1 Samuel 10:4
And they will salute thee, and give thee two loaves of bread; which thou shalt receive of their hands.
Original Language Analysis
וְשָֽׁאֲל֥וּ
And they will
H7592
וְשָֽׁאֲל֥וּ
And they will
Strong's:
H7592
Word #:
1 of 9
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
לְשָׁל֑וֹם
salute
H7965
לְשָׁל֑וֹם
salute
Strong's:
H7965
Word #:
3 of 9
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
וְנָֽתְנ֤וּ
thee and give
H5414
וְנָֽתְנ֤וּ
thee and give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
4 of 9
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לֶ֔חֶם
loaves of bread
H3899
לֶ֔חֶם
loaves of bread
Strong's:
H3899
Word #:
7 of 9
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern hospitality customs included sharing provisions with travelers. The gift of bread to a stranger was considered a sacred obligation. This encounter would have been unremarkable to observers but profoundly confirming to Saul, who knew Samuel's prophecy.
Questions for Reflection
- How do small acts of generosity from others serve as reminders of God's providential care?
- What does Saul's instruction to receive (rather than demand) teach about godly leadership?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And they will salute thee, and give thee two loaves of bread; which thou shalt receive of their hands.
The pilgrims' spontaneous gift to Saul carries multiple layers of significance. The Hebrew 'sha'al leshalom' (salute) literally means 'ask concerning your peace/welfare,' a formal greeting recognizing dignity. Their offering of two loaves from their three demonstrates generous hospitality despite being en route to worship. Saul is instructed to 'receive' (laqach) this gift - an act of humility for one newly anointed as leader. This moment prefigures how God's chosen leaders should receive provision from God's people. The bread also echoes the showbread in the tabernacle, sacred bread that would later figure significantly when David took the showbread from Ahimelech (1 Samuel 21). This small act of sharing prepared Saul for understanding that leadership involves receiving from others, not merely commanding them.