This verse, 1 Samuel 9:13, is part of the narrative where Samuel is about to meet Saul for the first time and anoint him as the future king of Israel. Let's break down the meaning:
"As soon as you have come into the city, you will immediately find him...": The unnamed young women (likely water carriers) are telling Saul and his servant that Samuel is easily accessible upon entering the city, due to his well-known public role.
"...before he goes up to the high place to eat...": The "high place" refers to a local religious shrine or altar where sacrifices were offered. Samuel, as a prophet and judge, would partake in these religious ceremonies. He hasn't eaten yet.
"...for the people will not eat until he come, because he blesses the sacrifice...": This reveals Samuel's important religious role. The community ritual meal is dependent on him. Samuel, as God's representative, would bless the sacrifice before the people could begin their communal feast. This blessing sanctified the food and made it fit for consumption after its offering to God.
"Afterwards those who are invited eat...": Only those invited to the feast can eat after Samuel blesses the sacrifice. This likely refers to elders, notable figures, and perhaps the family who provided the sacrifice.
"Now therefore go up; for at this time you will find him.": The women encourage Saul and his servant to go up to the high place immediately, emphasizing the timing. Samuel is there now, before the communal meal. This urgency is divinely orchestrated, as Saul's meeting with Samuel is part of God's plan to set him up as king.
In Summary:
The verse describes the cultural and religious context of Samuel's time, specifically highlighting:
Samuel's Authority: He is a respected religious leader whose presence and blessing are necessary for communal religious meals.
Timing and Divine Providence: The women's advice emphasizes the specific timing of Saul's arrival, suggesting that Saul must go up to meet Samuel before he blesses the sacrifice to meet him. This helps to create a sense of divine intervention and foreshadowing, reinforcing the idea that God is directing events.
Social Structure: It illustrates the community's organization around religious events and the hierarchy of participation.
Foreshadowing: The verse is also a key setup for the meeting between Samuel and Saul, which will lead to Saul's anointing as king.
In essence, this verse provides a glimpse into the life and times of Samuel, and how his actions were central to the daily lives of the people. It sets the stage for the critical encounter between Samuel and Saul, emphasizing that this meeting is happening at a divinely appointed time.
This verse, 1 Samuel 9:13, is part of the narrative where Samuel is about to meet Saul for the first time and anoint him as the future king of Israel. Let's break down the meaning:
"As soon as you have come into the city, you will immediately find him...": The unnamed young women (likely water carriers) are telling Saul and his servant that Samuel is easily accessible upon entering the city, due to his well-known public role.
"...before he goes up to the high place to eat...": The "high place" refers to a local religious shrine or altar where sacrifices were offered. Samuel, as a prophet and judge, would partake in these religious ceremonies. He hasn't eaten yet.
"...for the people will not eat until he come, because he blesses the sacrifice...": This reveals Samuel's important religious role. The community ritual meal is dependent on him. Samuel, as God's representative, would bless the sacrifice before the people could begin their communal feast. This blessing sanctified the food and made it fit for consumption after its offering to God.
"Afterwards those who are invited eat...": Only those invited to the feast can eat after Samuel blesses the sacrifice. This likely refers to elders, notable figures, and perhaps the family who provided the sacrifice.
"Now therefore go up; for at this time you will find him.": The women encourage Saul and his servant to go up to the high place immediately, emphasizing the timing. Samuel is there now, before the communal meal. This urgency is divinely orchestrated, as Saul's meeting with Samuel is part of God's plan to set him up as king.
In Summary:
The verse describes the cultural and religious context of Samuel's time, specifically highlighting:
Samuel's Authority: He is a respected religious leader whose presence and blessing are necessary for communal religious meals.
Timing and Divine Providence: The women's advice emphasizes the specific timing of Saul's arrival, suggesting that Saul must go up to meet Samuel before he blesses the sacrifice to meet him. This helps to create a sense of divine intervention and foreshadowing, reinforcing the idea that God is directing events.
Social Structure: It illustrates the community's organization around religious events and the hierarchy of participation.
Foreshadowing: The verse is also a key setup for the meeting between Samuel and Saul, which will lead to Saul's anointing as king.
In essence, this verse provides a glimpse into the life and times of Samuel, and how his actions were central to the daily lives of the people. It sets the stage for the critical encounter between Samuel and Saul, emphasizing that this meeting is happening at a divinely appointed time.