Definition: And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 1 Samuel 9:17. It’s a really important and significant passage in the Bible. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God choosing a specific person to be the leader of Israel. It’s saying that God has chosen Samuel as the king – the ruler – of all the Israelites. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And when Samuel saw Saul…” This tells us we’re seeing this happen in the past, with a specific event. It was happening before the time of David. “…the LORD said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of!” – The Lord is speaking directly to Samuel. “Spake” means “told.” “this same shall reign over my people.” This is the key part! The Lord is saying that Samuel will be the king who leads and rules over all Israelites. It’s a clear statement of God's decision. What does this mean in practical terms? It’s about a divine appointment: God has chosen Samuel to lead Israel, and it wasn’t a random choice – He knows he wants this person to be king. It’s a shift in leadership: Before Samuel, Saul was the king, but God's plan was for someone else to take on that role. This verse marks a significant change in who leads Israel. Why is this important? This event is considered one of the foundational moments in Jewish history and theology. It established the basis for the monarchy in Israel and had a huge impact on the development of Israelite law and governance. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse is significant in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event in the Bible?