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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 9:17 When Samuel saw Saul, the LORD told him, "Here is the man of whom I spoke; he shall rule over My people."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/9-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/09_1Sa_09_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 9:17 - Saul Chosen as King" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When Samuel saw Saul, the LORD told him, Here is the man of whom I spoke; he shall rule over My people." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/9-17.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/9-17.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/9.htm">Chapter 9</a> > Verse 17</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad17.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/9-16.htm" title="1 Samuel 9:16">◄</a> 1 Samuel 9:17 <a href="/1_samuel/9-18.htm" title="1 Samuel 9:18">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/9.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/9.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />When Samuel caught sight of Saul, the LORD said to him, &#8220This is the man I spoke to you about; he will govern my people.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/9.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />When Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said, “That’s the man I told you about! He will rule my people.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/9.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />When Samuel saw Saul, the LORD told him, “Here is the man of whom I spoke to you! He it is who shall restrain my people.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Samuel saw Saul, the LORD told him, “Here is the man of whom I spoke; he shall rule over My people.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/9.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/9.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said to him, “There he is, the man of whom I spoke to you. This one shall reign over My people.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said to him, “Behold, the man of whom I spoke to you! This one shall rule over My people.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/9.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />When Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said to him, &#8220Behold, the man of whom I spoke to you! This one shall rule over My people.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />When Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said to him, “Behold, the man of whom I spoke to you! This one shall rule over My people.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now Samuel saw Saul, and Yahweh answered him, “Behold, the man of whom I spoke to you! This one shall restrict My people.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />When Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said to him, “There is the man of whom I spoke to you. This one shall rule over My people [as their king].”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Samuel saw Saul, the LORD told him, “Here is the man I told you about; he will govern my people.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Samuel saw Saul, the LORD told him, &#8220Here is the man I told you about; he will rule over My people.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/9.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And when Samuel saw Saul, Jehovah said unto him, Behold, the man of whom I spake to thee! this same shall have authority over my people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Samuel looked at Saul, and the LORD told Samuel, "This is the man I told you about. He's the one who will rule Israel." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/9.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said unto him, Behold the man of whom I spake to thee! this same shall have authority over my people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When Samuel noticed Saul, the LORD told him, "There's the man I told you about. This man will govern my people."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/9.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When Samuel caught sight of Saul, the LORD said to him, "This is the man I told you about. He will rule my people." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/9.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When Samuel saw Saul, the LORD told him, "Here is the man I told you about. This man will rule over my people."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Samuel saw Saul, the LORD told him, ?Here is the man of whom I spoke; he shall rule over My people.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/9.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said, "Here is the man that I told you about! He will rule over my people."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />When Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said to him, "Look, the man of whom I spoke to you. This one shall have authority over my people."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said to him, Behold the man of whom I spoke to thee! this same shall reign over my people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/9.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />When Samuel saw Saul, Yahweh said to him, “Behold, the man of whom I spoke to you! He will have authority over my people.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />When Samuel has seen Saul, then YHWH has answered him, “Behold, the man of whom I have spoken to you; this [one] restrains My people.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> When Samuel hath seen Saul, then hath Jehovah answered him, 'Lo, the man of whom I have spoken unto thee; this one doth restrain My people.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Samuel saw Saul, and Jehovah answered him, Behold the man that I said to thee, He shall rule over my people.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And when Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said to him: Behold the man, of whom I spoke to thee, this man shall reign over my people. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And when Samuel had caught sight of Saul, the Lord said to him: “Behold, the man about whom I spoke to you. This one shall rule over my people.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/9.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When Samuel caught sight of Saul, the LORD assured him: This is the man I told you about; he shall govern my people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When Samuel saw Saul, the LORD told him, “Here is the man of whom I spoke to you. He it is who shall rule over my people.