Understanding the Scriptures
1 Samuel 9
| Goodly, goodlier (v. 2) | Pleasant, agreeable | |
| Leave (v. 5) | Quit | |
| Take thought for (v. 5) | Worry about | |
| Spent (v. 7) | Gone | |
| Bidden, bid (vv. 13, 22, 27) | Invited, invite | |
| Communed (v. 25) | Spoke | |
| Pass on (v. 27) | Continue traveling |
1 Samuel 10
| Vial (v. 1) | Container | |
| Sepulchre (v. 2) | Grave | |
| Left the care (v. 2) | Quit worrying about | |
| Salute (v. 4) | Greet | |
| Garrison (v. 5) | Fort, army station | |
| Adversities and tribulations (v. 19) | Trials and troubles | |
| Taken (vv. 20–21) | Chosen |
1 Samuel 9–10—The Prophet Chooses a King for Israel
Following the same pattern we use in the Church today, Saul was called by one having authority from the Lord (see Articles of Faith 1:5), he was set apart by one having authority, he was trained, and he was presented to the people for their sustaining vote (see 1 Samuel 10:24).
Studying the Scriptures
Do two of the following activities (A–C) as you study 1 Samuel 9–10.
Write a News Report
Imagine that you were a faithful Israelite news reporter who followed Saul through all the experiences of 1 Samuel 9–10. Write a brief article describing why Saul is a good choice for Israel’s king. Use scripture references to support your ideas.
Write a Journal Entry
Based on what you learned from 1 Samuel 9–10, write how you think Saul might have felt after his experience of being called as king in Israel. Pay special attention to 1 Samuel 9:21; 10:6, 9, 20–27.
Apply the Words of Modern Prophets and Apostles
How does the following statement quoted by President Harold B. Lee relate to what happened in 1 Samuel 10:26–27: “That person is not truly converted until he sees the power of God resting upon the leaders of this church, and until it goes down into his heart like fire” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1972, 118; or Ensign, July 1972, 103).
