“And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people.”
1 Samuel 9:2 introduces us to Saul:who would later become the first king of Israel. This verse provides us with some physical descriptions of Saul, highlighting his impressive appearance and stature. Let’s explore the significance and context of this verse.
Saul’s Background:Saul was the son of Kish, a wealthy man from the tribe of Benjamin. The verse describes Saul as a choice young man, which implies that he was distinguished or outstanding in some way. Saul came from a respected family and had favourable physical attributes that made him stand out among the people of Israel.
Physical Appearance:The verse emphasizes Saul’s Physical Appearance:He is described as goodly, which suggests that he had a handsome or attractive appearance. Furthermore, it states that Saul was taller than anyone else from his shoulders and upward. This detail highlights Saul’s remarkable height, symbolizing his prominence and making him a noticeable figure among the Israelites.
God’s Choosing:The description of Saul’s physical attributes serves to demonstrate his suitability for the role God had in store for him. God would later instruct the prophet Samuel to anoint Saul as the first king of Israel (1 Samuel 9:16). While physical appearance alone does not determine one’s qualifications, God used Saul’s stature and appearance as a visible sign to affirm his choice.
Foreshadowing:Saul’s physical attributes, particularly his height and attractiveness, would later become a point of comparison with the subsequent king, David. When David is introduced in 1 Samuel 16, he is described as being “ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to” (1 Samuel 16:12, KJV). The contrasting descriptions of Saul and David highlight the different qualities that God values in leadership, and it foreshadows the eventual transition of the kingship from Saul to David.
Overall, 1 Samuel 9:2 provides us with initial insights into Saul’s physical appearance and sets the stage for his anointing as the first king of Israel. It reminds us that God’s choices are not always based solely on outward appearances, but they can serve as visible signs of His purposes and plans.
