I Samuel 9:2-10:23

Hook

(Strums an imaginary guitar, a familiar campfire tune, perhaps something like "Kumbaya" but with a Jewish twist)

"Remember those late-night campfires, the glow of the embers painting our faces, the stars so close you could almost touch them? We’d sing songs, share stories, and sometimes, just sometimes, a whisper of something ancient would drift through the smoke. Like that feeling when we learned a new Hebrew word, and suddenly, the whole world felt a little bit bigger, a little bit more magical?

Today, we're going to tap into that feeling, that spark. We're going to journey back, not just to a camp memory, but to a moment in the life of a young man named Saul. He's about to have an encounter that will change everything – an encounter that reminds me of those moments at camp when a counselor, someone you barely knew, would share a piece of wisdom that just… stuck. It’s about finding your purpose, even when you’re just looking for lost donkeys.

(Sings, a simple, resonant melody) 'Lost donkeys, a search so grand, Leads to a King, across the land!'

Yeah, that’s where we’re headed. To a story that’s both epic and deeply, wonderfully human. So gather 'round, let the spirit of the campfire, and the spirit of Torah, fill you up!"

Context

This story, from the opening of I Samuel, is our origin story for the first king of Israel, Saul. It’s a narrative packed with divine intervention, humble beginnings, and a touch of the unexpected. Think of it as the ultimate "how it all began" tale, but with a deep, spiritual undertone.

Lost and Found (Literally!)

• Saul, the future king, starts his journey not by seeking glory, but by a very practical, very relatable problem: his father's donkeys have gone missing. This isn't a hero on a quest; it's a young man doing his chores, a situation many of us can relate to. It’s like when your car breaks down on the way to a big event – you’re not thinking about destiny, you’re thinking, “How am I going to get there?”
• The journey to find these donkeys takes Saul and his servant through familiar territories of Benjamin, highlighting the everyday landscape of Israel. They search diligently, passing through specific regions mentioned in the text, showing the grounded reality of their quest. This isn't a fantastical journey; it's a trek through the land, a search in the fields and hills, much like a hike through the woods at camp, looking for a lost item or a hidden landmark.
• The narrative subtly introduces the concept of a "seer" (later known as a prophet) as a go-to person for divine guidance. This shows that even in ancient times, people understood the need for spiritual connection and sought out those who could bridge the gap between the human and the divine. It's like knowing which counselor at camp always had the best advice, the one you’d seek out when you were really in a bind.

The Metaphor of the Trail

Imagine you’re hiking a familiar trail at camp. You know every twist and turn, every sun-dappled clearing, every rocky outcrop. But today, you’re not just walking; you’re searching. You’re looking for something you’ve lost – maybe a favorite water bottle, or a lucky charm. You retrace your steps, you scan the underbrush, you ask fellow campers if they’ve seen it. The trail, usually a path of comfort and familiarity, becomes a place of focused, almost anxious, exploration.

That’s Saul’s experience. He’s on a familiar landscape, the land of Benjamin, but his usual routine has been disrupted. He’s not just wandering; he’s on a mission. And as he searches, he’s unknowingly walking towards something far greater than a misplaced donkey. He's traversing a path that is leading him to his destiny, a path divinely orchestrated, even though he doesn't know it yet. The lost donkeys are just the first marker on this unexpected trail of divine appointment.

A Glimpse of the Divine Plan

• The story reveals that God has already orchestrated this entire encounter. Before Saul even sets out, God tells Samuel, "At this time tomorrow, I will send a man to you from the territory of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him ruler of My people Israel." This is a powerful foreshadowing, a peek behind the curtain of divine planning.
• This divine foreknowledge highlights the idea that even in moments of seemingly mundane or frustrating circumstances (like losing donkeys), there can be a larger, unfolding plan at play. It’s a reminder that our lives are not always random occurrences; there’s often a guiding hand, a cosmic choreographer.
• The narrative emphasizes God's awareness of His people's needs. The text states, "for I have taken note of My people, their outcry has come to Me." This shows God is not distant or indifferent; He hears the cries and responds to the needs of His people, initiating a process that will bring them leadership and deliverance.

