1 Samuel 9:9

(In earlier times in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, he said, “Come, and let us go to the seer”; for he who is now called a prophet was before called a seer.)

World English Bible

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WEBBE

(In earlier times in Israel, when a man went to enquire of God, he said, “Come! Let’s go to the seer;” for he who is now called a prophet was before called a seer.)

BSB

(Formerly in Israel, a man on his way to inquire of God would say, “Come, let us go to the seer.” For the prophet of today was formerly called the seer.)

KJV

(Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to enquire of God, thus he spake, Come, and let us go to the seer: for he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer.)

ASV

(Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, thus he said, Come, and let us go to the seer; for he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer.)

BBE

(In the past in Israel, when a man went to get directions from God, he said, Come let us go to the Seer, for he who now is named Prophet was in those days given the name of Seer.)

Original Hebrew

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לְפָנִים le·fa·nim (to) before H6440 בְּיִשְׂרָאֵל be·yis·ra·'el in Israel H3478 כֹּה־ koh- thus H3541 אָמַר 'a·mar he said H559 הָאִישׁ ha·'ish the man H376 בְּלֶכְתּוֹ be·lekh·to when went he H1980 לִדְרוֹשׁ lid·ro·osh to consult H1875 אֱלֹהִים 'e·lo·him God H430 לְכוּ le·khu come H1980 וְנֵלְכָה ve·ne·le·khah so let us go H1980 עַד־ 'ad- to H5704 הָרֹאֶה ha·ro·'eh the seer H7203 כִּי ki for H3588 לַנָּבִיא la·na·vi' to the prophet H5030 הַיּוֹם hai·yom this day H3117 יִקָּרֵא yi·ka·re' it was called H7121 לְפָנִים le·fa·nim (to) before H6440 הָרֹאֶה ha·ro·'eh the seer H7203

Commentary

Matthew Henry · Verses 1–10

Saul readily went to seek his father's asses. His obedience to his father was praise-worthy. His servant proposed, that since they were now at Ramah, they should call on Samuel, and take his advice. Wherever we are, we should use our opportunities of acquainting ourselves with those who are wise and good. Many will consult a man of God, if he comes in their way, that would not go a step out of their way to get wisdom. We sensibly feel worldly losses, and bestow much pains to make them up; but how little do we attempt, and how soon are we weary, in seeking the salvation of our souls! If ministers could tell men how to secure their property, or to get wealth, they would be more consulted and honoured than they now are, though employed in teaching them how to escape eternal misery, and to obtain eternal life. Most people would rather be told their fortune than their duty. Samuel needed not their money, nor would he have denied his advice, if they had not brought it; but they gave it to him as a token of respect, and of the value they put upon his office, and according to the general usage of those times, always to bring a present to those in authority.

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Cross-references

Cross-references: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge. Hebrew and Greek data from STEPBible.org (Tyndale House, Cambridge), CC BY 4.0. Library: sources.