1 Samuel 9:12

And they answered them, and said, He is: behold, he is before you, make haste now: for he came to day to the citie; for there is a sacrifice of the people to day in the hie place. 1 Samuel 9:12 (KJV)

1 Samuel 9:12 is an Old Testament verse that sits within the narrative of the prophet Samuel anointing Saul as Israel’s first king. Prior to this verse Saul, a young man of the tribe of Benjamin, was searching for his father’s lost donkeys. After an unsuccessful search he turned to Samuel, who had been instructed by God to anoint Saul as the future king.

In the passage the people whom Saul and his servant encounter confirm that the man they were seeking—Samuel—is indeed before them. They urge Saul to “make haste now” because Samuel had arrived in the city that day, and they note that a sacrifice of the people was being offered at the high place. The reference to the sacrifice indicates that a sacred gathering was taking place, likely connected with a religious ceremony.

The verse highlights divine guidance: Saul’s ordinary quest for donkeys leads him to the very person God had prepared to anoint him. It demonstrates how God can work through seemingly mundane circumstances to fulfill His purposes.

Samuel’s role is emphasized throughout the surrounding narrative. He served both as judge and prophet, acting as an intermediary between God and Israel. His anointing of Saul marks a pivotal transition from the period of the judges to a monarchy.

The mention of a sacrifice at the high place underscores the religious significance of the moment. High places were common sites of worship before the temple in Jerusalem, and the passage does not label this particular sacrifice as improper.

Thus the verse captures the precise moment when Saul and his servant receive confirmation that Samuel is present in the city and that a communal sacrifice is underway. It serves as a precursor to Saul’s anointing and underscores God’s providence in guiding events according to His divine plan.