1 Samuel 9:6

"Look," said the servant, "in this city there is a man of God who is highly respected; everything he says surely comes to pass. Let us go there now. Perhaps he will tell us which way to go."

Study Bible

“Look,” said the servant,
The servant's role here is significant, as servants often provided counsel and assistance in ancient Israelite society. This reflects the cultural norm where servants were trusted members of a household, sometimes possessing wisdom and insight. The servant's initiative suggests a level of faith and awareness of spiritual matters, which is crucial in the narrative of Saul's anointing.

“in this city there is a man of God who is highly respected;
The "man of God" refers to the prophet Samuel, who was a pivotal figure in Israel's history. Prophets were seen as intermediaries between God and the people, and Samuel was particularly respected for his integrity and leadership. The city mentioned is likely Ramah, Samuel's hometown, which was a center for prophetic activity. This respect indicates Samuel's established reputation as a reliable and authoritative voice of God.

everything he says surely comes to pass.
This phrase underscores the reliability and divine authority of Samuel's prophetic words. In Deuteronomy 18:22, the test of a true prophet is that their predictions come true, affirming Samuel's authenticity. This also foreshadows the fulfillment of God's plans through Samuel's guidance, including the anointing of Saul as king.

Let us go there now.
The urgency in the servant's suggestion highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance. This reflects a common biblical theme where individuals seek out prophets or divine insight during times of uncertainty or decision-making, emphasizing the value placed on spiritual direction.

Perhaps he will tell us which way to go.”
This reflects the belief that prophets could provide specific guidance for personal and national matters. The phrase "which way to go" can be seen as both literal, in finding the lost donkeys, and metaphorical, in discerning God's will for Saul's future. This anticipates the unfolding of God's plan for Saul, who is about to be anointed as Israel's first king, a significant turning point in biblical history.

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. He is later anointed as the first king of Israel.

2. Saul's Servant
Accompanies Saul on his journey and suggests seeking the counsel of the man of God, demonstrating faith and wisdom.

3. The Man of God (Samuel)
A prophet and judge in Israel, known for his integrity and the accuracy of his prophecies. He plays a crucial role in the transition of Israel from a theocracy to a monarchy.

4. The City
The location where Samuel resides, which is not named in this verse but is known to be Ramah, Samuel's hometown.

5. The Event
Saul and his servant are searching for lost donkeys, and the servant suggests consulting Samuel, the prophet, for guidance.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Seeking Godly Counsel
Just as Saul's servant recognized the value of consulting a man of God, we should seek wise and godly counsel in our decisions.

Recognizing True Prophets and Leaders
Samuel's reputation as a true prophet is based on the fulfillment of his words. We should discern and follow leaders whose lives and words align with God's truth.

Faith in God's Guidance
The servant's suggestion to seek Samuel's guidance reflects a trust in God's ability to direct our paths. We should cultivate a similar faith in God's providence.

The Role of Servants in God's Plan
The servant's initiative and faith play a crucial role in leading Saul to Samuel. God often uses humble and seemingly insignificant people to fulfill His purposes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the servant's suggestion to seek Samuel's guidance demonstrate faith and wisdom, and how can we apply this in our own decision-making processes?

2. In what ways does Samuel's reputation as a prophet who speaks truthfully challenge us to evaluate the voices we listen to today?

3. How can we discern true godly counsel in our lives, and what criteria should we use to evaluate it?

4. Reflect on a time when seeking godly counsel led to a positive outcome in your life. How did it align with the principles found in Proverbs 3:5-6?

5. How does the role of Saul's servant in this account encourage us to recognize the significance of seemingly small actions in God's larger plan?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 3:19-20
Highlights Samuel's reputation as a prophet whose words are trustworthy, establishing the context for the servant's confidence in seeking his guidance.

Deuteronomy 18:21-22
Discusses the criteria for a true prophet, which aligns with Samuel's reputation as everything he says comes to pass.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Encourages seeking God's guidance in all our ways, similar to how Saul's servant suggests seeking the prophet's counsel.