Saul’s private moment with Samuel marks the start of his commissioning as Israel’s first king.
As the narrative unfolds in 1 Samuel 9, we see the journey of Saul and his servant under the guidance of the prophet Samuel. When Scripture says, “As they were going down to the edge of the city, Samuel said to Saul, ‘Say to the servant that he might go ahead of us and pass on, but you remain standing now, that I may proclaim the word of God to you’” (v.27), it highlights a moment of transition. The city mentioned is likely in the region of Benjamin, an area situated north of Jerusalem on the central ridge of the Judean highlands. This territory would have been surrounded by rugged hills and valleys, forming a landscape that could make travel challenging, fitting the context of Samuel and Saul’s journey.
In this verse, we see Samuel—the final judge of Israel, who lived around 1100-1000 BC—preparing to reveal God’s plan to Saul, a man from the tribe of Benjamin who would shortly become Israel’s first king around 1050 BC. By instructing Saul to send his servant on ahead, Samuel sets aside a private moment, indicating that what he is about to disclose is of profound significance. The phrase “that I may proclaim the word of God to you” (v.27) suggests that Saul is on the threshold of receiving a pivotal calling. This passage reinforces the theme of divine election seen throughout the Bible, where God chooses a leader and equips that person for service. A similar concept is reflected in the New Testament when Jesus personally calls His disciples to follow Him (reference Matthew 4:18-22), signifying how the Lord draws people to roles of specific purpose.
Moreover, this private exchange likely foreshadows the anointing event in the subsequent chapter. Samuel, fulfilling a priestly and prophetic role, sought seclusion to ensure Saul’s undivided attention, foreshadowing the gravity of Saul’s kingship. This scene of separation from the servant can remind readers that sometimes God’s instructions are revealed when we remove distractions and focus on His voice alone. Although Saul’s kingship will have successes and failures, this verse marks the beginning of genuine divine direction for him, and underlines that true leadership finds its source in God’s communicated word (reference Proverbs 29:18).
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1 Samuel 9:27 meaning
As the narrative unfolds in 1 Samuel 9, we see the journey of Saul and his servant under the guidance of the prophet Samuel. When Scripture says, “As they were going down to the edge of the city, Samuel said to Saul, ‘Say to the servant that he might go ahead of us and pass on, but you remain standing now, that I may proclaim the word of God to you’” (v.27), it highlights a moment of transition. The city mentioned is likely in the region of Benjamin, an area situated north of Jerusalem on the central ridge of the Judean highlands. This territory would have been surrounded by rugged hills and valleys, forming a landscape that could make travel challenging, fitting the context of Samuel and Saul’s journey.
In this verse, we see Samuel—the final judge of Israel, who lived around 1100-1000 BC—preparing to reveal God’s plan to Saul, a man from the tribe of Benjamin who would shortly become Israel’s first king around 1050 BC. By instructing Saul to send his servant on ahead, Samuel sets aside a private moment, indicating that what he is about to disclose is of profound significance. The phrase “that I may proclaim the word of God to you” (v.27) suggests that Saul is on the threshold of receiving a pivotal calling. This passage reinforces the theme of divine election seen throughout the Bible, where God chooses a leader and equips that person for service. A similar concept is reflected in the New Testament when Jesus personally calls His disciples to follow Him (reference Matthew 4:18-22), signifying how the Lord draws people to roles of specific purpose.
Moreover, this private exchange likely foreshadows the anointing event in the subsequent chapter. Samuel, fulfilling a priestly and prophetic role, sought seclusion to ensure Saul’s undivided attention, foreshadowing the gravity of Saul’s kingship. This scene of separation from the servant can remind readers that sometimes God’s instructions are revealed when we remove distractions and focus on His voice alone. Although Saul’s kingship will have successes and failures, this verse marks the beginning of genuine divine direction for him, and underlines that true leadership finds its source in God’s communicated word (reference Proverbs 29:18).