Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Samuel 9:11
[And] as they went up the hill to the city, they found young maidens going out to draw water, and said unto them, Is the seer here?
11 14. Inquiry for the seer
11. as they went up ] As they were ascending by the ascent to the city. The Hebrew has a peculiar construction, the repetition of which is characteristic of this chapter. Cp. 1Sa 9:5 ; 1Sa 9:14 ; 1Sa 9:17 ; 1Sa 9:27.
young maidens going out to draw water ] Cp. Gen 24:15; Gen 29:9 ff.; Exo 2:16; Joh 4:7. The well was in the lower ground outside the city wall.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Verse 11. Young maidens going out to draw water] So far is it from being true, that young women were always kept closely shut up at home, that we find them often in the field, drawing and carrying water, as here.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Going out, i.e. out of the city, and down to the bottom of the hill, where the fountain or river was.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
11-13. as they went up the hillThemodern village, Er-Rameh, lies on an eminence; and on their way theymet a band of young maidens going out to the well, which, like allsimilar places in Palestine, was beyond the precincts of the town.From these damsels they learned that the day was devoted to afestival occasion, in honor of which Samuel had arrived in the city;that a sacrifice had been offered, which was done by prophets inextraordinary circumstances at a distance from the tabernacle, andthat a feast was to followimplying that it had been a peaceoffering; and that, according to the venerable practice of theIsraelites, the man of God was expected to ask a special blessing onthe food in a manner becoming the high occasion.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And as they went up the hill to the city,…. For the city was built upon an hill, from whence it had the name of Ramah, which signifies high and lifted up:
they found young maidens going out to draw water: going out of the city, to a fountain which was at the bottom of the hill; and this was the usual business of maidens in those countries to fetch water for the service of the family, [See comments on Ge 24:11],
[See comments on Ge 24:15],
[See comments on Ge 24:16]. R. Akiba e makes this observation, that whenever a man meets maidens coming out of a city before he goes into it, it is a token of prosperity to him; and instances in the cases of Abraham’s servant, of Jacob, and of Moses, and here of Saul, who was informed of a kingdom, and anointed for it, see Ge 24:14 Ex 2:16,
and said unto them, is the seer here? meaning, is he in the city? or is he at home? or is he in the country?
e In Pirke Eliezer, c. 36. fol. 39. 1. 2.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
As they were going up to the high place of the town, they met maidens coming out of the town to draw water; and on asking them whether the seer was there, they received this answer: “ Yes; behold, he is before thee: make haste, now, for he has come into the town to-day; for the people have a sacrifice to-day upon the high place.” Bamah (in the singular) does not mean the height or hill generally; but throughout it signifies the high place, as a place of sacrifice or prayer.
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
| Saul Introduced to Samuel. | B. C. 1070. |
11 And as they went up the hill to the city, they found young maidens going out to draw water, and said unto them, Is the seer here? 12 And they answered them, and said, He is; behold, he is before you: make haste now, for he came to day to the city; for there is a sacrifice of the people to day in the high place: 13 As soon as ye be come into the city, ye shall straightway find him, before he go up to the high place to eat: for the people will not eat until he come, because he doth bless the sacrifice; and afterwards they eat that be bidden. Now therefore get you up; for about this time ye shall find him. 14 And they went up into the city: and when they were come into the city, behold, Samuel came out against them, for to go up to the high place. 15 Now the LORD had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying, 16 To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me. 17 And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people.
