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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 9:2 And he had a son named Saul, choice and handsome, without equal among the Israelites--a head taller than any of the people.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/9-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/09_1Sa_09_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 9:2 - Saul Chosen as King" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And he had a son named Saul, choice and handsome, without equal among the Israelites--a head taller than any of the 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/9-2.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/9-2.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 2</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="/ad2.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/9-1.htm" title="1 Samuel 9:1">◄</a> 1 Samuel 9:2 <a href="/1_samuel/9-3.htm" title="1 Samuel 9:3">►</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">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/9.htm">New International Version</a> Kish had a son named Saul, as handsome a young man as could be found anywhere in Israel, and he was a head taller than anyone else. <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/9.htm">New Living Translation</a> His son Saul was the most handsome man in Israel—head and shoulders taller than anyone else in the land. <a href="/esv/1_samuel/9.htm">English Standard Version</a> And he had a son whose name was Saul, a handsome young man. There was not a man among the people of Israel more handsome than he. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people. <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> And he had a son named Saul, choice and handsome, without equal among the Israelites—a head taller than any of the people. <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/9.htm">King James Bible</a> And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/9.htm">New King James Version</a> And he had a choice and handsome son whose name was Saul. There was not a more handsome person than he among the children of Israel. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people. <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> He had a son whose name was Saul, a young and handsome man, and there was not a more handsome man than he among the sons of Israel; from his shoulders and up he was taller than any of the people. <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/9.htm">NASB 1995</a> He had a son whose name was Saul, a choice and handsome man, and there was not a more handsome person than he among the sons of Israel; from his shoulders and up he was taller than any of the people. <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And he had a son whose name was Saul, a choice and handsome man, and there was not a more handsome person than he among the sons of Israel; from his shoulders and up he was taller than any of the people. <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now he had a son whose name was Saul, a choice and handsome man, and there was not a more handsome person than he among the sons of Israel; from his shoulders and up he was taller than any of the people. <a href="/amp/1_samuel/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Kish had a son named Saul, a choice and handsome man; among the sons of Israel there was not a man more handsome than he. From his shoulders and up he was [a head] taller than any of the people. <a href="/csb/1_samuel/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> He had a son named Saul, an impressive young man. There was no one more impressive among the Israelites than he. He stood a head taller than anyone else. <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> He had a son named Saul, an impressive young man. There was no one more impressive among the Israelites than he. He stood a head taller than anyone else. <a href="/asv/1_samuel/9.htm">American Standard Version</a> And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a young man and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people. <a href="/cev/1_samuel/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Kish had a son named Saul, who was better looking and more than a head taller than anyone else in all Israel. <a href="/erv/1_samuel/9.htm">English Revised Version</a> And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a young man and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> He had a son named Saul, a handsome, young man. No man in Israel was more handsome than Saul. He stood a head taller than everyone else. <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/9.htm">Good News Translation</a> He had a son named Saul, a handsome man in the prime of life. Saul was a foot taller than anyone else in Israel and more handsome as well. <a href="/isv/1_samuel/9.htm">International Standard Version</a> he had a son named Saul, who was a choice and handsome young man. There was no one among the Israelis as handsome as he, and he was a head taller than any of the other people. <a href="/msb/1_samuel/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> And he had a son named Saul, choice and handsome, without equal among the Israelites?a head taller than any of the people. <a href="/net/1_samuel/9.htm">NET Bible</a> He had a son named Saul, a handsome young man. There was no one among the Israelites more handsome than he was; he stood head and shoulders above all the people. <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> He had a son, whose name was Saul, a handsome young man; and there was no one among the children of Israel more handsome than he was. From his shoulders and upward he was taller than any of the people. <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a more handsome person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people. <a href="/web/1_samuel/9.htm">World English Bible</a> He had a son whose name was Saul, an impressive young man; and there was not among the children of Israel a more handsome person than he. From his shoulders and upward he was taller than any of the people. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and he has a son, and his name [is] Saul, a choice youth and handsome, and there is not a man among the sons of Israel more handsome than he—from his shoulder and upward, higher than any of the people. <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and he hath a son, and his name is Saul, a choice youth and goodly, and there is not a man among the sons of Israel goodlier than he -- from his shoulder and upward, higher than any of the people. <a href="/slt/1_samuel/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And to him was a son and his name Saul, a young man and good: and not a man of the sons of Israel good above him: from his shoulder and from above, high above all the people.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And he had a son whose name was Saul, a choice and goodly man, and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he appeared above all the people. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And he had a son called Saul, an elect and good man. And there was not a man among the sons of Israel better than he was. For he stood head and shoulders above all the people. <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/9.htm">New American Bible</a> He had a son named Saul, who was a handsome young man. There was no other Israelite more handsome than Saul; he stood head and shoulders above the people. <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> He had a son whose name was Saul, a handsome young man. There was not a man among the people of Israel more handsome than he; he stood head and shoulders above everyone else.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And he had a son whose name was Saul, a choice young man and a goodly; and there was not among the children of Israel a more attractive person than he; he was head and shoulders higher than any of the people. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And he had a son and his name, Shaul, a mighty man and fine, and there was not a man of the sons of Israel that was finer than he, and from his shoulders and above he was taller than all the people<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And he had a son, whose name was Saul, young and goodly, and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people. <a href="/sep/1_samuel/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And this man had a son, and his name was Saul, of great stature, a goodly man; and there was not among the sons of Israel a goodlier than he, high above all the people from his shoulders and upward. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/9-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=2025" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/9.htm">Saul Chosen as King</a> 1Now there was a Benjamite, a powerful man, whose name was Kish son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah of Benjamin. 2<a href="/hebrew/wə·lōw- (Conj-w:: Prep:: 3ms) -- ">And</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hā·yāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">he had</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ḇên (N-ms) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">a son</a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: ū·šə·mōw (Conj-w:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character.">named</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/970.htm" title="970: bā·ḥūr (N-ms) -- A young man. Or bachur; participle passive of bachar; properly, selected, i.e. A youth.">choice</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: wā·ṭō·wḇ (Conj-w:: Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">and handsome,</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: wə·’ên (Conj-w:: Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">without equal</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (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."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: mim·men·nū (Prep:: 3ms) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">among</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: mib·bə·nê (Prep-m:: N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">the Israelites</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">—</a> <a href="/hebrew/7926.htm" title="7926: miš·šiḵ·mōw (Prep-m:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- Shoulder. From shakam; the neck as the place of burdens; figuratively, the spur of a hill.">a head</a> <a href="/hebrew/4605.htm" title="4605: wā·ma‘·lāh (Conj-w:: Adv:: 3fs) -- From alah; properly, the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1364.htm" title="1364: gā·ḇō·ah (Adj-ms) -- High, exalted. Or gabowahh; from gabahh; elevated, powerful, arrogant.">taller</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: mik·kāl (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">than any</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">of the people.</a> 3One day the donkeys of Saul’s father Kish wandered off, and Kish said to his son Saul, “Take one of the servants and go look for the donkeys.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_samuel/10-23.htm">1 Samuel 10:23-24</a> So they ran and brought Saul, and when he stood among the people, he was a head taller than any of the others. / Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see the one the LORD has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people.” And all the people shouted, “Long live the king!” <a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a> But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” <a href="/1_samuel/17-4.htm">1 Samuel 17:4-7</a> Then a champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out from the Philistine camp. He was six cubits and a span in height, / and he had a bronze helmet on his head. He wore a bronze coat of mail weighing five thousand shekels, / and he had armor of bronze on his legs and a javelin of bronze slung between his shoulders. ... <a href="/2_samuel/14-25.htm">2 Samuel 14:25</a> Now there was not a man in all Israel as handsome and highly praised as Absalom. From the sole of his foot to the top of his head, he did not have a single flaw. <a href="/judges/8-18.htm">Judges 8:18</a> Next, Gideon asked Zebah and Zalmunna, “What kind of men did you kill at Tabor?” “Men like you,” they answered, “each one resembling the son of a king.” <a href="/1_kings/1-6.htm">1 Kings 1:6</a> (His father had never once reprimanded him by saying, “Why do you act this way?” Adonijah was also very handsome, born next after Absalom.) <a href="/1_kings/9-22.htm">1 Kings 9:22</a> But Solomon did not consign any of the Israelites to slavery, because they were his men of war, his servants, his officers, his captains, and the commanders of his chariots and cavalry. <a href="/1_chronicles/8-33.htm">1 Chronicles 8:33</a> Ner was the father of Kish, Kish was the father of Saul, and Saul was the father of Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Esh-baal. <a href="/1_chronicles/9-39.htm">1 Chronicles 9:39</a> Ner was the father of Kish, Kish was the father of Saul, and Saul was the father of Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Esh-baal. <a href="/2_chronicles/26-16.htm">2 Chronicles 26:16-21</a> But when Uzziah became powerful, his arrogance led to his own destruction. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, for he entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense. / Then Azariah the priest, along with eighty brave priests of the LORD, went in after him. / They took their stand against King Uzziah and said, “Uzziah, you have no right to offer incense to the LORD. Only the priests, the descendants of Aaron, are consecrated to burn incense. Leave the sanctuary, for you have acted unfaithfully; you will not receive honor from the LORD God.” ... <a href="/isaiah/53-2.htm">Isaiah 53:2</a> He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no stately form or majesty to attract us, no beauty that we should desire Him. <a href="/daniel/1-4.htm">Daniel 1:4</a> young men without blemish, handsome, gifted in all wisdom, knowledgeable, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace—and to teach them the language and literature of the Chaldeans. <a href="/matthew/23-27.htm">Matthew 23:27-28</a> Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. / In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. <a href="/luke/1-15.htm">Luke 1:15</a> for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He shall never take wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb. <a href="/luke/2-52.htm">Luke 2:52</a> And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people.choice<a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a> But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.<a href="/genesis/6-2.htm">Genesis 6:2</a> That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.<a href="/2_samuel/14-25.htm">2 Samuel 14:25,26</a> But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him… from his shoulders<a href="/1_samuel/10-23.htm">1 Samuel 10:23</a> And they ran and fetched him thence: and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward.<a href="/1_samuel/17-4.htm">1 Samuel 17:4</a> And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.<a href="/numbers/13-33.htm">Numbers 13:33</a> And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/1-8.htm">Better</a> <a href="/1_samuel/7-8.htm">Children</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-16.htm">Choice</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-25.htm">Equal</a> <a href="/genesis/39-6.htm">Handsome</a> <a href="/1_samuel/5-4.htm">Head</a> <a href="/judges/1-15.htm">Higher</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-21.htm">Impressive</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-22.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/7-7.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/numbers/26-13.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/judges/9-48.htm">Shoulder</a> <a href="/judges/16-3.htm">Shoulders</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-10.htm">Specially</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-28.htm">Taller</a> <a href="/judges/1-36.htm">Upward</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-16.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/14-30.htm">Better</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-18.htm">Children</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-21.htm">Choice</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-23.htm">Equal</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-12.htm">Handsome</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-22.htm">Head</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-23.htm">Higher</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-21.htm">Impressive</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-9.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-20.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-3.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-24.htm">Shoulder</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-23.htm">Shoulders</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-19.htm">Specially</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-23.htm">Taller</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-23.htm">Upward</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-3.