1 Samuel 9:14 Commentary and Bible Study

‘And they went up into the city: and when they were come into the city, behold, Samuel came out against them’ – not to oppose them, but just coming towards them – ‘for to go up to the high place.’ But here is Saul who would be the king, and he has no idea about the spiritual life. He doesn't seem to have been up to worship at Ramah before. Samuel has been told, the day before, of Saul’s coming to him. ‘To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me.’ How humbly and readily Samuel is going to surrender his power of leadership, and submit himself before this young man. Samuel is a godly man. He knows it is the will of God that the people be taught the consequences of their wrong choice.‘To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel.’ The word ‘captain’ indicates that he will be a general, a fighting king, one who can lead the people in battle. It doesn't look as though Saul is very qualified for that at the moment, apart from his stature. God has heard the cry of Israel, even though there was error in their request. God has responded to them, though this will also be a discipline of them for their wrong asking. But good will also come from this in the picture it gives to Israel of Christ, their heavenly King. ‘And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people.’ Saul does not know Samuel. The prophet wears no special or distinctive robe. He doesn't have anything equivalent to a clerical collar or priestly garb.