Text Snapshot

“Once the donkeys of Saul’s father Kish went astray, and Kish said to his son Saul, ‘Take along one of the servants and go out and look for the donkeys.’… When they reached the district of Zuph, Saul said to the servant who was with him, ‘Let us turn back, or my father will stop worrying about the donkeys and begin to worry about us.’ But he replied, ‘There is an agent of God in that town, and the man is highly esteemed; everything that he says comes true. Let us go there; perhaps he will tell us about the errand on which we set out.’… ‘A good idea; let us go.’ And they went to the town where the agent of God lived. As they were climbing the ascent to the town, they met some young women coming out to draw water, and they asked them, ‘Is the seer in town?’ ‘Yes,’ they replied. ‘He is up there ahead of you.’… Samuel came out toward them, on his way up to the shrine. 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, and you shall anoint him ruler of My people Israel.’”

Close Reading

(Takes a comfortable, seated position, leaning forward slightly, a warm, engaging smile)

"Alright, so we’ve got Saul, our tall, handsome, and clearly diligent young man, on a donkey-finding mission. And it’s not going well. They've scoured Benjamin, they're running out of steam, and Saul, being a good son, is already worrying about his father's anxiety. It’s that moment, isn't it? When you've put in the effort, you’ve followed the plan, and you’re just not seeing the results. You’re ready to pack it in, head home, and maybe just… accept that some things are lost.

Insight 1: The Unforeseen Turn – From Lost Donkeys to Divine Revelation

Saul’s plan is simple: find the donkeys, go home. But his servant, wise beyond his years (or perhaps just privy to local wisdom), suggests a detour. He mentions a 'seer,' a man of God, a prophet. This isn't on Saul's agenda. He's worried about the practicalities: 'What can we bring him? We've got no food, no gift!' He’s operating in a world of tangible offerings, of quid pro quo. The servant, however, has a tiny bit of silver – a quarter-shekel, a humble offering, but enough to prompt a spiritual inquiry. This is where the story starts to shimmer with possibility.

The text tells us, ‘Formerly in Israel, such a person who went to inquire of God would say, “Come, let us go to the seer,” for the prophet of today was formerly called a seer.’ This little linguistic note is gold! It tells us that seeking divine counsel wasn't some rare, exotic event. It was a known practice, an established way of navigating life's uncertainties. And the term 'seer' itself is fascinating. It’s not just about seeing the future; it’s about perceiving what others can’t, about having a deeper vision.

And then, the cosmic mic drop: ‘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, and you shall anoint him ruler of My people Israel.”’

Think about this for a second. God isn't waiting for Saul to stumble upon Him. God is initiating the encounter. He’s setting the stage. Saul is searching for lost property, but God is orchestrating a royal coronation. He’s got the whole script written, the casting done, the premiere date set. And Saul, bless his heart, is just trying to find his dad's donkeys.

This is such a powerful metaphor for our own lives, isn't it? How often are we focused on the immediate, the tangible, the 'lost donkeys' of our day-to-day existence? We’re worried about deadlines, about bills, about that awkward conversation we need to have. And while those things are real, they can sometimes blind us to the bigger picture, to the divine currents flowing beneath the surface.

This passage teaches us that we should be open to the unexpected turns. The 'detour' suggested by the servant, the willingness to seek out the seer even when it’s inconvenient, is what unlocks the divine potential. It’s about recognizing that sometimes, the greatest discoveries aren't found on the path we intended to take, but on the path that God is gently, or sometimes not so gently, guiding us towards.

Think about your own life. When have you felt like you were just going through the motions, searching for something mundane, only to stumble upon something profound? Maybe it was a chance encounter with an old friend that sparked a new business idea, or a quiet moment of reflection that led to a breakthrough in a difficult relationship. These aren't accidents. They are the moments when we, like Saul, are on the cusp of being 'seen' by a higher purpose.

