*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
Now the Lord had told Samuel - How this communication was made, we cannot tell.
Now the Lord had told Samuel in his ear,.... In a private manner, whispering in his ear, telling him in a free, familiar, friendly way, as a secret:
a day before Saul came; that he might prepare for the entertainment of him, and not be surprised at his coming, as well as hereby be assured he was the person designed to be king of Israel, when he should come:
saying; as follows.
GOD REVEALS TO SAMUEL SAUL'S COMING, AND HIS APPOINTMENT TO THE KINGDOM. (1-Samuel 9:15-27)
Now the Lord had told Samuel in his ear a day before--The description of Saul, the time of his arrival, and the high office to which he was destined, had been secretly intimated to Samuel from heaven. The future king of Israel was to fight the battles of the Lord and protect His people. It would appear that they were at this time suffering great molestation from the Philistines, and that this was an additional reason of their urgent demands for the appointment of a king (see 1-Samuel 10:5; 1-Samuel 13:3).
His ear - That is, secretly, perhaps by a still small voice.
*More commentary available at chapter level.