This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in 1 Samuel 9, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Once upon a time, there was a man named Kish who had a son named Saul. Saul was very handsome and taller than most people. One day, Kish’s donkeys got lost, so he asked Saul to look for them. Saul and his servant searched many places but couldn’t find the donkeys. Saul started to worry that his father would be more concerned about them than the donkeys. Then the servant suggested they go to a man of God in the city because he might be able to help them.
Saul and the servant went to the city and met some young women who told them the man of God was there. They went to the man of God, whose name was Samuel, and asked for his help. Samuel knew that Saul was the man that God had chosen to be the king of Israel, but Saul did not know this. The day before Saul arrived, the Lord had spoken to Samuel and told him that he would send a man from the land of Benjamin who would become the prince of Israel and save his people from the Philistines. Samuel recognized Saul as the chosen one when he saw him.
Samuel invited Saul to eat with him and told him not to worry about the lost donkeys because they had been found. The next morning, Samuel told Saul that God had chosen him to be the king of Israel and anointed him with oil. Samuel explained to Saul what God’s plan was for him and how he would lead his people. Saul was surprised and asked why God would choose him, a Benjaminite and from the humblest clan of his tribe.
After the anointing, Samuel gave Saul some signs to show that God had chosen him. Then, Samuel sent Saul and his servant on their way, but not before revealing to Saul the word of God. Samuel instructed Saul to wait for him to tell the servant to pass on before him, so that he could make known the word of God to Saul alone.
Biblical Lessons
- God has a plan for each of us, and He can use anyone to accomplish His plan.
- We should seek God’s guidance when we need help.
- We should trust in God’s plans for our lives.
- We should be obedient to God’s calling.
Related Stories
Must-Read Christian Books
Desiring God
Piper unpacks "Christian Hedonism": that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him, grounded in Scripture.
View on Amazon
Institutes of the Christian Religion
A classic work of Reformed theology in an accessible form, laying out Christian doctrine with deep biblical roots.
View on Amazon
Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God
A robust, Scripture-saturated theology of prayer with practical guidance for deepening communion with God.
View on Amazon
The God Who Is There
Shows how the God of the Bible speaks into modern philosophical and cultural confusion.
View on Amazon
Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands
Biblical counseling and discipleship that helps believers speak God's truth into one another's lives.
View on Amazon
Respectable Sins
Exposes the "ordinary" sins Christians often tolerate and calls us to gospel-driven holiness.
View on Amazon
The Enemy Within
A modern, accessible summary of John Owen's teaching on indwelling sin and the believer's battle.
View on Amazon
Future Grace
Argues that faith in God's future grace frees believers from the enslaving power of sin.
View on Amazon
The Gospel According to Jesus
Defends a biblical understanding of faith and repentance against easy-believism.
View on Amazon
Worship Matters
Helps worship leaders and churches keep the gospel central in congregational worship.
View on Amazon
Christ of the Covenants
Explains the biblical covenants and how they reveal Christ and God's plan of redemption.
View on Amazon
Gentle and Lowly
Meditates on Christ's heart for sinners and sufferers from key biblical texts.
View on Amazon
The Christian Life
A clear, doctrinally rich overview of salvation and Christian living.
View on Amazon
The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment
Teaches believers how to distinguish truth from error using Scripture.
View on Amazon
Family Worship
A short, practical guide to leading your home in daily worship of God.
View on Amazon