1 Samuel 9
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v1
Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah, the son of a Benjamite, a mighty man of valor.
v2
He had a son whose name was Saul, an impressive young man; and there was not among the children of Israel a more handsome person than he. From his shoulders and upward he was taller than any of the people.
v3
The donkeys of Kish, Saulโs father, were lost. Kish said to Saul his son, โNow take one of the servants with you, and arise, go look for the donkeys.โ
v4
He passed through the hill country of Ephraim, and passed through the land of Shalishah, but they didnโt find them. Then they passed through the land of Shaalim, and they werenโt there. Then he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they didnโt find them.
v5
When they had come to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant who was with him, โCome! Letโs return, lest my father stop caring about the donkeys and be anxious for us.โ
v6
The servant said to him, โBehold now, there is a man of God in this city, and he is a man who is held in honor. All that he says surely happens. Now letโs go there. Perhaps he can tell us which way to go.โ
v7
Then Saul said to his servant, โBut behold, if we go, what should we bring the man? For the bread is spent in our sacks, and there is not a present to bring to the man of God. What do we have?โ
v8
The servant answered Saul again and said, โBehold, I have in my hand the fourth part of a shekel of silver. I will give that to the man of God, to tell us our way.โ
v9
(In earlier times in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, he said, โCome! Letโs go to the seer;โ for he who is now called a prophet was before called a seer.)
v10
Then Saul said to his servant, โWell said. Come! Letโs go.โ So they went to the city where the man of God was.
v11
As they went up the ascent to the city, they found young maidens going out to draw water, and said to them, โIs the seer here?โ
v12
They answered them and said, โHe is. Behold, he is before you. Hurry now, for he has come today into the city; for the people have a sacrifice today in the high place.
v13
As soon as you have come into the city, you will immediately find him before he goes up to the high place to eat; for the people will not eat until he comes, because he blesses the sacrifice. Afterwards those who are invited eat. Now therefore go up; for at this time you will find him.โ
v14
They went up to the city. As they came within the city, behold, Samuel came out toward them to go up to the high place.
v15
Now Yahweh had revealed to Samuel a day before Saul came, saying,
v16
โTomorrow about this time I will send you a man out of the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him to be prince over my people Israel. He will save my people out of the hand of the Philistines; for I have looked upon my people, because their cry has come to me.โ
v17
When Samuel saw Saul, Yahweh said to him, โBehold, the man of whom I spoke to you! He will have authority over my people.โ
v18
Then Saul approached Samuel in the gateway, and said, โPlease tell me where the seerโs house is.โ
v19
Samuel answered Saul and said, โI am the seer. Go up before me to the high place, for you are to eat with me today. In the morning I will let you go and will tell you all that is in your heart.
v20
As for your donkeys who were lost three days ago, donโt set your mind on them, for they have been found. For whom does all Israel desire? Is it not you and all your fatherโs house?โ
v21
Saul answered, โAm I not a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? And my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then do you speak to me like this?โ
v22
Samuel took Saul and his servant and brought them into the guest room, and made them sit in the best place among those who were invited, who were about thirty persons.
v23
Samuel said to the cook, โBring the portion which I gave you, of which I said to you, โSet it aside.โโ
v24
The cook took up the thigh, and that which was on it, and set it before Saul. Samuel said, โBehold, that which has been reserved! Set it before yourself and eat; because it has been kept for you for the appointed time, for I said, โI have invited the people.โโ So Saul ate with Samuel that day.
v25
When they had come down from the high place into the city, he talked with Saul on the housetop.
v26
They arose early; and about daybreak, Samuel called to Saul on the housetop, saying, โGet up, that I may send you away.โ Saul arose, and they both went outside, he and Samuel, together.
v27
As they were going down at the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, โTell the servant to go on ahead of us.โ He went ahead, then Samuel said, โBut stand still first, that I may cause you to hear Godโs message.โ