I Samuel 9:2-10:23

Hook

Ever feel like you're just… going through the motions? Like you're searching for something, but you're not quite sure what it is, or where to find it? Maybe you’ve lost your car keys (or your mind!), and the sheer frustration of the search is overwhelming. Or perhaps you’re feeling a bit… ordinary, and you secretly wonder if there’s more to your story, a grander purpose waiting to be discovered. Well, guess what? Even the most important people in history started with a lost donkey and a little bit of confusion! This week, we’re diving into a story that’s all about unexpected journeys, hidden destinies, and the surprising ways we can be found, even when we feel lost. It’s a story that starts with a simple search and ends with… well, you’ll have to read on to find out!

Context

This fascinating story comes from the very beginning of the Book of I Samuel, a foundational text in Jewish tradition. Imagine ancient Israel, a time when the people were looking for a leader, a king, to guide them.

• Who: We meet Saul, a young man from the tribe of Benjamin, who is described as handsome and tall. We also meet Samuel, a revered prophet, a spiritual leader who hears from God.
• When: This takes place in ancient Israel, a time of transition where the people are moving from a more tribal leadership structure to wanting a king.
• Where: The events unfold in the land of Benjamin, near towns like Zuph, and at sacred sites like a shrine in an unnamed town and later at Mizpah and Gilgal.
• Key Term: Seer (Ro'eh): In ancient Israel, a "seer" was someone who could see or perceive things beyond the ordinary. They were like a spiritual detective, someone you'd go to for guidance when you needed to understand something hidden or divine. Think of them as an early version of a prophet, someone who could help you find what you were looking for, whether it was lost donkeys or a clearer path forward.

Text Snapshot

So, Saul's father, Kish, loses some donkeys. Kish tells Saul, "Go find them!" Saul and a servant search all over Benjamin, but no donkeys. They get discouraged. Saul’s servant says, "Hey, there's a wise guy, a seer, in the next town. Maybe he can help us find them." Saul worries about what to bring as a gift for this seer. The servant says, "I've got a little money, we can use that." They go to the town, and as they're climbing up, they meet some young women drawing water. They ask, "Is the seer here?" The women say, "Yes, hurry, he's just arrived for a sacrifice at the shrine. You'll find him before he eats."

As they enter the town, who walks out? Samuel! And God had already told Samuel the day before, "Tomorrow, I'm sending you a man from Benjamin. Anoint him as ruler over My people. He'll save them from the Philistines." When Samuel sees Saul, God says to him, "This is the guy!"

Saul, not knowing any of this, asks Samuel, "Where's the seer's house?" Samuel says, "I'm the seer! Eat with me today. Your donkeys? They're found. And you know, everyone's been waiting for someone like you!" Saul is totally confused, saying, "Me? I'm from the smallest tribe, the least important family!"

Samuel brings Saul to a special meal, gives him the best seat, and the best food. Later, Samuel talks to Saul on the roof. Early the next morning, Samuel takes a flask of oil, pours it on Saul's head, kisses him, and says, "God anoints you ruler! You'll deliver my people. And here's a sign: you'll meet people who tell you the donkeys are found, you'll meet three men going to Bethel with gifts, and you'll meet prophets speaking ecstatically. The spirit of God will come upon you, and you'll become a new person!"

And guess what? All those signs happen! Saul, filled with God's spirit, starts speaking in ecstasy with the prophets. People who know him are shocked: "Is Saul too among the prophets?" Later, at a gathering, Samuel reveals Saul as the one chosen by God. Saul is presented as king, and everyone shouts, "Long live the king!"

Close Reading

This story is packed with surprises and insights that are totally relatable, even thousands of years later. It's not just about donkeys and kings; it's about how we navigate life's unexpected turns and discover our own potential.

### The Unexpected Journey: Lost Donkeys, Found Destiny

• The Humble Beginning: Saul's story kicks off with something incredibly mundane: lost donkeys. Have you ever been so focused on a small problem that you miss the bigger picture unfolding around you? Saul and his servant are diligently searching, their minds consumed with finding those missing animals. This is a perfect metaphor for how we often get caught up in our daily worries and immediate tasks. We might be so busy looking for our lost donkeys (whether literal or metaphorical – a missed deadline, a difficult conversation, a creative block) that we don't see the larger opportunities or directions that are right in front of us. The text shows us that sometimes, the path to something significant begins with a seemingly trivial errand. It's a reminder that even the most ordinary starting points can lead to extraordinary destinations.
• The Seer as a Guide: The "seer" (later identified as Samuel) is presented as someone with special insight. He’s not just someone who can find lost animals; he’s someone who can perceive God’s plan. When Saul is told about the seer, he's hesitant. He worries about not having a proper gift, showing a sense of humility and respect. This highlights the importance of guidance. In our lives, we might have mentors, teachers, friends, or even spiritual resources that can offer us perspective. The key is being open to seeking and receiving that guidance, even when we feel unprepared or unworthy. The servant’s simple suggestion to seek out the seer is the turning point, demonstrating that sometimes, the best solutions come from listening to others and being willing to explore the unknown.

