New International Version“I am the seer,” Samuel replied. “Go up ahead of me to the high place, for today you are to eat with me, and in the morning I will send you on your way and will tell you all that is in your heart.
New Living Translation“I am the seer!” Samuel replied. “Go up to the place of worship ahead of me. We will eat there together, and in the morning I’ll tell you what you want to know and send you on your way.
English Standard VersionSamuel answered Saul, “I am the seer. Go up before me to the high place, for today you shall eat with me, and in the morning I will let you go and will tell you all that is on your mind.
Berean Standard Bible“I am the seer,” Samuel replied. “Go up before me to the high place, for you shall eat with me today. And when I send you off in the morning, I will tell you all that is in your heart.
King James BibleAnd Samuel answered Saul, and said, I am the seer: go up before me unto the high place; for ye shall eat with me to day, and to morrow I will let thee go, and will tell thee all that is in thine heart.
New King James VersionSamuel answered Saul and said, “I am the seer. Go up before me to the high place, for you shall eat with me today; and tomorrow I will let you go and will tell you all that is in your heart.
New American Standard BibleAnd Samuel answered Saul and said, “I am the seer. Go up ahead of me to the high place, for you shall eat with me today; and in the morning I will let you go, and will tell you everything that is on your mind.
NASB 1995Samuel answered Saul and said, “I am the seer. Go up before me to the high place, for you shall eat with me today; and in the morning I will let you go, and will tell you all that is on your mind.
NASB 1977And Samuel answered Saul and said, “I am the seer. Go up before me to the high place, for you shall eat with me today; and in the morning I will let you go, and will tell you all that is on your mind.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd Samuel answered Saul and said, “I am the seer. Go up before me to the high place, for you shall eat with me today; and in the morning I will let you go and will tell you all that is on your heart.
Amplified BibleSamuel answered Saul, “I am the seer. Go on ahead of me to the high place, for you shall eat with me today; and in the morning I will let you go, and will tell you all that is on your mind.
Christian Standard Bible“I am the seer,” Samuel answered. “Go up ahead of me to the high place and eat with me today. When I send you off in the morning, I’ll tell you everything that’s in your heart.
Holman Christian Standard Bible“I am the seer,” Samuel answered. “Go up ahead of me to the high place and eat with me today. When I send you off in the morning, I’ll tell you everything that’s in your heart.
American Standard VersionAnd Samuel answered Saul, and said, I am the seer; go up before me unto the high place, for ye shall eat with me to-day: and in the morning I will let thee go, and will tell thee all that is in thy heart.
Contemporary English Version"I am the one who sees visions!" Samuel answered. "Go on up to the place of worship. You will eat with me today, and in the morning I'll answer your questions.
English Revised VersionAnd Samuel answered Saul, and said, I am the seer; go up before me unto the high place, for ye shall eat with me today: and in the morning I will let thee go, and will tell thee all that is in thine heart.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationSamuel replied, "I'm the seer. Go ahead of me to the worship site. You will eat with me today. In the morning I'll let you go after I tell you all that's on your mind.
Good News TranslationSamuel answered, "I am the seer. Go on ahead of me to the place of worship. Both of you are to eat with me today. Tomorrow morning I will answer all your questions and send you on your way.
International Standard VersionSamuel answered Saul: "I'm the seer. Go up ahead of me to the high place, and eat with me today. In the morning I'll send you away and tell you everything that is on your mind.
NET BibleSamuel replied to Saul, "I am the seer! Go up in front of me to the high place! Today you will eat with me and in the morning I will send you away. I will tell you everything that you are thinking.
New Heart English BibleAnd Samuel answered Saul, and said, "I am he. Go up before me to the high place, for you will eat with me today. In the morning I will let you go, and will tell you all that is in your heart.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd Samuel answered Saul, and said, I am the seer: go up before me to the high place; for ye shall eat with me to-day, and to-morrow I will let thee go, and will tell thee all that is in thy heart. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“I am the seer,” Samuel replied. “Go up before me to the high place, for you shall eat with me today. And when I send you off in the morning, I will tell you all that is in your heart.
