1 Samuel 9:11-24

11As they were going up the ascent to the town, they met some girls coming out to draw water. They said to them, “Is this where the seer is?”

12They replied, “Yes, straight ahead! But hurry now, for he came to the town today, and the people are making a sacrifice at the high place.

13When you enter the town, you can find him before he goes up to the high place to eat. The people won’t eat until he arrives, for he must bless the sacrifice. Once that happens, those who have been invited will eat. Now go on up, for this is the time when you can find him!”

14So they went up to the town. As they were heading for the middle of the town, Samuel was coming in their direction to go up to the high place.

15Now the day before Saul arrived, the Lord had told Samuel:

16“At this time tomorrow I will send to you a man from the land of Benjamin. You must consecrate him as a leader over my people Israel. He will save my people from the hand of the Philistines. For I have looked with favor on my people. Their cry has reached me!”

17When Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said, “Here is the man that I told you about! He will rule over my people.”

18As Saul approached Samuel in the middle of the gate, he said, “Please tell me where the seer’s house is.”

19Samuel replied to Saul, “I am the seer! Go up in front of me to the high place! Today you will eat with me and in the morning I will send you away. I will tell you everything that you are thinking.

20Don’t be concerned about the donkeys that you lost three days ago, for they have been found. Whom does all Israel desire? Is it not you, and all your father’s family?”

21Saul replied, “Am I not a Benjaminite, from the smallest of Israel’s tribes, and is not my family clan the smallest of all the tribes of Benjamin? Why do you speak to me in this way?”

22Then Samuel brought Saul and his servant into the room and gave them a place at the head of those who had been invited. There were about thirty people present.

23Samuel said to the cook, “Give me the portion of meat that I gave to you – the one I asked you to keep with you.”

24So the cook picked up the leg and brought it and set it in front of Saul. Samuel said, “What was kept is now set before you! Eat, for it has been kept for you for this meeting time, from the time I said, ‘I have invited the people.’” So Saul ate with Samuel that day.