10: The Lord chose Saul as they desired ( 1Samuel 9:1 – 27)

When all Israel longed for a king, the Lord orchestrated Saul's journey to search for lost donkeys, leading him to meet Samuel.

👉 Read 1Samuel 9:1 - 27

Q1. (3 - 4) What had been Saul looking for?

His father's donkeys

The text says that Saul searched everywhere for the donkeys, but he couldn't find them. A herd of donkeys would have been a valuable asset in his father's household.

Q2. (5 – 10) What did they want to see the seer? (6, 8)

to know where they should go (to find the donkeys). 

The author specifically addresses a religious practice of those days in verses 8 – 9. People would come to the seer to ask God about various matters, particularly their fortunes or future direction, often compensating the seer. The prophet was the one who delivered the Lord’s messages, initiated by the Lord. Meanwhile, the seer was a person who foretold the future, whether divinely inspired or not, primarily in response to people's inquiries."

Q3. (11 – 18) When Saul asked the girls, they said, ‘Hurry now, this  is the time when you can find him.” Find expressions telling that the Lord had arranged the encounter of Samuel and Saul. 

(12 – 13) It was the right time to meet Samuel, for a sacrifice in that town was prearranged.

(16) “At this time tomorrow....” 

(17) “Here is the man that I told you about ....”

Samuel frequently traveled between towns to minister, so meeting him was not guaranteed. Just as Saul arrived in the town where Samuel resided, Samuel returned to make a sacrifice there.

Verse 16 - 17 clearly says that the Lord sent Saul. He made his father's donkeys stray, and Saul came to seek Samuel at the end of his search for the donkeys.

People wanted a warrior king who would save them from their enemies. Thus, the Lord chose Saul who is tall and handsome (2) as their king. 

Q4. (19 – 21) Samuel said, “Whom does all Israel (        )? Is it not (       ), and all your father’s family?” But Saul could hardly believe it because the tribe of (            ) was the smallest in Israel. (22 – 24) Samuel elevated Saul in front of (             ) guests. And they brought a leg portion that had been (             ) for Saul. (25 – 27) Samuel made Saul stay with him overnight and talked with him.

*19 – 21) Samuel said, “Whom does all Israel ( desire )? Is it not ( you  ), and all your father’s family?” But Saul could hardly believe it because the tribe of ( Benjamin  ) was the smallest in Israel. (22 – 24) Samuel elevated Saul in front of ( thirty ) guests. And they brought a leg portion that had been ( kept  ) for Saul. (25 – 27) Samuel made Saul stay with him overnight and talked with him. 

The passage emphasizes several points. Saul grew close to Samuel, eating and staying with him, and Samuel repeatedly spoke to him (19, 24, 25-27). Samuel also gave Saul a specially prepared portion of meat (23-24).  

The tribe of Benjamin was the smallest due to the incident in Judges 19-21, which likely weakened Saul’s government as he couldn’t expect strong tribal support. This might explain why Saul had so few soldiers in chapter 14.  

“I will tell you everything that is in your heart” (19) can be interpreted as Samuel revealing Saul’s future or calling.

This could summarize chapter 9: The people desired a warrior king, so the Lord chose Saul—tall, handsome, and a skilled fighter—the one all Israel "desired." It was the Lord who selected Saul and orchestrated everything accordingly. Samuel faithfully served as the Lord's instrument in this process.

Now, what would you expect from Saul, the desired king of the people?