Study notes

1 Samuel 9

Introducing 1 SamuelWho wrote it, when, why, and what to look for as you read

8:1–12:25 Section

Samuel’s sons weren’t faithful to God like Samuel was. The Israelites didn’t want them as leaders. The Israelites no longer wanted to be led by judges. They no longer wanted God to be their only Ruler. Instead, they wanted a human being to be their king.

The people groups around the Israelites were led by kings. The Israelites wanted to be like those people groups. They thought that a human king would solve their problems. The Israelites' problem was that the people groups around them were treating them badly. This was one of the covenant curses.

It happened because the Israelites weren’t faithful to the Mount Sinai covenant. It happened because they didn’t fully drive out the Canaanites. The Israelites thought a human king would help them win battles over those people groups. That is how they hoped to enjoy the covenant blessing of peace.

Winning battles was more important to them than serving God with all their heart. This made Samuel very sad. It also made God very sad. God allowed his people (God’s people) to have a king. Samuel explained clearly how the king should act. Those rules are recorded in Deuteronomy 17:14–20.

Saul started out as a humble king. He was a farmer and was willing to be used by the Holy Spirit. All the Israelites accepted him. They accepted him after he rescued the town of Jabesh Gilead from the king of Ammon.

Samuel made it clear to the Israelites that they had refused to accept God as their King. They were sad that they had done this and recognised that they had sinned. Samuel encouraged them to follow God no matter what happened. The people and the king were to live according to God’s ways.

9:1

a powerful man, whose name was Kish: Saul came from a wealthy family.

9:1–11:15

Saul became powerful through three main events:

Samuel secretly anointed him (1 Samuel 9:1–10:16).
He was chosen by casting lots (1 Samuel 10:17–27).
He defeated the Ammonites (1 Samuel 11:1–15).

9:2

Saul's looks, choice and handsome, without equal among the Israelites, made people loyal to him (see 1 Samuel 10:23; compare 16:12; 2 Samuel 14:25–26).

9:5

Zuph, likely in Ephraim, was where Samuel came from (1 Samuel 1:1). God guided Saul to this place.

9:6

The phrase man of God referred to a prophet (see 1 Samuel 2:27; also Deuteronomy 33:1; Joshua 14:6; 1 Kings 13:1–32).

9:7

no gift to take to the man: It was common to bring a gift when asking for a prophet's help (see 1 Kings 14:2–3; 2 Kings 5:5, 15; 8:8). Some false prophets asked for gifts in exchange for their services (Micah 3:11). Saul's concern might show a misunderstanding, thinking he could buy advice from a prophet of God (Acts 8:20).

9:12

Community leaders usually met for business at the town gates (see Ruth 4:1–2).
have a sacrifice on the high place: Samuel is one of the few people who combined prophetic and priestly roles (others include Moses, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Jesus).
the high place: An open-air altar or platform on a hill near the city gate. High places often became sites for pagan idolatry (see Numbers 33:52; 1 Kings 15:14; 22:43; 2 Kings 12:3; 14:4; 15:4, 35).

9:13

To eat: During worship, part of a sacrifice was burned on the altar. The rest was eaten in a ceremonial feast by the guests (see also 1 Samuel 1:4).
To bless the food: As a Levite, Samuel's role as a priest included offering blessings (see Deuteronomy 10:8; 21:5).

9:16

God's command to anoint Saul (by pouring olive oil on his head) marked his rise in status and dedication for a special purpose (see Exodus 30:22–33; Leviticus 8:12; 1 Kings 19:16; Isaiah 45:1).
he will save them: As they had asked for (1 Samuel 8:20; compare Judges 13:5). David eventually defeated the Philistines (2 Samuel 5:17–25; 8:1; 21:15, 18–22).
their cry has come to Me (compare Exodus 3:7–9): The Philistines were again trying to conquer Israel and make them pay tribute as subjects.

9:21

the smallest tribe: Saul tried to downplay Benjamin's importance, but they were strong warriors (Judges 20:14–31; see study note on 1 Samuel 10:17). What better tribe to lead in battle?
least of all the clans: See 1 Samuel 9:1.

9:25

A typical house had a flat roof used for many purposes, like sleeping during warm weather (see Deuteronomy 22:8; 2 Kings 4:10).

Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources