1 Samuel 9:12

“And they answered them, and said, He is; behold, he is before you: make haste now, for he came today to the city; for there is a sacrifice of the people today in the high place.”

1 Samuel 9:12 is a verse from the Old Testament, part of the narrative of the prophet Samuel anointing Saul as the first king of Israel. Let’s break down the verse and explore its context and significance:

Context: Prior to this verse, Saul, a young man from the tribe of Benjamin, was searching for his father’s lost donkeys. After an unsuccessful search, he sought the counsel of the prophet Samuel, who had been instructed by God to anoint Saul as the future king of Israel.

Identifying Saul: In 1 Samuel 9:12, the people who were approached by Saul and his servant confirmed to them that the man they were seeking (referring to Samuel) was indeed before them. They urged Saul to make haste because Samuel had arrived in the city that day. The mention of a sacrifice of the people in the high place indicates that there was a sacred gathering happening, possibly in connection with a religious ceremony.

Divine Guidance: This verse highlights God’s providence in orchestrating events. Saul’s journey to find the lost donkeys led him to Samuel, who had been prepared by God to anoint him as king. It demonstrates how God can work through seemingly ordinary circumstances to fulfill His plans and purposes.

Samuel as the Prophet: Samuel played a significant role in Israel’s history. He served as both a judge and a prophet, acting as an intermediary between God and the people. Samuel’s anointing of Saul marked a pivotal moment in Israel’s transition from a theocratic rule under judges to a monarchy.

Foreshadowing: This verse foreshadows Saul’s encounter with Samuel, which would lead to Saul’s anointing as king. It sets the stage for the subsequent events that unfold in Saul’s life and the destiny God had ordained for him.

Symbolism: The reference to the sacrifice in the high place emphasizes the religious significance of the occasion. High places were locations of worship and sacrifice, often associated with pagan practices. Although God had designated specific places for worship, the presence of a sacrifice in a high place suggests a deviation from proper worship.

In conclusion, 1 Samuel 9:12 captures the moment when Saul and his servant encountered the people who confirmed that Samuel was present in the city and that a sacrifice of the people was taking place. This verse serves as a precursor to Saul’s anointing as king and highlights God’s providence and His ability to guide events according to His divine plan.