1 Samuel 10 -

The tenth chapter of 1 Samuel 10 marks a pivotal moment in the history of Israel. It is here that we witness the anointing of the nation’s first king, Saul, and the beginning of the transition from a confederation of tribes led by judges to a centralized monarchy. This chapter is not just about a change in leadership; it’s a story of divine calling, prophetic signs, and the complexities of human acceptance of God’s will.

Table of Contents

The Secret Anointing: A Private Commissioning

The chapter opens with the prophet Samuel anointing Saul in a private ceremony. This was not a public spectacle, but an intimate moment between God’s prophet and the chosen future king. 1 Samuel 10 takes a flask of oil and pours it on Saul’s head, a symbolic act signifying God’s selection and empowerment. This anointing set Saul apart for a special purpose, to be “ruler over Israel.”

This private anointing was crucial for several reasons. It allowed Saul to personally process this life-altering calling without the immediate pressure of public scrutiny. It also emphasized that Saul’s kingship was a divine appointment, not a result of political maneuvering or popular demand.

The Three Prophetic Signs: Divine Confirmation

“To bolster Saul’s faith and provide undeniable proof of his divine calling, Samuel shows him three prophetic signs that will come true on his journey home.” These signs were not random occurrences but specific, detailed events designed to build Saul’s confidence in God’s plan.

The Two Men at Rachel’s Tomb: Two men met Saul near Rachel’s tomb and told him that they had found his father’s donkeys—demonstrating God’s care for even the smallest details.
The Three Men at the Great Tree of Tabor: The second sign was an encounter with three men going up to Bethel. One would be carrying three young goats, another three loaves of bread, and the third a skin of wine. They would greet Saul and offer him two loaves of bread. This sign demonstrated that God would provide for Saul’s needs.
The Procession of Prophets: The third and most dramatic sign was Saul meeting prophets at Gibeah, prophesying with music, as the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, transforming him into a different person.

The Outpouring of the Spirit: A New Man for a New Role

Just as 1 Samuel 10 had prophesied, Saul met the procession of prophets, and the Spirit of the Lord came upon him powerfully. He began to prophesy with them, a dramatic and public confirmation of his divine calling. The unexpected event birthed the proverb, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” marking Saul’s transformation from a humble farmer’s son to a Spirit-empowered leader for kingship.

The Public Unveiling: The King is Chosen at Mizpah

Saul was privately anointed and confirmed by God, but Israel still needed to accept him publicly. Samuel gathered all the tribes of Israel at Mizpah to formally select a king. He first reminded the people of their history with God, how He had delivered them from Egypt and their enemies. He then rebuked them for rejecting God as their king in favor of a human ruler.

A lot determined the selection process, a common method in ancient Israel for discerning God’s will. The tribe of Benjamin came first, followed by the clan of Matri, and finally Saul, son of Kish. This process demonstrated to the nation that God, not Samuel or any human, chose Saul.

A King in Hiding: Saul’s Reluctance and the People’s Acclaim

When Saul was chosen, he was nowhere to be found. He hid among the supplies, showing humility and apprehension, not ambition, but a man overwhelmed by his calling.

After God revealed his hiding place, Saul was brought before the people. He stood a head taller than anyone else, a trait that likely appealed to a nation seeking a strong military leader. Samuel presented him to the people, and they responded with a resounding shout, “Long live the king!”

The Law of the Kingdom: Establishing a Righteous Monarchy

With the king chosen, Samuel took the crucial step of establishing the legal and spiritual framework for the new monarchy. He taught the people the “rights and duties of kingship,” recording them in a scroll placed before the Lord. This set a precedent for Israel’s kings to rule under God’s authority, not as tyrants, but according to His law.

A Kingdom Divided: Mixed Reactions to the New King

Not everyone welcomed the new king; while “valiant men” supported Saul, “scoundrels” despised him and doubted his ability to protect them. Saul, in a display of wisdom and restraint, “held his peace,” choosing not to retaliate against his critics.

Conclusion: The Dawn of a New Era

1 Samuel 10 is a chapter filled with drama, divine intervention, and human emotion. It lays the foundation for the Israelite monarchy and introduces us to the complex figure of Saul. From private anointing to public acclaim, God guides and prepares leaders, often choosing the unlikely, highlighting leadership challenges, and the need for obedience to His will. The events of this day would forever change the course of Israel’s history.