Kish was a heroic Benjamite whose pedigree and prominent standing paved the way for Saul’s future kingship.
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. (v.1)
This verse introduces Kish, the father of Saul. The tribe of Benjamin is one of the twelve tribes of Israel, and it occupied a central region in the land of Canaan. This land would later be part of the kingdom of Israel, but at the time of 1 Samuel, Israel had not yet experienced the reign of its first king. Kish was identified as a “mighty man of valor;” that phrase can indicate someone with wealth, social significance, or military prowess. Later references in Scripture show that Kish’s son, Saul, would become king over Israel (1 Samuel 9:3 - 10:1). While the exact birth year of Saul is not pinpointed in the biblical records, his reign over Israel is generally dated around 1050-1010 BC, making this mention of Kish an important historical context for the generation that preceded Saul’s monarchy (see also 1 Samuel 14:50, 1 Samuel 22:7).
The significance of the verse extends beyond its genealogical details. This account highlights that God selected a leader for Israel (Saul) from the smallest of the tribes. Though the tribe of Benjamin faced near annihilation during the period of the Judges (Judges 19—21), it remained a distinct part of Israel’s family lineage. Kish’s connection to Benjamin underscores both his background and also hints that God can raise leaders from any portion of His people. We also see that “mighty man of valor” can refer to a courageous or prominent figure, a phrase used elsewhere to describe outstanding individuals, such as Gideon in Judges 6:12and David in 1 Samuel 16:18.
The Lord, in His sovereignty, often orchestrates events to bring about His purposes, sometimes in ways that might seem surprising. Such was the case here: from Kish, a “mighty man of valor,” would emerge Saul, who would become Israel’s first king. Although Saul’s reign would ultimately end in disobedience toward God, the historical background begins here with the introduction of his father. This sets the stage for the events in later chapters, when Kish’s lost donkeys lead to the prophet Samuel selecting Saul to reign over God’s people (1 Samuel 9:3 - 10:1).
Saul’s reign, though it began with promise, illustrates humankind’s consistent need for righteous and godly leadership. In contrast to the later King David, Saul did not remain faithful to the Lord. Nonetheless, it is important to note that even his flawed kingship was part of God’s overall plan, foreshadowing a future and better King—ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Luke 1:32-33, Romans 1:3).
This verse, therefore, sets in motion the emergence of Israel’s monarchy, reminding believers that God’s plans often begin in everyday occurrences and places—even the smallest of tribes—and His sovereignty works through all details, no matter how seemingly mundane or insignificant.
Saul’s father Kish, a member of the small tribe of Benjamin, was a valiant figure whose role in the rise of Israel’s first king demonstrates God’s way of using unexpected people and circumstances to accomplish His will.
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1 Samuel 9:1 meaning
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. (v.1)
This verse introduces Kish, the father of Saul. The tribe of Benjamin is one of the twelve tribes of Israel, and it occupied a central region in the land of Canaan. This land would later be part of the kingdom of Israel, but at the time of 1 Samuel, Israel had not yet experienced the reign of its first king. Kish was identified as a “mighty man of valor;” that phrase can indicate someone with wealth, social significance, or military prowess. Later references in Scripture show that Kish’s son, Saul, would become king over Israel (1 Samuel 9:3 - 10:1). While the exact birth year of Saul is not pinpointed in the biblical records, his reign over Israel is generally dated around 1050-1010 BC, making this mention of Kish an important historical context for the generation that preceded Saul’s monarchy (see also 1 Samuel 14:50, 1 Samuel 22:7).
The significance of the verse extends beyond its genealogical details. This account highlights that God selected a leader for Israel (Saul) from the smallest of the tribes. Though the tribe of Benjamin faced near annihilation during the period of the Judges (Judges 19—21), it remained a distinct part of Israel’s family lineage. Kish’s connection to Benjamin underscores both his background and also hints that God can raise leaders from any portion of His people. We also see that “mighty man of valor” can refer to a courageous or prominent figure, a phrase used elsewhere to describe outstanding individuals, such as Gideon in Judges 6:12and David in 1 Samuel 16:18.
The Lord, in His sovereignty, often orchestrates events to bring about His purposes, sometimes in ways that might seem surprising. Such was the case here: from Kish, a “mighty man of valor,” would emerge Saul, who would become Israel’s first king. Although Saul’s reign would ultimately end in disobedience toward God, the historical background begins here with the introduction of his father. This sets the stage for the events in later chapters, when Kish’s lost donkeys lead to the prophet Samuel selecting Saul to reign over God’s people (1 Samuel 9:3 - 10:1).
Saul’s reign, though it began with promise, illustrates humankind’s consistent need for righteous and godly leadership. In contrast to the later King David, Saul did not remain faithful to the Lord. Nonetheless, it is important to note that even his flawed kingship was part of God’s overall plan, foreshadowing a future and better King—ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Luke 1:32-33, Romans 1:3).
This verse, therefore, sets in motion the emergence of Israel’s monarchy, reminding believers that God’s plans often begin in everyday occurrences and places—even the smallest of tribes—and His sovereignty works through all details, no matter how seemingly mundane or insignificant.
Saul’s father Kish, a member of the small tribe of Benjamin, was a valiant figure whose role in the rise of Israel’s first king demonstrates God’s way of using unexpected people and circumstances to accomplish His will.