SEV Biblia, Chapter 9:8
Entonces volvió el criado a responder a Saúl, diciendo: He aquí se halla en mi mano la cuarta parte de un siclo de plata; esto daré al varón de Dios, para que nos declare nuestro camino.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 9:8
Verse 8. The fourth part of a shekel of silver] We find from the preceding verse, that the bread or provisions which they had brought with them for their journey was expended, else a part of that would have been thought a suitable present; and here the fourth part of a shekel of silver, about ninepence of our money, was deemed sufficient: therefore the present was intended more as a token of respect than as an emolument.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 8. And the servant answered Saul again, and said , etc.] As he had answered him before, when Saul proposed to return home, by telling him there was an honourable man of God in the city near at hand, that might possibly be able to direct them which way they should go to find the asses: so he answers him again with respect to the present it was proper to carry with them, and what he had in his hands to make: behold, I have here at hand the fourth part of a shekel of silver : a “zuze” of silver, as the Targum, four of which made a shekel, about seven pence halfpenny of our money, and scarce so much: that will I give to the man of God to tell us our way ; that they should go to find the asses: which he would give him very freely for that purpose: both Saul and his servant must entertain a mean opinion of prophets, and men of God, and especially of so great a man as Samuel, that he should be employed at any time in directing persons in such cases, and take money for so doing, and so small a gratuity as this before mentioned; though it seems as if, at some times, something of this kind was done by prophets, and men of God, which might be permitted to keep the people from going to diviners and soothsayers.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-10 - Saul readily went to seek his father's asses. His obedience to his father was praise-worthy. His servant proposed, that since they wer now at Ramah, they should call on Samuel, and take his advice. Whereve we are, we should use our opportunities of acquainting ourselves with those who are wise and good. Many will consult a man of God, if he comes in their way, that would not go a step out of their way to ge wisdom. We sensibly feel worldly losses, and bestow much pains to make them up; but how little do we attempt, and how soon are we weary, is seeking the salvation of our souls! If ministers could tell men how to secure their property, or to get wealth, they would be more consulte and honoured than they now are, though employed in teaching them how to escape eternal misery, and to obtain eternal life. Most people woul rather be told their fortune than their duty. Samuel needed not their money, nor would he have denied his advice, if they had not brought it but they gave it to him as a token of respect, and of the value the put upon his office, and according to the general usage of those times always to bring a present to those in authority.
Original Hebrew
ויסף 3254 הנער 5288 לענות 6030 את 853 שׁאול 7586 ויאמר 559 הנה 2009 נמצא 4672 בידי 3027 רבע 7253 שׁקל 8255 כסף 3701 ונתתי 5414 לאישׁ 376 האלהים 430 והגיד 5046 לנו את 853 דרכנו׃ 1870
