King James Version
What Does 1 Samuel 9:10 Mean?
“Then said Saul to his servant, Well said; come, let us go. So they went unto the city where the man of God was. Well said: Heb. Thy word is good”
1 Samuel 9:10 · KJV
Context
8
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. I have: Heb. there is found in my hand
9
(Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to enquire of God, thus he spake, Come, and let us go to the seer: for he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer.)
10
Then said Saul to his servant, Well said; come, let us go. So they went unto the city where the man of God was. Well said: Heb. Thy word is good
11
And as they went up the hill to the city, they found young maidens going out to draw water, and said unto them, Is the seer here? the hill: Heb. in the ascent of the city
12
And they answered them, and said, He is; behold, he is before you: make haste now, for he came to day to the city; for there is a sacrifice of the people to day in the high place: sacrifice: or, feast
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThen said Saul to his servant, Well said; come, let us go. So they went unto the city where the man of God was.
Saul's approval of the servant's suggestion, 'Well said' (tov debareka, literally 'good is your word'), demonstrates his capacity to receive counsel, a quality that would later diminish as pride corroded his character. The phrase marks a decisive turning point: Saul now moves toward his divine appointment. The Hebrew construction emphasizes purposeful movement: 'they went unto the city where the man of God was.' Every step brings them closer to an encounter that would reshape Israel's history. The simplicity of the verse belies its significance: an ordinary decision to seek help finding donkeys initiates the formal establishment of Israelite monarchy. The servant's wisdom and Saul's receptivity work together under divine sovereignty, illustrating how human agency and divine providence interweave in the fabric of redemptive history.
Saul's approval of the servant's suggestion, 'Well said' (tov debareka, literally 'good is your word'), demonstrates his capacity to receive counsel, a quality that would later diminish as pride corroded his character. The phrase marks a decisive turning point: Saul now moves toward his divine appointment. The Hebrew construction emphasizes purposeful movement: 'they went unto the city where the man of God was.' Every step brings them closer to an encounter that would reshape Israel's history. The simplicity of the verse belies its significance: an ordinary decision to seek help finding donkeys initiates the formal establishment of Israelite monarchy. The servant's wisdom and Saul's receptivity work together under divine sovereignty, illustrating how human agency and divine providence interweave in the fabric of redemptive history.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The unnamed city is generally identified as Ramah, Samuel's hometown (7:17). The journey from Zuph territory to the city would have been relatively short, as these locations were in close proximity. The phrase 'man of God' continues to emphasize Samuel's prophetic identity rather than his judicial or priestly functions.
Reflection Questions
- How receptive are you to counsel that redirects your plans toward God's purposes?
- What seemingly small decisions have led to significant spiritual turning points in your life?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 14 wordsלְנַֽעֲר֛וֹ3 of 14
“to his servant”
H5288(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
ט֥וֹב4 of 14
“Well”
H2896good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
דְּבָֽרְךָ֖5 of 14
“Then said”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הָעִ֔יר10 of 14
“unto the city”
H5892a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
אֲשֶׁר11 of 14
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אִ֥ישׁ13 of 14
“where the man”
H376a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃14 of 14
“of God”
H430gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
1 Samuel 9:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to 1 Samuel 9:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge