1 Samuel 10

In this chapter, Samuel anoints Saul as the first king of Israel, a significant moment in the transition from the era of judges to the monarchy. The chapter describes how Saul is confirmed as king through signs, the Spirit of God coming upon him, and his public selection by lot. This moment marks the beginning of Saul's leadership over Israel.

1 Samuel 10:1 (NKJV)
1 Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on his head, and kissed him and said: “Is it not because the Lord has anointed you commander over His inheritance?”

Samuel anoints Saul as king by pouring oil on his head, a symbolic act of consecration. The kiss represents honor and respect, showing that Saul has been chosen by God to lead His people. The phrase "commander over His inheritance" refers to Israel, God's chosen people. This act marks Saul's divine appointment to rule over Israel, not by human choice but by God’s will.

1 Samuel 10:2-5 (NKJV)
2 When you have departed from me today, you will find two men by Rachel’s tomb in the territory of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say to you, ‘The donkeys which you went to look for have been found, and now your father has ceased caring about the donkeys and is worrying about you, saying, “What shall I do about my son?” ’
3 Then you shall go on forward from there and come to the terebinth tree of Tabor. There three men going up to God at Bethel will meet you, one carrying three young goats, another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a skin of wine.
4 And they will greet you and give you two loaves of bread, which you shall receive from their hands.
5 After that you shall come to the hill of God where the Philistine garrison is. And it will happen, when you have come there to the city, that you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place with a stringed instrument, a tambourine, a flute, and a harp before them; and they will be prophesying.

Samuel gives Saul three specific signs to confirm that God has chosen him. First, Saul will hear from two men at Rachel’s tomb, confirming that his father has stopped worrying about the lost donkeys and is now concerned about Saul. Second, three men on their way to worship at Bethel will offer him bread. Third, Saul will meet a group of prophets, signifying that he will encounter God's presence and prophetic activity. These signs aim to reassure Saul that God is indeed directing these events.

1 Samuel 10:6 (NKJV)
6 Then the Spirit of the Lord will come upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man.

Samuel tells Saul that the Spirit of the Lord will empower him, causing him to prophesy alongside the prophets. This moment marks a transformation in Saul, as God’s Spirit will give him the ability to lead and act in ways that are beyond his natural abilities. This change signifies his divine calling to kingship, a turning point in his life and character.

1 Samuel 10:7-8 (NKJV)
7 And let it be, when these signs come to you, that you do as the occasion demands; for God is with you.
8 You shall go down before me to Gilgal; and surely I will come down to you to offer burnt offerings and make sacrifices of peace offerings. Seven days you shall wait, till I come to you and show you what you should do.”

Samuel instructs Saul to act as circumstances require when these signs occur because God’s presence will be with him. He also gives Saul a specific directive to go to Gilgal and wait seven days for further instructions. This shows that Saul's leadership will be under God’s guidance and that he must learn to obey God’s prophets, indicating the importance of waiting on God for direction.

1 Samuel 10:9-10 (NKJV)
9 So it was, when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, that God gave him another heart; and all those signs came to pass that day.
10 When they came there to the hill, there was a group of prophets to meet him; then the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them.

As Saul leaves Samuel, God transforms his heart, signifying the internal change necessary for his new role. All the signs Samuel foretold occur, confirming God's hand in Saul's anointing. When Saul meets the prophets, the Spirit of God empowers him to prophesy, showing that Saul is under divine influence and preparing him for leadership.

1 Samuel 10:11-12 (NKJV)
11 And it happened, when all who knew him formerly saw that he indeed prophesied among the prophets, that the people said to one another, “What is this that has come upon the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?”
12 Then a man from there answered and said, “But who is their father?” Therefore it became a proverb: “Is Saul also among the prophets?”

The people are astonished that Saul, previously unknown for spiritual insight, is now prophesying. Their question, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” reflects their surprise at the transformation they witness. The proverb that follows highlights how unexpected it was for Saul to be part of a prophetic group, illustrating the profound change God has worked in him.

1 Samuel 10:13-14 (NKJV)
13 And when he had finished prophesying, he went to the high place.
14 Then Saul’s uncle said to him and his servant, “Where did you go?” So he said, “To look for the donkeys. When we saw that they were nowhere to be found, we went to Samuel.”

After prophesying, Saul returns to the high place, a location associated with worship. When his uncle inquires about his whereabouts, Saul simply states that he went looking for the donkeys and sought Samuel’s guidance. He does not mention the anointing or the signs, showing either his humility or uncertainty about how to share such life-altering news.

1 Samuel 10:15-16 (NKJV)
15 And Saul’s uncle said, “Tell me, please, what Samuel said to you.”
16 So Saul said to his uncle, “He told us plainly that the donkeys had been found.” But about the matter of the kingdom, he did not tell him what Samuel had said.

Saul’s uncle presses him for details about his conversation with Samuel, but Saul only mentions the donkeys, leaving out the part about being chosen as king. This omission could be due to modesty, fear, or a reluctance to share such a significant revelation prematurely.

1 Samuel 10:17-19 (NKJV)
17 Then Samuel called the people together to the Lord at Mizpah,
18 and said to the children of Israel, “Thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of all kingdoms and from those who oppressed you.’
19 But you have today rejected your God, who Himself saved you from all your adversities and your tribulations; and you have said to Him, ‘No, set a king over us!’ Now therefore, present yourselves before the Lord by your tribes and by your clans.”

Samuel gathers Israel and reminds them of God’s past deliverance, emphasizing their ingratitude in demanding a king. Despite God's consistent protection and provision, the people rejected His rule in favor of a human king. This address highlights the tension between Israel’s desire for a monarchy and their need to recognize God’s sovereignty.

1 Samuel 10:20-21 (NKJV)
20 And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was chosen.
21 When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was chosen. And Saul the son of Kish was chosen. But when they sought him, he could not be found.

Through a divinely guided selection process, Saul is chosen from the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest and least prominent of Israel’s tribes. However, when they look for Saul, he is missing, which might suggest his humility, fear, or hesitation in accepting his new role as king.

1 Samuel 10:22-24 (NKJV)
22 Therefore they inquired of the Lord further, “Has the man come here yet?” And the Lord answered, “There he is, hidden among the equipment.”
23 So they ran and brought him from there; and when he stood among the people, he was taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward.
24 And Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see him whom the Lord has chosen, that there is no one like him among all the people?” So all the people shouted and said, “Long live the king!”

Saul is found hiding among the supplies, possibly reflecting his uncertainty or humility about his new position. When he stands before the people, his impressive stature sets him apart, and Samuel publicly confirms him as God’s chosen leader. The people respond enthusiastically, accepting Saul as their king with the shout, “Long live the king!” This marks the public affirmation of Saul’s kingship.

1 Samuel 10:25-27 (NKJV)
25 Then Samuel explained to the people the behavior of royalty, 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.
26 And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and valiant men went with him, whose hearts God had touched.
27 But some rebels said, “How can this man save us?” So they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace.

Samuel sets down the laws and responsibilities of kingship, ensuring that both Saul and the people understand the expectations of a godly monarch. Saul returns to his home, accompanied by men whom God had moved to support him. However, not everyone accepts Saul's leadership, as some rebellious individuals doubt his ability to lead. Despite their opposition, Saul remains patient and does not retaliate, demonstrating restraint and wisdom in the face of criticism.