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And when Samuel saw Saul, whom the LORD had chosen, then the LORD said to Samuel, Behold the man of whom I spoke to you! This man shall reign over my people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Shemueil saw Shaul whom LORD JEHOVAH had chosen, and LORD JEHOVAH said to Shemueil: “Behold, the man of whom I said to you, ‘This one shall rule over my people’”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD spoke unto him: 'Behold the man of whom I said unto thee: This same shall have authority over My people.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Samuel looked upon Saul, and the Lord answered him, Behold the man of whom I spoke to thee, this one shall rule over my people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/9-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=2204" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/9.htm">Saul Chosen as King</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">16</span>“At this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you are to anoint him leader over My people Israel; he will save them from the hand of the Philistines. For I have looked upon My people, because their cry has come to Me.” <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/8050.htm" title="8050: ū·šə·mū·’êl (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- Name of God, a prophet of Isr. From the passive participle of shama' and 'el; heard of God; Shemuel, the name of three Israelites.">When Samuel</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: rā·’āh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">saw</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: šā·’ūl (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">Saul,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/6030.htm" title="6030: ‘ā·nā·hū (V-Qal-Perf-3ms:: 3ms) -- To answer, respond.">told him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">“Here</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: hā·’îš (Art:: N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">is the man</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">of whom</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ā·mar·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">I spoke;</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·le·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: zeh (Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">he</a> <a href="/hebrew/6113.htm" title="6113: ya‘·ṣōr (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To restrain, retain. A primitive root; to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble.">shall rule</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: bə·‘am·mî (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 1cs) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">over My people.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">18</span>Saul approached Samuel in the gateway and asked, “Would you please tell me where the seer’s house is?”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/10-1.htm">1 Samuel 10:1</a></span><br />Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, “Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/15-1.htm">1 Samuel 15:1</a></span><br />Then Samuel said to Saul, “The LORD sent me to anoint you king over His people Israel. Now therefore, listen to the words of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/16-12.htm">1 Samuel 16:12-13</a></span><br />So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.” / So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/17-14.htm">Deuteronomy 17:14-15</a></span><br />When you enter the land that the LORD your God is giving you and have taken possession of it and settled in it, and you say, “Let us set a king over us like all the nations around us,” / you are to appoint over yourselves the king whom the LORD your God shall choose. Appoint a king from among your brothers; you are not to set over yourselves a foreigner who is not one of your brothers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/13-11.htm">Hosea 13:11</a></span><br />So in My anger I gave you a king, and in My wrath I took him away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/8-7.htm">1 Samuel 8:7</a></span><br />And the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/12-13.htm">1 Samuel 12:13</a></span><br />Now here is the king you have chosen, the one you requested. Behold, the LORD has placed a king over you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/19-15.htm">1 Kings 19:15-16</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to him, “Go back by the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you arrive, you are to anoint Hazael as king over Aram. / You are also to anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel and Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel-meholah to succeed you as prophet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/9-3.htm">2 Kings 9:3</a></span><br />Then take the flask of oil, pour it on his head, and declare, ‘This is what the LORD says: I anoint you king over Israel.’ Then open the door and run. Do not delay!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/11-12.htm">2 Kings 11:12</a></span><br />Then Jehoiada brought out the king’s son, put the crown on him, presented him with the Testimony, and proclaimed him king. They anointed him, and the people clapped their hands and declared, “Long live the king!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/13-21.htm">Acts 13:21</a></span><br />Then the people asked for a king, and God gave them Saul son of Kish, from the tribe of Benjamin, who ruled forty years.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/8-23.htm">Judges 8:23</a></span><br />But Gideon replied, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son. The LORD shall rule over you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/9-8.htm">Judges 9:8-15</a></span><br />One day the trees set out to anoint a king for themselves. They said to the olive tree, ‘Reign over us.’ / But the olive tree replied, ‘Should I stop giving my oil that honors both God and man, to hold sway over the trees?’ / Then the trees said to the fig tree, ‘Come and reign over us.’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/89-19.htm">Psalm 89:19-20</a></span><br />You once spoke in a vision; to Your godly ones You said, “I have bestowed help on a warrior; I have exalted one chosen from the people. / I have found My servant David; with My sacred oil I have anointed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/44-28.htm">Isaiah 44:28</a></span><br />who says of Cyrus, ‘My shepherd will fulfill all that I desire,’ who says of Jerusalem, ‘She will be rebuilt,’ and of the temple, ‘Let its foundation be laid.’”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said to him, Behold the man whom I spoke to you of! this same shall reign over my people.