1 samuel 9:14 - They went up to the city. As they came within the city, behold, Samuel came out toward them, to go up to the high place.

Generated Verse: 1 samuel 9:14

What does "1 samuel 9:14" mean?


This verse in 1 Samuel 9:14 is a pivotal moment in the story of Saul, who will soon be anointed as the first king of Israel. Let's break down the meaning:

"They went up to the city." "They" refers to Saul and his servant who were searching for Saul's father's lost donkeys. The city is unnamed here, but we know from previous verses that it's in the district of Zuph. They had been wandering the countryside, and this is their first success at reaching a place where they believe they can get information about the lost animals.

"As they came within the city, behold, Samuel came out toward them..." This is a significant encounter. Just as they enter the city, their path intersects with Samuel, a highly respected prophet and judge in Israel. "Behold" is often used in the Bible to draw attention to something important or unexpected. The timing of this meeting is critical.

"...to go up to the high place." Samuel is on his way to the "high place," which was a site of religious sacrifice and worship. This indicates that Samuel is about to perform a religious act, likely including sacrificing.

Overall Meaning and Significance:

The verse highlights a divinely orchestrated meeting. Saul and his servant are not simply stumbling into any town; they are arriving at a specific city at a specific time when Samuel, a man of God, is about to perform a sacrifice. It suggests that something important is about to happen. The timing of their encounter is key. It implies God's hand is at work, guiding Saul to Samuel. This meeting will lead to Samuel anointing Saul as the future king of Israel. The reader understands that this is not a coincidence, but a divinely ordained encounter that will have significant consequences for the nation of Israel.

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