Tu‘apulelulu Tisema 9, 2021
Now the Lord had told Samuel in his ear
Pea kuo fafana ‘e he
‘Eiki kia Sāmiuela
1 Samiuela 9 (1 Samuel 9)
(v. 15-16) Pea kuo fafana ‘e he ‘Eiki kia Sāmiuela ‘i he ‘aho ‘e taha kae ha‘u ‘a Saula ‘apongipongi, ‘o pehē, Fe‘unga mo e houa ni ‘apongipongi, te u fekau atu kiate koe ha tangata mei he fonua ‘o Penisimani, pea te ke pani ia ke ‘eiki ki hoku kakai ‘Isileli, pea te ne fakahaofi hoku kakai mei he nima ‘o e kau Filisitia: he kuo u vakai hoku kakai, koe‘uhi kuo a‘u kiate au ‘enau tautapa.
(v. 15-16) Now
the Lord had told Samuel in his ear the day before Saul came, saying, “Tomorrow
about this time I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you shall
anoint him commander over My people Israel, that he may save My people from the
hand of the Philistines; for I have looked upon My people, because their cry
has come to Me.”
G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible
The king is now presented to us, and the story of his selection is told. Saul appears in every way to be a remarkable man. He was of good position, of the tribe of Benjamin; and, moreover, was wealthy. Among all the men of the nation he would appear to have been the finest in physique. He is revealed as a man living strongly, quietly at home, and interested in his father's affairs. Moreover, he was naturally a man of modest disposition, as his account of himself as a member of the least family of the smallest tribe testifies.
In pursuit of his filial duty he was led
into contact with Samuel. It was a strange day of communion, that first day of
their meeting. Not least among Saul's advantages was his fellowship with the
prophet. "So Saul did eat with Samuel that day." The meal itself was
suggestive, for Samuel had carefully provided that the shoulder, which is ever
symbolic of government, should be placed before Saul. Through this day of first
communion Samuel led Saul toward the great announcement which he was about to
make to him.
David Guzik :: Study Guide for 1 Samuel 9
Now the Lord had told Samuel in his ear the day before: Saul had no relationship with the Lord, so God spoke to Saul through lost donkeys. But Samuel knew and loved the Lord, so God spoke to Samuel in his ear.
The Lord had told Samuel in his ear is literally, “had uncovered his ear.” The same phrase is used in Ruth 4:4. “The phrase is taken from the pushing aside of the headdress in order to whisper, and therefore means that Jehovah had secretly told Samuel.” (Smith, Pulpit Commentary) It doesn’t mean Samuel heard an audible voice from God.
Tomorrow about this time: God gave the prophet Samuel specific guidance regarding future events. Samuel received this guidance wisely and looked for the fulfillment of the words to confirm God’s choice of a king. But Samuel also wisely refused to manipulate circumstances to “make” what God said come to pass. Samuel felt that if this was God’s word, He was able to make it happen.
I will send you: Even though Israel rejected the Lord as their king (1 Samuel 8:7), God was still in control. He didn’t step off His throne just because Israel asked Him to. He would indeed give them a king, but He sent a flawed king to a flawed Israel.
That he may save My people from the hand of the Philistines: Though there were many problems with the reign of Saul, no one should think it was a total disaster. Saul led Israel to many military victories and greater independence from the Philistines.
And when Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said to
him: The day after God told Samuel about the coming of the new king, God
specifically identified the man to Samuel. God’s speaking one day will be
confirmed by His speaking another day.
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