This isn't just a random encounter; the gifts these men carry—young goats, bread, and wine—are classic offerings for sacrifice and fellowship. Samuel is directing Saul to a place where he'll witness a communal worship experience, preparing him for the spiritual significance of his anointing, not just the political power.
Then you shall go on from there farther and come to the oak of Tabor. Three men going up to God at Bethel will meet you there, one carrying three young goats, another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a skin of wine.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Samuel is anointing Saul as the first king of Israel, setting in motion a pivotal moment for the nation. Before this, Saul was in despair, believing he was insignificant. Now, Samuel is giving him specific signs to confirm God's choice, showing him how God will orchestrate events to reveal Saul's destiny to him and others.
Ever felt like you were just stumbling through life, or that your journey was purely random? Samuel's path here shows us something much more intentional.
When God calls you, He doesn't just point you in a direction; He sets up divine appointments along the way.
Purposeful Encounters
Saul is on his way from Samuel, likely feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. But before he even gets home, God has arranged encounters that will confirm his calling and provide practical support. These aren't chance meetings; they are divinely orchestrated moments designed to reassure and equip.
Signs Along the Road
Each encounter serves as a sign, a confirmation that he is indeed on the right path. The men are going up to God at Bethel, signifying worship and devotion. Their specific offerings – young goats, bread, wine – speak of sacrifice, provision, and celebration, all relevant to the journey and the future kingdom Saul is to lead.
What do three young goats, three loaves of bread, and a skin of wine have to do with a king's anointing? It's all about what these gifts represent.
The gifts brought by the men at Tabor are more than just snacks for a road trip; they symbolize key aspects of worship and covenant.
Offerings of Devotion
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Meeting God in Worship
These men are explicitly 'going up to God at Bethel.' Their offerings are part of their act of worship and communion with the Lord. When Saul meets them, he is encountering people actively engaged in spiritual pursuit, reinforcing the sacredness of his own calling and the importance of maintaining a close relationship with God.
This encounter illustrates how God confirms His call through tangible, real-world signs, showing Saul and Israel that his kingship is divinely ordained, not just a human decision.
c. 1050 BC
Saul Anointed King
Samuel secretly anoints Saul as the first king of Israel, marking a significant shift from the period of Judges.
c. 1050 BC
Prophetic Encounters Foretold
Samuel instructs Saul on signs that will confirm his calling and future kingship, preparing him for his new role.
c. 1050 BC
Saul's Journey to Gibeah
After his anointing, Saul travels back to his home town of Gibeah, processing the momentous events.
c. 1050 BC— this verse
Meeting at the Oak of Tabor
Saul encounters three men en route to worship at Bethel, bringing offerings, which confirms Samuel's prophecy.
c. 1050 BC
Arrival at Gibeah
Saul arrives in Gibeah where he is met by a large crowd, and he prophesies by the Spirit.
c. 1050 BC
Gathering at Mizpah
Saul is presented to the people at Mizpah, and through the casting of lots, he is chosen as king.
This passage describes Jacob's vision at Bethel, where he encounters God and makes a vow, highlighting Bethel as a significant place for divine encounters.
Judges 20:18This verse also mentions going up to Bethel to inquire of God, reinforcing Bethel's role as a place of seeking divine guidance and a place of worship.
1 Samuel 9:12-14This immediately preceding passage describes Samuel preparing to offer a sacrifice at the high place and inviting Saul, showing the context of sacred meals and seeking God's blessing.
Jeremiah 48:35This prophetic passage, though critical, mentions those who 'offer sacrifice in the high places' and 'go up to the temple,' showing the continuation of such practices in Israel.
This isn't just a random encounter; the gifts these men carry—young goats, bread, and wine—are classic offerings for sacrifice and fellowship. Samuel is directing Saul to a place where he'll witness a communal worship experience, preparing him for the spiritual significance of his anointing, not just the political power.
Samuel is anointing Saul as the first king of Israel, setting in motion a pivotal moment for the nation. Before this, Saul was in despair, believing he was insignificant. Now, Samuel is giving him specific signs to confirm God's choice, showing him how God will orchestrate events to reveal Saul's destiny to him and others.
Samuel is anointing Saul as the first king of Israel, setting in motion a pivotal moment for the nation. Before this, Saul was in despair, believing he was insignificant. Now, Samuel is giving him specific signs to confirm God's choice, showing him how God will orchestrate events to reveal Saul's destiny to him and others.
"Then you shall go on from there farther and come to the oak of Tabor. Three men going up to God at Bethel will meet you there, one carrying three young goats, another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a skin of wine." — This isn't just a random encounter; the gifts these men carry—young goats, bread, and wine—are classic offerings for sacrifice and fellowship. Samuel is directing Saul to a place where he'll witness…
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Last reviewed October 2026
