I Samuel 10 Commentary: The Dawn of Kingship in Israel
Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the Lord hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?
When thou art departed from me to day, then thou shalt find two men by Rachel’s sepulchre in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say unto thee, The asses which thou wentest to seek are found: and, lo, thy father hath left the care of the asses, and sorroweth for you, saying, What shall I do for my son?
Then shalt thou go on forward from thence, and thou shalt come to the plain of Tabor, and there shall meet thee three men going up to God to Beth–el, one carrying three kids, and another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a bottle of wine:
And they will salute thee, and give thee two loaves of bread; which thou shalt receive of their hands.
After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy:
And the Spirit of the Lord will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.
And let it be, when these signs are come unto thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee; for God is with thee.
And thou shalt go down before me to Gilgal; and, behold, I will come down unto thee, to offer burnt offerings, and to sacrifice sacrifices of peace offerings: seven days shalt thou tarry, till I come to thee, and shew thee what thou shalt do.
And it was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day.
And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them.
And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?
And one of the same place answered and said, But who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets?
And when he had made an end of prophesying, he came to the high place.
And Saul’s uncle said unto him and to his servant, Whither went ye? And he said, To seek the asses: and when we saw that they were no where, we came to Samuel.
And Saul’s uncle said, Tell me, I pray thee, what Samuel said unto you.
And Saul said unto his uncle, He told us plainly that the asses were found. But of the matter of the kingdom, whereof Samuel spake, he told him not.
And Samuel called the people together unto the Lord to Mizpeh;
And said unto the children of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and of them that oppressed you:
And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the Lord by your tribes, and by your thousands.
And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken.
When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was taken, and Saul the son of Kish was taken: and when they sought him, he could not be found.
Therefore they enquired of the Lord further, if the man should yet come thither. And the Lord answered, Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff.
And they ran and fetched him thence: and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward.
And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him whom the Lord hath chosen, that there is none like him among all the people? And all the people shouted, and said, God save the king.
Then Samuel told the people the manner of the kingdom, and wrote it in a book, and laid it up before the Lord. And Samuel sent all the people away, every man to his house.
And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and there went with him a band of men, whose hearts God had touched.
But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace.
I Samuel 10 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history: the anointing and public recognition of Saul as their first king. Despite warnings against it, the people demanded a king to be like the nations around them (I Samuel 8:19-20). God, in His sovereignty, granted their request, instructing Samuel to anoint Saul. This chapter reveals God's complex interaction with His people, balancing their desires with His ultimate plan. Let's explore the key events and their significance.
The Private Anointing and Divine Confirmation (I Samuel 10:1-9)
Samuel, obedient to God's command, privately anoints Saul as ruler over Israel (I Samuel 10:1). This act, pouring oil over Saul's head and kissing him, signifies God's choice and sets him apart for leadership. To confirm this divine appointment, Samuel gives Saul three specific signs that will occur on his journey home, each serving as a tangible reassurance that God is indeed at work.
- The First Sign (I Samuel 10:2): Saul will meet two men near Rachel's tomb, who will inform him that the donkeys he was searching for have been found and that his father is now worried about him. This sign alleviates Saul's immediate concern and foreshadows a shift in his responsibilities.
- The Second Sign (I Samuel 10:3-4): Saul will encounter three men near the oak of Tabor, one carrying three young goats, another three loaves of bread, and the third a skin of wine. They will offer Saul two loaves of bread, a symbolic gesture acknowledging his authority and providing for his needs.
- The Third Sign (I Samuel 10:5-6): Saul will meet a procession of prophets coming down from the high place, playing musical instruments. The Spirit of God will rush upon him, and he will prophesy alongside them, transforming him into a different man.
This final sign is particularly striking. The Holy Spirit empowers Saul, granting him the ability to prophesy, a clear indication of God's presence and enabling for his future role. Samuel instructs Saul to act according to the circumstances he finds himself in after these signs occur, trusting that God will be with him (I Samuel 10:7-8). He also tells Saul to wait for him at Gilgal for seven days, where Samuel will offer sacrifices and provide further instructions.
