“Then said Saul to his servant, But, behold, if we go, what shall we bring the man? for the bread is spent in our vessels, and there is not a present to bring to the man of God: what have we?”
Then said Saul to his servant, But, behold, if we go, what shall we bring the man? for the bread is spent in our vessels — Saul's practical concern about a gift (shurrah) reflects ancient Near Eastern custom: one does not approach a person of authority, especially a prophet, empty-handed. The bread is finished in their vessels (keli, bags or vessels used for travel provisions), leaving them without the hospitality gift that custom demands. This detail humanizes Saul: he is concerned with propriety and respect, yet his lack of resources seems to present an obstacle. The servant's next words resolve this impasse, again demonstrating how small obstacles give way to providential meetings.
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