14. They went to the town, and just as they were going through the gate, Samuel was coming out on his way to the place of worship.
15. The day before Saul came, the Lord had told Samuel,
16. “I've seen how my people are suffering, and I've heard their call for help. About this time tomorrow I'll send you a man from the tribe of Benjamin, who will rescue my people from the Philistines. I want you to pour olive oil on his head to show that he will be their leader.”
17. Samuel looked at Saul, and the Lord told Samuel, “This is the man I told you about. He's the one who will rule Israel.”
18. Saul went over to Samuel in the gateway and said, “A man who can see visions lives here in town. Could you tell me the way to his house?”
19. “I am the one who sees visions!” Samuel answered. “Go on up to the place of worship. You will eat with me today, and in the morning I'll answer your questions.
20. Don't worry about your donkeys that ran off three days ago. They've already been found. Everything of value in Israel now belongs to you and your family.”
21. “Why are you telling me this?” Saul asked. “I'm from Benjamin, the smallest tribe in Israel, and my clan is the least important in the tribe.”
22. Samuel took Saul and his servant into the dining room at the place of worship. About thirty people were there for the dinner, but Samuel gave Saul and his servant the places of honour.
23-24. Then Samuel told the cook, “I gave you the best piece of meat and told you to set it aside. Bring it here now.”The cook brought the meat over and set it down in front of Saul. “This is for you,” Samuel told him. “Go ahead and eat it. I had this piece saved especially for you, and I invited these guests to eat with you.”After Saul and Samuel had finished eating,
25. they went down from the place of worship and back into town. A bed was set up for Saul on the flat roof of Samuel's house,
26. and Saul slept there.About sunrise the next morning, Samuel called up to Saul on the roof, “Time to get up! I'll help you get started on your way.”Saul got up. He and Samuel left together