Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
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1 Samuel
Book: 1 Samuel
Chapter: 9
Overview:
Saul is brought to
Samuel.
(1-10) Samuel told concerning
Saul.
(11-17) Samuel's treatment of
Saul.
(18-27)
1-10 Saul readily went to seek his
Father's asses. His
obedience to his
Father was praise-worthy. His servant proposed,
that since they were now at Ramah, they should
Call On Samuel,
and take his advice. Wherever we are, we should use our
opportunities of acquainting ourselves with those who are
Wise
and good. Many will consult a
Man of
God, if he comes in their
way, that would not go a step out of their way to get
Wisdom. We
sensibly feel worldly losses, and bestow much pains to make them
up; but how little do we attempt, and how soon are we weary, in
seeking the
Salvation of our souls! If ministers could tell men
how to secure their property, or to get wealth, they would be
more consulted and honoured than they now are, though employed
in teaching them how to escape eternal misery, and to obtain
eternal
Life. Most people would rather be told their fortune
than their duty.
Samuel needed not their
Money, nor would he
have denied his advice, if they had not brought it; but they
gave it to him as a token of respect, and of the value they
Put
upon his office, and according to the general usage of those
times, always to bring a present to those in authority.
11-17 The very maid-servants of the
City could direct to the
Prophet. They had heard of the
Sacrifice, and could tell of the
necessity for
Samuel's presence. It is
No small benefit to live
in religious and holy places. And we should always be ready to
help those who are seeking after
God's prophets. Though
God had,
in displeasure, granted
Israel's request for a
King, yet he
sends them a
Man to be
Captain over them, to save them out of
the
Hand of the
Philistines. He does it, listening graciously to
their cry.
18-27 Samuel, that good
Prophet, was
So far from envying
Saul,
or bearing him any ill-will, that he was the first and most
forward to do him honour. Both that
Evening and early the next
morning,
Samuel communed with
Saul upon the flat roof of the
House. We may suppose
Samuel now convinced
Saul that he was the
person
God had fixed upon for the government, and of his own
willingness to resign. How different are the purposes of the
Lord for us, from our intentions for ourselves! Perhaps
Saul was
the only one who ever went out to seek asses, and literally
found a kingdom; but many have set out and moved their
Dwellings
to seek riches and pleasures, who have been guided to places
where they found
Salvation for their souls. Thus they have met
with those who addressed them as if aware of the secrets of
their lives and hearts, and have been led seriously to regard
the
Word of the
Lord. If this has been our case, though our
worldly plans have not prospered, let us not care for that; the
Lord has given us, or has prepared us for, what is far better.