# Overview 1 Samuel Chapter 10 is a pivotal moment in the history of #Israel, marking the anointing of #Saul as the first king over the nation. The chapter begins with the prophet #Samuel anointing Saul, pouring oil on his head, and declaring him as the chosen leader by the command of the #LORD. This act of anointing signifies God's empowerment and selection of Saul for the role of king. Samuel provides Saul with specific signs to confirm his anointing, including the meeting of two men by #Rachel's tomb, the provision of bread from three men at the oak of #Tabor, and the encounter with a group of prophets at #Gibeah. As these signs come to pass, the Spirit of the LORD comes powerfully upon Saul, and he begins to prophesy, symbolizing his transformation and divine appointment for leadership. The chapter continues with Samuel gathering the people of Israel at #Mizpah to publicly proclaim Saul as king. Casting lots before the LORD, the tribe of #Benjamin is chosen, and within that tribe, the family of #Matri is selected, leading to Saul's identification as king. However, Saul is found hiding among the baggage, displaying his initial reluctance and humility. When presented to the people, he stands taller than any of them, and Samuel declares, "Do you see the man the LORD has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people." The people respond with a shout of acclamation, "Long live the king!" Samuel then explains the rights and duties of kingship to the people and records them on a scroll. Saul returns to his home in #Gibeah, accompanied by valiant men whose hearts God has touched, while some scoundrels question his ability to lead. This chapter sets the stage for Saul's reign and highlights the divine orchestration in establishing a monarchy in Israel. ## Theological Insights 1 Samuel 10 marks a significant turning point in the narrative of #Israel as it introduces the anointing of #Saul as the first king of Israel, highlighting the transition from a theocratic to a monarchical system. This chapter is pivotal in demonstrating God’s sovereignty and His ability to work through human institutions to fulfill His divine purposes. The anointing of Saul by the prophet #Samuel signifies the divine selection of Saul to lead God’s people. This act of anointing is rich with theological significance, as it symbolizes the empowerment by the #HolySpirit, setting Saul apart for God’s service. Samuel's actions fulfill the people's demand for a king, as seen in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 8]], yet it also serves as a reminder that God remains the ultimate authority over Israel. The signs given to Saul (meeting two men, receiving bread from three men, and encountering a group of prophets) serve as confirmations of God’s calling and empowerment for his new role. These signs demonstrate that Saul’s kingship is divinely sanctioned and not merely a human invention. The Spirit of the Lord coming upon Saul, causing him to prophesy (1 Samuel 10:10), exemplifies the transformative power of God’s Spirit, enabling him to fulfill his role as the leader of Israel. The public selection of Saul by lot at Mizpah (1 Samuel 10:17-24) underscores the theme of divine election and providence. Despite Saul’s initial reluctance and the people's skepticism, God’s choice is made clear, reinforcing the message that God’s plans prevail over human preferences and expectations. The chapter further illustrates the dual themes of divine sovereignty and human responsibility. While Saul is chosen by God, he is also called to lead with wisdom and integrity, relying on God’s guidance. The narrative foreshadows the complexities of Saul’s reign and the importance of obedience to God’s commands, as later seen in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 15]]. Overall, 1 Samuel 10 conveys a profound theological message about God’s engagement with His people, His willingness to meet their demands within the parameters of His will, and His ability to empower individuals for leadership through His Spirit. This chapter calls believers to recognize the importance of divine calling and the necessity of relying on God’s Spirit for strength and guidance in fulfilling His purposes. ## Thematic Connections ### Anointing and Divine Choice In 1 Samuel Chapter 10, the theme of divine choice and anointing is central as #Samuel anoints #Saul as the first king of #Israel. This anointing signifies God's selection of Saul, paralleling other instances of divine choice, such as the anointing of #David in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 16]], where God selects individuals based on His purposes rather than human criteria. This theme highlights God's sovereignty in appointing leaders, as seen in #Moses’ leadership in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 3]] and #Gideon's calling in [[Judges/Judges Chapter 6]]. ### Signs and Confirmation The signs given to Saul by Samuel serve as confirmation of God's call and the authenticity of his anointing. This theme of divine confirmation through signs can be connected to the signs given to #Gideon in [[Judges/Judges Chapter 6]] and the miracles performed by #Elijah in [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 18]], which validate God's word and assure His presence and guidance. ### Transformation and Empowerment by the Spirit The transformation Saul undergoes when the #Spirit of the Lord comes upon him, turning him into "another man," emphasizes the theme of empowerment by the Spirit. This transformation is similar to the Spirit's empowering of #Samson in [[Judges/Judges Chapter 14]], and the apostles at #Pentecost in [[Acts/Acts Chapter 2]], demonstrating how the Holy Spirit equips individuals for service and leadership in God's plan. ### The Role of Prophets and Prophecy Samuel's role in anointing Saul and delivering God's message underscores the theme of prophets as God's mouthpiece, a