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1 Sam 9:1–15:35 The Story of Saul. Saul, the first king over all Israel, starts out well. But he fails as a king because he will not obey the word of God that comes through Samuel.
1 Sam 9:2 Saul seems to be the ideal candidate for king, with a striking physical appearance. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people. See also 10:23.
1 Sam 9:3–8 Saul’s father sends him in search of some lost donkeys. Just as Saul is about to give up the search, God intervenes through Saul’s servant. The servant suggests that they inquire of a local man of God (that is, a “seer”; v. 9). The servant just happens to have some silver with him, which would provide the customary present for the seer (compare 1 Kings 14:3; 2 Kings 8:8).
1 Sam 9:9 Inquire refers to seeking guidance from the Lord, either through a prophet or by lots (compare 10:22; 2 Kings 22:13; Jer. 21:2). It could also refer to inquiring of pagan gods (2 Kings 1:2). Seer, prophet, and “man of God” (1 Sam. 9:6) are used almost interchangeably in the OT.
1 Sam 9:12 As they prepared to enter Canaan, the Israelites were told to destroy all the “high places” of the Canaanites (Num. 33:52). However, worship of the Lord at such places was allowed before the time of the temple (1 Kings 3:2, 4). Such worship sites were often built on hills or mountains to represent the power of the Lord (or of a pagan deity). After the temple was built, worship at these high places was no longer acceptable (2 Kings 23:15).
1 Sam 9:16 you shall anoint him. The king was the Lord’s “anointed one,” a term that can also be translated “messiah.”
1 Sam 9:20–21 for whom is all that is desirable in Israel? As king, why should Saul concern himself with donkeys when he will receive the choicest things of the land (see 8:11–17)? However, Samuel’s question could also be seen as a criticism, since it can be translated, “For whom is all the desire of Israel?” In making Saul its king, Israel gets what it desires (ch. 8). Am I not . . . from the least . . . the humblest of all the clans? Saul’s emphasis on his low status indicates that he understands this question in the former, positive sense.
1 Sam 9:24 the cook took up the leg. The leg was the priest’s portion (Ex. 29:27). Saul is told in 1 Sam. 10:4 to accept bread that probably was originally intended as an offering and would have been eaten by the priests (see Num. 18:8). These are indications of the sacredness of his kingship.
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