And Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought them into the parlour, and made them sit in the chiefest place among them that were bidden — Samuel extends extraordinary honor to Saul. The 'parlour' (lishkah, a room or chamber) is the place where the sacrificial feast is prepared and the guests are received. The phrase 'chiefest place' (mekhonah) suggests the seat of greatest honor at the meal. This elevated seating at a communal meal was a public way of showing honor and status. Samuel's action demonstrates that he is already treating Saul as the one chosen to be ruler. The other guests, unaware of the divine revelation, would be observing Samuel's unusual deference to this young Benjamite.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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