17. When Samuel first saw Saul, the Lord spoke to Samuel. He said, “This is the man I told you about. He will rule my people.”
18. Saul came near Samuel at the gate. Saul said, “Please tell me where the seer’s house is.”
19. Samuel answered, “I am the seer. Go ahead of me to the place of worship. Today you and your servant are to eat with me. Tomorrow morning I will send you home. And I will answer all your questions.
20. Don’t worry about the donkeys you lost three days ago. They have been found. Israel now wants you and all your father’s family.”
21. Saul answered, “But I am from the tribe of Benjamin. It’s the smallest tribe in Israel. And my family group is the smallest in the tribe of Benjamin. Why do you say Israel wants me?”
22. Then Samuel took Saul and his servant into a large room. He gave them a chief place at the table. About 30 guests were there.
23. Samuel said to the cook, “Bring the meat I gave you. It’s the portion I told you to set aside.”
24. So the cook took the thigh and put it on the table in front of Saul. Samuel said, “This is the meat saved for you. Eat it because it was set aside for you for this special time. As I said, ‘I have invited the people.’” So Saul ate with Samuel that day.
25. After they finished eating, they came down from the place of worship. They went to the town. Then Samuel talked with Saul on the roof of his house.