rue God, as in the
present case: but more frequently in the service of idols; and were
called excelsa, which is commonly (though perhaps not so accurately)
rendered high places; not because they were always upon hills, for the
very worst of all, which was that of Topheth, or Geennom, (Jer. 19.) was
in a valley; but because of the high altars, and pillars, or monuments,
erected there, on which were set up the idols, or images of their
deities.

9:13. As soon as you come into the city, you shall immediately find him,
before he go up to the high place to eat: for the people will not eat
till he come; because he blesseth the victim, and afterwards they eat
that are invited. Now, therefore, go up, for to day you shall find him.

9:14. And they went up into the city. And when they were walking in the
midst of the city, behold Samuel was coming out over against them, to go
up to the high place.

9:15. Now the Lord had revealed to the ear of Samuel the day before Saul
came, saying:

9:16. To morrow about this same hour I will send thee a man of the land
of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be ruler over my people
Israel: and he shall save my people out of the hand of the Philistines:
for I have looked down upon my people, because their cry is come to me.

9:17. And when Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said to him: Behold the man, of
whom I spoke to thee, this man shall reign over my people.

9:18. And Saul came to Samuel in the midst of the gate, and said: Tell
me, I pray thee, where is the house of the seer?

9:19. And Samuel answered Saul, saying: I am the seer; go up before me
to the high place, that you may eat with me to day, and I will let thee
go in the morning: and tell thee all that is in thy heart.

9:20. And as for the asses, which were lost three days ago, be not
solicitous, because they are found. And for whom shall be all the best
things of Israel? Shall they not be for thee and for all thy father's
house?

9:21. And Saul answering, said: Am not I a son of Jemini of the least
tribe of Israel, and my kindred the last among all the families of the
tribe of Benjamin? Why then hast thou spoken this word to me?

9:22. Then Samuel taking Saul, and his servant, brought them into the
parlour, and gave them a place at the head of them that were invited.
For there were about thirty men.

9:23. And Samuel said to the cook: Bring the portion which I gave thee,
and commanded thee to set it apart by thee.

9:24. A