ESV Reformation Study Bible – 1 Sam 9:1
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1 Sam 9:1

9:1 a man of wealth. The opening verse of the account of Saul’s adventures is formally similar to the beginning of the birth narrative of Samuel (1:1). In both instances the father of the principal character is introduced with sufficient genealogical references to suggest a man of standing. In Samuel’s introduction we are also told of the father’s faithful religious observance (1:3–5), whereas in this account we are introduced immediately to Saul (v. 2), and the focus remains exclusively on external qualities.