11 As they went up the slope to the city , they found young women going out to draw water and said to them, "Is the seer here ?" 12 They answered them and said , "He is; see , he is ahead of you. Hurry now , for he has come into the city today , for the people have a sacrifice on the high place today . 13 "As soon as you enter the city you will find him before he goes up to the high place to eat , for the people will not eat until he comes , because he must bless the sacrifice ; afterward e those who are invited will eat . Now therefore, go up for you will find him at once ." 14 So they went up to the city . As they came into the city , behold , Samuel was coming out toward them to go up to the high place . 15 Now a day before Saul's coming , the Lord had revealed e this to Samuel saying , 16 "About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin , and you shall anoint him to be prince over My people Israel ; and he will deliver My people from the hand of the Philistines . For I have regarded My people , because their cry has come to Me." 17 When Samuel saw Saul , the Lord said to him, " Behold , the man of whom I spoke to you! This one shall rule over My people ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:11-17
Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:11-17
(Read 1 Samuel 9:11-17)
The very maid-servants of the city could direct to the prophet. They had heard of the sacrifice, and could tell of the necessity for Samuel's presence. It is no small benefit to live in religious and holy places. And we should always be ready to help those who are seeking after God's prophets. Though God had, in displeasure, granted Israel's request for a king, yet he sends them a man to be captain over them, to save them out of the hand of the Philistines. He does it, listening graciously to their cry.