‏ 1 Samuel 9

* Saul is brought to Samuel. (1-10) Samuel told concerning Saul.

(11-17) Samuel's treatment of Saul. (18-27)

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. 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. 18-27 Samuel, that good prophet, was so far from envying Saul,

or bearing him any ill-will, that he was the first and most

forward to do him honour. Both that evening and early the next

morning, Samuel communed with Saul upon the flat roof of the

house. We may suppose Samuel now convinced Saul that he was the

person God had fixed upon for the government, and of his own

willingness to resign. How different are the purposes of the

Lord for us, from our intentions for ourselves! Perhaps Saul was

the only one who ever went out to seek asses, and literally

found a kingdom; but many have set out and moved their dwellings

to seek riches and pleasures, who have been guided to places

where they found salvation for their souls. Thus they have met

with those who addressed them as if aware of the secrets of

their lives and hearts, and have been led seriously to regard

the word of the Lord. If this has been our case, though our

worldly plans have not prospered, let us not care for that; the

Lord has given us, or has prepared us for, what is far better.