Matthew Henry Commentary 1 Samuel 9:1-10

"Now 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. And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a young man and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people. And the asses of Kish, Saul`s father, were lost. And Kish said to Saul his son, Take now one of the servants with thee, and arise, go seek the asses. And he passed through the hill-country of Ephraim, and passed through the land of Shalishah, but they found them not: then they passed through the land of Shaalim, and there they were not: and he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they found them not. When they were come to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant that was with him, Come, and let us return, lest my father leave off caring for the asses, and be anxious for us. And he said unto him, Behold now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is a man that is held in honor; all that he saith cometh surely to pass: now let us go thither; peradventure he can tell us concerning our journey whereon we go. Then said Saul to his servant, But, behold, if we go, what shall we bring the man? for the bread is spent in our vessels, and there is not a present to bring to the man of God: what have we? And the servant answered Saul again, and said, Behold, I have in my hand the fourth part of a shekel of silver: that will I give to the man of God, to tell us our way. (Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, thus he said, Come, and let us go to the seer; for he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer.) Then said Saul to his servant, Well said; come, let us go. So they went unto the city where the man of God was." — 1 Samuel 9:1-10 (ASV)

Saul readily went to seek his father's asses. His obedience to his father was praiseworthy. His servant proposed that, since they were now at Ramah, they should call on Samuel and take his advice. Wherever we are, we should use our opportunities to acquaint ourselves with those who are wise and good.

Many will consult a man of God if he comes in their way, yet they would not go a step out of their way to get wisdom.

We keenly feel worldly losses and take great pains to make them up; but how little do we attempt, and how soon are we weary, in seeking the salvation of our souls! If ministers could tell people how to secure their property or to get wealth, they would be more consulted and honored than they now are, even though they are employed in teaching them how to escape eternal misery and obtain eternal life.

Most people would rather be told their fortune than their duty. Samuel did not need their money, nor would he have denied his advice if they had not brought it. However, they gave it to him as a token of respect and of the value they placed on his office. This was also consistent with the general custom of those times, which was to always bring a present to those in authority.