The key here is the attitude. Saul is willing to go, even with his reservations. He’s not saying, “No way, that’s too weird.” He’s saying, “Okay, let’s try it.” That willingness, that openness to the unknown, is crucial. It’s the seed from which divine revelation can sprout.

And for us, at home, this translates directly. How many times have we planned a family outing, only for it to be derailed by unexpected rain? We could get frustrated, or we could say, "Okay, new plan! Let's build a fort in the living room and have a 'rainy day adventure'!" Or perhaps a child is struggling with a homework assignment, and instead of just pushing through, we take a breath, consult a resource (like our own 'seer' of knowledge), and approach it from a new angle. These are small acts of flexibility, of openness, that can lead to significant moments of connection and learning.

The commentaries emphasize Saul's inherent goodness and physical stature, pointing out that he was "distinguished and fine in appearance," and "from his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people." Malbim notes that even though he was young and full of vigor, he was "good with God and man." This isn't just about physical attributes; it's about a preparedness of character. God chooses Saul not just because he's tall and handsome, but because he possesses a foundational goodness that can be shaped and elevated.

Metzudat David and Radak further elaborate on his physical presence, highlighting his height as a visible sign of distinction. Alshich even suggests this height was intended to instill awe and respect, a fitting quality for a king. This emphasis on Saul's outward appearance, combined with his inner qualities, underscores the idea that God sees the whole person, the potential within, and uses even our physical traits to signal our unique role.

So, when we talk about the "unforeseen turn," it’s not just about a change of plans. It’s about recognizing that sometimes, the most significant journeys begin when we're open to the subtle nudges, the unexpected suggestions, and the divine whispers that guide us beyond our initial intentions. It’s about realizing that even when we feel lost, we might be exactly where God needs us to be.

Insight 2: The Anointing – A Public Declaration and a Private Transformation

The climax of this passage is Samuel’s anointing of Saul. It’s a pivotal moment, a public declaration of God’s choice, and a deeply personal spiritual transformation.

Samuel meets Saul, and before Saul can even properly ask for directions, Samuel declares, “I am the seer. Go up ahead of me to the shrine, for you shall eat with me today; and in the morning I will let you go, after telling you whatever may be on your mind.” This is incredibly direct. Samuel has been expecting him, thanks to God’s revelation.

Then, Samuel drops another bombshell: “As for your donkeys that strayed three days ago, do not concern yourself about them, for they have been found. And for whom is all Israel yearning, if not for you and all your ancestral house?” Saul, still processing the 'seer' revelation, is utterly floored. He, a humble Benjaminite from the smallest tribe, the least of clans? This is where his insecurity surfaces, a very human reaction to an overwhelming destiny.

Samuel brings Saul and his servant to a place of honor, sharing a meal with them. This is a significant act of hospitality and recognition. Then, the anointing itself: Samuel takes a flask of oil, pours it on Saul’s head, kisses him, and declares, “GOD herewith anoints you ruler over this people—God’s own.”

This act of anointing with oil is symbolic. It’s a consecration, setting Saul apart for a holy purpose. It’s a public acknowledgment of God’s selection, a visible sign to anyone who might see it that Saul is now divinely appointed. But it’s also profoundly personal. It’s Samuel speaking directly to Saul, delivering God’s message.

And then, the transformation: “As [Saul] turned around to leave Samuel, God gave him another heart; and all those signs were fulfilled that same day.” This is the critical part. The anointing isn't just a ceremony; it's a catalyst. It’s not just about being chosen; it’s about being changed. God imparts a new heart, a new spirit. This is not about external validation; it’s about internal recalibration.

This has huge implications for us at home. Think about moments of affirmation or recognition within your family. When you praise your child for their effort on a difficult task, or acknowledge your partner's hard work, you're offering a form of anointing. You're saying, "I see you. I recognize your value. You are set apart for something good."

But the deeper lesson here is about the internal transformation that follows. Saul doesn't just get the title of king; he receives a new heart. This is what we aim for in our families – not just to acknowledge achievements, but to foster internal growth, to nurture a spirit of resilience, compassion, and purpose.