World English BibleSamuel answered Saul and said, “I am the seer. Go up before me to the high place, for you are to eat with me today. In the morning I will let you go and will tell you all that is in your heart. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Samuel answers Saul and says, “I [am] the seer; go up before me into the high place, and you have eaten with me today, and I have sent you away in the morning, and all that [is] in your heart I declare to you.
Young's Literal Translation And Samuel answereth Saul and saith, 'I am the seer; go up before me into the high place, and ye have eaten with me to-day, and I have sent thee away in the morning, and all that is in thy heart I declare to thee.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Samuel will answer Saul, and say, I the seeing: go up before me to Bamah, and eat with me this day, and I will send thee away in the morrow, and all that is in thy heart I will announce to thee. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Samuel answered Saul, saying: I am the seer, go up before me to the high place, that you may eat with me to day, and I will let thee go in the morning: and tell thee all that is in thy heart.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd Samuel responded to Saul, saying: “I am the seer. Ascend before me to the high place, so that you may eat with me today. And I will send you away in the morning. And I shall reveal to you everything that is in your heart.
New American BibleSamuel answered Saul: “I am the seer. Go up ahead of me to the high place and eat with me today. In the morning, before letting you go, I will tell you everything on your mind.
New Revised Standard VersionSamuel answered Saul, “I am the seer; go up before me to the shrine, for today you shall eat with me, and in the morning I will let you go and will tell you all that is on your mind. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Samuel answered Saul, and said, I am the seer; go up before me to the high place; for you shall eat with me today, and in the morning I will let you go, and will tell you all that is in your heart.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd Shemueil answered and said to Shaul: “I am the Seer. Come up before me to the high place and eat with me today, and I shall send you at dawn and I shall show you everything that is in your heart OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Samuel answered Saul, and said: 'I am the seer; go up before me unto the high place, for ye shall eat with me to-day; and in the morning I will let thee go, and will tell thee all that is in thy heart.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd Samuel answered Saul, and said, I am he: go up before me to Bama, and eat with me to-day, and I will send thee away in the morning, and I will tell thee all that is in thine heart.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Saul Chosen as King… 18Saul approached Samuel in the gateway and asked, “Would you please tell me where the seer’s house is?” 19“Iam the seer,”Samuelreplied.“Go upbefore meto the high place,for you shall eatwith metoday.And when I send you offin the morning,I will tellyouallthat isin your heart.20As for the donkeys you lost three days ago, do not worry about them, for they have been found. And upon whom is all the desire of Israel, if not upon you and all your father’s house?”…
Cross References 1 Samuel 10:1Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, “Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?
1 Samuel 16:3Then invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you are to do. You are to anoint for Me the one I indicate.”
1 Samuel 15:1Then Samuel said to Saul, “The LORD sent me to anoint you king over His people Israel. Now therefore, listen to the words of the LORD.
1 Samuel 3:20So all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the LORD.
1 Samuel 8:22“Listen to their voice,” the LORD said to Samuel. “Appoint a king for them.” Then Samuel told the men of Israel, “Everyone must go back to his city.”
1 Samuel 12:13Now here is the king you have chosen, the one you requested. Behold, the LORD has placed a king over you.
1 Samuel 13:13-14“You have acted foolishly,” Samuel declared. “You have not kept the command that the LORD your God gave you; if you had, the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. / But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought a man after His own heart and appointed him ruler over His people, because you have not kept the command of the LORD.”
1 Samuel 16:12-13So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.” / So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah.
1 Kings 19:16You are also to anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel and Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel-meholah to succeed you as prophet.
2 Kings 9:3Then take the flask of oil, pour it on his head, and declare, ‘This is what the LORD says: I anoint you king over Israel.’ Then open the door and run. Do not delay!”
Acts 13:21Then the people asked for a king, and God gave them Saul son of Kish, from the tribe of Benjamin, who ruled forty years.
Acts 9:6“Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
Acts 10:5-6Now send men to Joppa to call for a man named Simon who is called Peter. / He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.”
Acts 22:10Then I asked, ‘What should I do, Lord?’ ‘Get up and go into Damascus,’ He told me. ‘There you will be told all that you have been appointed to do.’
Matthew 10:11Whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy there and stay at his house until you move on.
