1 Samuel 9:3-14

Saul’s personal traits 9:3-14

Saul’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 directions from another women, but she was a forbidden witch (ch. 28).

The high place (1 Samuel 9:12) was a hilltop on which the people offered sacrifices and may have been Mizpah (lit. watchtower; cf. 1 Samuel 7:9), or a town near Bethlehem (lit. house of bread, i.e., granary). [Note: Wood, Israel’s United . . ., p. 78, n. 12.]