</p><p class="hdg">Behold</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/16-6.htm">1 Samuel 16:6-12</a></b></br> And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD'S anointed <i>is</i> before him… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hosea/13-11.htm">Hosea 13:11</a></b></br> I gave thee a king in mine anger, and took <i>him</i> away in my wrath.</p><p class="hdg">reign over [heb] restrain in</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/3-13.htm">1 Samuel 3:13</a></b></br> For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/23-6.htm">2 Samuel 23:6,7</a></b></br> But <i>the sons</i> of Belial <i>shall be</i> all of them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/13-19.htm">Nehemiah 13:19,25</a></b></br> And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and <i>some</i> of my servants set I at the gates, <i>that</i> there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ruth/2-6.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/judges/21-23.htm">Caught</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-22.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/1_samuel/3-13.htm">Restrain</a> <a href="/judges/14-4.htm">Rule</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-15.htm">Samuel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-15.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-6.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-15.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/10-1.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-27.htm">Caught</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-1.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-33.htm">Restrain</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-12.htm">Rule</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-18.htm">Samuel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-18.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-10.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-21.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 9</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/9-1.htm">Saul despairing to find his father's donkeys</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/9-6.htm">by the counsel of his servant</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/9-11.htm">and direction of young maidens</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/9-15.htm">according to God's revelation</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/9-18.htm">comes to Samuel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/9-19.htm">Samuel entertains Saul at the feast</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/9-25.htm">Samuel, after secret communication, brings Saul on his way</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/9.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>When Samuel saw Saul</b><br>This moment marks the first encounter between the prophet Samuel and Saul, who would become the first king of Israel. Samuel, a significant figure in Israel's history, was a prophet, judge, and leader. Saul, from the tribe of Benjamin, was searching for his father's lost donkeys, which providentially led him to Samuel. This encounter was orchestrated by God, highlighting His sovereignty in guiding events. The meeting took place in the region of Zuph, near Ramah, Samuel's hometown, emphasizing the divine orchestration in Saul's journey.<p><b>the LORD told him</b><br>The direct communication between God and Samuel underscores the prophetic office's importance in Israel. Samuel's role as a prophet was to convey God's will to the people, and here, God provides specific guidance. This divine revelation is consistent with how God communicated with His prophets throughout the Old Testament, ensuring His purposes were fulfilled. It also highlights the intimate relationship between God and His chosen servants, as seen in other prophetic callings, such as those of Moses and Elijah.<p><b>“Here is the man of whom I spoke;</b><br>God had previously informed Samuel about the coming of a man who would be anointed as king (<a href="/1_samuel/9-15.htm">1 Samuel 9:15-16</a>). This phrase confirms God's earlier revelation and demonstrates His foreknowledge and plan for Israel's leadership. The choice of Saul, a man of impressive stature and appearance, aligns with the people's desire for a king like the nations around them, though it contrasts with God's ideal of a leader after His own heart, as later seen in David.<p><b>he shall rule over My people.”</b><br>This statement establishes Saul's divine appointment as king, despite the people's initial request for a monarchy being seen as a rejection of God's direct rule (<a href="/1_samuel/8-7.htm">1 Samuel 8:7</a>). The term "rule" indicates a leadership role that involves governance, protection, and guidance. Saul's kingship is a pivotal moment in Israel's history, transitioning from a theocracy to a monarchy. This phrase also foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's kingship through Jesus Christ, the true King who rules with justice and righteousness, as prophesied in passages like <a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Isaiah 9:6-7</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/samuel.htm">Samuel</a></b><br>A prophet and judge of Israel, Samuel was instrumental in transitioning Israel from a confederation of tribes to a monarchy. He was chosen by God to anoint the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a></b><br>The first king of Israel, Saul was from the tribe of Benjamin. He was chosen by God to lead His people, although his reign eventually turned tragic due to disobedience.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant God of Israel, who communicates His will to Samuel regarding the leadership of His people.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation chosen by God, consisting of twelve tribes. At this time, they were seeking a king to lead them like other nations.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/r/ramah.htm">Ramah</a></b><br>The place where Samuel lived and where he met Saul. It served as a center for Samuel's prophetic ministry.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_leadership.htm">God's Sovereignty in Leadership</a></b><br>God is actively involved in appointing leaders. His choice of Saul, despite the people's motives, shows His control over history and His plans for His people.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_prophets.htm">The Role of Prophets</a></b><br>Samuel's role as a prophet highlights the importance of spiritual leadership and guidance in discerning God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/human_desire_vs._divine_will.htm">Human Desire vs. Divine Will</a></b><br>Israel's demand for a king reflects a tension between human desires and God's perfect will. Believers are encouraged to seek God's guidance rather than conforming to worldly standards.