Definition: To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him [to be] captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 9:16. It’s a really significant and somewhat mysterious passage in the Bible! Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes God’s decision to send a specific person – a man named Samuel – to lead Israel out of the grip of the Philistines. It’s essentially a promise that God is actively involved and wants to protect his people. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin..." – This tells us when this happens. "Tomorrow about this time" means shortly after this verse is being read. God is setting something in motion. "...and thou shalt anoint him [to be] captain over my people Israel..." - This is a crucial part. “Anoint” means to bless or crown someone. So, God is choosing Samuel to be the leader of Israel. He's officially naming him as their captain. "that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines:" – This is the why . The Philistines were a group of people who lived in the area and often harassed the Israelites. God wants to protect Israel from being harmed or controlled by them. “Save” here means to safeguard and protect their well-being. "...for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me." – This is a very powerful statement. "I have looked upon my people" suggests that God has been observing Israel for a long time, noticing their suffering and distress. The “cry” refers to the prayers and pleas of the Israelites – their need for help and protection. It’s a sign that they are desperate and vulnerable. Overall Meaning: This verse paints a picture of God actively intervening in history to protect his people. He's recognizing Israel's distress, and he is choosing Samuel as a vital figure to take action – to lead them out of a difficult situation with the help of the Philistines. It’s a moment where God’s presence and care are felt most strongly. It’s important to note: The exact context and meaning of this verse are debated among scholars, but it's generally understood as a significant step in God’s plan to establish Israel’s future. --- Do you want me to elaborate on any specific aspect of this verse? For example, would you like me to: Explain the significance of “Benjamin”? Discuss the role of Samuel in the Old Testament?