, following the example of Samuel and Saul?

5. What steps can you take to spiritually prepare for the tasks God has set before you, and how can you incorporate this preparation into your daily routine?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 10:1
This verse follows the account where Samuel anoints Saul as king, connecting the preparation in 9:26 to the fulfillment of God's plan for Saul.

Genesis 19:27
Abraham rises early to stand before the Lord, showing the significance of early morning encounters with God.

Mark 1:35
Jesus rises early to pray, highlighting the importance of seeking God at the start of the day.