Daily Bible Reading — Sustained by God’s Word of PromiseShembull

July 10

Introduction

Yesterday’s reading concluded with the LORD telling Samuel to do what the people want and give them a king. In today’s reading, the LORD tells Samuel that he will encounter a man whom Samuel is to anoint as king. While Saul is searching for his father’s missing donkeys, he meets Samuel, and Samuel invites him to a banquet. Saul is given a place at the head of the table, the place of honor. Thus Samuel treats Saul as if Saul were already king.

Today’s Scripture: 1 Samuel 9:16b (GNT)

[The LORD said:] “I have seen the suffering of My people and have heard their cries for help.”

Today’s Reading 

1 Samuel 9:1-27

Reflect

Israel’s cries for help (verse 16) pertain to attacks and threats of attack from their surrounding enemies, and the person God chooses to serve as their king will be primarily one who is able to provide military leadership and “rescue them from the Philistines” (9:16a).  How is Saul described?  In addition to being a judge, Samuel was also a priest and a prophet. What verses in today’s reading indicate these two aspects of Samuel’s calling as a servant of God?

Pray

Lord God, keep me mindful of Your loving and guiding presence. May all I do and say bring glory and honor to You. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Banquet caterers.

Tomorrow’s Reading

1 Samuel 10:1-16: Samuel anoints Saul as king.