1 Samuel 10:3-4
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What's so cool here is that God orchestrates this divine appointment before Samuel even gets there. It’s not a random encounter; these men are on their way to worship God, and in their offerings, they're bringing symbolic gifts that speak to abundance and joy – three young goats, three loaves, and wine. This isn't just a meeting; it’s a beautiful picture of God preparing provisions and fellowship for his servant before he even arrives at his destination.
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. And they will greet you and give you two loaves of bread, which you shall accept from their hand.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Samuel is giving Saul specific instructions for what will happen next after he's anointed king. Saul is to continue on his journey, and at a particular landmark, he will encounter three separate groups of people heading to worship God, each bringing offerings. These encounters are signs to confirm that God's word to Samuel about Saul is indeed coming to pass.
Samuel’s instructions to Saul seem straightforward, but look closer. What do these seemingly random encounters reveal about God’s care?
God's Detailed Providence
Saul is on a mission to find lost donkeys, and Samuel gives him instructions. It's easy to read this and think it's just a direction to a place. But notice the specific details:
This isn't a vague map; it's a divinely orchestrated meeting. God isn't just guiding Saul; He’s arranging a profound encounter to confirm his calling. Every detail matters to our Heavenly Father.
The men Saul meets are heading to Bethel to worship. What does their journey tell us about the heartbeat of faith?
The Ascent to God
These three men aren't just traveling; they are going . Bethel itself is a significant place, where Jacob had a powerful encounter with God (Genesis 28). The act of 'going up' often signifies a special pilgrimage or ascent for worship.
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Their offerings – young goats, bread, and wine – are typical for worship, sacrifice, or a communal meal before the Lord. This highlights that for these individuals, making a journey to offer themselves and their resources to God was a priority.
In Saul's unfolding story, this encounter underscores that the path to God’s purpose often involves dedicated acts of worship and devotion, not just following instructions.
This event occurs early in Saul's reign, immediately following his secret anointing and before his public presentation as king. The signs Samuel provides are designed to build Saul's faith and assure him of God's direct involvement in his new, daunting role.
c. 1050 BC
Saul Anointed King
Samuel secretly anoints Saul as king over Israel, marking a transition from a period of judges to monarchy.
c. 1050 BC— this verse
Saul's First Test Signs
Samuel gives Saul two signs to confirm his calling: encountering two men who confirm his father's donkeys are found, and meeting three men going to worship God at Bethel.
c. 1050 BC
Saul Prophesies with Prophets
As foretold by Samuel, Saul encounters a band of prophets and is overcome by the Spirit, prophesying among them and astonishing onlookers.
c. 1050 BC
Saul Presented as King
Saul is presented to the people at Gilgal, where he is acclaimed king and the transition of leadership is made public.
c. 1050 BC
Saul's First Military Victory
Saul rallies Israel and defeats the Ammonites, solidifying his position as king and demonstrating God's favor.
This passage shows Abram arriving at the land of Canaan, a place specifically designated by God for his people, much like Bethel is presented as a place to encounter God.
Genesis 28:17-18Jacob also encountered God at Bethel, anointing a stone and naming the place 'house of God,' highlighting its significance as a sacred site for divine encounters.
Genesis 35:1God commands Jacob to return to Bethel and build an altar there, reinforcing its ongoing importance as a place for worship and obedience to God.
Joshua 18:1After the conquest, the Israelites set up the Tent of Meeting at Shiloh, but Bethel continued to be a significant religious center, as indicated by later events.
What's so cool here is that God orchestrates this divine appointment before Samuel even gets there. It’s not a random encounter; these men are on their way to worship God, and in their offerings, they're bringing symbolic gifts that speak to abundance and joy – three young goats, three loaves, and wine. This isn't just a meeting; it’s a beautiful picture of God preparing provisions and fellowship for his servant before he even arrives at his destination.
Samuel is giving Saul specific instructions for what will happen next after he's anointed king. Saul is to continue on his journey, and at a particular landmark, he will encounter three separate groups of people heading to worship God, each bringing offerings. These encounters are signs to confirm that God's word to Samuel about Saul is indeed coming to pass.
Samuel is giving Saul specific instructions for what will happen next after he's anointed king. Saul is to continue on his journey, and at a particular landmark, he will encounter three separate groups of people heading to worship God, each bringing offerings. These encounters are signs to confirm that God's word to Samuel about Saul is indeed coming to pass.
"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. And…" — What's so cool here is that God orchestrates this divine appointment before Samuel even gets there. It’s not a random encounter; these men are on their way to worship God, and in their offerings, t…
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Last reviewed October 2026
