1 Samuel Chapter 10

Saul Anointed and Proclaimed King

A. Saul is anointed as king over Israel

1. (1 Samuel 10:1) Samuel anoints Saul.

“Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on his head, and kissed him and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?”

Samuel’s anointing of Saul marked the official appointment of Israel’s first king. The pouring of oil upon Saul’s head symbolized consecration to divine service and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. In ancient Israel, the act of anointing set apart individuals for sacred purposes—prophets, priests, and kings—each being chosen for a divine task. This act made Saul not only the political leader but also a spiritual representative, obligated to govern under God’s authority.

The physical act of pouring oil was an outward sign of an inward reality. The Hebrew term mashach, meaning “to anoint,” is where we derive the title Messiah—“the Anointed One.” Thus, Saul’s anointing foreshadowed the greater Anointed One, Jesus Christ, the true and eternal King. When Samuel poured the oil upon Saul, it represented the Spirit of the LORD coming upon him to equip him for leadership.

a. “Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on his head”:
This was not a symbolic gesture only; it was a tangible consecration. The oil flowed over Saul’s head as a sign that the Holy Spirit would empower him to perform the responsibilities of kingship. As oil consecrated the tabernacle and its instruments for God’s use, so it consecrated Saul for divine service.

i. The greater meaning of anointing extends beyond the physical. The Holy Spirit is often symbolized by oil throughout Scripture. Just as oil softens, illuminates, and heals, the Spirit equips, enlightens, and sanctifies the believer. The same Holy Spirit who came upon Saul for his task now indwells every believer in Jesus Christ under the New Covenant.

ii. The Apostle John wrote, “But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things” (1 John 2:20). This “unction” or anointing refers to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that teaches and enables Christians to discern truth. Saul’s anointing serves as a picture of that divine enablement. Every believer is called to live in the fullness of this anointing, walking in obedience to God’s will.

b. “And kissed him”:
This was more than a gesture of greeting; it was a sign of loyalty and blessing. Samuel’s kiss symbolized his support of Saul’s appointment. The prophet of God and the newly appointed king were united under divine commission. This moment showed the spiritual leadership acknowledging and affirming the civil leadership, demonstrating harmony between God’s prophet and His chosen ruler.

c. “Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee”:
Samuel’s question was rhetorical, reminding Saul that his authority came directly from God. This divine appointment carried both privilege and accountability. Saul was chosen not because of his merit or desire for power but because it pleased the LORD to make him ruler over His people. True anointing always emphasizes God’s sovereignty and purpose, not man’s ambition.

i. This anointing was private, not yet public. God often calls and anoints in secret before revealing a person’s purpose before men. The private anointing allows character to be tested before the public appointment. Similarly, God often works in hidden places in our lives before revealing His plans openly.

ii. It was also memorable and visible. Psalm 133:2 describes how Aaron’s anointing oil ran down his beard and garments: “It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments.” The anointing was abundant and overflowing, leaving a lasting impression. In the same way, the Holy Spirit’s work in a believer’s life should be evident and overflowing, marking us unmistakably as God’s own.

d. “Captain over his inheritance”:
Israel did not belong to Saul; it belonged to God. The people were His inheritance, and Saul was appointed as steward and guardian over them. His authority was derived from God and intended for the welfare of God’s people. This phrase reminds all leaders that their role is one of stewardship, not ownership. They are caretakers of what belongs to God.

As it is written, “Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture” (Psalm 100:3). Saul was to rule with this awareness—that Israel was the LORD’s possession. Leadership under God must always recognize this sacred trust.

2. (1 Samuel 10:2) Samuel tells Saul of a sign to confirm the anointing as king.

“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?”

