Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Samuel 9:27
[And] as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us, (and he passed on,) but stand thou still a while, that I may show thee the word of God.
1Sa 9:27
Bid the servant pass on before us.
Samuel and the young man Saul
This was Samuels third interview with this goodly young man. This time he spoke to him with great closeness of personal application, sending the servant out of the way that he might say things to him which nobody else might hear. He tried to speak to the young mans inmost soul. The prophet felt a deep solemnity, his whole heart saying every word that fell from his lip. I think I hear his earnest tones, and accents sweetened by a great love, for Samuel loved Saul, and it was his affection which made him speak so earnestly and pointedly. This time the preacher would hold you fast, as if he said to each one, I will not let thee go unless thou givest thy heart to Christ, and become His servant from this very hour.
I. First, let us think upon the attention which he requested. He said to the servant, Pass on before us, and he passed on. Bid the servant pass on; forget for a while your business, forget your family, forget your joys, forget your sorrows. I wish I could so speak that men would say of my preaching what they said of Whitefields. One man said, Whenever I went to church before, I calculated how many looms the church would hold–for he was a weaver–but when I heard Whitefield I never thought of a loom. Another said, While I have been in church I have often built a ship from stem to stern; but when I heard Mr. Whitefield I could not lay a plank; he took my mind right away from such things, and occupied me with higher thoughts. The next point in the attention requested was the desire that he would stand still a while. I pray you bask in the gospel as men do in the sunlight when they would be warm. Let the gospel have its own legitimate effect upon you. Lay bare your bosom to it. Ask that your soul may have no stone of carelessness laid upon it, as though it were a dead thing in a sepulchre, but that it may come forth in resurrection life through the quickening word of the Divine Spirit. Is not this what the word of God deserves? Should it not have our living, loving attention? When God speaks let all be silent. I have heard that the great clock at St. Pauls can scarcely be heard in Cheapside, by reason of the traffic that is going on; and so the most solemn voices are drowned amidst the din and uproar of our business, and we do not often hear Gods voice, unless we are accustomed to give ourselves a little quiet and holy stillness, and sit in our chamber alone, and say, Now, Lord, commune with me. As the Word of God deserves such quiet attention, it certainly is only by such attention that it is likely to bless us. I remember a child who used to be noted for great attention during sermon, and his mother, noticing his deep earnestness, asked him why He said, Because, mother, I heard the preacher once say that if there was a piece of the discourse that was likely to be of good to our souls, Satan would try to make us lose it; and as I do not know which part God will bless me by, I try to hear it all, and to remember it all. Oh, when people come to listen to the preacher with such a spirit as that, it is sweet work to preach. But many things arise to prevent this attrition. You cannot get some folks to be still, they are so frivolous; you cannot make them think. Some men dread the process of thinking, almost as much as they would a touch of the cat on their backs. They cannot bear to consider and meditate. God has distinguished them above brutes by giving them the faculty of thought, but this high privilege they try to ignore. Do stand still a while, and let nothing come in to break the silence of your spirit, while you listen to the voice of God. I would earnestly persuade every one here who is not saved to get an hour alone somehow.
II. The subject upon which Samuel discoursed with Saul, or rather the subject about which I would discourse at this time, if I am so happy as to have secured your ear. The subject is the Word of God. That God should give us a Word at all is very gracious. It is wonderful that he should condescend to speak to us, because we cannot understand much: we are like little children at the very best. In the particular word of God which Samuel spoke to Saul there was some likeness to the message which I am bound to deliver to you! Samuel spoke to Saul about a kingdom, of which this young man should be the king. Little did Saul dream that on this day the kingdom should be given him, and little dost thou dream of it perhaps as yet; but I pray thee let me show thee the word of God, for thou mayest yet find a kingdom there, a kingdom for thee, a crown of life for thee which fadeth not away, and a seat at the right hand of God with Christ in the day of His appearing.
2. Samuel not only spoke about the kingdom, but he showed him the word of God by an anointing Thou sayest, I am not capable of high and noble things. Thou shalt be made capable, for in the day when God anoints thee thou shalt receive strength,–To as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God. Thou shalt receive enlightenment and illumination by the Divine unction of the Holy Ghost.