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 9</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/9-1.htm">Saul despairing to find his father's donkeys</a> 6. <a href="/1_samuel/9-6.htm">by the counsel of his servant</a> 11. <a href="/1_samuel/9-11.htm">and direction of young maidens</a> 15. <a href="/1_samuel/9-15.htm">according to God's revelation</a> 18. <a href="/1_samuel/9-18.htm">comes to Samuel</a> 19. <a href="/1_samuel/9-19.htm">Samuel entertains Saul at the feast</a> 25. <a href="/1_samuel/9-25.htm">Samuel, after secret communication, brings Saul on his way</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>And he had a son named Saul Saul, the first king of Israel, is introduced here. His name means "asked for" or "prayed for," which may reflect the Israelites' desire for a king. Saul's lineage is from the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest of the tribes, which is significant given the tribe's tumultuous history (Judges 20-21). This choice highlights God's sovereignty in selecting leaders, often choosing the unexpected or the least likely.choice and handsome Saul's physical appearance is emphasized, indicating that he was an ideal candidate for kingship by human standards. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, physical appearance was often associated with leadership qualities. This description sets the stage for the contrast between Saul and David, whose heart, rather than appearance, is highlighted by God (<a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a>).without equal among the Israelites This phrase underscores Saul's exceptional qualities, setting him apart from his peers. It reflects the people's desire for a king who stands out, aligning with their request for a leader like those of other nations (<a href="/1_samuel/8-5.htm">1 Samuel 8:5</a>). This also foreshadows the people's initial acceptance and later rejection of Saul as king.a head taller than any of the people Saul's height is a literal and symbolic representation of his stature among the Israelites. In a culture where physical prowess was valued, his height would have been seen as an advantage in leadership and battle. This physical attribute, however, contrasts with the spiritual qualities God values, as seen in David's selection. Saul's height also foreshadows his eventual downfall, as his reliance on physical attributes and human approval leads to his disobedience to God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a> The son of Kish, described as an impressive young man, chosen by God to be the first king of Israel. His physical stature and appearance set him apart from others. 2. <a href="/topical/k/kish.htm">Kish</a> Saul's father, a man of standing from the tribe of Benjamin. His lineage is significant as it fulfills the tribal prophecy and expectations of leadership. 3. <a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a> The people of Israel, who were seeking a king to lead them like other nations. Saul's selection as king marks a pivotal moment in their history. 4. <a href="/topical/t/tribe_of_benjamin.htm">Tribe of Benjamin</a> One of the twelve tribes of Israel, known for its warriors. Saul's selection from this tribe highlights God's sovereignty in choosing leaders. 5. <a href="/topical/s/samuel.htm">Samuel</a> The prophet who anoints Saul as king, acting as God's representative. His role is crucial in transitioning Israel from a theocracy to a monarchy.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_leadership.htm">God's Sovereignty in Leadership</a> God chooses leaders according to His purposes, not merely based on human criteria. Saul's selection reminds us to trust God's wisdom in leadership decisions. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_external_appearances.htm">The Danger of External Appearances</a> While Saul's physical stature was impressive, his heart and character were what ultimately mattered. We should prioritize inner qualities over outward appearances. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_obedience.htm">The Role of Obedience</a> Saul's account is a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands. Leadership without obedience leads to downfall. <a href="/topical/t/the_need_for_humility.htm">The Need for Humility</a> Saul's initial humility is commendable, but his later pride leads to his downfall. We must cultivate humility in our own lives. <a href="/topical/t/transition_and_change.htm">Transition and Change</a> Saul's anointing marks a significant transition for Israel. Change can be challenging, but trusting in God's plan is essential.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 9</a> <a href="/q/how_did_biblical_people_look.htm">What was the appearance of biblical people?</a> <a href="/q/what_do_saul,_jonathan,_and_david_teach.htm">What lessons do Saul, Jonathan, and David's lives teach?</a> <a href="/q/how_reconcile_1_sam_16_7,_16_12_on_looks.htm">How do we reconcile 1 Samuel 16:7’s emphasis on God looking at the heart with David’s “handsome” description in 16:12, suggesting external attributes mattered? </a> <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>(2) A choice young man, and a goodly.--The Hebrew word which is rendered in English by "a choice young man" cannot signify both these epithets. The translators were probably influenced by the Vulg. (Latin) Version, which translates the Hebrew word by electus, "chosen, or choice," the more common signification of the Hebrew word being avoided, owing to the fact that at this time Saul appears to have had a son (Jonathan) who must have well-nigh reached his maturity. But the term young was not inappropriate to Saul, who was still in the full vigour of manhood as contrasted with the old age of Samuel, being about forty to forty-five years old. Translate then simply, "a young man," &c. In the childhood of nations heroic proportions were highly valued, and the gigantic stature and the remarkable beauty of the king, no doubt contributed to the ready acceptance on the part of the still semi-barbarous Israel of the young man Saul. (Comp. Herodotus, 3:20, 7:187; Aristotle, Polit., 4:29; and Virgil's description of Turnus, 'neid, 7:650, 783; and Homer's words about Ajax, Iliad, iii. 226.)The asses.