“And as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us, (and he passed on,) but stand thou still a while, that I may shew thee the word of God.”
Context:The book of 1 Samuel is an account of the transition from the period of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. In this particular verse, the prophet Samuel, who would become the last judge of Israel and the one to anoint Saul as the first king, interacts with Saul in a significant encounter.
Divine Appointment:This passage highlights the divine orchestration of events. Earlier in 1 Samuel 9, Saul, accompanied by his servant, was searching for his father’s lost donkeys. In the course of their journey, they coincidentally arrived at the city where Samuel lived. However, the meeting between Samuel and Saul was not a mere coincidence but a divine appointment. God had already spoken to Samuel about Saul’s arrival (1 Samuel 9:15-16). This demonstrates God’s sovereignty and His ability to direct our paths even when we are unaware of His plans.
Samuel as God’s Messenger:Samuel, a prophet of God, played a crucial role in this narrative. He was chosen by God to convey His message to Saul. Samuel’s instructions to Saul to send his servant ahead while he stayed back to share the word of God emphasize the importance of receiving divine guidance and revelation. In our lives, we should be attentive to God’s messengers, whether they are pastors, teachers, or mentors, who can help us understand and apply God’s Word.
The Word of God:Samuel intended to “shew” or reveal the word of God to Saul. This suggests that God had a specific message or revelation for Saul at that moment. The importance of receiving and understanding God’s Word is crucial for our spiritual growth and guidance. It serves as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). We should have a hunger for the Scriptures and be open to hearing God’s voice through His Word.
Waiting on God:The instruction given to Saul to “stand thou still a while” highlights the need for patience and waiting on God’s timing. Saul was asked to pause and be patient, allowing Samuel to deliver God’s message. Waiting on God can be challenging, especially in a fast-paced world, but it is often in those moments of waiting that we experience growth, learn valuable lessons, and develop our character. We should cultivate an attitude of patience, trust, and submission to God’s timing in our lives.
In conclusion, 1 Samuel 9:27 reminds us of God’s divine appointment, the role of His messengers, the significance of His Word, and the importance of waiting on His timing. It encourages us to seek God’s guidance, pay attention to His messengers, study His Word, and patiently wait for His direction in our lives.
