1 Samuel 9:9
(Formerly in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, he said, “Come, let us go to the seer,” for today’s “prophet” was formerly called a seer.)
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse reveals a fascinating shift in language and understanding: the familiar term "prophet" as we know it wasn't the original way they referred to those who spoke for God. It highlights that the "seer" was essentially the same role, emphasizing the visual aspect of receiving God's message, which can help us appreciate the varied ways God has always communicated with His people.
Before this, Saul, a young man from a prominent family, is sent by his father to find some lost donkeys. This search unexpectedly leads him to the prophet Samuel, a well-respected figure in Israel. The verse itself explains the terminology of the day, highlighting that people sought out "seers" to communicate with God, setting the stage for Saul's divine encounter.
Ever notice how some words change meaning or how people are called different things over time? This verse shows us exactly that happening with those who spoke for God.
This verse is like a little footnote from the past, explaining a shift in language.
Then and Now
Before, people would say, 'Let's go to the seer' to ask God something. The word 'seer' (in the original Hebrew, ro'eh) literally means 'one who sees.' It emphasizes the ability to perceive things beyond the ordinary – to see God's will or future events.
But the text tells us that this role was already starting to be called by a new name: 'prophet' (in Hebrew, nabi). While 'seer' focused on the ability to see, 'prophet' came to encompass a broader role: someone divinely inspired to speak God's message, to warn, to encourage, or to reveal God's plans.
A Continuing Role
Even though the name was changing, the function of hearing from God and communicating His word remained constant. God always has messengers, even if their titles evolve.
When people in ancient Israel faced a big question, where did they turn? This verse gives us a clue about their spiritual priorities.
The sentence, 'Formerly in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, he said, “Come, let us go to the seer,”' reveals something vital about the mindset of God's people.
Prioritizing Divine Guidance
When faced with uncertainty or a need for direction – whether it was finding lost livestock (as in Saul's case) or making a significant decision – their first thought wasn't to rely solely on human wisdom or political maneuvering. It was to seek God.
The Go-To Source
They knew to go to get that guidance: to the person who could hear from God. This shows a community that, at least in principle, valued divine insight and understood that God communicates.
Understand the original words
ro'eh · Hebrew Noun
A person who has divine insight, often seeing or perceiving things that are hidden from the normal human eye, specifically related to receiving revelation from God.
nabi' · Hebrew Noun
One who speaks for God, serving as a mouthpiece for divine communication, message, or prophecy to the people.
darash · Hebrew Verb
The act of seeking counsel, guidance, or revelation from God regarding a specific situation or future course of action.
This verse clarifies terminology, showing that the 'seer' was the older term for someone who directly received and delivered God's messages, a role Samuel fulfilled before the concept of a 'prophet' became more common in Israel.
c. 1070 BC
Eli's Priesthood and the Ark
The period of the Judges is ending, and Eli is the high priest serving at Shiloh, where the Ark of the Covenant is housed. Religious leadership is concentrated here.
c. 1050 BC
The Philistines Capture the Ark
The Philistines defeat Israel in battle and capture the Ark of the Covenant, a significant blow to Israel's spiritual and national identity. This event highlights a crisis in leadership and connection with God.
c. 1025 BC
Samuel's Ministry Flourishes
Samuel, now a prominent figure, serves as a judge and prophet. His ministry operates from Mizpah and Ramah, indicating a decentralization of religious inquiry from Shiloh.
c. 1020 BC— this verse
Saul Seeks His Father's Donkeys
This is the direct event. Saul is sent to find lost donkeys and embarks on a journey that will lead him to Samuel, seeking guidance on how to proceed.
This passage describes a prophet who calls out the sin of Eli's sons, showing the ongoing role of God's messengers to speak truth and discern God's will, much like the seer in 1 Samuel 9:9.
1 Samuel 15:13-14Here, Samuel the seer directly encounters Saul and identifies the 'sound of sheep' that interrupts their conversation, demonstrating the seer's ability to perceive what is hidden and understand God's message.
1 Kings 18:3-4This passage shows Obadiah, a devout servant of God, hiding prophets from Jezebel, highlighting the vital and often dangerous role of those who could 'inquire of God' during times of spiritual opposition.
Amos 7:12-15Amos recounts his own experience being called from his work as a shepherd and fig-tree dresser to prophesy, illustrating how God called individuals who were already recognized as having a spiritual insight or gift to be His messengers.
This verse reveals a fascinating shift in language and understanding: the familiar term "prophet" as we know it wasn't the original way they referred to those who spoke for God. It highlights that the "seer" was essentially the same role, emphasizing the visual aspect of receiving God's message, which can help us appreciate the varied ways God has always communicated with His people.
Before this, Saul, a young man from a prominent family, is sent by his father to find some lost donkeys. This search unexpectedly leads him to the prophet Samuel, a well-respected figure in Israel. The verse itself explains the terminology of the day, highlighting that people sought out "seers" to communicate with God, setting the stage for Saul's divine encounter.
Before this, Saul, a young man from a prominent family, is sent by his father to find some lost donkeys. This search unexpectedly leads him to the prophet Samuel, a well-respected figure in Israel. The verse itself explains the terminology of the day, highlighting that people sought out "seers" to communicate with God, setting the stage for Saul's divine encounter.
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This practice underscores the importance of seeking God's perspective in our own lives, recognizing that His wisdom is the ultimate source of truth and direction.
c. 1020 BC
Saul Anointed King
Following God's direction through Samuel, Saul is secretly anointed as the first king of Israel, marking a transition from the era of Judges to monarchy.
"(Formerly in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, he said, “Come, let us go to the seer,” for today’s “prophet” was formerly called a seer.)" — This verse reveals a fascinating shift in language and understanding: the familiar term "prophet" as we know it wasn't the original way they referred to those who spoke for God. It highlights that th…
