This verse illustrates how God confirmed Saul’s role as king through visible signs that revealed divine provision and pointed Saul to rely upon the LORD in his leadership.
“Then you will go on further from there, and you will come as far as the oak of Tabor, and there three men going up to God at Bethel will meet you, one carrying three young goats, another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a jug of wine; and they will greet you and give you two loaves of bread, which you will accept from their hand.” (v.3)
In this verse, the prophet Samuel continues revealing the signs that will confirm Saul’s anointing as Israel’s first king (1 Samuel 10:1). Samuel tells Saul that he will travel until he reaches the oak of Tabor, a landmark likely planted on or near a route in the hill country of Israel. Although the exact location is uncertain, it might have been near the region of Ephraim. This incident takes place in the time around 1050 BC, when Saul was first anointed, as the people of Israel had demanded a king to be like the other nations (1 Samuel 8:19-20). By heading to the oak of Tabor, Saul demonstrates obedience to Samuel’s instructions, awaiting the next sign God will provide.
There, Saul is told he will encounter three men traveling to God at Bethel. Historically, Bethel was about ten miles north of Jerusalem and had long been a place of worship for the people of Abraham. Years before, it became a focus for worship in the northern kingdom, though it was later associated with idolatrous practices (see references to Bethel’s religious history in Amos 4 and 5). At the moment of Saul’s journey, however, these three men are portrayed as devout worshipers carrying goats, bread, and wine, which were customary items for offerings or for sustaining travelers. Remarkably, they will offer Saul two loaves of bread, signifying that he will receive provision and confirmation from strangers on his journey.
This sign sets the stage for Saul’s growing awareness of God’s choice and provision. He is to accept the bread graciously, a token that God will guide and supply for His newly chosen king. Saul’s encounters at each step are demonstrations that the LORD is orchestrating the events of his anointing, underscoring both God’s sovereignty and Saul’s call to trust.
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1 Samuel 10:3 meaning
“Then you will go on further from there, and you will come as far as the oak of Tabor, and there three men going up to God at Bethel will meet you, one carrying three young goats, another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a jug of wine; and they will greet you and give you two loaves of bread, which you will accept from their hand.” (v.3)
In this verse, the prophet Samuel continues revealing the signs that will confirm Saul’s anointing as Israel’s first king (1 Samuel 10:1). Samuel tells Saul that he will travel until he reaches the oak of Tabor, a landmark likely planted on or near a route in the hill country of Israel. Although the exact location is uncertain, it might have been near the region of Ephraim. This incident takes place in the time around 1050 BC, when Saul was first anointed, as the people of Israel had demanded a king to be like the other nations (1 Samuel 8:19-20). By heading to the oak of Tabor, Saul demonstrates obedience to Samuel’s instructions, awaiting the next sign God will provide.
There, Saul is told he will encounter three men traveling to God at Bethel. Historically, Bethel was about ten miles north of Jerusalem and had long been a place of worship for the people of Abraham. Years before, it became a focus for worship in the northern kingdom, though it was later associated with idolatrous practices (see references to Bethel’s religious history in Amos 4 and 5). At the moment of Saul’s journey, however, these three men are portrayed as devout worshipers carrying goats, bread, and wine, which were customary items for offerings or for sustaining travelers. Remarkably, they will offer Saul two loaves of bread, signifying that he will receive provision and confirmation from strangers on his journey.
This sign sets the stage for Saul’s growing awareness of God’s choice and provision. He is to accept the bread graciously, a token that God will guide and supply for His newly chosen king. Saul’s encounters at each step are demonstrations that the LORD is orchestrating the events of his anointing, underscoring both God’s sovereignty and Saul’s call to trust.