And the cook took up the shoulder, and that which was upon it, and set it before Saul. And Samuel said, Behold that which is left! set it before thee, and eat: for unto this time hath it been kept for thee since I said, I have invited the people. So Saul did eat with Samuel that day.

1 SAMUEL 9:24KJV
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1 Samuel 9:24 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 9:24 mean?

1 Samuel 9:24 describes how the cook brought out a special portion of meat, the shoulder, and placed it before Saul at Samuel’s instruction. Samuel tells Saul that this portion was set aside for him and encourages him to eat, explaining that it had been reserved for this moment when Saul was invited among the people.

Samuel, the prophet, is hosting Saul at a meal after inviting him to a sacrificial feast. Samuel directs the cook to give Saul the choicest part of the meat, which had been specially kept for him, signaling honor and significance. This scene quietly marks Saul as someone chosen for a special purpose, hinting at his soon-to-be-revealed role as Israel’s first king.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 9:24

  • שׁוֹק (shoq, “shoulder”): This word refers to the upper leg or thigh portion, often considered an honorable or special part in sacrificial meals. Giving this to Saul signals respect and a set-apart status.
  • שָׁמַר (shamar, “kept”): This verb means to guard or keep. Samuel says the portion was “kept” for Saul, highlighting that Saul’s presence was anticipated and that this event was prepared in advance for him.
  • מוֹעֵד (mo’ed, “time”): This word often means an appointed time or meeting. Samuel’s use of it suggests that Saul’s arrival and this meal were not random but part of a planned, significant occasion.

Why 1 Samuel 9:24 matters

  • This verse shows Saul being honored in a public setting before he knows he will be king, helping readers see how God’s plans unfold quietly and intentionally.
  • The act of reserving the best portion for Saul emphasizes Samuel’s awareness of Saul’s future role and God’s guidance in the selection process.
  • Understanding the cultural meaning of the “shoulder” portion and the idea of an “appointed time” helps clarify how deliberate and meaningful Samuel’s actions are, rather than them being a simple act of hospitality.

Where else these words appear

“shoulder” Hebrew H7785 · used in 19 verses

  • Exodus 29:22 Also thou shalt take of the ram the fat and the rump, and the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and the right shoulder; for it is a ram of consecration:
  • Leviticus 8:26 And out of the basket of unleavened bread, that was before the LORD, he took one unleavened cake, and a cake of oiled bread, and one wafer, and put them on the fat, and upon the right shoulder:
  • Deuteronomy 28:35 The LORD shall smite thee in the knees, and in the legs, with a sore botch that cannot be healed, from the sole of thy foot unto the top of thy head.

“cook” Hebrew H2876 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 37:36 And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, and captain of the guard.
  • 2 Kings 25:12 But the captain of the guard left of the poor of the land to be vinedressers and husbandmen.
  • Jeremiah 40:5 Now while he was not yet gone back, he said, Go back also to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon hath made governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people: or go wheresoever it seemeth convenient unto thee to go. So the captain of the guard gave him victuals and a reward, and let him go.

“Samuel” Hebrew H8050 · used in 120 verses

  • Numbers 34:20 And of the tribe of the children of Simeon, Shemuel the son of Ammihud.
  • 1 Samuel 9:15 Now the LORD had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying,
  • 1 Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

“left” Hebrew H7604 · used in 123 verses

  • Genesis 7:23 And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark.
  • Joshua 13:1 Now Joshua was old and stricken in years; and the LORD said unto him, Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed.
  • Nehemiah 1:2 That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.