When a parent patiently guides a child through a mistake, not with judgment but with understanding and a focus on learning, they are, in a sense, anointing that child with a new perspective, a new way of seeing themselves. When a couple navigates a disagreement with respect and a commitment to understanding, they are anointing their relationship with a renewed sense of partnership and love.

The text also notes that after the anointing, “the spirit of GOD gripped him, and he spoke in ecstasy along with them; he will become a different person.” This is the outward manifestation of the inward change. Saul, who was perhaps shy or uncertain, is now capable of prophetic utterance, of being swept up in divine energy.

This is our challenge at home: to create an environment where such internal transformations can occur. It’s about fostering trust, encouraging vulnerability, and celebrating not just successes, but also the growth that comes from challenges. It’s about recognizing that true leadership, true purpose, comes not just from external appointment, but from an internal shift, a reorientation of the heart.

The commentaries here are particularly insightful. Steinsaltz notes that Saul was "distinguished and fine person in appearance," and that his height made him "stand prominently above his peers." This suggests that his outward qualities were meant to be a visible manifestation of his inner potential. He wasn't just chosen; he was equipped, both inwardly and outwardly, for the task.

The idea of God giving Saul "another heart" is profound. It signifies a complete change of disposition, a spiritual renewal. This isn't about putting on a brave face; it's about a genuine internal shift. When we encourage our children to be kind, to be honest, to be resilient, we are, in a way, hoping for that same divine infusion of a 'new heart,' a deeper commitment to goodness.

So, the anointing is a two-part phenomenon: the public declaration of God’s favor and selection, and the private, internal transformation that equips the individual for their divinely appointed role. It’s a reminder that true leadership, true purpose, is not just about being given a title or a task, but about being fundamentally changed from within. And this change, this 'new heart,' is a gift that we can strive to cultivate in ourselves and in our families, through intentionality, love, and a willingness to embrace the transformative power of the divine."

Micro-Ritual

(Picks up a small, empty vial or a clean, small jar)

"You know, the act of anointing with oil is ancient, powerful, and beautiful. It’s a way of setting apart, of blessing, of marking something as special. In this story, Samuel anoints Saul with oil, signifying his kingship. It's a moment of profound transition.

Now, we don’t all have sacred oil lying around, and frankly, we don't need to be kings to experience the power of setting things apart. We can take this idea of anointing and bring it into our homes, especially as we transition from the busyness of the week into the peace of Shabbat, or as we mark the end of Shabbat with Havdalah.

The "Oil of Intention" Ritual

This is super simple, anyone can do it, and it takes maybe two minutes.

What you need:

• A small amount of olive oil (or any oil you have – almond oil, even a lovely hand lotion if that’s what you have!)
• A small container or just your fingertips.
• A moment of quiet.

How to do it:

1. Find Your Moment: This can be done just before Shabbat dinner, or even during Havdalah after you’ve smelled the spices. It’s about creating a little pocket of intentionality.
2. Pour (or Dip): Take a tiny bit of oil. You don't need much.
3. Set Your Intention: As you hold the oil, think about what you want to bless or set apart. It could be:
   • For Shabbat: You can anoint the doorframe of your home, or the table you’ll eat at, and say, "May this home be filled with peace and connection this Shabbat." Or you could anoint your forehead and say, "May my mind be clear and my heart open to the holiness of Shabbat."
   • For Havdalah (or any time): You can anoint your child's forehead and say, "May you be blessed with strength and wisdom as you go into this new week." Or you can anoint your own hands and say, "May these hands be used for good this week." You can even anoint a specific item – a book you want to read, a project you want to start – with the intention of giving it focus and energy.
4. Anoint: Gently rub the oil onto the chosen spot or person. It’s a physical act that connects with the spiritual intention. You can even just rub it on your own wrists or temples.
5. Bless: Speak your intention aloud, or just hold it in your heart.

