Chapter Summary

Saul chosen king.

Discussion Questions for 1 Samuel, Chapter 9

1. Why do you think the author notes Saul's height and appearance? Why would these be important details for the reader?
2. What kind of family is Saul from? What do we know about his father, Kish? How does this contrast with Saul's protests in vs. 21?
3. How does Saul demonstrate care and concern for his father's estate? What do we learn about Saul?
4. How is Saul trying to fix his problem using his own resources? How is ironic that Saul's servant and not Saul himself desires to go and see the man of God?
5. What parallels and differences do you see between Saul as a donkey-finder and David as a shepherd? (See 1 Samuel 17: 34-37). What does this suggest about each man? In what ways are they similar to and different from Christ?
6. There is an authorial aside in vs. 9 about the two terms for a man who inquires and receives words from God. What do these terms reveal about Samuel's role and how the people perceive his duties?
7. What do the girls reveal to Saul and his servant? Why will the people be waiting for Samuel? What does this reveal about the people's priorities?
8. Consider the importance of the sequence of events. How does it reveal God's sovereignty in choosing Israel's first king?
9. How does Samuel address Saul? What name does he give him? What does this name suggest?
10. Samuel set aside a special cut of meat in anticipation of Saul's arrival. Why is this important? What does this signify? (See Exodus 29:22, Numbers 6:20).

Key Words/Phrase

Saul, v. 2.

Characters

God, Samuel, Saul, his servant, Kish.

Strong Verse(s)

21,25,27.