3. Samuel spake to Saul about another matter, namely, about a change that he should undergo. Hast thou never heard that God can create thee for the second time? can destroy in thee the power for sin, and bring thee under another dominion, and make thee an eager after right as thou hast been after wrong, and make thee as happy in the service of Christ as ever thou wast in the service of the devil, ay, and ten thousand times more so? (C. H. Spurgeon.)
Stand thou still a while that I may shew thee the Word of God.
Communications from God to Man
The text suggests two remarks concerning Divine communication to man.
I. They are necessary to qualify him for the discharge of his obligations. Saul was about assuming an office of enormous responsibility, and Samuel felt that a knowledge of the Word of God was of primary importance to him. I may shew thee the word of God.
1. The word of God is essential to enlighten us as to our duty. On no subject has man made greater mistakes than on that of duty. The greatest sages of the old world blundered terribly on this point. But how clearly it is unfolded in the Divine Word! Thou shalt love the Lord thy God. Do justly, love mercy, walk humbly with thy God, Whatsoever ye would that men would do unto you do ye even so to them.
2. The word of God is necessary to stimulate us in the discharge of our duty. Where else can we find motives strong enough for this purpose.
II. That patient waiting is necessary for the reception of these communications. But stand thou still a while that I may shew thee the word of God. Gods voice cannot be heard in the hurry and bustle of life. There must be the halt and the hush, the pause and the quiet.
1. Stand thou still a while to listen. The ear must be opened. Incline thine ear, etc.
2. Stand thou still a while, to interpret. Ponder the meaning, pass from the sound to the sense, from the symbol to the substance.
3. Stand thou still a while, to apply. Apply the meaning to your own condition, experience, circumstances. Conclusion:–The words may be legitimately applied to all the good who are pressed down with the trials of life. To every tried saint I might say, Stand thou still a while, and
(1) Thou shalt have a solution of those intellectual difficulties that embarrass thee.
(2) Thou shalt be delivered from all the moral infections that grieve thee.
(3) Thou shalt be freed from all afflictions that oppress thee. (Homilist.)
Samuel and Saul
I. Samuel found much that was good in Saul. A cluster of excellencies incidentally present themselves in this chapter.
1. Saul had reverence for his father. He promptly obeyed his father; yet he was from his shoulders and upwards taller, etc.
2. Saul was no idler. He was no stranger to work; yet his father was a mighty man of power.
3. Saul was not particular as to the kind of work he did. We have his photograph in verse
2. Yet this splendid young man went in search of the lost asses: no person who is usefully employed is ignobly employed.
4. Saul found teachers everywhere. He listened to and was advised by his servant: he was guided by young maidens.
5. Saul was very modest and humble (1Sa 9:21).
II. Samuel touches the one guiding principle of a true life, Stand thou still a while . . . This is the worlds only safe guiding star. Whoever would live a true life must often say with the child Samuel: Speak Lord for . . .
1. Sometimes we are tossed by restlessness. Soul satisfaction, heart rest, are far from us. These are eagerly but vainly sought in company, pleasure, business, intellectual pursuits; what is wanted? A teacher to say in tones that will compel attention. Stand thou . . .
2. Sometimes we are moved by covetousness. Men get the hunger of gold, and houses, and lands upon them. O, that some prophet of God would stand across their path, and in ringing tones that would make them pause, tremble, and repent, say: Stand . . .
3. Sometimes we are pressed by difficulties. We must take care how we get free; Satan will be quite ready to help us; but he will not do it for nothing; he is a lawyer who never goes without his fee. Find one who with eyes bent upon this book will say: Stand . . .
III. Sauls great disasters and his final overthrow were the results of his neglect of the Word of God. Saul made a good beginning, but a terribly sad ending. Alas! what numbers do the same. (R. Berry.)
