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1 Samuel 9

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 9 of 31

1 And there was a man of Benjamin, and his name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath the son of Aphiah, a man of Benjamin, a mighty man of strength.

2 And he had a young and handsome son, and his name was Saul. And there was not a man among the sons of Israel more handsome than he, being taller than any of the people from his shoulder and upward.

3 And the asses of Kish, Saul's father, were lost. And Kish said to his son Saul, Please take with you one of the young men, and rise up, go seek the asses.

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Chapter Summary

Saul despairs to find his father's asses; according to God's revelation, comes to Samuel. Samuel entertains Saul at the feast. Samuel anoints Saul to be the king.

Key Hebrew Words

מָשַׁח anoint H4886 · TWOT 1255
נָגִיד leader, captain H5057 · TWOT 1289b
רֹאֶה seer H7203 · TWOT 2095b
נָבִיא prophet H5030 · TWOT 1277a
בָּמָה high place H1116 · TWOT 253
אָתוֹן she-ass H860 · TWOT 190a

People & Context

Saul

Tall, handsome son of Kish who, searching for lost asses, comes to Samuel and is told all Israel's desire is on him

Samuel

Seer at the high place whom Jehovah forewarns to anoint Saul as leader over Israel

Kish

Benjamite man of strength, father of Saul, whose lost asses set the search in motion

Timeline

Saul's Journey for Lost Asses

Kish, a Benjamite, sends his exceptionally tall and handsome son Saul, along with a servant, to search across several regions for his lost she-asses.

1 Samuel 9:1-5
Decision to Consult the Seer

Unable to find the animals, Saul's servant suggests consulting a local man of God (seer) for guidance and offers a fourth of a silver shekel to pay him.

1 Samuel 9:6-10
Seeking the Seer

Saul and his servant encounter young women drawing water, who direct them to hurry into the city to catch the seer before he blesses the sacrifice at the high place.

1 Samuel 9:11-14

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