1 Samuel 9:7,8 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Bible Comments

Behold, if we go, what shall we bring the man It was a part of the honour they did great men, in those countries, to make them a present when they had occasion to address themselves to them. Particularly their prophets were thus honoured; being men of God, before whom they judged they ought not to appear empty, but to bring them presents, either as a testimony of respect, or as a grateful acknowledgment, or for the support of the prophets themselves, or of the sons of the prophets, or of other persons in want known to them. Thus, also, it was usual to show their respect to their king, 1 Samuel 10:27. The fourth part of a shekel of silver A small present, but as acceptable as the widow's mite, being all they had left on their journey.

1 Samuel 9:7-8

7 Then said Saul to his servant, But, behold, if we go, what shall we bring the man? for the bread is spentb in our vessels, and there is not a present to bring to the man of God: what have we?

8 And the servant answered Saul again, and said, Behold, I havec here at hand the fourth part of a shekel of silver: that will I give to the man of God, to tell us our way.