Saul son of Kish, a Benjaminite—handsome, a head taller than all others—searches for his father's lost donkeys; his servant suggests consulting the man of God (Samuel) in a nearby city. The LORD has revealed to Samuel that He will send a Benjaminite to anoint as prince over Israel to save them from the Philistines. When Saul arrives, the LORD tells Samuel, 'Here is the man who shall restrain my people.' Samuel honors Saul at a feast, gives him the choice portion, and privately assures him the donkeys are found—and all Israel's desire is upon him and his father's house.
Read 1 Samuel Chapter 9 Summary
Original
Characters in This Chapter
Samuel
Last judge and prophet who anointed both Saul and David as kings
Saul
First king of Israel, whose disobedience led to his rejection by God
David
Shepherd boy anointed as future king, man after God's own heart
Jonathan
Saul's son who became David's closest friend despite the rivalry
Hannah
Samuel's mother who prayed for a son and dedicated him to God
Benjamin
Youngest Son of Jacob
Places in This Chapter
Position in Book
Samuel's MinistryChapters 1-7
Saul's ReignChapters 8-15
Israel demands a king, Saul's anointing and early victories, his disobedience and rejection by God.
David's RiseChapters 16-31