1 Samuel 9:8

The servant answered him again. "Look," he said "I have here in my hand a quarter shekel of silver. I will give it to the man of God, and he will tell us our way."

Study Bible

The servant answered him again.
In this passage, the servant of Saul demonstrates initiative and resourcefulness. Servants in ancient Israel often played significant roles in the lives of their masters, sometimes offering wisdom and guidance. This reflects the cultural norm where servants were trusted members of the household, often involved in important decisions. The servant's response indicates a level of respect and understanding of the situation, suggesting that he is not merely a passive observer but an active participant in seeking divine guidance.

“Look,” he said,
The word "Look" is an invitation to pay attention, emphasizing the importance of what follows. It suggests urgency and the need for Saul to consider the servant's proposal seriously. This moment highlights the servant's role in redirecting Saul's focus, which is crucial in the unfolding narrative of Saul's anointing as king.

“I have here in my hand a quarter shekel of silver.
The quarter shekel of silver represents a small but significant amount of money, indicating the servant's preparedness and willingness to contribute to the cause. In the ancient Near East, silver was a common medium of exchange, and this specific amount suggests a modest offering, yet sufficient for the purpose at hand. This reflects the cultural practice of bringing a gift or offering when seeking the counsel of a prophet or man of God, as seen in other biblical accounts (e.g., 1 Kings 14:3).

I will give it to the man of God,
The term "man of God" is used to describe a prophet or someone who speaks on behalf of God. In this context, it refers to Samuel, who is recognized as a prophet and judge in Israel. The act of giving a gift to a prophet was customary, acknowledging the prophet's role and the value of divine guidance. This practice underscores the respect and honor given to those who served as intermediaries between God and His people.

and he will tell us our way.”
The expectation that the man of God will provide direction highlights the belief in divine guidance through prophets. This reflects the historical context where prophets were sought for counsel on various matters, both personal and national. The phrase "tell us our way" indicates a desire for specific guidance, which in this narrative, foreshadows Saul's eventual anointing as king. This reliance on prophetic insight is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's will through His appointed messengers.

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 unaware that he is about to be 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, showing resourcefulness and faith in divine guidance.

3. Man of God (Samuel)
The prophet and judge of Israel, who is known for his wisdom and connection to God. He is the one who will anoint Saul as king.

4. Quarter Shekel of Silver
A small amount of money offered as a gift to the man of God, reflecting the cultural practice of honoring prophets with gifts.

5. Zuph
The region where Saul and his servant are searching for the donkeys, and where they encounter Samuel.

Teaching Points

Seeking Divine Guidance
Just as Saul's servant suggests consulting the man of God, we should seek God's guidance in our decisions through prayer and scripture.

Value of Wise Counsel
The servant's suggestion to seek Samuel's counsel highlights the importance of surrounding ourselves with wise and godly advisors.

Faith in God's Provision
The willingness to offer a gift to the man of God demonstrates faith that God will provide the necessary guidance and resources.

Cultural Practices and Respect
Understanding cultural practices, such as offering gifts to prophets, can deepen our appreciation for biblical accounts and their context.

God's Sovereign Plan
Even in mundane tasks like searching for lost donkeys, God is orchestrating His greater plan, as seen in Saul's journey leading to his anointing as king.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the servant's suggestion to seek Samuel's guidance reflect a principle we can apply in our decision-making today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are seeking wise and godly counsel in our lives?

3. How does the practice of offering a gift to the man of God relate to our understanding of giving and generosity in the church today?

4. What does this passage teach us about God's involvement in the seemingly ordinary events of our lives?

5. How can we discern God's sovereign plan in our own lives, especially when we are focused on immediate concerns or tasks?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 3:20
Establishes Samuel's reputation as a prophet throughout Israel, which is why Saul's servant suggests consulting him.

1 Kings 14:3
Illustrates the practice of bringing gifts to prophets, as Jeroboam's wife brings a gift to Ahijah the prophet.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Encourages seeking God's guidance in all our ways, similar to Saul and his servant seeking direction from Samuel.