1 Samuel 9:9 Commentary and Bible Study

The servant’ reassurance to Saul has convinced him that they should go and look for Samuel. The explanation is given that ‘beforetime in Israel a prophet was called a seer’ so that we understand Saul’s enquiry that follows. They go up the hill to the city of Ramah and they run into the young maidens and ask them if the seer is there. They are told that he is indeed, and they have arrived on the very day when the sacrifice is due to be offered by Samuel. The timing of all that takes place is under the sovereign control of God, and we are told these details so that we can admire the intricate providence of God, which, unknown to Saul, was bringing him to Samuel on the day God intended, and which he had already informed Samuel of. The maidens tell them they had had better hurry and they will catch him at the gate. The maidens know all about the spiritual activities of Samuel, but Saul – this man from a very wealthy, powerful family in Benjamin – doesn't seem to know anything. ‘As soon as ye be come into the city, ye shall straightway find him, before he go up to the high place to eat.’ What we are learning here is how approachable Samuel was. What a sad transition this is going to be, and what a foolish change Israel was asking for! They are going to give up this simple, humble, approachable prophet and judge, and they are going to exchange him for a king. This king will take all their young men to be his servants. He will have the right to confiscate land and to conscript people into his military left, right, and centre. He is going to have their choicest young men running before his chariot to proclaim his approach; he will be so high and mighty. That is what will happen during the period of the monarchy, and of course there are all the taxes they will have to pay. In 1 Samuel 8:15-16 we read just how great those taxes would be. That was the beginning of taxation for Israel of old: the monarchy. They never paid any taxes before; they never had anything like that. They paid the religious temple dues and for the pastors, but they didn't pay for anything else. Now it is going to cost them a great deal.