It’s easy to overlook the significant responsibility entrusted to Samuel here. The people wouldn't even begin their communal meal until Samuel, their prophet and leader, had arrived to offer the blessing on the sacrifice—a clear sign of his vital role in their relationship with God. This highlights how deeply intertwined their spiritual and social lives were, with their leader acting as the essential conduit.
As soon as you enter the city you will find him, before he goes up to the high place to eat. For the people will not eat till he comes, since he must bless the sacrifice; afterward those who are invited will eat. Now go up, for you will meet him immediately.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Saul is on a search for lost donkeys, accompanied by his servant, who suggests they consult the prophet Samuel. Samuel, after a divine revelation, has arranged to meet Saul in this town, where he is about to lead a significant religious feast involving sacrifices. This encounter is divinely orchestrated not just for Saul to find his donkeys, but for Samuel to reveal God's choice of Saul as king.
Imagine showing up somewhere and everyone waits for YOU before they eat. That was Saul's experience, even before he knew he was chosen.
This passage shows the incredible respect and honor afforded to Samuel, highlighting his significant role in Israelite society.
A Leader's Influence
The people wouldn't eat until Samuel arrived because he was the one who would bless the sacrifices. This wasn't just a meal; it was a religious and communal event.
Divine Approval
Samuel's presence and blessing were essential for the people to partake in the sacrificial meal. This points to God's anointing and authority working through His prophet.
Saul was looking for donkeys, but God was arranging a coronation. Sometimes our search leads us to something far greater.
This moment is a beautiful illustration of God's sovereign hand at work, guiding events and individuals toward His purposes.
Unseen Providence
Saul's quest for lost donkeys, a mundane and personal errand, becomes the very path God uses to bring him to the prophet Samuel.
Divine Timing
The instructions given – 'you will find him, before he goes up,' 'you will meet him immediately' – underscore the precise timing of God's plan. There's no accidental meeting here; it's divinely orchestrated.
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Understand the original words
barak · Hebrew Verb
To pronounce a formal benediction or invoke God's favor upon a person, object, or act, acknowledging that the good received comes from the LORD.
c. 1070 BC
Saul's Birth and Early Life
Saul, from the tribe of Benjamin, was from a prominent family and known for his strength and stature. He was living a relatively ordinary life before his encounter with Samuel.
c. 1070 BC
Israel Seeks a King
The Israelites, influenced by surrounding nations, clamored for a king to lead them in battle and govern them, despite God's earlier provision through judges.
c. 1070 BC
Samuel's Role as Judge and Prophet
Samuel, the last of the great judges, had served Israel faithfully but was aging. He was God's chosen instrument to anoint the first king.
c. 1070 BC
The Search for Lost Donkeys
Saul's father, Kish, sent him with a servant to find lost donkeys, an errand that unexpectedly led Saul to the prophet Samuel.
c. 1070 BC— this verse
Saul Meets Samuel in Ramah
Samuel, having been divinely prompted, was expecting Saul and met him on the outskirts of the city, preparing to go to the high place for a sacrificial meal.
c. 1070 BC
Saul Anointed King
Samuel revealed God's plan to Saul, shared a meal with him, and then secretly anointed him as the future king of Israel, marking a pivotal shift in Israel's governance.
This passage speaks of a ruler who will come and to whom the obedience of the people belongs, mirroring the authority and respected position of the leader mentioned in 1 Samuel 9:13.
Leviticus 10:1-3This account of Nadab and Abihu's unauthorized offering highlights the serious importance of approaching God according to His commands, paralleling the need for the appointed leader to bless the sacrifice before others could eat.
1 Corinthians 11:23-26Paul recounts the institution of the Lord's Supper, emphasizing Jesus' role in initiating and blessing the meal, which connects to the theme of a leader's vital role in communal sacred meals.
Malachi 3:1This prophecy foretells the coming of a messenger who will prepare the way and suddenly come to the temple, echoing the immediate and significant arrival of the leader in 1 Samuel 9:13.
It’s easy to overlook the significant responsibility entrusted to Samuel here. The people wouldn't even begin their communal meal until Samuel, their prophet and leader, had arrived to offer the blessing on the sacrifice—a clear sign of his vital role in their relationship with God. This highlights how deeply intertwined their spiritual and social lives were, with their leader acting as the essential conduit.
Saul is on a search for lost donkeys, accompanied by his servant, who suggests they consult the prophet Samuel. Samuel, after a divine revelation, has arranged to meet Saul in this town, where he is about to lead a significant religious feast involving sacrifices. This encounter is divinely orchestrated not just for Saul to find his donkeys, but for Samuel to reveal God's choice of Saul as king.
Saul is on a search for lost donkeys, accompanied by his servant, who suggests they consult the prophet Samuel. Samuel, after a divine revelation, has arranged to meet Saul in this town, where he is about to lead a significant religious feast involving sacrifices. This encounter is divinely orchestrated not just for Saul to find his donkeys, but for Samuel to reveal God's choice of Saul as king.
"As soon as you enter the city you will find him, before he goes up to the high place to eat. For the people will not eat till he comes, since he must bless the sacrifice; afterward those who are invited will eat. Now go up, for you will me…" — It’s easy to overlook the significant responsibility entrusted to Samuel here. The people wouldn't even begin their communal meal until Samuel, their prophet and leader, had arrived to offer the bles…
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Last reviewed October 2026
