John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 9. Before time in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God , etc.] To ask doctrine of him, as the Targum, to be taught by him, to have his mind and will in any affair of moment and importance; which was usually done by applying to some man of God, eminent for grace and piety, and a spirit of prophecy: thus he spake, come, and let us go to the seer ; a man used to say to his friend, when he wanted some instruction or direction, let us go together to such an one, the seer, and ask counsel of him what is proper to be done in such an affair: for he that is now [called] a prophet was before called a seer ; for though these names are used freely of the same persons, both before and after this time; yet now the more common appellation which obtained was that of a prophet; custom, and the use of language, varied at different times, though the same was meant by the one and the other; such men were called seers, because of the vision of prophecy, because they saw or foresaw things to come; and they were called prophets, because they foretold what they saw, or delivered out their predictions by word of mouth. This verse is put in a parenthesis, and is commonly supposed to be the words of the writer of this book: hence some draw an argument against Samuel being the writer of it, as Abarbinel does, who concludes from hence that it was written by Jeremiah, or some other person long after Samuel, or that this verse was added by Ezra; but as this book might be written by Samuel in the latter part of his life, he might with propriety observe this, that in his younger time, and quite down to the anointing of Saul king, both when there was no open vision, and afterwards when there was scarce any that had it but himself, he was used to be called the seer; but in his latter days, when there were many that had the vision of prophecy, and there were schools set up, it was more common to call them prophets; though perhaps these are the words of Saul’s servant, spoken to encourage Saul to go to the man of God, and inquire of him, since in former times, as he could remember, being perhaps an old servant, or he had heard his parents so say, that such men used to be called seers, because they saw what others did not, and declared and made others to see what they did; and therefore there was a probability that this man of God, who was a seer, might show them the way they should go to find the asses.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-10 - Saul readily went to seek his father's asses. His obedience to his father was praise-worthy. His servant proposed, that since they wer now at Ramah, they should call on Samuel, and take his advice. Whereve we are, we should use our opportunities of acquainting ourselves with those who are wise and good. Many will consult a man of God, if he comes in their way, that would not go a step out of their way to ge wisdom. We sensibly feel worldly losses, and bestow much pains to make them up; but how little do we attempt, and how soon are we weary, is seeking the salvation of our souls! If ministers could tell men how to secure their property, or to get wealth, they would be more consulte and honoured than they now are, though employed in teaching them how to escape eternal misery, and to obtain eternal life. Most people woul rather be told their fortune than their duty. Samuel needed not their money, nor would he have denied his advice, if they had not brought it but they gave it to him as a token of respect, and of the value the put upon his office, and according to the general usage of those times always to bring a present to those in authority.
Original Hebrew לפנים6440 בישׂראל3478 כה3541 אמר559 האישׁ376 בלכתו1980 לדרושׁ1875 אלהים430 לכו1980 ונלכה1980 עד5704 הראה7203 כי3588 לנביא5030 היום3117 יקרא7121 לפנים6440 הראה׃7203
