What happensPermalink
Saul, a tall and handsome young man from the tribe of Benjamin, is sent by his father to search for lost donkeys. Unable to find them, he agrees to his servant’s suggestion to consult the local man of God: Samuel. God tells Samuel in advance that He is sending Israel’s future king. When Samuel sees Saul, God confirms him as the one chosen to “restrain” His people. Samuel honors Saul at a sacrifice. The next morning, Samuel privately delivers God’s word to Saul.
Why it mattersPermalink
Saul’s search for donkeys leads him to kingship, another reminder that God works through ordinary life. Saul’s humility—calling himself least among the least—aligns with Jesus’s later teaching that the humble will be exalted. Samuel’s symbolic feeding of Saul reflects the holiness of the kingship about to be revealed.
Key versePermalink
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.”