To confirm Saul’s anointing and calling, Samuel provided a prophetic sign that would soon come to pass. God graciously granted Saul tangible confirmation so that he would not doubt the authenticity of his appointment. Each detail of Samuel’s prophecy was precise, demonstrating the accuracy and reliability of God’s word.

a. “Thou shalt find two men by Rachel’s sepulchre”:
Rachel’s tomb, located near Bethlehem, carried deep historical significance for Israel. Rachel, Jacob’s beloved wife, was the mother of Benjamin, Saul’s tribe. Thus, this setting tied Saul’s divine appointment back to his ancestral heritage. The specificity of the prophecy confirmed that Saul’s encounter was orchestrated by God.

i. God’s prophetic word always proves exact. Samuel did not speak vaguely or symbolically; he declared specific people, locations, and dialogue. True prophecy is fulfilled exactly as spoken, though not always as man imagines. The faithfulness of this fulfillment would strengthen Saul’s confidence in God’s calling.

b. “They will say unto thee”:
The message these men carried would serve as divine confirmation: the donkeys were found, and Saul’s father was now concerned for his son. The problem that began Saul’s journey had already been resolved, proving that God’s hand was guiding every step.

i. This was God’s way of removing Saul’s distractions so he could focus on his new calling. Often, God settles old burdens before opening a new chapter in our lives.
ii. The Lord confirmed Saul’s calling with unmistakable signs so that when challenges arose, he could recall the certainty of God’s word. Likewise, believers must learn to trust the confirmations God provides through His Word and Spirit rather than through their own reasoning or circumstances.

3. (1 Samuel 10:3–4) Samuel tells Saul of another sign to confirm what God has done.

“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 Bethel, 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.”

Samuel provided Saul with another precise prophetic sign so that he might be fully assured that his calling and anointing came from God. Each of these details—the location, the number of men, the number of goats, loaves, and the bottle of wine—was deliberate and exact. The specificity of the prophecy left no room for coincidence, underscoring the fact that God was orchestrating every step of Saul’s path to kingship.

a. “The plain of Tabor... three men... three kids... three loaves of bread... a bottle of wine... they will salute thee and give thee”:
This was not vague or generalized prediction but a clear demonstration of divine foreknowledge. Saul would encounter precisely three men journeying to Bethel, each bearing items connected with worship—animals for sacrifice, bread for offering, and wine for libation. The meeting was not by chance but by providence. Through this, God showed Saul that His word comes to pass with precision.

Prophecy from God is not a guessing game or a broad statement that might fit many outcomes. Every true prophecy is exact and verifiable. This encounter at Tabor was to strengthen Saul’s confidence that what Samuel had said was indeed from the LORD.

b. “Which thou shalt receive of their hands”:
The act of receiving two loaves from strangers would have been highly unusual, as travelers rarely gave away their provisions. Yet this exchange was symbolic—an acknowledgment of Saul’s new position as king. Those men, unknowingly, would give their bread to the one who would soon be ruler over all Israel. It foreshadowed the respect and provision that would accompany his royal office.

i. As the commentator Poole observed, the strange nature of this gift made it a more remarkable sign: “The more strange the present was, the more fit it was for a sign of God’s extraordinary providence in Saul’s affairs.”
ii. The bread also pointed to divine provision. Saul would no longer chase after lost donkeys; God would now supply his needs. In Scripture, bread often symbolizes God’s provision and fellowship, as seen in Matthew 6:11, where Jesus taught, “Give us this day our daily bread.” Saul’s acceptance of the loaves signified his acceptance of God’s calling and provision as Israel’s king.

4. (1 Samuel 10:5–7) Samuel tells Saul of a third sign to confirm what God has done.

“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.”