Treasury of Scripture And Samuel answered Saul, and said, I am the seer: go up before me to the high place; for you shall eat with me to day, and to morrow I will let you go, and will tell you all that is in your heart. Numbers 24:4,16 He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, fallinginto a trance, but having his eyes open: … Numbers 14:4 And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt. and will tell John 4:29 Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? 1 Corinthians 14:25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down onhis face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. Jump to Previous AheadDeclareEatEatenHeartHighMindMorningMorrowSamuelSaulSeerTodayTo-DayTo-MorrowJump to Next AheadDeclareEatEatenHeartHighMindMorningMorrowSamuelSaulSeerTodayTo-DayTo-Morrow1 Samuel 9 1.Saul despairing to find his father's donkeys6.by the counsel of his servant11.and direction of young maidens15.according to God's revelation18.comes to Samuel19.Samuel entertains Saul at the feast25.Samuel, after secret communication, brings Saul on his way“I am the seer,” Samuel replied.In ancient Israel, a "seer" was a prophet who received divine revelations, often through visions. Samuel, as a seer, was recognized as a spiritual leader and intermediary between God and the people. This role is significant in the context of Israel's transition from a theocracy to a monarchy. Samuel's identification as a seer underscores his authority and the divine legitimacy of his actions, as seen in 1 Samuel 3:20, where all Israel recognized him as a prophet of the Lord. “Go up before me to the high place,
High places were sites of worship, often located on elevated terrain. In Israelite culture, these were places where sacrifices and religious ceremonies were conducted. Samuel's instruction to go to the high place indicates a setting for worship and sacrifice, aligning with the cultural and religious practices of the time. This also foreshadows the sacrificial system that would be centralized in Jerusalem under King Solomon. for you shall eat with me today.
Sharing a meal in the ancient Near East was a sign of fellowship and covenant. By inviting Saul to eat with him, Samuel is extending a gesture of hospitality and establishing a relationship. This meal is not merely social but has spiritual significance, as it precedes the anointing of Saul as king, symbolizing acceptance and divine favor. And when I send you off in the morning,
The mention of sending Saul off in the morning suggests a time of preparation and transition. Mornings in biblical narratives often symbolize new beginnings or revelations. This phrase indicates that Saul's encounter with Samuel is a pivotal moment that will lead to a new phase in his life, aligning with the biblical theme of God orchestrating events in His timing. I will tell you all that is in your heart.
This phrase highlights Samuel's prophetic insight and the divine revelation he possesses. It suggests that God has already revealed to Samuel the concerns and questions that Saul harbors. This assurance of divine knowledge and guidance is a recurring theme in scripture, as seen inPsalm 139:1-4, where God is depicted as knowing the innermost thoughts of individuals. Samuel's role as a prophet is to communicate God's will and provide clarity to Saul, setting the stage for Saul's anointing as king. Persons / Places / Events 1. SamuelA prophet and the last judge of Israel, Samuel plays a crucial role in the transition from the period of judges to the establishment of the monarchy. He is God's chosen instrument to anoint the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David. 2. SaulThe son of Kish from the tribe of Benjamin, Saul is searching for his father's lost donkeys when he encounters Samuel. This meeting marks the beginning of his journey to becoming the first king of Israel. 3. The High PlaceA location often used for worship and sacrifices in ancient Israel. In this context, it is where Samuel invites Saul to join him for a meal, signifying a moment of divine appointment and revelation. 4. The SeerAn older term for a prophet, indicating one who sees or perceives divine messages. Samuel identifies himself as the seer, emphasizing his role as God's spokesperson. 5. The MealSharing a meal in the high place is significant, symbolizing fellowship and the impartation of God's plans. It is a precursor to the revelation Samuel will give Saul about his future. Teaching Points Divine AppointmentsGod orchestrates meetings and events in our lives for His purposes. Like Saul, we may encounter divine appointments that lead to significant changes in our lives. The Role of ProphetsProphets serve as God's messengers, providing guidance and revelation. We should seek to understand and respect the role of spiritual leaders in our lives. Preparation for LeadershipSaul's journey to kingship begins with obedience and humility. God often prepares us for leadership through unexpected paths and experiences. The Importance of FellowshipSharing a meal in the high place signifies fellowship and unity. As believers, we should value and seek opportunities for fellowship with others in the faith. Listening to God's VoiceSamuel's role as a seer reminds us of the importance of listening to God's voice and being open to His guidance in our lives. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 9:19?
