9. (Formerly in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, thus he said, “Come, and let us go to the seer.” For he that is now called a prophet was formerly called a seer.)
10. Then Saul said to his servant, “Well said. Come, let us go.” So they went to the city where the man of God was.
11. As they went up the hill to the city, they found young women going out to draw water and said to them, “Is the seer here?”
12. And they answered them and said, “He is. See, he is ahead of you. Hurry now, for today he came to the city, because there is a sacrifice for the people in the high place today.
13. As soon as you come into 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. Afterwards those invited will eat. Now therefore, go up, for about this time of the day you will find him there.”
14. So they went up into the city. And when they entered, Samuel was coming toward them to go up to the high place.
15. Now the Lord had revealed in the ear of Samuel one day before Saul came, saying,
16. “Tomorrow about this time I will send you a man out of the land of Benjamin. And you will anoint him to be leader over My people Israel, that he may save My people out of the hand of the Philistines. For I have looked upon My people, because their cry has come unto Me.”
17. When Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said to him, “Here is the man of whom I spoke to you! This one will rule over My people.”
18. Then Saul drew near to Samuel in the gate, and said, “Tell me, please, where is the seer’s house?”
19. Samuel answered Saul, and said, “I am the seer. Go up before me to the high place, for you will eat with me today. And tomorrow I will let you go, and will tell you then all that is in your heart.
20. As for your donkeys that were lost three days ago, do not your worry about them for they have been found. And on whom is all the desire of Israel? Is it not on you and on all your father’s house?”
21. And Saul answered and said, “Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? And my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? Why do you speak to me this way?”
22. And Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought them into the hall, and gave them a place at the head of those invited, which were about thirty men.