This third and final sign was the greatest, for it pointed to Saul’s spiritual transformation by the power of the Holy Spirit. It would not only confirm the earlier prophecies but would also demonstrate that God Himself had equipped Saul for his divine mission.

a. “A company of prophets”:
These were likely part of a prophetic order or school established under Samuel’s direction. They were not necessarily foretelling future events but were worshipping and speaking under divine inspiration. The instruments mentioned—a psaltery, a tabret, a pipe, and a harp—indicate that their prophecy was joined with music and praise. This scene portrays a group of men worshipping God in joyful harmony, led by the Spirit.

i. Historical references suggest that these prophetic groups often lived and trained together in devotion and study. Second Kings 6:1–2 mentions a community of prophets dwelling together, and Second Kings 4:38, 42–43 speaks of their reliance upon the generosity of others for sustenance. Samuel, as the spiritual leader of Israel, provided guidance to such bands, fostering devotion and obedience to the LORD.

ii. Their worship near a Philistine garrison was remarkable. Even with the enemy nearby, they praised God openly. This demonstrated courage and spiritual strength, serving as an example for Saul that faithfulness to God must continue even in the presence of opposition.

b. “Then the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee”:
This was the true moment of anointing. The oil poured upon Saul’s head was merely symbolic; the Spirit’s empowering presence was the real anointing. The Holy Spirit would “come upon” Saul in a dynamic, sudden way, endowing him with supernatural wisdom and courage for leadership.

i. As Poole notes, the phrase “will come upon thee” literally means “will leap or rush upon thee.” It implies a forceful, temporary empowerment, in contrast to the permanent indwelling later given under the New Covenant. This temporary endowment can be compared to Numbers 11:25, where the Spirit rested upon the seventy elders, and Judges 14:6, where the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon Samson.

ii. Without this inward filling, Saul’s kingship would have been merely political. But with the Spirit’s presence, it became divine in calling and power. Zechariah 4:6 reminds us, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.”

c. “And thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man”:
This transformation marked the beginning of Saul’s new identity. Before this, Saul had shown no evidence of spiritual sensitivity or prophetic experience. To prophesy under divine inspiration would be clear evidence that the Spirit of God had changed him inwardly.

i. This was not mere emotion or enthusiasm; it was regeneration and renewal by the Spirit’s power. The phrase “turned into another man” signifies that Saul’s mind, heart, and spirit were altered to equip him for leadership. God always transforms the heart before He entrusts authority.
ii. The Apostle Paul later described this same spiritual principle in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

d. “When these signs are come unto thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee; for God is with thee”:
Samuel concluded by assuring Saul that once these signs were fulfilled, he could act with confidence, knowing that God’s presence and authority were with him. This was not permission for rash behavior but divine confirmation that Saul had been equipped for the tasks ahead.

i. God gave Saul abundant evidence of his calling—three specific signs, each confirming the next. God never calls without also confirming.
ii. The phrase “for God is with thee” echoes the language spoken to Joshua, “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage... for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Joshua 1:9). Saul, like Joshua, was to lead under the assurance of divine presence.

5. (1 Samuel 10:8) Saul is commanded to wait for Samuel at Gilgal.

“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.”

Samuel’s final instruction to Saul before their separation was a divine test of obedience. Saul was to go down to Gilgal and wait seven days for Samuel’s arrival before any sacrifice or act of leadership was undertaken. This command established an important precedent: Saul’s kingship was to remain under prophetic and divine authority.

a. “Seven days shalt thou tarry”:
This command may have seemed simple, but it tested the most dangerous tendency in human leadership—impatience and self-reliance. Kings are accustomed to being obeyed, not to waiting. Yet Saul’s first command as Israel’s new king was to wait, proving that he must rule under the authority of God’s Word through His prophet.

i. Samuel’s instruction emphasized that spiritual authority outranks civil authority. Though Saul was king, Samuel represented the voice of God. This was a test of submission: Saul must wait for direction before acting.

ii. This same test of obedience would later reappear in 1 Samuel 13:8–14, where Saul’s failure to wait for Samuel’s arrival at Gilgal led to his rejection as king. There, impatience exposed Saul’s heart of pride and disbelief, showing that he valued expedience over obedience.

iii. True leadership in God’s eyes requires submission before command. As Jesus said in Luke 16:10, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.” Saul’s inability to wait would later reveal an unfaithful heart toward God’s timing.

6. (1 Samuel 10:9–13) The signs come to pass.