### Divine Intervention and Personal Transformation

• God's Foreknowledge: What's truly mind-blowing is that God already knew about Saul. The text explicitly states, "Now the day before Saul came, God had revealed the following to Samuel: 'At this time tomorrow, I will send a man to you from the territory of Benjamin...'" This isn't a coincidence; it's a divine setup. God had a plan for Saul, even before Saul knew he was looking for anything more than donkeys. This can offer comfort and a sense of purpose, suggesting that perhaps there's a guiding hand in our lives too, even when things feel chaotic or unplanned. It reassures us that we are not adrift; there's a larger narrative at play, and our seemingly random experiences might be part of a bigger design.
• The "New Person" Experience: The most dramatic moment is when Samuel anoints Saul and the "spirit of God will grip you, and you will speak in ecstasy along with them; you will become a different person." This is a profound transformation. It's not just about becoming king; it's about an internal shift. The text describes Saul as "speaking in ecstasy," a state of being deeply connected and inspired. This is a powerful image of potential. It suggests that when we are touched by something greater than ourselves, whether it’s divine inspiration, a passion for a cause, or a deep sense of purpose, we can experience a fundamental change. We can be more than we thought we were. It’s the idea that we have untapped potential, and sometimes, a catalyst is needed to unlock it. The story doesn't say how we become a "different person," but it shows that it's possible, and it’s connected to a higher calling.

### Humility in the Face of Destiny

• Saul's Disbelief: Even after Samuel tells him he's chosen and anoints him, Saul is incredulous. "But I am only a Benjaminite... and my clan is the least of all the clans... Why do you say such things to me?" This is so human! Even when presented with evidence of their own greatness or a clear path forward, people often struggle with self-doubt. Saul’s reaction isn't arrogance; it's genuine disbelief rooted in his perception of his own humble origins. This resonates with anyone who has ever felt like an underdog or struggled to accept praise or responsibility. It reminds us that true leadership isn't always about already believing you're the best; sometimes, it's about overcoming your own doubts and stepping into a role you never imagined.
• The "Scoundrels'" Doubt: The story also shows us that even after Saul is anointed and accepted by many, there are those who scoff: "How can this fellow save us?" This highlights that not everyone will immediately recognize or accept your potential, or the potential of others. There will be doubters and cynics. The text, however, notes that Saul "pretended not to mind." This is an important lesson in resilience. It's not about ignoring criticism, but about not letting it derail you from your path. It's about focusing on the inner calling and the support you do have, rather than dwelling on the negativity.

Apply It

This week, let's practice embracing the unexpected and being open to guidance. It’s a tiny exercise, but it can shift your perspective.

• Your "Lost Donkey" Moment: For the next 60 seconds each day (that’s right, just one minute!), consciously look for something small that you've "lost" or overlooked in your day. It could be a forgotten task, a misplaced item, or even a moment of quiet you missed.
• Seek Your "Seer": Then, in that same minute, ask yourself: "Is there a simple, perhaps overlooked, way to address this?" This isn't about finding a grand solution, but about being open to a small, actionable step. Maybe the answer is to write it down, ask a quick question, or take a deep breath.
• Embrace the "Seer's" Advice: Whatever that small, simple solution is, try it! The goal is to practice being open to finding solutions, even when the problem seems minor, and to trust the guidance you find (even if it’s just your own intuition!).

Chevruta Mini

Grab a friend, family member, or even just talk to yourself in the mirror (we won't judge!). Discuss these questions:

1. Think about a time when you were looking for something, and ended up finding something else entirely, perhaps something more important. What was that experience like?
2. Saul was described as "a head taller" than everyone else. How do you think that physical presence might have impacted his journey and how others perceived him, both before and after he became king?

Takeaway

Sometimes, the most profound discoveries about ourselves begin with the simplest of searches.