Now the LORD had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying,
Now the Lord had told Samuel in his ear a day before, х gaalaah (H1540) 'et (H854) 'ozen (H241), uncovered the ear] - i:e., caused him to know, imparted to him the knowledge of His intended purpose (cf. 2 Samuel 7:27). The description of Saul, the time of his arrival, and the high office to which he was destined, had been secretly to Samuel from heaven. The future king of Israel was to fight the battles of the Lord, and protect His people. It would appear that they were at this time suffering great molestation from the Philistines, and that this was an additional reason of their urgent demands for the appointment of a king (see the note at 1 Samuel 10:5; 1 Samuel 13:13).