And Samuel said to the cook, “Bring the portion I gave you, of which I said to you, ‘Put it aside.’”
Providence having at length brought Samuel and Saul together, we have here an account of what passed between them in the gate, at the feast, and in private. I. In the gate of the city; passing through that, Saul found him (Sa1 9:18), and, little thinking that he was Samuel himself, asked him the way to Samuel's house: Tell me where the seer's house is...
Commenting on 1 Samuel 9:18-27
And Samuel said unto the cook,.... That dressed and prepared the food for the entertainment of the guests: bring the portion which I gave thee; to dress; for part of the provisions of the feast was Samuel's, and the other part the people's that brought the peace offerings: of which I said unto thee, set it by thee; do not bring it in with the...
Said unto the cook - טבח tabbach, here rendered cook; the singular of טבחות tabbachoth, female cooks, Sa1 8:13, from the root tabach, to slay or butcher. Probably the butcher is here meant.