9:1 | Kish was a rich, influential man from the tribe of Benjamin. He was the son of Abiel and grandson of Zeror, from the family of Becorath and the clan of Aphiah.

9:2 | His son Saul was the most handsome man in Israel--head and shoulders taller than anyone else in the land.

9:8 | "Well," the servant said, "I have one small silver piece. We can at least offer it to him and see what happens!"

9:11 | As they were climbing a hill toward the town, they met some young women coming out to draw water. So Saul and his servant asked, "Is the seer here today?"

9:12 | "Yes," they replied. "Stay right on this road. He is at the town gates. He has just arrived to take part in a public sacrifice up on the hill.

9:14 | So they entered the town, and as they passed through the gates, Samuel was coming out toward them to climb the hill.

9:15 | Now the LORD had told Samuel the previous day,

9:16 | "About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin. Anoint him to be the leader of my people, Israel. He will rescue them from the Philistines, for I have looked down on my people in mercy and have heard their cry."

9:22 | Then Samuel brought Saul and his servant into the great hall and placed them at the head of the table, honoring them above the thirty special guests.

9:23 | Samuel then instructed the cook to bring Saul the finest cut of meat, the piece that had been set aside for the guest of honor.

9:24 | So the cook brought it in and placed it before Saul. "Go ahead and eat it," Samuel said. "I was saving it for you even before I invited these others!" So Saul ate with Samuel.

9:25 | After the feast, when they had returned to the town, Samuel took Saul up to the roof of the house and prepared a bed for him there.

9:27 | When they reached the edge of town, Samuel told Saul to send his servant on ahead. After the servant was gone, Samuel said, "Stay here, for I have received a special message for you from God."