“When you are departed from me today, then you shall find two men…and they
shall say unto you: The asses which you seek are found… Then you shall go on
forward…and there you shall meet three men going to God to Beth-el, one
carrying three kids, and another carrying three loaves of bread, and another
carrying a bottle of wine.”
Earlier, we discussed the prophet Samuel’s anointing of Saul – henceforth King Saul. What followed the
‘coronation’ reads quite bizarre. The prophet provided three signs or omens that Saul would encounter
on his way back home to his father’s house. In this essay’s lead verses, we quoted from two of the
prophet’s three signs to Saul: Messengers who apprise Saul about the lost donkeys and another meeting
– one with three men ascending to God in Beth-el. Here is the third sign. It foretells of a rendezvous with
a cadre of prophets: “After that you shall come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the
Philistines…that you shall meet a band of prophets…”
Abravanel’s imagination piqued, he asks: What is the meaning ensconced within these three signs that
seem more, excuse the crude comparison, like a page out of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland than a
page out of the Bible. What is Samuel driving at? Or better, what instruction is the sagely seer signaling
to Saul, as he embarks on an unexpected course of Biblical proportion?
Thankfully, Abravanel plumbs the depths of the three-framed montage, aiding Bible students to make
sense of the seeming disjointed jumble. We present Samuel’s life lessons to Saul in shorthand. The three
scenes were, in fact, anything but vacuous. So, what lay behind the prophet’s design? In a word, Saul will
need to adapt to his newly-acquired destiny. In order for him to succeed, he would need to adopt critical
traits. Let’s explain.
Samuel taught Saul that his life has three stages or passages, each one distinct, each loftier and more
sublime than the next. One related to Saul’s father’s household. A second, more intricate role, relates to
Saul as the leader over his co-religionists. Finally, the third aspect, the highest and most noble, prods
Saul to seek truth, a contemplative process vis-à-vis tightening his relationship with the One Above.
The first two domains (a member of his father’s household and national ruler) relate to nature. Socially
speaking, Saul hears that he, heretofore, played a mundane role as a son. After anointment, emphasis
shifts from neighborhood to center stage. The nation’s eyes turn to Saul, examining a man whose
conduct should be exemplary, worthy of emulation. Lastly, the prophet spurs Saul to pursue things
beyond the here-and-now, looking to otherworldliness.
In brief, here's how Abravanel distills Samuel’s words and demonstrates natural and existential layers
tucked within each upcoming and unraveling scene. Moreover, the king hears what is now expected
from him.
“The asses which you seek are found” matches up with Saul’s identity as a family member. “You shall go
on forward” goads the young monarch to step out beyond his most basic, biological role as dutiful son.
His days caring for his father’s livestock belong to yesterday.
“Three men going up to God to Beth-el” suggests political and military command. More details of that
second experience are pregnant with meaning. The three men carried “three kids…three loaves of
bread, and another carrying a bottle of wine.” Saul was schooled in sobriety, sensibility. “And they will
salute you, and give you two cakes of bread, which you shall receive of their hand.” In so many words,
Samuel warned his ward: “Don’t partake of meat.” That is because a king needs to refrain from
aggressive behavior toward the masses. Stay clear of predatory behavior, unbecoming conduct that is
observable and associated with consuming animal flesh (and gluttonous kings), Samuel exhorted.
Indeed, sensitive leaders must not treat their “inferiors” as a meal ticket, footing the bill for mindless
excesses. Instead, let him be compassionate and of plain tastes. As for wine, Samuel taught Saul that
imbibing intoxicating drink is inappropriate, not to mention injudicious. Rather, let a king accept “two
cakes of bread.” Fair-minded and spartan subsistence befits a Hebrew king. Prodigal princes are the
people’s plague. On the other hand, bread is the staff of life, essential sustenance.
Finally, Abravanel turns to the third encounter awaiting Saul on his way back home: “you shall meet a
band of prophets.” This experience is meant to shed light on what should be Saul’s cynosure –
fashioning a relationship with the Almighty. “After that you shall come to the hill of God…” Saul’s path,
should he heed the prophet’s counsel, will lead him (and the Hebrews) to a goodly place, a godly place.
Samuel encourages his protégé, as he lays out a roadmap for a life of leadership and religious conviction.
The prophet concludes with a blessing: “And the spirit of the LORD will come mightily upon you…and
shall be turned into another man. And let it be, when these signs are come unto you, that you do as your
hand shall find; for God is with you.”
In this way, Abravanel deciphers our chapter’s bewildering messages. Here are words imparted from
mentor to disciple, words to guide Saul as he sets out on a journey of a lifetime.