First Reading1 Samuel 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1a
From the First Book of Samuel
1Now there was a man of Benjamin,whose name was Kish the son of Abiel,the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath,the son of Aphiah,the son of a Benjamite,a mighty man of valor.2He had a son whose name was Saul, an impressive young man;and there was not among the children of Israel a more handsome person than he.From his shouldersand upward he was taller than any of the people.
3The donkeys of Kish, Saul’s father, were lost.Kish said to Saul his son,“Now take one of the servants with you,and arise, go look for the donkeys.”4He passed through the hill country of Ephraim,and passed through the land of Shalishah,but they didn’t find them.Then they passed through the land of Shaalim,and they weren’t there.Then he passed through the land of the Benjamites,but they didn’t find them.
verses 5–16 are not read17When Samuel saw Saul,the Lord said to him,“Behold, the man of whom I spoke to you!He will have authority over my people.”
18Then Saul approached Samuel in the gateway,and said, “Please tell me where the seer’s house is.”
19Samuel answered Saul and said, “I am the seer.Go up before me to the high place,for you are to eat with me today.In the morning I will let you goand will tell you all that is in your heart.
some verses are not read1Then Samuel took the vial of oiland poured it on his head,then kissed him and said,“Hasn’t the Lord anointed you to be prince over his inheritance?