This verse shows that the Lord can use unexpected circumstances to lead us towards His purpose.
In 1 Samuel 9, we find Saul and his servant seeking the prophet Samuel, called a “seer” in that era. Describing their approach, the text says, “As they went up the slope to the city, they found young women going out to draw water and said to them, ‘Is the seer here?’” (v.11). This scene portrays the humble, everyday setting of ancient Israel, where drawing water was part of daily life. The city where Saul arrived is in the region of Zuph, believed to be northeast of the territory of Benjamin, near the central highlands of Israel, a place characterized by hilly terrain and scattered settlements. Finding water required traveling to wells or springs, a routine crucial for locals to sustain themselves and their livestock in a semi-arid environment.
Saul (c. 1079-1007 BC), who would soon become the first king of Israel, appears in these verses as he attempts to locate Samuel (c. 1105-1015 BC), the last of Israel’s more notable judges and a pivotal prophet in the nation’s history. Both men are central to the transition from the period of judges to the age of kingship in Israel (1 Samuel 8-10). Here, Saul’s inquiry demonstrates a sign of humility and sincere searching as he follows his servant’s suggestion to seek guidance from the prophet. The mention of “the seer” reminds us that throughout the Old Testament, prophets served as vital channels of divine guidance, preparing the way for the ultimate revelation of God’s plan in Jesus (Hebrews 1:1-2).
“As they went up the slope to the city…” (v.11) also underscores how God’s direction is often found in the midst of ordinary tasks. Saul and his servant’s detour to search for lost donkeys eventually led them to a prophetic encounter that would change the course of Israel’s history. Christians might see a foreshadowing of Jesus’ teaching that the least and most commonplace moments can reveal profound spiritual truths (Matthew 25:35-40).
Set to dark mode
1 Samuel 9:11 meaning
In 1 Samuel 9, we find Saul and his servant seeking the prophet Samuel, called a “seer” in that era. Describing their approach, the text says, “As they went up the slope to the city, they found young women going out to draw water and said to them, ‘Is the seer here?’” (v.11). This scene portrays the humble, everyday setting of ancient Israel, where drawing water was part of daily life. The city where Saul arrived is in the region of Zuph, believed to be northeast of the territory of Benjamin, near the central highlands of Israel, a place characterized by hilly terrain and scattered settlements. Finding water required traveling to wells or springs, a routine crucial for locals to sustain themselves and their livestock in a semi-arid environment.
Saul (c. 1079-1007 BC), who would soon become the first king of Israel, appears in these verses as he attempts to locate Samuel (c. 1105-1015 BC), the last of Israel’s more notable judges and a pivotal prophet in the nation’s history. Both men are central to the transition from the period of judges to the age of kingship in Israel (1 Samuel 8-10). Here, Saul’s inquiry demonstrates a sign of humility and sincere searching as he follows his servant’s suggestion to seek guidance from the prophet. The mention of “the seer” reminds us that throughout the Old Testament, prophets served as vital channels of divine guidance, preparing the way for the ultimate revelation of God’s plan in Jesus (Hebrews 1:1-2).
“As they went up the slope to the city…” (v.11) also underscores how God’s direction is often found in the midst of ordinary tasks. Saul and his servant’s detour to search for lost donkeys eventually led them to a prophetic encounter that would change the course of Israel’s history. Christians might see a foreshadowing of Jesus’ teaching that the least and most commonplace moments can reveal profound spiritual truths (Matthew 25:35-40).