“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.”

Every detail Samuel had foretold was fulfilled exactly as spoken, proving beyond doubt that Saul’s appointment was ordained by God. Yet beyond external confirmation, this moment was transformative—Saul experienced a spiritual change through the Spirit of God.

a. “When he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart”:
The transformation occurred immediately after Saul departed from Samuel, demonstrating that spiritual renewal comes from God alone, not through human mediation. Samuel, though a prophet, could not change Saul’s heart; only the LORD could. The timing was significant—Saul was changed after leaving the prophet’s presence so that he would never mistake Samuel as the source of divine power.

i. “God gave him another heart”:
This was a sovereign act of grace. Saul did not earn it, ask for it, or manufacture it. The new heart symbolized divine enablement for his calling. Similarly, God grants believers a new heart through regeneration: “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you” (Ezekiel 36:26). This work is always God’s doing; no man can create a new heart in himself or others.

ii. This change was not necessarily salvation but transformation for service. The Spirit of the LORD equipped Saul for leadership, giving him courage, discernment, and spiritual sensitivity for the tasks ahead.

b. “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
When the Spirit of God came upon Saul, he began to prophesy with the group of prophets just as Samuel had said. Those who had known Saul previously were astonished. He had been an unspiritual man, a farmer’s son with no reputation for piety. His sudden transformation led to the exclamation, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”—a saying that later became a common proverb to describe an unlikely conversion or spiritual awakening.

i. This astonishment mirrors the reaction people often have when God changes a life dramatically. When a sinner is born again or a worldly man begins walking with God, others respond with the same surprise. The grace of God often works most powerfully in the most unlikely people.

ii. What the people witnessed was not a self-reformation but the evidence of the Spirit’s presence. John 3:8 teaches, “The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.”

c. “But who is their father?”
This question served as a rebuke to those who doubted Saul’s transformation. The “father” of the prophets refers not to human lineage but to divine inspiration. In other words, if God is the One who empowers and inspires, then it should not be surprising that He could use even Saul. The source of the prophetic gift was not human descent but divine choice.

i. This same truth is echoed by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:11, “But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.” God distributes spiritual gifts according to His will, not according to man’s expectations.

d. “When he had made an end of prophesying, he came to the high place”:
After prophesying, Saul went to the place of worship. His participation in prophecy did not make him a prophet by office but showed that he had temporarily received a prophetic gift from the Spirit of God. This demonstrates that the Spirit can empower an individual for a specific purpose without conferring a permanent calling or title.

i. Saul’s prophetic experience was temporary, not ongoing. It was a sign of confirmation, not a new vocation. As with others in the Old Testament—such as Balaam or Caiaphas—God could use someone to speak truth without that person being spiritually mature or permanently indwelt by His Spirit.

ii. This passage also reminds us that outward spiritual activity does not always equal inward transformation of character. Later events would reveal that though Saul was changed outwardly and empowered temporarily, he lacked enduring obedience and humility before God.

7. (1 Samuel 10:14–16) Saul hides his experience from his family.

“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 nowhere, 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.”

After all that had taken place—the anointing, the prophetic signs, and the transforming work of the Spirit—Saul returned home and chose to conceal the full truth from his family. This brief scene reveals much about Saul’s character at the beginning of his kingship, displaying both humility and perhaps a trace of hesitation.

a. “Whither went ye?”
Saul’s uncle, most likely Abner (mentioned in 1 Samuel 14:50–51), asked a natural question of curiosity. Saul had been gone on a mission to find the family’s lost donkeys, and his sudden visit to the prophet Samuel must have seemed noteworthy. Some interpreters humorously suggest that Saul’s uncle also might have noticed something unusual about Saul—perhaps the lingering oil upon his hair from the anointing, or the spiritual demeanor that followed his encounter with the prophets.

