“And Samuel said unto the cook, Bring the portion which I gave thee, of which I said unto thee, Set it by thee.”
This verse is part of the narrative in 1 Samuel that describes the selection and anointing of Saul as the first king of Israel. Let’s explore the context and significance of this verse.
Historical Context:During the time of Samuel, Israel was a nation ruled by judges. However, the people of Israel desired a king like the surrounding nations. In response to their request, God instructed Samuel to anoint Saul as the king over Israel.
Samuel’s Meeting with Saul:In 1 Samuel 9, we learn that Saul, the son of Kish, went in search of his father’s lost donkeys. During his search, he came across Samuel, who was a prophet of God. Unbeknownst to Saul, God had already revealed to Samuel that Saul would be the one anointed as king.
The Verse’s Context:In 1 Samuel 9:23, after Samuel had spoken with Saul privately, he instructed the cook to bring the portion of food that had been set aside for Saul. This act signifies the special treatment Saul was about to receive from Samuel, indicating that something important was about to happen.
Symbolic Meaning:The act of setting aside a portion of food for Saul carries symbolic meaning. In ancient times, sharing a meal had great significance and often represented a covenant or a special relationship. By setting aside a portion of food for Saul, Samuel was symbolically indicating that God had chosen Saul for a significant purpose and that he would be set apart as king.
Foreshadowing:This verse also foreshadows Saul’s future role as king. It signifies the beginning of God’s plan to establish Saul’s kingship over Israel. Although Saul initially displayed promise as a leader, his reign eventually encountered challenges and his disobedience led to his downfall.
Overall, 1 Samuel 9:23 highlights the special treatment Samuel accorded Saul and foreshadows the significant role Saul would play as the first king of Israel. It also emphasizes God’s sovereign choice in anointing Saul, setting in motion the establishment of a monarchy in Israel’s history.