It is not easy to stand still
Now, there is Saul, a great, big, six-and-a-half-foot man, and broad in proportion. Head and shoulders above his fellows, full of health and strength and flesh and blood, full of his own plans and his own purposes; and Samuel virtually says, Saul, halt! I can do nothing until I arrest you and get you to stand still, body and soul, to listen to the word of God. Now, there, Sauls, I speak as a Samuel. I have all the same–ay, and more–reason, if I am Gods messenger at all, and if you believe in God and that there is anything in the preachers gift, the offered Lord Jesus Christ, then give me your full attention. Stand still, and it is not easy. Did you ever, when you were young, take your fathers spirit level out of the long pocket, as I used to take my fathers out of the moleskins, and try to hold it straight and steady, There you were, watching the little bead in the glass, and you think you have it dead level in the middle, when, without any motion you are aware of, it bangs away to the far end, then back again to the other. Why? There is a movement–the very coursing of your blood through your veins disturbs the balance. My friend, the devil counts on that trouble to spoil the Gospel. He knows that we are just set on wires–that he can fool or annoy with this, that, or the other thing. He knows how easily the balance is upset, and he is forever upsetting it. I sympathise with Samuel, coming to that big, healthy young giant, and saying, Saul, stand still a bit, that I may show you the word of God. Oh, I know you are still as regards your body, but I will do no good till I get your mind, which is as sensitive as the quicksilver, arrested: and with Gods help I will. (John McNeil.)
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Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 27. As they were going down] So it appears that Saul arose immediately, and Samuel accompanied him out of the town, and sent the servant on that he might show Saul the word – the counsel or design, of the Lord. What this was we shall see in the following chapter.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Bid the servant pass on before us, that thou and I may speak privately of the matter of the kingdom; which Samuel hitherto endeavoured to conceal, lest he should be thought now to impose a king upon them as before he denied one to them; and that it might appear by the lot mentioned in the next chapter, that the kingdom was given to Saul by Gods destination, and not by Samuels contrivance.
The word of God, i.e. a message delivered to me from God, which now I shall impart to thee.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
And as they were going down to the end of the city,…. That end of it that led the way to the place where Saul was going. As this city was built on an hill, going to the end of it was a declivity, a descent:
Samuel said to Saul, bid the servant pass on before us; being another man’s servant, he did not choose of himself to bid him go on, but desired his master to order him to go before them, that he might not hear what Samuel had to say to Saul, or see what he did unto him; for as the choice of Saul to be king was to be declared by lot, as coming from the Lord, all those precautions were taken of rising early, and going abroad, and sending the servant before them, that it might not be thought that Samuel did this of himself:
and he passed on; his master bidding him:
but stand thou still a while; that he might hear the better, and more attentively than in walking; such a posture was most fitting also for what was to be done, anointing him with oil:
that I may show thee the word of God: tell him more of the mind of God concerning his being king, and declare more fully the word, will, and decree of God about that matter, by an action which would put it out of all doubt that he was the man God designed to be king, as in the following chapter.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
(27) That I may shew thee the word of God.The wonderment of Saul at the strange honour and distinction shown to him, a comparatively unknown Benjamite, by the famous prophet-judge, was, no doubt, increased by this proposal of Samuel to accompany him a little way on his journey homeward. The meaning of all that had happened to him on the day before was, however, now to be revealed: the gracious welcome as a distinguished guest evidently looked for, the courteous hospitality in the judges house; and, more than all, the long private instructions Samuel had given him in the evening on the state of Israel. The prophet now directs that the servant should be sent on alone, that he might in all solemn confidence impart to Saul the word of God, that is, all that the God of Israel had revealed to him, the seer, concerning Sauls appointment.
It would have been interesting to have learned something of Sauls state of mind when this startling revelation of the choice of God was first made to him.
The writer here is silent, but in the next chapter (1Sa. 9:6) we read that the Spirit of the Lord was specially promised to this chosen one. When new duties are imposed by God, He never forgets to bestow the gift of new powers.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
27. Bid the servant pass on before us For he did not wish Saul’s anointing to be yet made public.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Samuel Anoints Saul With Oil As The One Who Has Been Set Apart By YHWH As Permanent War-Leader (Nagid) Of Israel ( 1Sa 9:27 to 1Sa 10:1 ).
1Sa 9:27
‘ As they were going down at the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, “Bid the servant pass on before us (and he passed on), but you stand still first, that I may cause you to hear the word of God.” ’
When they reached the extremity of the city Samuel asked Saul to bid his servant to go on ahead. The servant would have been aware that something unusual was going on from the fact that they had been honoured guests at the feast) although he clearly did not know exactly what. But he must have recognised that some special honour was being conferred on Saul. However, the point was that Samuel wanted to have a private word with Saul so that he could communicate to him what God had determined.