The narrative emphasizes that everything happened exactly as Samuel predicted (I Samuel 10:9). As the scripture says, "When Saul turned around to leave Samuel, God changed his heart" (I Samuel 10:9). This could refer to the Holy Spirit coming upon Saul in power to accomplish his kingship, just as the Spirit came upon other leaders in the Old Testament for specific purposes. These signs are not merely coincidences; they are divine confirmations designed to instill confidence in Saul and demonstrate God's active involvement in choosing Israel's king.
Prophecy, Omission, and Public Presentation (I Samuel 10:10-19)
One visible manifestation of God's power on Saul is his ability to prophesy with a group of prophets he encountered, surprising all those who knew him (I Samuel 10:10-11). People who knew Saul were astonished, asking, "What has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?" (I Samuel 10:11). Their questions reveal their amazement that Saul, of all people, was now exercising the prophetic gift.
Upon returning home, Saul is questioned by his uncle about his whereabouts and Samuel's message. Interestingly, Saul only mentions the donkeys and omits any mention of the kingship (I Samuel 10:14-16), a curious omission that hints at his initial reluctance or perhaps a lack of full understanding of the weight of his new responsibility.
The scene shifts to Mizpah, a place of significant historical and spiritual importance, where Samuel calls all of Israel together for Saul's public presentation and anointing as king (I Samuel 10:17). Mizpah was where God had brought about such a great and supernatural victory over the Philistines (see I Samuel 7:2-13). Before the selection process begins, Samuel solemnly reminds the people of the evil nature of their request for a king, emphasizing that it constitutes a rejection of the Lord who had delivered them from their enemies (I Samuel 10:18-19). Despite their rejection, God's grace prevails, and He proceeds to establish a king for them. However, the narrative foreshadows that because the people were not wholly devoted to him, God was giving them a king who would be not wholly devoted to him, either.
Selection by Lot and the Reluctant King (I Samuel 10:20-24)
To ensure the selection is undeniably God's choice, Samuel employs the casting of lots, a method believed to reveal God's will. The lot falls upon the tribe of Benjamin, then the clan of Matri, and finally, Saul son of Kish (I Samuel 10:20-21). However, Saul is nowhere to be found! He is hiding (I Samuel 10:22), seemingly overcome with modesty or fear of the immense responsibility thrust upon him.
God reveals Saul's hiding place, and he is brought before the people. His physical appearance immediately impresses the crowd: he stood a head taller than anyone else (I Samuel 10:23). This physical stature aligns with the people's desire for a strong, imposing leader, the kind of physically impressive king they wanted (I Samuel 10:24). Samuel declares, "Do you see the one the Lord has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people" (I Samuel 10:24). The people respond with enthusiastic approval, shouting, "Long live the king!" (I Samuel 10:24).
The Rights of Kingship and Mixed Reactions (I Samuel 10:25-27)
Samuel then articulates the rights and duties of kingship, documenting them in a scroll and placing it before the Lord (I Samuel 10:25). This act serves as a constitution, outlining the responsibilities and limitations of the king's authority.
As the people return home, Saul is accompanied by valiant men whose hearts God had touched (I Samuel 10:26). However, not everyone is convinced. A group of "worthless fellows" (I Samuel 10:27) refuse to acknowledge Saul's authority or offer him gifts, questioning his ability to lead and deliver them. This division foreshadows the challenges and opposition Saul will face in his reign.
I Samuel 10 presents a complex and nuanced picture of the beginning of kingship in Israel. It highlights God's sovereignty in granting the people's request while also revealing the potential pitfalls of their desire to be like other nations. Saul's anointing, the confirming signs, and the public selection all point to God's hand at work. However, the mixed reactions and Saul's initial reluctance hint at the challenges and ultimately, the tragic downfall that awaits him. This chapter serves as a reminder that true leadership is not merely about outward appearances or popular acclaim but about unwavering obedience and devotion to God.
Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the Lord hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?
When thou art departed from me to day, then thou shalt find two men by Rachel’s sepulchre in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say unto thee, The asses which thou wentest to seek are found: and, lo, thy father hath left the care of the asses, and sorroweth for you, saying, What shall I do for my son?
Then shalt thou go on forward from thence, and thou shalt come to the plain of Tabor, and there shall meet thee three men going up to God to Beth–el, one carrying three kids, and another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a bottle of wine:
And they will salute thee, and give thee two loaves of bread; which thou shalt receive of their hands.
After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy:
And the Spirit of the Lord will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.
And let it be, when these signs are come unto thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee; for God is with thee.
And thou shalt go down before me to Gilgal; and, behold, I will come down unto thee, to offer burnt offerings, and to sacrifice sacrifices of peace offerings: seven days shalt thou tarry, till I come to thee, and shew thee what thou shalt do.
And it was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day.
And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them.
And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?
And one of the same place answered and said, But who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets?
And when he had made an end of prophesying, he came to the high place.
And Saul’s uncle said unto him and to his servant, Whither went ye? And he said, To seek the asses: and when we saw that they were no where, we came to Samuel.
And Saul’s uncle said, Tell me, I pray thee, what Samuel said unto you.
And Saul said unto his uncle, He told us plainly that the asses were found. But of the matter of the kingdom, whereof Samuel spake, he told him not.
And Samuel called the people together unto the Lord to Mizpeh;
And said unto the children of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and of them that oppressed you:
And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the Lord by your tribes, and by your thousands.
And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken.
When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was taken, and Saul the son of Kish was taken: and when they sought him, he could not be found.
Therefore they enquired of the Lord further, if the man should yet come thither. And the Lord answered, Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff.
And they ran and fetched him thence: and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward.
And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him whom the Lord hath chosen, that there is none like him among all the people? And all the people shouted, and said, God save the king.
Then Samuel told the people the manner of the kingdom, and wrote it in a book, and laid it up before the Lord. And Samuel sent all the people away, every man to his house.
And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and there went with him a band of men, whose hearts God had touched.
But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace.
I Samuel 10 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history: the anointing and public recognition of Saul as their first king. Despite warnings against it, the people demanded a king to be like the nations around them (I Samuel 8:19-20). God, in His sovereignty, granted their request, instructing Samuel to anoint Saul. This chapter reveals God's complex interaction with His people, balancing their desires with His ultimate plan. Let's explore the key events and their significance.
The Private Anointing and Divine Confirmation (I Samuel 10:1-9)
Samuel, obedient to God's command, privately anoints Saul as ruler over Israel (I Samuel 10:1). This act, pouring oil over Saul's head and kissing him, signifies God's choice and sets him apart for leadership. To confirm this divine appointment, Samuel gives Saul three specific signs that will occur on his journey home, each serving as a tangible reassurance that God is indeed at work.
- The First Sign (I Samuel 10:2): Saul will meet two men near Rachel's tomb, who will inform him that the donkeys he was searching for have been found and that his father is now worried about him. This sign alleviates Saul's immediate concern and foreshadows a shift in his responsibilities.
- The Second Sign (I Samuel 10:3-4): Saul will encounter three men near the oak of Tabor, one carrying three young goats, another three loaves of bread, and the third a skin of wine. They will offer Saul two loaves of bread, a symbolic gesture acknowledging his authority and providing for his needs.
- The Third Sign (I Samuel 10:5-6): Saul will meet a procession of prophets coming down from the high place, playing musical instruments. The Spirit of God will rush upon him, and he will prophesy alongside them, transforming him into a different man.
This final sign is particularly striking. The Holy Spirit empowers Saul, granting him the ability to prophesy, a clear indication of God's presence and enabling for his future role. Samuel instructs Saul to act according to the circumstances he finds himself in after these signs occur, trusting that God will be with him (I Samuel 10:7-8). He also tells Saul to wait for him at Gilgal for seven days, where Samuel will offer sacrifices and provide further instructions.