--Literally, And the she-asses. At this period of Jewish history asses were much used by the people. The horse was forbidden by the Law. Asses were used not only for purposes of agriculture, but also for riding; so in the song of Deborah we find, "Speak, ye that ride on white asses" (<a href="/judges/5-10.htm" title="Speak, you that ride on white asses, you that sit in judgment, and walk by the way.">Judges 5:10</a>); and again we read of the thirty sons of Jair, the Gileadite judge, each one ruler of a city, who rode on thirty ass colts (<a href="/judges/10-4.htm" title="And he had thirty sons that rode on thirty ass colts, and they had thirty cities, which are called Havothjair to this day, which are in the land of Gilead.">Judges 10:4</a>). These belonging to the farm of Kish, being probably kept for breeding purposes, were untethered, and so strayed from the immediate neighbourhood, and were lost.The whole of this chapter and part of the following is full of picturesque details of the pastoral life of the people. In many of the little pictures we see how strongly at this early period the religion of the Eternal coloured almost all parts of the every-day life of Israel.One of the servants.--The "servant," not "slave;" the Hebrew word for the latter would be different. The servant was evidently a trusty dependant of the house of Saul's father, and was on familiar terms with his young master. We hear of his giving wise advice in the course of the search (<a href="/1_samuel/9-6.htm" title="And he said to him, Behold now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is an honorable man; all that he said comes surely to pass: now let us go thither; peradventure he can show us our way that we should go.">1Samuel 9:6</a>); he was the one in charge of the money (<a href="/1_samuel/9-8.htm" title="And the servant answered Saul again, and said, Behold, I have here at hand the fourth part of a shekel of silver: that will I give to the man of God, to tell us our way.">1Samuel 9:8</a>); and this servant, we are especially told, was treated by Samuel the judge as an honoured guest at the sacrificial feast at Ramah. He was traditionally believed to have been Doeg the Edomite, afterwards so famous as one of the most ruthless of the great captains of King Saul. (See <a href="/1_samuel/22-18.htm" title="And the king said to Doeg, Turn you, and fall on the priests. And Doeg the Edomite turned, and he fell on the priests, and slew on that day fourscore and five persons that did wear a linen ephod.">1Samuel 22:18</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 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 coupled with virgin (<a href="/deuteronomy/32-25.htm">Deuteronomy 32:25</a>; <a href="/isaiah/62-5.htm">Isaiah 62:5</a>, etc.), for one in the full flower of manhood. Saul could not, therefore, have been the runner of <a href="/1_samuel/5-12.htm">1 Samuel 5:12</a>, though, as we read that Jonathan his son was a grown man two or three years afterwards (<a href="/1_samuel/13-2.htm">1 Samuel 13:2</a>), he must have been at least thirty-five years of age, after making allowance for the early period at which the Jews married. His noble appearance and gigantic stature were well fitted to impress and overawe a semi-barbarous people, who were better able to form an estimate of his physical qualities than of the high mental and moral gifts possessed by Samuel. <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/9-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>And וְלוֹ־ (wə·lōw-) Conjunctive waw | Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> he had הָיָ֨ה (hā·yāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be a son בֵ֜ן (ḇên) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son named וּשְׁמ֤וֹ (ū·šə·mōw) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8034.htm">Strong's 8034: </a> A name Saul, שָׁאוּל֙ (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites choice בָּח֣וּר (bā·ḥūr) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_970.htm">Strong's 970: </a> Selected, a youth and handsome, וָט֔וֹב (wā·ṭō·wḇ) Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> Pleasant, agreeable, good without equal וְאֵ֥ין (wə·’ên) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> A non-entity, a negative particle among מִמֶּ֑נּוּ (mim·men·nū) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> A part of, from, out of the Israelites— מִבְּנֵ֥י (mib·bə·nê) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son a head מִשִּׁכְמ֣וֹ (miš·šiḵ·mōw) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7926.htm">Strong's 7926: </a> The neck, as the place of burdens, the spur of a, hill taller גָּבֹ֖הַּ (gā·ḇō·ah) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1364.htm">Strong's 1364: </a> Elevated, powerful, arrogant than any מִכָּל־ (mik·kāl) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every of the people. הָעָֽם׃ (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/9-2.htm">1 Samuel 9:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/9-2.htm">1 Samuel 9:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/9-2.htm">1 Samuel 9:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/9-2.htm">1 Samuel 9:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/9-2.htm">1 Samuel 9:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/9-2.htm">1 Samuel 9:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/9-2.htm">1 Samuel 9:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/9-2.htm">1 Samuel 9:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/9-2.htm">1 Samuel 9:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/9-2.htm">1 Samuel 9:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-2.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 9:2 He had a son whose name was (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/9-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 9:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 9:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/9-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 9:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 9:3" /></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>