1 Samuel 9:18 - Meaning and Application

When God’s providence finally brought Samuel and Saul together, we are told what happened at the city gate, at the feast, and then in private.

At the city gate, Saul came upon Samuel (1 Samuel 9:18), but he did not realize who he was. He asked him where the seer’s house was, meaning Samuel’s house, because that was where he expected to find him. This shows how plain Samuel looked, even though he was such a great man. He made no display, had no attendants, no signs of rank, and no special clothing, even when he went to worship. Saul had been told he would meet Samuel, yet he did not suspect that the man in front of him was the prophet. Great worth is often hidden under a very ordinary appearance.

Samuel knew that Saul needed the man, not the house, so he answered, “I am the seer you are looking for” (1 Samuel 9:19). Samuel knew Saul before Saul knew Samuel. In the same way, all who are called to the glory of heaven first were known by God (Galatians 4:9). Samuel then asked Saul to stay with him until the next day. Most of that day had already been spent in sacrifice, and the rest would be used for holy fellowship, so Samuel said, “Tomorrow I will let you go.” He led Saul away from his worry about the donkeys and toward prayer and conversation with God.

Samuel also settled Saul’s concern about the donkeys. He told him, “Set your mind at rest. They have been found” (1 Samuel 9:20). This showed Saul that Samuel was a prophet, because Samuel answered a question Saul had not even asked aloud. From this, Saul could learn that if a man of God can know such things, then God himself certainly understands our thoughts far better.

Then Samuel gave Saul a surprising hint about his future. He asked, “And for whom is all Israel’s desire, if not for you and for all your father’s family?” In other words, Samuel was telling him that Israel wanted a king, and Saul was the man God had in view. The nation had not yet fixed its hopes on Saul, because they had left the choice to God. But Saul was just the kind of man they would want, and his rise would lift up his family too.

Saul answered very humbly (1 Samuel 9:21). He thought Samuel was speaking lightly because he was a tall man, even though he seemed unlikely to be king. Saul pointed out that he belonged to Benjamin, Jacob’s youngest son, who had once been called “the youngest” when grown to manhood (Genesis 44:20). That tribe had been weakened by the war at Gibeah, and Saul said his own family was the least in Benjamin. Gideon had spoken in a similar way (Judges 6:15). A humble spirit is often a good sign of future honor.

At the public feast, Samuel brought Saul and his servant with him. Saul’s promotion would mean Samuel’s removal, yet Samuel did not envy him or treat him coldly. Instead, he was the first to honor him, because he was submitting to God’s will. If this was the man God had chosen, then he was welcome at Samuel’s table. It was also kind to give Saul food, since it seems from Saul’s words that both their food and money were gone (1 Samuel 9:7). But Samuel did more than meet a need. He treated Saul like a man of rank, so that both Saul and the people would be ready for what was coming.

Samuel gave Saul two marks of honor. First, he seated him in the best place, higher than the other guests. This was like the teaching, “Give this man the seat of honor” (Luke 14:9). Even if the city leaders were there and would normally claim the highest places, Samuel put Saul and his servant in the chief seat (1 Samuel 9:22). Civil honor should be shown to those whom God’s providence has placed first in civil things.

Second, Samuel gave Saul the best portion of the meal, the piece he had set aside after learning from God the day before that Saul was coming (1 Samuel 9:16). He had told the cook to keep it back when the guests were invited and the meal prepared. The special portion was not some rich or fancy dish. It was a shoulder of meat (1 Samuel 9:23, 1 Samuel 9:24). The right shoulder of the peace offerings belonged to the priests, who received God’s gifts (Leviticus 7:32). The next best portion was likely the left shoulder, which seems to have been Samuel’s usual share. By giving it to Saul, Samuel was quietly giving up his own place.

Some have seen meaning in that dish. The shoulder can stand for strength, and the breast for love and care. A king must carry the weight of rule on his shoulder, because he has to bear the burden of government. He must also hold the people close to his heart, because they should be dear to him.

Then came what passed between them in private. That evening and again early the next morning, Samuel spoke with Saul on the flat roof of the house (1 Samuel 9:25, 1 Samuel 9:26). Samuel likely told him the full story of the people’s wish for a king, why they wanted one, and how God had granted their request. Saul, living so privately, may not have known these things. Samuel assured him that he was the man God had chosen to govern Israel. If Saul worried that Samuel himself was already in office and that it would be wrong to take that from him, Samuel likely made clear that he was willing to step aside.

Early in the morning Samuel sent Saul home, and he went with him part of the way. Then he told Saul to send his servant ahead so they could speak privately (1 Samuel 9:27). There, as the next chapter begins, Samuel anointed Saul and showed him the word of the Lord, meaning he gave him full proof that he was the chosen king. Samuel would not have used such a holy act in jest. It is by the anointing of the Holy Spirit that Christ, the great prophet, shows us the word of the Lord (1 John 2:27). That same anointing teaches believers all things.