Justin Houtz

1 Samuel 9, Revelation 7

DateVersionReading Plan
September 2, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

1 Samuel 9

Observation & Interpretation

1 Sam. 9:1 – Saul came from wealth, but from the tribe of Benjamin, one of the smallest tribes of Israel.

1 Sam. 9:4 – Saul did not find the donkeys; our first encounter with Saul is with a man who has failed. (ESVEC – Comment)

1 Sam. 9:6 – [Saul’s] servant’s knowledge and resourcefulness highlight Saul’s deficiencies by way of contrast…the leader-to-be is portrayed as prodded into action by his subordinate’s initiative. (ESVEC – Comment)

1 Sam. 9:7 – When one consulted a seer in that day, it was customary to bring a gift as a gesture of goodwill (cf. 1 Kings 14:3; 2 Kings 4:42; 5:5; 8:8)…The son of a wealthy man, Saul is without resources having failed to make adequate preparations for travel. (ESVEC – Comment)

Revelation 7

Observation & Interpretation

Rev. 7:9 – The great multitude was standing before the throne and before the Lamb with palm branches in their hands.

  • with palm branches Indicative of victory in royal and military processions, as demonstrated by its connection with white robes and salvation or victory in v. 10. Compare Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem (e.g. Mark 11:8). (FSB)

Rev. 7:13-14 – One of the elders addressed John and asked who were those dressed in white robes. John responded to the elder that the elder knew.

  • A seemingly rhetorical question on the part of the elder as he answered his own question after John’s response.
  • John confessed ignorance but desire to know. Then the elder explained that they had come out of the great tribulation, and had washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. (BBC)

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