Here, I. Saul, by an ordinary enquiry, is directed to Samuel, v. 11-14. Gibeah of Saul was not twenty miles from Ramah where Samuel dwelt, and was near to Mizpeh where he often judged Israel, and yet, it seems, Saul had lived so very privately, and had taken so little notice of public affairs, that he had never seen Samuel, for when he met him (v. 18) he did not know him, so that there was no cause to suspect any secret compact or collusion between them in this matter. I knew him not, says John Baptist concerning Christ, John i. 31. Yet I do not think it any commendation to Saul that he was a stranger to Samuel. However,
1. The maid-servants of Ramah, whom they met with at the places of drawing water, could give him and his servant intelligence concerning Samuel; and very particular they were in their directions, 1Sa 9:12; 1Sa 9:13. We should always be ready to give what assistance we can to those that are enquiring after God’s prophets, and to further them in their enquiries. Even the maid-servants could tell them, (1.) That there was a sacrifice that day in the high place, it being either an ordinary festival or an extraordinary day of prayer and thanksgiving, with which sacrifices were joined. The tabernacle being deprived of the ark, the altar there had not now the reputation it formerly had, nor were they confined to it, as they would be when God had again chosen a place to put his name in; and therefore now other places were allowed. Samuel had built an altar at Ramah (ch. vii. 17), and here we have him making use of that altar. (2.) That Samuel came that day to the city, either from his circuit or from his country seat. He was such a public person that his movements were generally known. (3.) That this was just the time of their meeting to feast before the Lord upon the sacrifice: “About this time you will find him in the street going up to the high place.” They knew the hour of the solemn feast. (4.) That the people would not eat till Samuel came, not only because he was the worthiest person, and they ought in good manners to stay for him, and he was, as some think, the maker of this feast, the sacrifice being offered at his charge and upon his account; but because, as a man of God, whoever made the feast, he must bless the sacrifice, that is, those parts of the sacrifice which they feasted upon, which may be considered, [1.] As a common meal, and so this is an instance of the great duty of craving a blessing upon our meat before we partake of it. We cannot expect benefit from our food without that blessing, and we have no reason to expect that blessing if we do not pray for it. Thus we must give glory to God as our benefactor, and own our dependence upon him and our obligations to him. Or, [2.] As a religious assembly. When the sacrifice was offered, which was the ceremony, Samuel blessed it, that is, he prayed over it, and offered up spiritual sacrifices with it, which were the substance; and afterwards, when the holy duties were performed, they did eat. Let the soul first be served. The feast upon the sacrifice being a sacred rite, it was requisite that it should in a particular manner be blessed, as is the Christian eucharist. They feasted in token of their reconciliation to God by virtue of the sacrifice, and their participation of the benefits of it; and Samuel blessed the feast, that is, he prayed to God to grace the solemnity with his special presence, that it might answer those great ends. Bishop Hall observes what a particular account those maid-servants could give of the usages of those sacred feasts, and infers from it that, “where there is the practice and example of piety in the better sort, there will be a reflection of it upon the meanest. It is no small advantage to live in religious places; for we shall be much to blame if all goodness fall beside us.”
2. Saul and his servant followed the directions given them, and very opportunely met Samuel going to the high place, the synagogue of the city, v. 14. This seemed purely accidental, but the divine providence ordered it for the forwarding of this great event. The wise God serves very great and certain purposes by very small and casual occurrences. A sparrow falls not to the ground without our Father.
II. Samuel, by an extraordinary revelation, is informed concerning Saul. He was a seer, and therefore must see this in a way peculiar to himself.
1. God had told him, the day before, that he would, at this time, send him the man that should serve the people of Israel for such a king as they wished to have, like all the nations,1Sa 9:15; 1Sa 9:16. He told him in his ear, that is, privately, by a secret whisper to his mind, or perhaps by a still small voice, some soft and gentle sounds conveyed to his ear, probably when he was praying in secret for direction in that and other affairs of the nation. He had spoken in the ears of the Lord (ch. viii. 21), and now God spoke in his ear, in token of friendship and familiarity, for he revealeth his secret to his servants the prophets, as secrets in their ear, Amos iii. 7. God told him before, that it might not be a surprise to him; and perhaps it was in expectation of it that he appointed the feast and the sacrifice, for the imploring of God’s blessing upon this great and important affair, though he might keep the particular occasion in his own breast, God having only told it to him in his ear. The Hebrew phrase is, He uncovered the ear of Samuel, to which some allude for the explication of the way of God’s revealing himself to us; he not only speaks, but uncovers our ear. We have naturally a covering on our ears, so that we perceive not what God says (Job xxxiii. 14), but, when God will manifest himself to a soul, he uncovers the ear, says, Ephphratha, Be opened; he takes the veil from off the heart, 2 Cor. iii. 16. Though God had, in displeasure, granted their request for a king, yet here he speaks tenderly of Israel; for even in wrath he remembers mercy. (1.) He calls them again and again his people; though a peevish and provoking people, yet mine still. (2.) He sends them a man to be captain over them, that they might not be a body without a head, and to save them out of the hand of the Philistines, which perhaps was more than many of them aimed at in desiring a king. (3.) He does it with a gracious respect to them and to their cry: I have looked upon my people, and their cry has come unto me. He gratified them with what they cried for, as the tender mother humours the froward child, lest it should break its heart. And (as bishop Patrick observes), though he would not hear their cry to relieve them against the oppression of their kings (ch. viii. 18), yet he was so gracious as to make those kings instruments of their deliverance from the oppression of their neighbours, which was more than they had reason to expect.