2.How does 1 Samuel 9:19 demonstrate God's guidance in our daily decisions?
3.What can we learn about God's sovereignty from Samuel's response in this verse?
4.How does Samuel's role in 1 Samuel 9:19 connect to Jesus as our guide?
5.How can we apply Samuel's obedience to God's call in our own lives?
6.What does 1 Samuel 9:19 teach us about seeking God's will through others?
7.How does 1 Samuel 9:19 demonstrate God's sovereignty in choosing leaders?
8.What role does prophecy play in 1 Samuel 9:19?
9.How does Samuel's response in 1 Samuel 9:19 reflect divine authority?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 9?
11.Does Solomon’s sacrifice at high places (1 Kings 3:2–3) conflict with scriptural bans on worship outside the central sanctuary?
12.How could an 'evil spirit from the Lord' (1 Samuel 19:9) align with a belief in a benevolent God?
13.How does the mention of a 'high place' in 1 Samuel 9:12-14 align with historical evidence that such rituals were either encouraged or condemned at different periods in Israel's history?
14.1 Chronicles 20:5: Why does this text say Elhanan killed Goliath's brother, whereas 2 Samuel 21:19 seems to conflict about who killed Goliath?What Does 1 Samuel 9:19 Mean I am the seerSamuel immediately reveals his identity to Saul, erasing any doubt about God’s hand in the encounter. • In Old Testament times “seer” described a prophet who could reveal God’s will (1 Samuel 9:9). • By openly declaring, Samuel shows transparency and divine authority, much like Elijah confronting Ahab (1 Kings 18:17-18). • Saul learns that God already knows his quest before he can speak it (Psalm 139:1-4), proving the Lord’s intimate involvement.
Go up before me to the high placeSamuel invites Saul to ascend the place of worship, signaling divine priority. • “High place” was a site of sacrificial worship before the temple (1 Samuel 7:17). • Going up “before” Samuel reflects honor and chosen status, echoing Jesus’ call to the front of the synagogue for the healed man (Mark 3:3). • God often draws people upward—both physically and spiritually—before handing them new assignments (Exodus 3:1-2).
for you shall eat with me todayA shared meal seals covenantal favor. • Dining signified acceptance and fellowship (Genesis 18:1-8;Luke 15:22-24). • Samuel’s invitation foreshadows Saul’s royal appointment; kings ate at the prophet’s table, not vice-versa (2 Samuel 9:7). • The meal anticipates the Lord’s Supper, where a table confirms relationship and mission (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
And when I send you off in the morningSamuel sets a timeline, underscoring purposeful direction. • God’s guidance is orderly—morning represents new mercies and fresh commissioning (Lamentations 3:22-23). • Like Moses rising early to meet God on Sinai (Exodus 34:2-4), Saul will depart with clear instructions rather than lingering in uncertainty. • Delayed obedience often breeds confusion; prompt sending guards Saul against second-guessing (James 1:6-8).
I will tell you all that is in your heartDivine revelation penetrates the deepest thoughts. • God exposes hidden motives, as He did with Nathan confronting David (2 Samuel 12:7-9) and Jesus reading the Samaritan woman’s life (John 4:17-19). • Saul’s anxieties about the lost donkeys and his family’s future will be answered (1 Samuel 9:20). • This promise highlights the Spirit’s role in searching hearts (Romans 8:27), confirming that nothing escapes God’s knowledge or care.