recurring theme throughout the Bible. This is seen in #Moses’ prophetic leadership in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 18]], #Elijah’s ministry in [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 17]], and the prophetic ministry of #Isaiah in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 6]], highlighting how God uses prophets to communicate His will and guide His people. ### Human Insecurity and Divine Assurance Saul’s initial hiding among the baggage when called to be king reveals his insecurity, a theme seen in other biblical figures such as #Moses in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 4]] and #Gideon in [[Judges/Judges Chapter 6]]. In each case, God provides assurance and confirmation of His presence and calling, reminding His chosen leaders of their reliance on divine strength rather than personal capability. ### Public Acclamation and Acceptance The public acclamation of Saul as king illustrates the theme of communal acceptance and recognition of God’s chosen leader. This theme is echoed in the anointing of #David as king in [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 5]], and the acknowledgment of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] as the Messiah during His triumphal entry in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 21]], emphasizing the importance of both divine choice and community affirmation in leadership. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Anointing of Saul as King In 1 Samuel 10, the anointing of #Saul as king over #Israel fulfills the people's desire for a monarch, as previously expressed in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 8|1 Samuel 8:5]]. This event aligns with God's provision for a king, as foretold in the law given through #Moses in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 17|Deuteronomy 17:14-20]], where God outlines the criteria and conduct for a king. The anointing signifies the transition of Israel from a theocracy to a monarchy and the establishment of a king to lead and deliver them, as God had allowed. ### The Confirmation through Signs Samuel provides Saul with specific signs to confirm his anointing as king, detailed in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 10|1 Samuel 10:1-9]]. These signs, including meeting two men by Rachel's tomb (v. 2), encountering three men at the Tabor oak (v. 3), and prophesying with a group of prophets (v. 5), serve as divine confirmation of Saul's kingship. This aligns with the biblical theme where God uses signs to confirm His word and promises, reminiscent of the signs given to Gideon in [[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges 6:36-40]]. ### The Spirit of God Coming upon Saul The Spirit of God coming powerfully upon Saul, enabling him to prophesy (v. 10), fulfills the expectation of divine empowerment for leadership, as seen in previous judges like [[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Othniel in Judges 3:10]] and [[Judges/Judges Chapter 14|Samson in Judges 14:6]]. This reflects God's pattern of equipping chosen leaders with His Spirit to accomplish His purposes, prefiguring the ultimate anointing of the #Messiah with the Spirit in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 61|Isaiah 61:1]] and fulfilled in [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] as noted in [[Luke/Luke Chapter 4|Luke 4:18]]. ### The Selection by Lot The process of selecting Saul by lot among the tribes of Israel (v. 20-24) fulfills the earlier indication by God that Saul was His chosen king. This method of selection echoes the biblical practice of using lots to discern God's will, as seen with the selection of the scapegoat in [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 16|Leviticus 16:8]] and the division of the Promised Land in [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 18|Joshua 18:10]]. It demonstrates God's sovereignty in the appointment of leaders, even as the people seek a human king. ## Verses - **1 Samuel 10:1** - "Then Samuel took a flask of olive oil and poured it over Saul's head. He kissed Saul and said, 'I am doing this because the LORD has appointed you to be the ruler over Israel, his special possession.'" - Note: The anointing of #Saul as ruler aligns with God's choice, reminiscent of other anointings such as David in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 16]]. - **1 Samuel 10:2** - "When you leave me today, you will see two men beside Rachel’s tomb at Zelzah, on the border of Benjamin. They will tell you that the donkeys have been found and that your father has stopped worrying about them and is now worried about you. He is asking, ‘Have you seen my son?’" - Note: Reference to #Rachel's tomb, see [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 35]]. - **1 Samuel 10:3** - "When you get to the oak of Tabor, you will see three men coming toward you who are on their way to worship God at Bethel. One will be bringing three young goats, another will have three loaves of bread, and the third will be carrying a wineskin full of wine." - Note: The mention of Bethel ties back to Jacob's experiences in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 35]]. - **1 Samuel 10:4** - "They will greet you and offer you two of the loaves, which you are to accept." - Note: This act of provision is a sign of God's provision and favor. - **1 Samuel 10:5** - "When you arrive at Gibeah of God, where the garrison of the Philistines is located, you will meet a band of prophets coming down from the place of worship. They will be playing a harp, a tambourine, a flute, and a lyre, and they will be prophesying." - Note: The presence of prophets indicates the ongoing prophetic activity in Israel, similar to the time of #Samuel. - **1 Samuel 10:6** - "At that time the Spirit of the LORD will come powerfully upon you, and you will prophesy with them. You will be changed into a different person." - Note: The transformation by the Spirit is akin to the experiences of others filled with the Spirit, like Samson in [[Judges/Judges Chapter 14]]. - **1 Samuel 10:7** - "After these signs take place, do what must be done, for God is with you." - Note: Assurance of God's presence aligns with past assurances given to leaders like Joshua in [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 1]]. - **1 Samuel 10:8** - "Then go down to Gilgal ahead of me. I will join you there to sacrifice burnt offerings and peace offerings. You must wait for seven days until I arrive and give you further instructions." - Note: The waiting period at #Gilgal is significant for Saul's obedience, see [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 13]]. - **1 Samuel 10:9** - "As Saul turned and started to leave, God gave him a new heart, and all Samuel’s signs were fulfilled that day." - Note: Transformation of the heart is a recurring theme, as seen in the promise of a new heart in [[Ezekiel/Ezekiel Chapter 36]]. - **1 Samuel 10:10** - "When Saul and his servant arrived at Gibeah, they saw a group of prophets coming toward them. Then the Spirit of God came powerfully upon Saul, and he, too, began to prophesy." - Note: The Spirit's empowerment echoes earlier accounts of divine intervention in [[Judges/Judges Chapter 3]]. - **1 Samuel 10:11** - "When those who knew Saul heard about it, they exclaimed, 'What? Is even Saul a prophet? How did the son of Kish become a prophet?'" - Note: The surprise mirrors the unexpectedness of God's choices, like David in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 16]]. - **1 Samuel 10:12** - "And one of those standing there said, 'Can anyone become a prophet, no matter who his father is?' So that is the origin of the saying 'Is even Saul a prophet?'" - Note: The saying captures the marvel at God's workings beyond human expectations. - **1 Samuel 10:13** - "When Saul had finished prophesying, he went up to the place of worship." - Note: Saul's worship signifies a turning point in his role as leader. - **1 Samuel 10:14** - "'Where have you been?' Saul’s uncle asked him and his servant. 'We were looking for the donkeys,' Saul replied, 'but we couldn’t find them. So we went to Samuel to ask him where they were.'" - Note: The search for donkeys led to Saul's anointing, paralleling divine providence in unexpected ways. - **1 Samuel 10:15** - "'Oh? And what did he say?' his uncle asked." - Note: Curiosity about prophetic guidance is common, as seen with other leaders seeking God's word. - **1 Samuel 10:16** - "He told us that the donkeys had already been found,' Saul replied. But Saul didn’t tell his uncle what Samuel said about the kingdom." - Note: Saul's silence on kingship reflects caution or uncertainty. - **1 Samuel 10:17** - "Later Samuel called all the people of Israel to meet before the LORD at Mizpah." - Note: #Mizpah serves as a gathering place for significant events, see [[Judges/Judges Chapter 20]]. - **1 Samuel 10:18** - "And he said, 'This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, has declared: I brought you from Egypt and rescued you from the Egyptians and from all of the nations that were oppressing you.'" - Note: Reference to #Exodus, see [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 12]]. - **1 Samuel 10:19** - "But though I have rescued you from your misery and distress, you have rejected your God today and have said, ‘No, we want a king instead!’ Now, therefore, present yourselves before the LORD by tribes and clans." - Note: The people's demand for a king contrasts with God's provision, see [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 8]]. - **1 Samuel 10:20** - "So Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel before the LORD, and the tribe of Benjamin was chosen by lot." - Note: The use of lots recalls the division of land in [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 18]]. - **1 Samuel 10:21** - "Then he brought each family of the tribe of Benjamin before the LORD, and the family of the Matrites was chosen. And finally, Saul son of Kish was chosen from among them. But when they looked for him, he had disappeared!" - Note: Saul's hiding reflects his initial humility or reluctance. - **1 Samuel 10:22** - "So they asked the LORD, 'Where is he?' And the LORD replied, 'He is hiding among the baggage.'" - Note: Saul's hiding among the baggage can symbolize his initial hesitation about leadership. - **1 Samuel 10:23** - "So they found him and brought him out, and he stood head and shoulders above anyone else." - Note: Saul's physical stature is noted, as seen earlier in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 9]]. - **1 Samuel 10:24** - "Then Samuel said to all the people, 'This is the man the LORD has chosen as your king. No one in all Israel is like him!' And all the people shouted, 'Long live the king!'" - Note: The acclamation of #Saul as king marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history. - **1 Samuel 10:25** - "Then Samuel told the people what the rights and duties of a king were. He wrote them down on a scroll and placed it before the LORD. Then Samuel sent the people home again." - Note: The documentation of kingly duties recalls covenantal records, see [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 17]]. - **1 Samuel 10:26** - "When Saul returned to his home at Gibeah, a group of men whose hearts God had touched went with him." - Note: Divine influence on the hearts of men is echoed in other scriptures, like [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 35]]. - **1 Samuel 10:27** - "But there were some scoundrels who complained, 'How can this man save us?' And they scorned him and refused to bring him gifts. But Saul ignored them." - Note: Opposition to leadership is a recurring theme, see opposition to Moses in [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 16]].