Saul’s servant highlights the prophet’s reputation, urging that his insight can reveal God’s will for their journey.
Saul’s father had lost his donkeys, and Saul went searching for them alongside his servant. As they neared the land of Zuph, the servant recalled that there was a highly respected seer living in a nearby city. He stated, referring to this revered prophet: “Behold now, there is a man of God in this city, and the man is held in honor; all that he says surely comes true. Now let us go there, perhaps he can tell us about our journey on which we have set out.” (1 Samuel 9:6). Jewish tradition and the broader scriptural context indicate that this city was Ramah, the home of the prophet Samuel, who served as Israel’s last judge and who lived around the 11th century BC. Samuel was deeply respected because the LORD spoke through him, and his accurate prophetic words demonstrated God’s guidance and faithfulness. Saul’s servant recognized that if anyone could offer divine insight for their quest, it would be this trustworthy man of God.
In the unfolding narrative, the mention that “all that he says surely comes true” underscores Israel’s reliance on prophetic revelation to see the LORD’s hand in everyday events. This episode also reflects how God often uses unexpected circumstances—like lost animals—to draw His people into a deeper encounter with His chosen messenger and His sovereign plan. Much as the servant suggested consulting Samuel for guidance, believers are reminded elsewhere in Scripture to seek the LORD’s wisdom (James 1:5), trusting that His counsel will be reliable, timely, and aligned with His purposes.
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1 Samuel 9:6 meaning
Saul’s father had lost his donkeys, and Saul went searching for them alongside his servant. As they neared the land of Zuph, the servant recalled that there was a highly respected seer living in a nearby city. He stated, referring to this revered prophet: “Behold now, there is a man of God in this city, and the man is held in honor; all that he says surely comes true. Now let us go there, perhaps he can tell us about our journey on which we have set out.” (1 Samuel 9:6). Jewish tradition and the broader scriptural context indicate that this city was Ramah, the home of the prophet Samuel, who served as Israel’s last judge and who lived around the 11th century BC. Samuel was deeply respected because the LORD spoke through him, and his accurate prophetic words demonstrated God’s guidance and faithfulness. Saul’s servant recognized that if anyone could offer divine insight for their quest, it would be this trustworthy man of God.
In the unfolding narrative, the mention that “all that he says surely comes true” underscores Israel’s reliance on prophetic revelation to see the LORD’s hand in everyday events. This episode also reflects how God often uses unexpected circumstances—like lost animals—to draw His people into a deeper encounter with His chosen messenger and His sovereign plan. Much as the servant suggested consulting Samuel for guidance, believers are reminded elsewhere in Scripture to seek the LORD’s wisdom (James 1:5), trusting that His counsel will be reliable, timely, and aligned with His purposes.