1 Samuel 9:2 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 9:1-2

We are here told, 1. What a good family Saul was of, 1 Sam. 9:1. He was of the tribe of Benjamin; so was the New-Testament Saul, who also was called Paul, and he mentions it as his honour, for Benjamin was a favourite, Rom. 11:1; Phil. 3:5. That tribe had been reduced to a very small number by the fatal war with Gibeah, and much ado there was to provide wives for those 600 men that were the poor remains of it out of that diminished tribe, which is here called, with good reason, the smallest of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 9:2

And he had a son whose name was Saul ,.... Of this name was the great apostle of the Gentiles before his conversion, and was of the same tribe also; but very different in stature; he was a little man, this a large tall man, like his father perhaps: a choice young man, and a goodly ; 1 Samuel 2:1 of a goodly aspect, a comely man, tall and well shaped, in the prime of his age, a very agreeable person, one among a thousand: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 9:2

From his shoulders and upwards - It was probably from this very circumstance that he was chosen for king; for, where kings were elective, in all ancient times great respect was paid to personal appearance. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 9:1-10

Divine consideration. The facts are— 1 . Saul the son of Kish, a wealthy Benjamite, and remarkable for stature and goodliness, seeks his father's asses. 2 . Not finding them, he fears lest his father should be anxious about his own safety, and suggests a return home. 3 . His servant advises a recourse to a distinguished man of God then in those parts. 4 . Obtaining a small present, Saul resolves to consult the man of God concerning the lost asses. A great crisis has come in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 9:2

He had a son, whose name was Saul. I.e. asked, a name usually given to a firstborn son. A choice young man. This is a double translation of the Hebrew word, and consequently one half or other must be wrong. It may either be a participle, elect or choice, and is so rendered by the Syriac and Vulgate; or an adjective, young, the rendering of the Chaldee, and virtually of the Septuagint, which gives well grown. This is the preferable translation; for the word constantly occurs... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 9:1-2

1 Samuel 9:1-2. A mighty man of power This seems not to be meant of his wealth or interest in his country, for Saul himself says he was of a mean family, 1 Samuel 9:21; but of his great strength, courage, and fortitude. A choice young man and goodly Comely and personable. Higher than any of the people A tall stature was much valued in a king in ancient times, and in the eastern countries. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 9:1-27

Samuel’s prediction about Saul (9:1-10:16)Saul, who became Israel’s first king, originally had no desire for political power and little interest in the spiritual ministry of Samuel. As the son of a wealthy landowner, he was more concerned about the loss of his father’s donkeys, and the worry he might cause his father by being away so long in search of them (9:1-5). This concern led him to seek help from Samuel. He thought that Samuel, with his ability to see visions and make predictions, could... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Samuel 9:2

Saul . Many points of resemblance and contrast with Saul of Tarsus. Name = Asked for: i.e. by man. children = sons. read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 1 Samuel 9:2

1 Samuel 9:2. A choice young man, and a goodly— Almost all ancient writers supply us with proofs of the singular regard which, in early days, was had to appearance and person in the choice of monarchs. See Doughty's Annal. Sacr. Excurs. 76. read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 9:2

2. Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly—He had a fine appearance; for it is evident that he must have been only a little under seven feet tall. A gigantic stature and an athletic frame must have been a popular recommendation at that time in that country. read more