1 Samuel 9: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Samuel 9 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Kish, a man of Benjamin, had a son named Saul, who was notable for his impressive stature (vv. 1-2). When Kish's donkeys went missing, he instructed Saul to search for them.

Key verse

“The servant said to him, “Behold now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is a man who is held in honor. All that he says surely happens. Now let us go there. Perhaps he can tell us which way to go.”
1 Samuel 9:6 (WEB)

Outline

1 Samuel 9:1–2 Introduction of Saul
1 Samuel 9:3–10 Saul's Search for Donkeys
1 Samuel 9:11–21 Meeting Samuel the Prophet
1 Samuel 9:22–24 Anointed as King
1 Samuel 9:25–27 God’s Message to Saul

Discussion questions

In v6, why does the servant suggest going to Samuel?
What does Saul carry with him in v8 to offer the man of God?
Samuel's words in v20 about what is desirable: how does this set up Saul's identity?
In v21, why does Saul emphasize his family's low status among the Benjamites?
When have you felt unworthy like Saul did in v21 about his background?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Samuel 9: 1 Samuel 10, 2 Samuel 7, 1 Samuel 16.

Before next time: read 1 Samuel 10.