91 Now there was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish the son of Abiel , the son of Zeror , the son of Becorath , the son of Aphiah , the son of a Benjamite e , a mighty man of valor . 2 He had a son whose name was Saul , a choice and handsome man, and there was not a more handsome person than he among the sons of Israel ; from his shoulders and up he was taller than any of the people .
3 Now the donkeys of Kish , Saul's father , were lost . So Kish said to his son Saul , "Take now with you one of the servants , and arise , go search for the donkeys ." 4 He passed through the hill country of Ephraim and passed through the land of Shalishah , but they did not find them. Then they passed through the land of Shaalim , but they were not there. Then he passed through the land of the Benjamites , but they did not find them. 5 When they came to the land of Zuph , Saul said to his servant who was with him, "Come , and let us return , or else my father will cease to be concerned about the donkeys and will become anxious for us." 6 He said to him, "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." 7 Then Saul said to his servant , "But behold , if we go , what shall we bring the man ? For the bread is gone from our sack and there is no present to bring to the man of God . What do we have ?" 8 The servant answered Saul again and said , "Behold , I have in my hand a fourth of a shekel of silver ; I will give it to the man of God and he will tell us our way ." 9 (Formerly in Israel , when a man went to inquire of God , he used to say , "Come , and let us go to the seer "; for he who is called a prophet now was formerly called a seer .) 10 Then Saul said to his servant , "Well said ; come , let us go ." So they went to the city where e the man of God was.
11 As they went up the slope to the city , they found young women going out to draw water and said to them, "Is the seer here ?" 12 They answered them and said , "He is; see , he is ahead of you. Hurry now , for he has come into the city today , for the people have a sacrifice on the high place today . 13 "As soon as you enter the city you will find him before he goes up to the high place to eat , for the people will not eat until he comes , because he must bless the sacrifice ; afterward e those who are invited will eat . Now therefore, go up for you will find him at once ." 14 So they went up to the city . As they came into the city , behold , Samuel was coming out toward them to go up to the high place .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:1-14
Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:1-10
(Read 1 Samuel 9:1-10)
Saul readily went to seek his father's asses. His obedience to his father was praise-worthy. His servant proposed, that since they were now at Ramah, they should call on Samuel, and take his advice. Wherever we are, we should use our opportunities of acquainting ourselves with those who are wise and good. Many will consult a man of God, if he comes in their way, that would not go a step out of their way to get wisdom. We sensibly feel worldly losses, and bestow much pains to make them up; but how little do we attempt, and how soon are we weary, in seeking the salvation of our souls! If ministers could tell men how to secure their property, or to get wealth, they would be more consulted and honoured than they now are, though employed in teaching them how to escape eternal misery, and to obtain eternal life. Most people would rather be told their fortune than their duty. Samuel needed not their money, nor would he have denied his advice, if they had not brought it; but they gave it to him as a token of respect, and of the value they put upon his office, and according to the general usage of those times, always to bring a present to those in authority.
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.