1Sa 10:1
‘ Then Samuel took the vial of oil, and poured it on his head, and kissed him, and said, “Is it not that YHWH has anointed you to be war-leader over his inheritance?” ’
The servant having moved on ahead Samuel took a vial of oil and poured it on Saul’s head and kissed him. Pouring oil on the head of guests was quite usual, as was the kiss of greeting, although usually it would have been expected to happen before this. However, if the servant saw anything he would probably assume that it was simply a farewell nicety. But Samuel explains to Saul the significance of what he is doing. He is anointing him because YHWH has ‘anointed him as war-leader over His inheritance.’
The idea of anointing was of dedication to YHWH’s exclusive service. The person so anointed was made holy to YHWH (Lev 8:12). It would not necessarily include the idea of enduement. The priests were anointed but they received no special enduement of power. It was also the general practise in those days to anoint kings (Jdg 9:8), probably also as an indication that they were directly in submission to their gods.
The kiss may have included the idea of submission to the new war-leader (Psa 2:12), but it is probable in this case that it was rather a sign of his acceptance and welcome by God.
“Over His inheritance.” Compare Deu 4:20; Deu 9:26; etc. It was mainly the people who were His inheritance.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
REFLECTIONS
My soul! I charge it upon thee while reading this chapter of the Lord’s providence concerning Saul, that thou search diligently into the records of thine own life, for the testimonies of the Lord’s dealings with thee, both in his world of providence and grace.
Pause and see whether the same gracious God, while thou hast been searching out the things of time and sense, hath not been going before thee, anticipating thy requests, blessing thee with things unasked, and infinitely exceeding all thy thoughts and expectations, with preventing and restraining mercy and grace? In things temporal, how hath be supplied all thy wants, thy bread hath been given, and thy water hath been sure, and God himself hath been thy defence as the munition of rocks. And in things spiritual how hath be outrun all thy desires! Nay, while thou wast standing out against him, and causing him to serve with thy sins, and wearying his patience with thine iniquities, then it was the Lord had mercy upon thee, even before thou wert conscious of the want of mercy; and saved thee though he knew that thou wouldst deal very treacherously, and wast a transgressor from the womb. My soul! keep this ever in view, to make thee humble, to endear Jesus, to hide pride from thine eyes, and to make the redemption work of thy God more and more sweet and important. And oh! for grace, continual grace, to make suitable returns of love and praise and obedience, where mercy and favor are so freely given. Thou art called to a kingdom that cannot be moved. Jesus hath made all his children kings and priests to God and the Father. Whatever trials beset us in the way to the possession of future glory, there is no state can be truly called comfortless while Jesus is our portion. Neither can one of his children esteem his mercies small who is saved from hell, and brought into the sure path of Heaven.
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
1Sa 9:27 [And] as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us, (and he passed on,) but stand thou still a while, that I may shew thee the word of God.
Ver. 27. Stand thou still a while. ] And so show thy reverence to the divine oracle that I shall deliver. See Trapp on “ Jdg 3:20 “
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
the word of God. First occurrence of this expression. “Word of Jehovah “frequent from Gen 15:1.
God = Elohim. App-4. Creation relationship.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Bid the servant: 1Sa 20:38, 1Sa 20:39, Joh 15:14, Joh 15:15
a while: Heb. to-day
that I may: 1Sa 15:16, 2Ki 9:5, 2Ki 9:6
Reciprocal: 1Sa 10:16 – matter
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
1Sa 9:27. Samuel said, Bid the servant pass on before us That thou and I may speak privately of the matter of the kingdom. Which Samuel hitherto endeavoured to conceal, lest he should be thought now to impose a king upon them, as before he denied one to them: and that it might appear by the lot mentioned in the next chapter, that the kingdom was given to Saul by Gods destination, and not by Samuels contrivance. That I may show thee the word of God That is, a message delivered to me from God, which now I shall impart to thee.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
9:27 [And] as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us,
(and he passed on,) but stand thou still a while, that I may shew thee {q} the word of God.
(q) God’s commandment concerning you.