14 And they went up into the city: and when they were come into the city, behold, Samuel came out against them, for to go up to the high place.
14 They went up to the town, and as they were entering it, there was Samuel, coming toward them on his way up to the high place.
14 So they went up to the city. As they were entering the city, they saw Samuel coming out toward them on his way up to the high place.
14 They continued their climb and entered the city. And then there he was - Samuel! - coming straight toward them on his way to the shrine!
14 So they went up to the city. As they were coming into the city, there was Samuel, coming out toward them on his way up to the high place.
14 So they entered the town, and as they passed through the gates, Samuel was coming out toward them to go up to the place of worship.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:14
Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:11-17
(Read 1 Samuel 9:11-17)
The very maid-servants of the city could direct to the prophet. They had heard of the sacrifice, and could tell of the necessity for Samuel's presence. It is no small benefit to live in religious and holy places. And we should always be ready to help those who are seeking after God's prophets. Though God had, in displeasure, granted Israel's request for a king, yet he sends them a man to be captain over them, to save them out of the hand of the Philistines. He does it, listening graciously to their cry.