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_commands.htm">Obedience to God's Commands</a></b><br>Saul's account serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God. Leadership without adherence to God's commands leads to downfall.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness.htm">God's Faithfulness</a></b><br>Despite human failures, God remains faithful to His promises and purposes, working through imperfect people to accomplish His will.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 9</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_samuel_lead_and_anoint_kings.htm">How did Samuel lead Israel and anoint its first kings?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_1_sam_8_11-18_align_with_divine_rule.htm">How do the ominous predictions about a king’s behavior (1 Samuel 8:11–18) align with the notion of a divinely sanctioned ruler? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_1_sam_9_22-24_be_archaeologically_verified.htm">Can the events in 1 Samuel 9:22-24, where Saul is given an honored portion of meat, be verified by any archaeological or external ancient Near Eastern sources supporting such practices?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_1_samuel_9_1-2_call_saul_'mighty'.htm">How can 1 Samuel 9:1-2 claim Saul was from a 'mighty' or 'wealthy' family when some extrabiblical historical records do not corroborate this social status?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) <span class= "bld">Behold the man.</span>--This verse, it must be remembered, follows closely on <a href="/1_samuel/9-14.htm" title="And they went up into the city: and when they were come into the city, behold, Samuel came out against them, for to go up to the high place.">1Samuel 9:14</a>, the statements of <a href="/context/1_samuel/9-15.htm" title="Now the LORD had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying,">1Samuel 9:15-16</a> being parenthetical. The young Saul and his servant came up to accost the seer on his way to the sacred height; Samuel, at once impressed by the great stature and splendid beauty of the stranger coming towards him, asks his Master silently, "Lord, is this then he of whom Thou whisperest me yesterday, to whom the destinies of Thy people were to be confided?" The words "Behold the man," &c., were the silent answer of God to the silent prayer of His old servant.<p><span class= "bld">Shall reign.</span>--The word "shall reign," which was whispered by the "Spirit" to the listening heart of the seer, should rather have been translated, "shall control," or "shall restrain." It was a word which--looking on to Saul's future reign--represented it as a stern, severe rule.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Jehovah said unto him.</span> Literally, "Jehovah answered him." When Samuel saw the young stranger, struck by his towering height, he wondered within himself whether this were the destined hero who was to win freedom for Israel. The affirmation, therefore, came in answer to the question asked by his heart. <span class="cmt_word">The same shall reign over my people.</span> More literally, the margin, "restrain in," <span class="accented">i.e.</span> coerce, control. The A.V., preferring as usual a general to an exact rendering, loses this plain indication that Soul's would be a strict and stern rule. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/9-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">When Samuel</span><br /><span class="heb">וּשְׁמוּאֵ֖ל</span> <span class="translit">(ū·šə·mū·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8050.htm">Strong's 8050: </a> </span><span class="str2">Samuel -- 'name of God', a prophet of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">saw</span><br /><span class="heb">רָאָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(rā·’āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Saul,</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁא֑וּל</span> <span class="translit">(šā·’ūl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> </span><span class="str2">Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיהוָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">told him,</span><br /><span class="heb">עָנָ֔הוּ</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·nā·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6030.htm">Strong's 6030: </a> </span><span class="str2">To answer, respond</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Here</span><br /><span class="heb">הִנֵּ֤ה</span> <span class="translit">(hin·nêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo! behold!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is the man</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאִישׁ֙</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of whom</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I spoke;</span><br /><span class="heb">אָמַ֣רְתִּי</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·mar·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he</span><br /><span class="heb">זֶ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(zeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> </span><span class="str2">This, that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">shall rule</span><br /><span class="heb">יַעְצֹ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(ya‘·ṣōr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6113.htm">Strong's 6113: </a> </span><span class="str2">To inclose, to hold back, to maintain, rule, assemble</span><br /><br /><span class="word">over My people.”</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּעַמִּֽי׃</span> <span class="translit">(bə·‘am·mî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/9-17.htm">1 Samuel 9:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/9-17.htm">1 Samuel 9:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/9-17.htm">1 Samuel 9:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/9-17.htm">1 Samuel 9:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/9-17.htm">1 Samuel 9:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/9-17.htm">1 Samuel 9:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/9-17.htm">1 Samuel 9:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/9-17.htm">1 Samuel 9:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/9-17.htm">1 Samuel 9:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/9-17.htm">1 Samuel 9:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/9-17.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 9:17 When Samuel saw Saul Yahweh said (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/9-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 9:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 9:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/9-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 9:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 9:18" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>