1 Samuel 9:6

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 9:3-10

Here is, I. A great man rising from small beginnings. It does not appear that Saul had any preferment at all, or was in any post of honour or trust, till he was chosen king of Israel. Most that are advanced rise gradually, but Saul, from the level with his neighbours, stepped at once into the throne, according to that of Hannah, He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, to set them among princes, 1 Sam. 2:8. Saul, it should seem, though he was himself married and had children grown up, yet lived... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 9:6

And he said unto him ,.... That is, the servant of Saul: behold, now, there is in this city a man of God ; a prophet of the Lord, as the Targum; such were called men of God, because not only partakers of the grace of God, but of extraordinary gifts, which qualified them for the office of prophets. The city near to which they now were was Ramah, the place where Samuel lived, and he is the man of God here meant: and he is an honourable man ; of great esteem among men for his wisdom and... 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 9:6

In this city. Probably Ramathaim-zophim, i.e. Ramah, Samuel's dwelling place and property. Confessedly, however, Saul's route hither and thither in search of lost cattle is very obscure, and it is difficult to reconcile this identification with the statement in 1 Samuel 10:2 , that Rachel's sepulchre lay on the route between this city and Gibeah of Saul. Nevertheless, Ramah was certainly in the land of Zuph, whence too it took its longer name (see on 1 Samuel 1:1 ); and it is... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 9:6

1 Samuel 9:6. A man of God and an honourable man One of great reputation for his skill and faithfulness. Acquaintance with God and serviceableness to the kingdom of God make men truly honourable. He can show us our way The course we should take to find the asses. He saith peradventure, because he doubted whether so great a prophet would seek, or God would grant him, a revelation concerning such mean matters; although sometimes God was pleased herein to condescend to his people, to cut... 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 9:6

Behold. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6 . man of God = God's man: i.e. a prophet, because God's spokesman. See App-49 . (Hebrew. 'ish and Elohim) man . Hebrew. 'ish. App-14 . God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4 . Literally "the God". read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 9:6

6. there is in this city a man of God—Ramah was the usual residence of Samuel, but several circumstances, especially the mention of Rachel's sepulchre, which lay in Saul's way homeward [ :-], lead to the conclusion that "this city" was not the Ramah where Samuel dwelt. peradventure he can show us our way that we should go—It seems strange that a dignified prophet should be consulted in such an affair. But it is probable that at the introduction of the prophetic office, the seers had discovered... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 9:1-16

2. The anointing of Saul 9:1-10:16In chapters 9-11 the writer painted Saul as the ideal man to serve as king from the human viewpoint. This pericope (1 Samuel 9:1 to 1 Samuel 10:16) sets forth his personal conduct. [Note: See the series of three articles on Saul by W. Lee Humphries listed in the bibliography of these notes. Especially helpful is, "The Tragedy of King Saul: A Study of the Structure of 1 Samuel 9-31."] read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 9:3-14

Saul’s personal traits 9:3-14Saul’s concern for his father’s peace of mind was commendable. It shows a sensitivity that would have been an asset in a king (1 Samuel 9:5). Likewise his desire to give Samuel a present for his help was praiseworthy (1 Samuel 9:7; cf. 1 Kings 14:3; 2 Kings 8:8-9). Saul had some appreciation for social propriety. He was also humble enough to ask directions from a woman (1 Samuel 9:11-14). Years later, at the end of the story of Saul’s reign, the king asked... read more

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