Keraia
1 Samuel 9

1 Samuel 9:7

Saul Chosen as King · 1 Samuel 9:1–27
Read 1 Samuel 9

Translations

Modern
“If we do go,” Saul replied, “what can we give the man? For the bread in our packs is gone, and there is no gift to take to the man of God. What do we have?”
Traditional
Then said Saul to his servant, But, behold, if we go, what shall we bring the man? for the bread is spent in our vessels, and there is not a present to bring to the man of God: what have we?
Literal
And Saul said to his servant, “And behold, if we go, what shall we bring to the man? For the bread is all gone in our vessels, and there is no gift to bring to the man of God. What do we have?”
Latin
Dixitque Saul ad puerum suum: Ecce ibimus: quid feremus ad virum Dei? panis defecit in sitarciis nostris, et sportulam non habemus ut demus homini Dei, nec quidquam aliud.

Original

Hebrew
English
“If we do go,” Saul replied, “what can we give the man? For the bread in our packs is gone, and there is no gift to take to the man of God. What do we have?”

Notes

1 Samuel 9:7

no gift to take to the man: It was common to bring a gift when asking for a prophet's help (see 1 Kings 14:2–3; 2 Kings 5:5, 15; 8:8). Some false prophets asked for gifts in exchange for their services (Micah 3:11). Saul's concern might show a misunderstanding, thinking he could buy advice from a prophet of God (Acts 8:20).

1 Samuel 9:1–11:15

Saul became powerful through three main events:

  1. Samuel secretly anointed him (1 Samuel 9:1–10:16).

  2. He was chosen by casting lots (1 Samuel 10:17–27).

  3. He defeated the Ammonites (1 Samuel 11:1–15).

See also study note on 1 Samuel 13:1–16:13.

Theme notes and profiles

Samuel Saul

People

Saul: First king of Israel, anointed by Samuel

Glossary

Ramah Rathamin Samuel, Books of First and Second

Topics

Presents: Considered Essential on all Visits of Business Prophets: Benefits of Presents Prophets: Presented with Gifts by Those Who Consulted Them