Question 1

Who are Kish and Saul in this passage, and why are they introduced?

Accepted Answer

Kish is a man from the tribe of Benjamin, described as a strong and able person. Saul is his son. The passage introduces Saul as a “choice young man” who is taller and more handsome than anyone else in Israel. This sets him apart in people’s eyes and shows why Israel might see him as a good fit for a king. At the same time, he starts out simply as a son obeying his father, which shows humble beginnings before any public role is given to him.

Question 2

What is the significance of Saul searching for his father’s lost donkeys?

Accepted Answer

On the surface, Saul is just doing a normal task for his father, looking for lost animals. He walks through several regions and cannot find them. But this simple search is how God leads him toward Samuel, the prophet. It shows that God can use very ordinary problems and errands to move people toward His plans. Saul thinks he is only dealing with donkeys, but God is guiding him toward something much bigger that he does not see yet.

Question 3

Why does Saul’s servant suggest visiting the man of God in the city?

Accepted Answer

When they cannot find the donkeys and Saul is ready to go home, the servant remembers there is a “man of God” in the nearby city. He says this man is honored and what he says always comes true. So he suggests they go and ask him to show them the way. This shows the respect people had for God’s prophets and how they believed God gave them insight for daily decisions, not just big spiritual questions. It also shows the servant’s faith and good sense.

Question 4

What does this passage teach about prophets and the term “seer”?

Accepted Answer

In the middle of the story there is a note that what people now call a prophet used to be called a “seer.” A seer was someone who “saw,” meaning God gave them special insight or revelation. This helps explain why Saul and his servant ask, “Is the seer here?” and expect clear guidance. The passage shows prophets as people chosen by God to speak His word and give direction, and it hints that names and customs can change while God’s way of speaking to His people stays sure.

Question 5

Why is Saul worried about not having a gift for the man of God?

Accepted Answer

Saul is concerned that they have no bread left and no present to bring when they go to the man of God. This reflects the custom of honoring someone who serves God with a gift. It also shows Saul’s sense of respect and his feeling of unworthiness to ask for help empty-handed. His servant solves the problem by offering a small piece of silver. The point is not that the prophet demands payment, but that people wanted to show honor and gratitude when they went to seek God’s guidance.

Question 6

What is the role of the young maidens who meet Saul and his servant?

Accepted Answer

As Saul and his servant climb the hill toward the city, they meet young women going out to draw water. He asks them, “Is the seer here?” They give a clear answer, explain that Samuel has just come into the city for a sacrifice at the high place, and urge them to hurry so they can catch him before the meal. Their simple directions are another small detail God uses to get Saul to the right place at the right time, showing how even ordinary people can help guide others toward God’s purposes.

Question 7

What does this passage show about God’s providence and timing?

Accepted Answer

The whole scene is filled with small details that fit together: the donkeys get lost, Kish sends Saul, they wander through several regions, the servant remembers the man of God, he happens to have a small coin, the maidens point them to Samuel, and Samuel is just then going up to the sacrifice. None of this looks special by itself, but together it shows God quietly directing events. The passage teaches that God is at work even when life feels like a series of ordinary problems and chance meetings.

Question 8

How can this story about Saul’s errand apply to everyday life today?

Accepted Answer

This story reminds us that everyday tasks and problems are not outside God’s care. Saul was simply obeying his father and trying to solve a practical problem, yet God used that obedience to lead him into His larger plan. In our lives, being faithful in small duties, listening to wise voices, and being willing to seek God’s direction can place us where He wants us. We may not see the bigger picture at first, but God can use ordinary steps to guide us toward the purposes He has for us.

1 Samuel 9:1

Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power.

Saul Chosen as King

Saul’s Search

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1 Samuel 9:1

Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power.

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Saul Chosen as King

Saul’s Search

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