Finding the Seer
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God had revealed to Samuel that at that time the chosen king of Israel would present himself before him. As they now stood face to face, the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! This same shall reign over My people.’” “Before Saul spoke, Samuel knew that he was the man of whom the Lord had told him the previous day.” Samuel first answered the pressing question on Saul’s mind. The missing livestock had been found.
This information convinced Saul that Samuel was indeed the seer; for how could he otherwise have answered a question before it was asked? Samuel urged Saul to remain in town for the sacrificial feast. “Though himself a prophet and a judge, Samuel accepted the counsel of the Lord that Israel be granted the desire of their hearts. He expressed no feelings of regret or jealousy at meeting the young man who was to take over the responsibility of delivering Israel from the hand of the Philistines (v. 16). Instead, he accorded Saul evidences of honor and respect (see vs. 20–24). . . . Samuel not only indicated that he was willing to give Saul the responsibility, but also that he would do all in his power to prepare the future king for his duties.” “Saul was not told of his high calling that day. Evidently Samuel spent some time in explaining to his guest the great principles of the theocratic government that had now been in operation for centuries, and the implications of the changes urged by the elders. But the unexpected events of the day did not apparently weigh heavily on the heart of Saul, for he slept until called by the prophet the next morning.” Would you have been as gracious in greeting a person selected to take your place as Samuel?