Why this works:

This ritual taps into the ancient practice of anointing, but it personalizes it. It’s not about grandeur; it’s about mindfulness.

• Tangible Connection: We are physical beings. Anointing with oil provides a sensory experience that makes our intentions more concrete. It’s like a physical anchor for our spiritual desires.
• Focus and Purpose: In a world that constantly pulls our attention in a million directions, this ritual creates a pause. It’s a deliberate act of choosing where to place our focus and our energy. Just as Saul was set apart for a purpose, we can use this to set apart moments, people, or even ourselves for a specific intention.
• Family Connection: This can be a beautiful way to connect as a family. Imagine anointing each other’s hands before a busy week, or blessing the Shabbat table together. It creates shared moments of meaning and intention.

Think about the oil itself. It's often extracted from the olive, a symbol of peace and longevity. It's a product of nature, a gift from the earth, that we can transform through intention. It’s a way of saying, "This moment, this person, this task – it is special. It is blessed."

So, the next time you find yourself in the flow of preparing for Shabbat, or winding down with Havdalah, or even just needing a moment of grounding, reach for a little oil. Anoint your space, anoint your loved ones, or anoint yourself with your intentions. It's a small act, but in that smallness, there’s a world of meaning and connection waiting to unfold. It’s our camp campfire wisdom, brought home, one drop of intention at a time."

Chevruta Mini

(Leans in conspiratorially, a twinkle in the eye)

"Alright, time to put on our thinking caps, like we used to do during discussion groups after a particularly powerful song. We’ve journeyed with Saul from lost donkeys to divine anointing. Now, let’s chew on it a little.

Question 1: The Hidden King and the Active Seeker

Saul is chosen by God, and God reveals this to Samuel before Saul even sets out. Yet, Saul is actively searching for donkeys and then hesitant about approaching the seer, needing his servant to push him.

• How does this contrast between God’s foreknowledge and Saul’s hesitant, practical journey challenge our understanding of divine will and human agency? In what ways can we see this dynamic playing out in our own lives when we feel called to something greater, but are also bogged down by everyday concerns?

Question 2: The New Heart and the Unseen Change

The text states that after Samuel anoints Saul, "God gave him another heart; and all those signs were fulfilled that same day." Later, when Saul encounters prophets, "the spirit of God gripped him, and he spoke in ecstasy." This is a profound internal transformation.

• What does it mean for God to "give another heart"? How is this internal transformation different from, or connected to, the external act of anointing and the fulfillment of signs? Can we identify moments in our own lives or families where a significant internal shift (a 'new heart') has led to new capacities or a different way of being, even without a dramatic outward event?

Take a moment to ponder these. Talk them over with someone if you can. Sometimes, the deepest Torah lessons are found not in the pronouncements, but in the questions that linger."

Takeaway

"So, what's the big takeaway from Saul's wild donkey chase and royal anointing? It’s this: Our most profound journeys often begin with the smallest, most unexpected steps, and true transformation comes not just from being chosen, but from being changed from the inside out.

Saul thought he was just doing a chore. He was focused on the immediate problem, the lost donkeys. But by being open to a detour, by seeking out wisdom, and by allowing himself to be touched by the divine, he stepped onto a path that led him to his destiny. God’s plan was already in motion, but Saul’s willingness to participate, to be present, and to accept the unexpected was key.

And that 'new heart'? That's the real magic. It’s the internal shift, the spiritual recalibration that allows us to step into our purpose, to be more than we were before. It’s a reminder that while external recognition is nice, the internal change is what truly empowers us.

This is our 'campfire Torah' for today. Whether you're searching for lost keys, navigating a tricky family situation, or just trying to find your way through the week, remember: be open to the detours, embrace the wisdom offered, and trust that even in the mundane, there can be divine orchestration. And most importantly, cultivate that 'new heart' – that inner readiness for growth and transformation. Because that, my friends, is where the real adventure begins."

(Sings a final, uplifting chord) "Shabbat Shalom, and may your week be filled with surprising journeys and transformative hearts!"