Samuel Anoints Saul

As Saul and his servant were walking, some young women came out of the city to draw water.

They asked the young women, “Is the prophet in town.”

The young women answered, “Yes. He is in town today because there will be a sacrifice at the high place. If you hurry, you should find him.”

They went to the town and as they were entering through the city gate, they met Samuel who was on his way to the high place.

As soon as Samuel noticed Saul, the Lord said to him, “This is the man whom I chose to be the King of my people.”

Saul approached Samuel and asked him, “Where is the house of the prophet?”

Samuel answered, “I am he. Go to the high place now. You are to eat with me. The donkeys that went missing three days ago had been found. From today onwards, everything in Israel belongs to you.”

Saul said, “I am a Benjamite, and my clan is the smallest in the tribe of Benjamin. How can this be?”

Samuel brought Saul and his servant to the high place. He ordered his cook, saying, “Bring the meat I gave you.”

The cook brought the meat to Samuel, then Samuel gave it to Saul.

Samuel said to Saul, “I had saved up this meat especially for you.” Saul ate with Samuel that day.

After that, Samuel took Saul back to his home. He assigned him a place to sleep at the roof of his house.

Samuel took the olive oil and anointed Saul with it.

Samuel said to Saul, “The donkeys that were missing a few days ago have been found. Your father had stopped thinking about the donkeys and started to worry about you.

After you have left me, you will go to the great tree at Tabor. You will meet three men there. One of them is carrying three goats, another three loaves of bread and another one jar of wine. When they greet you, they will hand over two loaves of bread to you.

After that, you will go to Gibeah where you will meet a group of prophets prophesying and dancing with lyres, tambourines, flutes and harps. The Spirit of the Lord will capture you and you will start prophesying with them.

Finally you will go to Gilgal. I am going there on foot and will arrive in seven days. When I reach there, I will tell you what to do.”

When Saul and his attendant arrived at Gibeah, a group of prophets met him. Then the Spirit of God took control of him, and he prophesied along with them. Everyone who knew Saul previously and saw him prophesy with the prophets asked each other, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”

As a result, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” became a popular saying.