summary1 Samuel 9:19 shows God orchestrating Saul’s path, Samuel’s clear prophetic authority, and the covenantal hospitality that introduces Israel’s first king. Each phrase underscores an orderly, personal God who reveals Himself, invites worship, shares fellowship, directs timing, and uncovers the heart—assuring believers today that He still leads with the same precision and grace. (19) Go up before me unto the high place.--The desiring the young stranger to precede him to the public place of sacrifice was a sign of distinguished honour from one of Samuel's rank to a young unknown wayfarer like Saul. These words of courteous respect were addressed to Saul alone: "Go thou up before me." The prophet-judge then speaks to the two, Saul and his servant: "ye shall eat." The verb here is in the plural, and invites both to the sacrificial banquet; and then again Samuel confines his words to Saul: "I will tell thee all"--"all that is in thine heart." The seer informs him that on the morrow he proposes to make strange disclosures to this young man, who, all un knowing what lay before him, had just come up and accosted him, the aged judge and seer. Yes, he would on the morrow show this young Benjamite that he, Samuel, was indeed a seer; he would tell him all his secret thoughts and aspirations; as for those asses for whose fate he was so anxious, let him dismiss these from his thoughts altogether. They were already found. Far graver thoughts than the everyday weal and woe of a farm on Mount Ephraim had to be discussed on the morrow. All the desire of Israel.--"All the desire of Israel," or, as the Vulg. renders it, "optima quaeque Israel," "the best in Israel" (Luther). The words do not signify the desire of Israel--all that itdesires--but all that it possesses of what is precious or worth desiring. The obscure dark words of the seer on this, the occasion of his first meeting with Saul, were intended to draw him away from thinking about the asses and the little matters which hitherto had filled his life, and to lift him up to higher thoughts and aspirations. The old seer's words were vague and indefinite, certainly, but coming as they did from the lips of one so high in dignity, known to be the possessor of many a strange secret of futurity hid from the knowledge of mortal men, and holding out a prospect of undreamed of future glory for Saul, amazed the young man; and he, full of wonderment and awe, replied, "Speakest thou of such glories to me, a member of an unimportant family of the smallest of the tribes of Israel?" Verses 19, 20. - Go up before me. Addressed in the singular to Saul, to whom, as the future king, Samuel pays every mark of honour. The next words, Ye shall eat, include Soul's servant. I will tell thee all, etc. Intended not merely to set Soul's mind at rest, but also to prepare him for the great news he was to hear. So, too, the information that the asses were found, given to him before he had even hinted at the object of his visit, would convince him of the reality of Samuel's prophetic powers. On whom is all the desire of Israel? Rather, "To whom belongs all that is desirable in Israel? Is it not for thee, and for thy father's house?" The words were intended to indicate to Saul, though in an obscure manner, that the supreme power in Israel would be his. Why trouble about she-asses? They might be beautiful, and a valuable property for a husbandman;but he was about to become a king, to whom would belong everything that was best and most precious.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew “Iאָנֹכִ֣י(’ā·nō·ḵî)Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 595:Iam the seer,”הָרֹאֶ֔ה(hā·rō·’eh)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7203:A seer, a visionSamuelשְׁמוּאֵ֜ל(šə·mū·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8050:Samuel -- 'name of God', a prophet of Israelreplied.וַיַּ֨עַן(way·ya·‘an)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6030:To answer, respond“Go upעֲלֵ֤ה(‘ă·lêh)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 5927:To ascend, in, activelybefore meלְפָנַי֙(lə·p̄ā·nay)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6440:The faceto the high place,הַבָּמָ֔ה(hab·bā·māh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1116:An elevationfor you shall eatוַאֲכַלְתֶּ֥ם(wa·’ă·ḵal·tem)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 398:To eatwith meעִמִּ֖י(‘im·mî)Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 5973:With, equally withtoday.הַיּ֑וֹם(hay·yō·wm)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117:A dayAnd when I send you offוְשִׁלַּחְתִּ֣יךָ(wə·šil·laḥ·tî·ḵā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 7971:To send away, for, outin the morning,בַבֹּ֔קֶר(ḇab·bō·qer)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1242:Dawn, morningI will tellאַגִּ֥יד(’ag·gîḏ)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5046:To be conspicuousyouלָֽךְ׃(lāḵ)Preposition | second person feminine singular
Strong's Hebrewallוְכֹ֛ל(wə·ḵōl)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythat isאֲשֶׁ֥ר(’ă·šer)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatin your heart.בִּֽלְבָבְךָ֖(bil·ḇā·ḇə·ḵā)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3824:Inner man, mind, will, heart
Links 1 Samuel 9:19 NIV1 Samuel 9:19 NLT1 Samuel 9:19 ESV1 Samuel 9:19 NASB1 Samuel 9:19 KJV
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OT History: 1 Samuel 9:19 Samuel answered Saul and said (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