2. When Saul came up towards him in the street God again whispered Samuel in the ear (v. 17): Behold the man whom I spoke to thee of! Saul being a man of unusual stature, it is natural to think that Samuel fixed his eye upon him at a distance, and perhaps looked the more wistfully towards him because the hour had now come when God would send him the man that should be king of Israel, and he fancied this might be he; but, that he might be fully satisfied, God told him expressly, That is the man that shall restrain (for magistrates are heirs of restraint) my people Israel.
Fuente: Matthew Henry’s Whole Bible Commentary
Saul Meets Samuel, vs. 11-22
The city to which Saul and his servant had come to was situated on a hill, and the well from which it secured its water was outside the walls. As the men proceeded toward the city they met young girls going out to the well to get water, of whom they inquired concerning the seer. They were informed that the seer had arrived that day in the city and was about to conduct a sacrificial feast in the high place. If they would hasten they would find the seer going up to the high place at that very time. The people were there gathered waiting for him to come so they could eat, for the seer must first bless the sacrifice.
As Saul and his servant reached the gate of the city Samuel came meeting them. Not recognizing him, Saul inquired of him where to find the seer. Samuel told him that he was the seer, then told him a lot more than he was expecting. Saul was to go with him up to the high place and eat of the sacrifice that day, and on the next day Samuel would let him go and reveal to him all the things that were in his heart.
The Lord had already informed Samuel of the coming of Saul, even to the time of his arrival (versus 15-17), and had told him that he was the man to be anointed as king over Israel. Samuel was informed that Saul should deliver the people out of the hands of the Philistines, for once again they were under pressure from these pagan people. The Lord had heard their cry and would use Saul to deliver them. Now, when Samuel sees Saul coming to him, the Lord tells him that this is the man He is sending to him to be anointed.
In Samuel’s words to Saul is the first intimation that Saul had knowledge that many of the people of Israel wanted him to be their king. Samuel told Saul to cease being concerned about the asses, for they had been found. Now all the people of Israel had their eye on Saul and his father’s house. Saul protested his inability for the job. This initial humility on Saul’s part was a good recommendation of him for the job, and it is too bad it did not last. It is reminiscent of the feeling of Gideon when the Lord called him (Jdg 6:15). Gideon also fell into error (Jdg 8:24-27), showing the danger of losing one’s humility in the Lord’s service.
Samuel carried Saul and his servant in to the feast and gave them the seat of honor, doubtless to get him once more before important men in Israel. Thirty people of the city were present for the feast. Perhaps they were among those who were considering Saul for the kingship.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
Samuel and Saul Meet. 1Sa. 9:11-21
Samuel and Saul Meet. 1Sa. 9:11-21
11 And as they went up the hill to the city, they found young maidens going out to draw water, and said unto them, Is the seer here?
12 And they answered them, and said, He is; behold, he is before you; make haste now, for he came today to the city; for there is a sacrifice of the people today in the high place:
13 As soon as ye be come into the city, ye shall straightway find him, before he go up to the high place to eat: for the people will not eat until he come, because he doth bless the sacrifice; and afterwards they eat that be bidden. Now therefore get you up; for about this time ye shall find him.
14 And they went up into the city: and when they were come into the city, behold, Samuel came out against them, for to go up to the high place.
15 Now the Lord had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying,
16 Tomorrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me.
17 And when Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people.
18 Then Saul drew near to Samuel in the gate, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, where the seers house is.
19 And Samuel answered Saul, and said, I am the seer: go up before me unto the high place; for ye shall eat with me today, and tomorrow I will let thee go, and will tell thee all that is in thine heart.
20 And as for thine asses that were lost three days ago, set not thy mind on them; for they are found. And on whom is all the desire of Israel? Is it not on thee, and on all thy fathers house?
21 And Saul answered and said, Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou so to me?
9.
Did Samuel know Saul was coming? 1Sa. 9:11-17
On the day before the meeting, Jehovah had told Samuel that the man whom he was to anoint as captain over his people was coming to him. God in His overruling providence directed Sauls way so that he came to Samuel. Gods displeasure at the desire of the people was really a displeasure with the state of their heart from which the desire had sprung. Since the Philistines were making fresh attacks upon Israel, God was directing the affairs of His kingdom so that a strong deliverer would be raised up from among them.
