Now the day before Saul came, the LORD had revealed to Samuel:
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's easy to miss here is that God's plan was already in motion before Saul even knew he was looking for donkeys. The Lord specifically "had revealed to Samuel" the very next day's events, showing His proactive grace in orchestrating Saul's path to kingship, not based on Saul's seeking, but on God's foreknowledge. This wasn't a spontaneous decision; it was divinely prepared.
Now the day before Saul came, the LORD had revealed to Samuel:
English Standard Version (ESV)
Just the day before, God had directly spoken to Samuel, telling him that a man from the tribe of Benjamin would arrive to be anointed king. This divine foreknowledge sets the stage for Saul's unexpected visit to Samuel's town, revealing that his quest for the lost donkeys was divinely orchestrated, not accidental. Samuel's encounter with Saul is therefore not a chance meeting, but the fulfillment of a direct revelation from the Lord.
Ever feel like God is way off on His schedule? This verse shows us He's always working behind the scenes, even when we can't see it.
The LORD's Foreknowledge
Samuel’s encounter with Saul wasn't a coincidence. The verse states, 'the LORD had revealed to Samuel' the events of the next day. This wasn't a spontaneous reaction from God; it was a pre-planned revelation.
Divine Preparation
God doesn't just react to situations; He orchestrates them. He knew Saul would arrive, and He prepared Samuel for it. This highlights God's intimate knowledge of our lives and His ability to guide us with incredible precision.
We often see prophets delivering God's message to the crowds. But what about the private moments, the direct downloads from heaven?
Direct Divine Communication
'The LORD had revealed to Samuel.' This wasn't a dream, a vision, or a difficult interpretation. It was a direct communication, a specific instruction or piece of knowledge given to His servant.
The Intimacy of Revelation
God speaks to us today, too, though perhaps not always with the same prophetic clarity as Samuel. He reveals His will through Scripture, the Holy Spirit's leading, and wise counsel. This verse emphasizes that God desires an intimate relationship where He can share His heart and plans with those who listen.
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Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of the God of Israel (Yahweh), who revealed Himself to His people and fulfills His promises through history.
galah · Hebrew Verb
To uncover, disclose, or make known what was previously hidden; in a biblical context, it refers to God making His will, presence, or divine purposes known to a human being.
This verse highlights God's direct intervention in Israel's political transition, revealing His choice of Saul to Samuel the day before their actual meeting, showcasing divine orchestration amidst Israel's desire for a king.
c. 1070 BC
Eli's Death
The prophet Eli dies after hearing the Ark of the Covenant has been captured by the Philistines. This marks the end of an era of judges and priests directly connected to God's presence.
c. 1050 BC
Ark of the Covenant Lost
The Ark of the Covenant, Israel's most sacred artifact, is captured by the Philistines. Its absence leaves a void in Israel's worship and national identity for two decades.
c. 1030 BC
Samuel's Ministry
The prophet Samuel, now elderly, serves as a circuit judge and spiritual leader for Israel. He is highly respected but is also aging and has appointed his sons as judges, who proved corrupt.
c. 1030 BC
Israel Demands a King
The elders of Israel, fearing the Philistines and Samuel's sons' corruption, demand a king to rule over them like other nations. This request grieves Samuel.
c. 1030 BC— this verse
God Reveals Saul's Coming
The LORD informs Samuel that He has chosen Saul, a young man from the tribe of Benjamin, to be Israel's first king. Samuel is instructed to anoint him.
c. 1030 BC
Saul Anointed King
Samuel meets Saul, and after a series of events confirms God's choice. Samuel secretly anoints Saul as king, marking the transition from a period of judges to monarchy.
This passage shows God initiating contact with Moses in a unique way, much like God revealing Himself to Samuel before Saul's arrival.
1 Samuel 3:1-10This highlights God's consistent pattern of speaking directly to Samuel, establishing Samuel's deep connection with the divine voice.
Acts 9:1-6Similar to how God spoke to Samuel, this passage describes God's direct intervention and revelation to Saul (later Paul) on the road to Damascus.
Isaiah 46:10This verse emphasizes God's sovereignty and foreknowledge, underscoring His ability to know and orchestrate events long before they happen, as seen with Saul.
What's easy to miss here is that God's plan was already in motion before Saul even knew he was looking for donkeys. The Lord specifically "had revealed to Samuel" the very next day's events, showing His proactive grace in orchestrating Saul's path to kingship, not based on Saul's seeking, but on God's foreknowledge. This wasn't a spontaneous decision; it was divinely prepared.
Just the day before, God had directly spoken to Samuel, telling him that a man from the tribe of Benjamin would arrive to be anointed king. This divine foreknowledge sets the stage for Saul's unexpected visit to Samuel's town, revealing that his quest for the lost donkeys was divinely orchestrated, not accidental. Samuel's encounter with Saul is therefore not a chance meeting, but the fulfillment of a direct revelation from the Lord.
Just the day before, God had directly spoken to Samuel, telling him that a man from the tribe of Benjamin would arrive to be anointed king. This divine foreknowledge sets the stage for Saul's unexpected visit to Samuel's town, revealing that his quest for the lost donkeys was divinely orchestrated, not accidental. Samuel's encounter with Saul is therefore not a chance meeting, but the fulfillment of a direct revelation from the Lord.
"Now the day before Saul came, the LORD had revealed to Samuel:" — What's easy to miss here is that God's plan was already in motion before Saul even knew he was looking for donkeys. The Lord specifically "had revealed to Samuel" the very next day's events, showin…
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Last reviewed October 2026