1 samuel 9:24 - The cook took up the thigh, and that which was on it, and set it before Saul. Samuel said, “Behold, that which has been reserved! Set it before yourself and eat; because for the appointed time has it been kept for you, for I said, ‘I have invited the people.’” So Saul ate with Samuel that day.
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What does "1 samuel 9:24" mean?
This verse (1 Samuel 9:24) describes a specific event during a pivotal meeting between Samuel, the prophet, and Saul, who is about to be anointed as the first king of Israel. Let's break down its meaning:
"The cook took up the thigh, and that which was on it, and set it before Saul." This describes the preparation of food. The cook, who had been instructed by Samuel, presents a specific cut of meat (the thigh, a valued portion) to Saul. "That which was on it" probably refers to the fat and other flavorful parts clinging to the thigh. This highlights that it was a substantial and choice piece of meat.
"Samuel said, “Behold, that which has been reserved! Set it before yourself and eat; because for the appointed time has it been kept for you, for I said, ‘I have invited the people.’” This is the crucial part. Samuel reveals that this particular piece of meat was intentionally set aside for Saul. It wasn't a random cut, but something specifically meant for him.
"Behold, that which has been reserved!" Emphasizes that this was not a coincidence. It had been planned.
"for the appointed time has it been kept for you" Highlights the concept of divine timing and purpose. It was prepared for Saul, and for this specific moment.
"for I said, ‘I have invited the people.'" Samuel explains that even though others are present (the invited people), this portion is exclusively for Saul. It signifies his special status and sets him apart from the rest.
"So Saul ate with Samuel that day." This confirms that Saul accepted the offered meat and ate it with Samuel. The act of sharing a meal together reinforces the bond between them and symbolizes their shared destiny.
Overall Significance:
Divine Appointment: The reserved portion of meat symbolizes Saul's pre-ordained selection as king. It's a physical manifestation of God's plan for him.
Recognition of Saul's Status: The specific reservation elevates Saul above the other invited guests and indicates his newfound importance and leadership role.
Establishment of Authority: Samuel's actions (instructing the cook and personally presenting the meat to Saul) underscore his role as God's appointed leader and mediator. By obeying Samuel, Saul acknowledges Samuel's authority and, implicitly, God's authority.
Symbolic Transition: The meal serves as a symbolic transition for Saul from being an ordinary man to becoming the chosen leader of Israel. He is being treated with the respect and honor due to a king, even before he is formally anointed.
In short, this verse is not just about a meal; it's about God's plan unfolding, the recognition of Saul's destined role, and the symbolic passing of the torch from Samuel to Saul. The reserved portion of meat is a tangible representation of Saul's divine appointment and the beginning of his kingship.
1 samuel 9:24 - The cook took up the thigh, and that which was on it, and set it before Saul. Samuel said, “Behold, that which has been reserved! Set it before yourself and eat; because for the appointed time has it been kept for you, for I said, ‘I have invited the people.’” So Saul ate with Samuel that day.
What does "1 samuel 9:24" mean?
This verse (1 Samuel 9:24) describes a specific event during a pivotal meeting between Samuel, the prophet, and Saul, who is about to be anointed as the first king of Israel. Let's break down its meaning:
"The cook took up the thigh, and that which was on it, and set it before Saul." This describes the preparation of food. The cook, who had been instructed by Samuel, presents a specific cut of meat (the thigh, a valued portion) to Saul. "That which was on it" probably refers to the fat and other flavorful parts clinging to the thigh. This highlights that it was a substantial and choice piece of meat.
"Samuel said, “Behold, that which has been reserved! Set it before yourself and eat; because for the appointed time has it been kept for you, for I said, ‘I have invited the people.’” This is the crucial part. Samuel reveals that this particular piece of meat was intentionally set aside for Saul. It wasn't a random cut, but something specifically meant for him.
"Behold, that which has been reserved!" Emphasizes that this was not a coincidence. It had been planned.
"for the appointed time has it been kept for you" Highlights the concept of divine timing and purpose. It was prepared for Saul, and for this specific moment.
"for I said, ‘I have invited the people.'" Samuel explains that even though others are present (the invited people), this portion is exclusively for Saul. It signifies his special status and sets him apart from the rest.
"So Saul ate with Samuel that day." This confirms that Saul accepted the offered meat and ate it with Samuel. The act of sharing a meal together reinforces the bond between them and symbolizes their shared destiny.
Overall Significance:
Divine Appointment: The reserved portion of meat symbolizes Saul's pre-ordained selection as king. It's a physical manifestation of God's plan for him.
Recognition of Saul's Status: The specific reservation elevates Saul above the other invited guests and indicates his newfound importance and leadership role.
Establishment of Authority: Samuel's actions (instructing the cook and personally presenting the meat to Saul) underscore his role as God's appointed leader and mediator. By obeying Samuel, Saul acknowledges Samuel's authority and, implicitly, God's authority.
Symbolic Transition: The meal serves as a symbolic transition for Saul from being an ordinary man to becoming the chosen leader of Israel. He is being treated with the respect and honor due to a king, even before he is formally anointed.
In short, this verse is not just about a meal; it's about God's plan unfolding, the recognition of Saul's destined role, and the symbolic passing of the torch from Samuel to Saul. The reserved portion of meat is a tangible representation of Saul's divine appointment and the beginning of his kingship.