Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

Here is the rewritten chapter:

There was a man from Benjamin named Kish, who was a Benjamite and a powerful leader. He had a son named Saul, who was an impressive young man with exceptional stature, unlike anyone else in Israel.

The donkeys belonging to Kish, Saul's father, had gone missing, and Kish instructed Saul to find them, taking one of their servants along. They searched through the land of Ephraim and Shalisha, but couldn't find them. Then they passed through Shaalim and finally into the territory of Benjamin, still without success.

As they entered the land of Zuph, Saul suggested to his servant that they return home, not wanting his father to worry about them. The servant replied, "Let's go to a man of God who lives in this city. He is highly respected for his words always come true."

Saul and his servant decided to visit the man of God, but were uncertain what gift to bring since their bread was almost gone. However, the servant pointed out that he had a few pieces of silver with him.

In Israel, when people sought guidance from God, they would often ask to see the seer, as this person was known before being recognized as a prophet. Saul agreed to go with his servant and approached the city where the seer lived.

As they entered the city, young women were coming out to draw water. They asked the travelers if the seer was there, and received confirmation that he was indeed in the city, having arrived for the people's sacrifice at the high place. The women told them that as soon as they entered the city, they would find the seer preparing to eat before going up to bless the sacrifice.

The women's words proved accurate: when Saul and his servant came into the city, Samuel was already standing outside, about to go up to the high place. God had revealed to Samuel a day earlier that he would send a man from Benjamin to anoint as leader over Israel to save them from the Philistines.

As soon as Samuel saw Saul, God spoke to him, saying, "This is the man I told you about; he will reign over my people." Saul approached Samuel at the city gate and asked where the seer lived. Samuel replied, "I am the one you're asking for – go ahead of me up to the high place, and we'll eat together today."

Saul was also reassured that his missing donkeys had been found. Moreover, Samuel said that Saul's entire household was on everyone's mind in Israel, implying great expectation and honor.

Saul responded with humility: "Am I not a Benjaminite from the smallest tribe of Israel? Does my family not belong to one of the least significant families in Benjamin?" He wondered why Samuel spoke to him in such a way.

Samuel took Saul and his servant into the main room where dignitaries were seated, about thirty in total. The cook brought out the portion set aside for them, and Samuel said, "Here's what's left – eat it, as I've kept it back especially for you." And so Saul ate with Samuel that day.

After they came down from the high place into the city, Samuel spoke with Saul on the roof of the house. Early the next morning, Samuel called Saul to the top of the house and told him, "Get up; I want to send you away," and together they went out of the house.

As they walked down to the end of the city, Samuel instructed the servant to go ahead while he stood still for a moment with Saul.