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1 Samuel 9:20-24

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Scripture focus

20. And as for thine asses that were lost three days ago, set not thy mind on them; for they are found. And on whom [is] all the desire of Israel? [Is it] not on thee, and on all thy father’s house? 21. And Saul answered and said, [Am] not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou so to me? 22. And Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought them into the parlour, and made them sit in the chiefest place among them that were bidden, which [were] about thirty persons. 23. And Samuel said unto the cook, Bring the portion which I gave thee, of which I said unto thee, Set it by thee. 24. And the cook took up the shoulder, and [that] which [was] upon it, and set [it] before Saul. And [Samuel] said, Behold that which is left! set [it] before thee, [and] eat: for unto this time hath it been kept for thee since I said, I have invited the people. So Saul did eat with Samuel that day.

1 Samuel 9:20-24 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:20

Theological / Devotional

They are found. Samuel states that the asses had been lost for three days, literally, “today, three days.” Before telling Saul of his high calling, Samuel put his mind at rest concerning the practical purpose of his visit. Christ always ministered to the physical needs of His hearers as well as to their spiritual yearnings. The very fact that He was interested in their physical welfare did much to cause them to listen while He ministered to their spiritual needs. Thus the information that the asses were found did much to convince Saul of the divine origin of Samuel’s message concerning the kingdom.

The desire of Israel. Though himself a prophet and a judge, Samuel accepted the counsel of the Lord that Israel be granted the desire of their hearts. He expressed no feelings of regret or jealousy at meeting the young man who was to take over the responsibility of delivering Israel from the hand of the Philistines (v. 16). Instead, he accorded Saul evidences of honor and respect (see vs. 20-24). Here Samuel demonstrated the true spirit of unselfishness. Like Moses, he was anxious that the Spirit of the Lord come upon all men (Num. 11:29). Christ did not count equality with God the Father a thing to be grasped after, but manifested the true principle of selflessness, in order that the overcome might sit with Him on His throne (Rev. 3:21). Similarly, Samuel not only indicated that he was willing to give Saul the responsibility, but also that he would do all in his power to prepare the future king for his duties.

By SdaBc