10.
What was the high place? 1Sa. 9:12
The name of the town Ramah means a high place. About three miles north of Gibeah and six miles from Jerusalem a high hill rises from the right side of the road. This is crowned with the village called Er Ram. This is taken to be the site of ancient Ramah. Israels Canaanite neighbors had high places where they planted groves and set up images and idols. There is no evidence that Israel was falling into these idolatrous practices, but no doubt they would build an altar in a prominent place. It thus would be known as high place.
11.
What city was this? 1Sa. 9:14
Samuel evidently did not live in the town where Saul met him. He had only come to it in order to hold a sacrificial feast as he did in Bethlehem (1Sa. 16:1). This is true even though Samuel did honor Saul by having him as his guest. They appeared to sleep under the same roof, but both were probably guests in another mans home. Some commentators assume that he had a house at his command for any time that he might be in the area, such as was provided for Elisha (2 Kings 4). The town where Saul met Samuel was probably southwest of Bethlehem.
12.
Why was Saul anointed king? 1Sa. 9:16
God had told Samuel that he was sending a man to him. This man was to be anointed captain over Israel. God was doing this in order to save His people out of the land of the Philistines. This makes Sauls call to the office of king similar to the call of Moses to be the leader of his people when they were in captivity in Egypt.
13.
Why was Samuel in the gate of the city? 1Sa. 9:18
The prophet was evidently greeting the people who came to the city for the sacrificial feast. The custom of the people was to congregate in the broad area near the entrance of the city. Much of their business was conducted here, and many incidental and providential meetings have occurred here (Gen. 19:1).
14.
How did Samuel prepare Saul for the anointing? 1Sa. 9:18 ff.
At the feast that night, Saul was Samuels guest and greatly honored. As they retired, Samuel promised that on the morrow he would tell Saul all that was on his heart. This included more than the safety of the animals for which he had been seeking, inasmuch as Samuel told Saul all these things immediately. As they talked, Samuel asked a perplexing question that brought a humble answer from Saul. Samuel said, To whom belong the desirable things of Israel? It is not to thee and to thy fathers house? Saul replied that he was a member of the least of Israels tribes and that his clan was least among his tribesmen. All this must have caused Saul a sleepless night pondering all that had taken place.
Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
11. Young maidens going out to draw water Like Rebekah (Gen 24:15) and the daughters of Jethro. Exo 2:16.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Saul the Guest of Samuel
v. 11. And as they went up the hill to the city, they found young maidens going out to draw water, v. 12. And they answered them and said, He is; behold, he is before you. Make haste now, for he came today to the city, v. 13. as soon as ye be come into the city, v. 14. And they went up into the city, v. 15. Now the Lord had told Samuel in his ear, v. 16. Tomorrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over My people Israel, that he may save My people out of the hand of the Philistines, v. 17. And when Samuel saw Saul, v. 18. Then Saul, v. 19. And Samuel answered Saul and said, I am the seer; go up before me unto the high place, v. 20. And as for thine asses that were lost three days ago, v. 21. And Saul, v. 22. And Samuel, v. 23. And Samuel said unto the cook, Bring the portion which I gave thee, v. 24. And the cook took up the shoulder, v. 25. And when they were come down from the high place into the city, v. 26. And they arose early; and it came to pass about the spring of the day, v. 27. And as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel,
Fuente: The Popular Commentary on the Bible by Kretzmann
1Sa 9:11 [And] as they went up the hill to the city, they found young maidens going out to draw water, and said unto them, Is the seer here?
Ver. 11. Is the seer here? ] Seers then the prophets were called, not only beforetime, but now also: though that name began to be antiquated.
“ Multa renascentur quae iam cecidere, cadentque
Quae nunc sunt in honore vocabula, si volet usus,
Quem penes arbitrium est, et vis et norma loquendi. ”
– Horat., De Arte Poet.
not only beforetime, but now also: though that name began to be not only beforetime, but now also: though that name began to be
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
up the hill = by the ascent of.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
the hill to the city: Heb. in the ascent of the city, found. Gen 24:11, Gen 24:18-20, Exo 2:16, Jdg 5:11
Reciprocal: Gen 24:13 – daughters Pro 24:15 – Lay