The narrative emphasizes that everything happened exactly as Samuel predicted (I Samuel 10:9). As the scripture says, "When Saul turned around to leave Samuel, God changed his heart" (I Samuel 10:9). This could refer to the Holy Spirit coming upon Saul in power to accomplish his kingship, just as the Spirit came upon other leaders in the Old Testament for specific purposes. These signs are not merely coincidences; they are divine confirmations designed to instill confidence in Saul and demonstrate God's active involvement in choosing Israel's king.
Prophecy, Omission, and Public Presentation (I Samuel 10:10-19)
One visible manifestation of God's power on Saul is his ability to prophesy with a group of prophets he encountered, surprising all those who knew him (I Samuel 10:10-11). People who knew Saul were astonished, asking, "What has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?" (I Samuel 10:11). Their questions reveal their amazement that Saul, of all people, was now exercising the prophetic gift.
Upon returning home, Saul is questioned by his uncle about his whereabouts and Samuel's message. Interestingly, Saul only mentions the donkeys and omits any mention of the kingship (I Samuel 10:14-16), a curious omission that hints at his initial reluctance or perhaps a lack of full understanding of the weight of his new responsibility.
The scene shifts to Mizpah, a place of significant historical and spiritual importance, where Samuel calls all of Israel together for Saul's public presentation and anointing as king (I Samuel 10:17). Mizpah was where God had brought about such a great and supernatural victory over the Philistines (see I Samuel 7:2-13). Before the selection process begins, Samuel solemnly reminds the people of the evil nature of their request for a king, emphasizing that it constitutes a rejection of the Lord who had delivered them from their enemies (I Samuel 10:18-19). Despite their rejection, God's grace prevails, and He proceeds to establish a king for them. However, the narrative foreshadows that because the people were not wholly devoted to him, God was giving them a king who would be not wholly devoted to him, either.
Selection by Lot and the Reluctant King (I Samuel 10:20-24)
To ensure the selection is undeniably God's choice, Samuel employs the casting of lots, a method believed to reveal God's will. The lot falls upon the tribe of Benjamin, then the clan of Matri, and finally, Saul son of Kish (I Samuel 10:20-21). However, Saul is nowhere to be found! He is hiding (I Samuel 10:22), seemingly overcome with modesty or fear of the immense responsibility thrust upon him.
God reveals Saul's hiding place, and he is brought before the people. His physical appearance immediately impresses the crowd: he stood a head taller than anyone else (I Samuel 10:23). This physical stature aligns with the people's desire for a strong, imposing leader, the kind of physically impressive king they wanted (I Samuel 10:24). Samuel declares, "Do you see the one the Lord has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people" (I Samuel 10:24). The people respond with enthusiastic approval, shouting, "Long live the king!" (I Samuel 10:24).
The Rights of Kingship and Mixed Reactions (I Samuel 10:25-27)
Samuel then articulates the rights and duties of kingship, documenting them in a scroll and placing it before the Lord (I Samuel 10:25). This act serves as a constitution, outlining the responsibilities and limitations of the king's authority.
As the people return home, Saul is accompanied by valiant men whose hearts God had touched (I Samuel 10:26). However, not everyone is convinced. A group of "worthless fellows" (I Samuel 10:27) refuse to acknowledge Saul's authority or offer him gifts, questioning his ability to lead and deliver them. This division foreshadows the challenges and opposition Saul will face in his reign.
I Samuel 10 presents a complex and nuanced picture of the beginning of kingship in Israel. It highlights God's sovereignty in granting the people's request while also revealing the potential pitfalls of their desire to be like other nations. Saul's anointing, the confirming signs, and the public selection all point to God's hand at work. However, the mixed reactions and Saul's initial reluctance hint at the challenges and ultimately, the tragic downfall that awaits him. This chapter serves as a reminder that true leadership is not merely about outward appearances or popular acclaim but about unwavering obedience and devotion to God.