1 Samuel - Odessa, Missouri Community of Christ

2007 Edition Dr. Constable's Notes on 1 Samuel 37Saul's personal traits 9:3-14Saul's concern for his father's peace of mind was commendable. It shows a sensitivity thatwould have been an asset in a king (v. 5). Likewise his desire to give Samuel a presentfor his help was praiseworthy (v. 7; cf. 1 Kings 14:3; 2 Kings 8:8-9). Saul had someappreciation for social propriety. He was also humble enough to ask directions from awoman (vv. 11-14). 108The high place (v. 12) was a hilltop on which the people offered sacrifices and may havebeen Mizpah (lit. watchtower; cf. 7:9), or a town near Bethlehem (lit. house of bread, i.e.,granary). 109Saul's introduction to Samuel 9:15-25Even though God had broken the Philistines' domination at the Battle of Mizpah (7:10-11), they still threatened Israel occasionally and did so until David finally subdued them(v. 16).". . . after the victory of Mizpeh [sic], the Philistines no longer totallycontrolled Israel and . . . did not again make a full-scale invasion." 110God referred to Saul as a "prince" (Heb. negid, v. 16), a king-designate. Notwithstanding,Yahweh was Israel's true "king." Also in verse 17 the Hebrew word translated "rule"(asar) usually means "restrain." Saul would not rule as most kings did but would restrainthe people as God's vice-regent.Samuel gave preference to Saul by inviting him to go up before him to the high place (v.19). Samuel promised Saul that not only his lost donkeys but all that was desirable inIsrael would soon come into his possession (v. 20). Saul's humble response to Samuelwas admirable (v. 21; cf. Exod. 3:11; 4:10; Jer. 1:6)."On the one side Saul was a man hunting for donkeys who instead found akingdom; and on the other side there was Samuel, who was looking for asuitable king and found a young man of remarkable politicalunawareness." 111Evidently a dining hall stood near the high place (v. 22). It may have been a room in alarger religious building. 112 Giving the special leg of meat to Saul was a sign of special108 Years later, at the end of the story of Saul's reign, the king asked directions from another women, butshe was a forbidden witch (ch. 28).109 Wood, p. 78, n. 12.110 G. Coleman Luck, "The First Meeting of Saul and Samuel," Bibliotheca Sacra 124:495 (July-September1967):259.111 David Payne, p. 45. Saul's unawareness is evident in that he did not know who Samuel was even thoughSamuel was Israel's leading judge and prophet.112 Youngblood, pp. 622-23.