1 Samuel 9:11

11 They [were] going up the ascent of the town when they found young women going out to draw water. They said to them, "Is there the seer here?"

1 Samuel 9:11 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 9:11

And as they went up the hill to the city
For the city was built upon an hill, from whence it had the name of Ramah, which signifies high and lifted up:

they found young maidens going out to draw water:
going out of the city, to a fountain which was at the bottom of the hill; and this was the usual business of maidens in those countries to fetch water for the service of the family, (See Gill on Genesis 24:11), (See Gill on Genesis 24:15), (See Gill on Genesis 24:16). R. Akiba ^F5 makes this observation, that whenever a man meets maidens coming out of a city before he goes into it, it is a token of prosperity to him; and instances in the cases of Abraham's servant, of Jacob, and of Moses, and here of Saul, who was informed of a kingdom, and anointed for it, see ( Genesis 24:14 Genesis 24:21 ) ( Genesis 29:10 Genesis 29:11 ) ( Exodus 2:16 ) ,

and said unto them, is the seer here?
meaning, is he in the city? or is he at home? or is he in the country?

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FOOTNOTES:

F5 In Pirke Eliezer, c. 36. fol. 39. 1. 2.

1 Samuel 9:11 In-Context

9 (Formerly in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, he would say: "Come, let us go up to the seer." For the prophet of today was formerly called a seer.)

10 So Saul said to his servant, "{Your suggestion is a good one}. Come, let us go." And they went to the town where the man of God [was].

11 They [were] going up the ascent of the town when they found young women going out to draw water. They said to them, "Is there the seer here?"

12 They answered them and said, "There is. Look, [he is] just in front of you! Hurry now, because he has come to the town today, because there [is] a sacrifice for the people today at the high place.

13 As soon as you enter the town, you will find him, before he goes up to the high place to eat. For the people will not eat until he comes, because he must bless the sacrifice. Then afterward the invited [guests] will eat. So then, go up, because you will find him today!"