i. Regardless of the reason, the question opened a door for Saul to disclose what had truly happened, yet he withheld the details. What Saul had experienced was extraordinary: an anointing as king, prophetic confirmation, and transformation by the Spirit. But he kept these divine dealings private for the time being.

b. “He told us plainly that the asses were found.”
Saul gave a partial truth, avoiding the greater revelation concerning the kingdom. He mentioned only what was safe and factual. This response demonstrates caution and restraint. He may have believed that it was not his place to announce what God had not yet made public. Until Samuel formally revealed him as king, Saul maintained silence.

i. This restraint may show early humility. He did not yet seek the spotlight nor crave recognition. As Proverbs 27:2 wisely counsels, “Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.”
ii. It is possible Saul understood that any premature declaration of his kingship might provoke skepticism or jealousy among his tribe or family. The LORD Himself would soon reveal His choice to the nation at Mizpah (1 Samuel 10:17–24).

c. “But of the matter of the kingdom... he told him not.”
This silence can be interpreted in two ways: as prudence or as fear. On one hand, Saul’s discretion may have been wise, waiting for God’s timing to make his calling public. On the other hand, it may reveal an early tendency toward timidity—a lack of confidence in declaring the LORD’s purpose.

i. Many believers can relate to Saul’s experience. After a powerful encounter with God, fear and self-doubt often follow. The enemy seeks to silence the testimony of what God has done. As Jesus said in Matthew 5:15, “Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.” When we hide what God has done in our lives, we hinder His glory from being seen by others.
ii. Saul’s silence could also foreshadow a deeper issue that would later define his reign—his tendency to fear man more than God. This flaw, visible here in seed form, would eventually lead to open disobedience in 1 Samuel 15:24, where Saul confessed, “I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.”

d. The spiritual principle:
While discretion is often wise, faith must not be silenced by fear. Saul’s hesitation reminds us that initial humility must mature into bold obedience. God’s anointing should lead to confidence in His calling, not concealment out of timidity. A balance must be struck between waiting for God’s timing and being unashamed to acknowledge His work.

Romans 1:16 expresses the right heart posture: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” Saul began with modesty, but without spiritual courage, such modesty can wither into fearfulness.

B. Saul Proclaimed as King

1. (1 Samuel 10:17–19) Samuel’s speech to the nation before the appointment of a king.

“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.”

After Saul’s private anointing and the confirming signs that followed, the time had come for his kingship to be publicly recognized before all Israel. Samuel gathered the nation at Mizpah, the site of national repentance and renewal (1 Samuel 7:5–9), to present their chosen king. Yet before God revealed Saul publicly, Samuel delivered a solemn speech reminding Israel of their sin in demanding a human monarch.

a. “I brought up Israel out of Egypt”:
Before the LORD granted their request, He reminded them of His faithfulness and saving power throughout their history. God had redeemed Israel from Egypt, destroyed their enemies, and preserved them from countless oppressors. In reminding them of His past deliverances, God made clear that He had never failed them. Their demand for a king was not due to divine insufficiency but to human rebellion.

i. The Lord rehearsed His mighty acts to show that no earthly ruler could match His divine care. As Deuteronomy 32:4 declares, “He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.” Israel’s dissatisfaction, therefore, was not with their circumstances but with their King.

ii. Every act of deliverance—whether from Egypt, the Canaanites, or the Philistines—was an expression of His covenant mercy. Their rejection of Him was both personal and national, rooted in ingratitude. The same is true when believers today seek human solutions to problems that require divine dependence.

b. “But ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations”:
Samuel’s words cut deeply. The LORD, through His prophet, exposed the irrational nature of their request. They were rejecting the very One who had repeatedly rescued them. To turn from the Deliverer to depend on a man was a profound insult to the faithfulness of God.

i. The LORD had saved them from Egypt, the Amalekites, the Canaanites, the Moabites, and the Philistines. Yet Israel preferred the security of human government over the sovereignty of God. This was not merely a political decision; it was spiritual rebellion.

ii. The same tragic exchange is echoed later in Jeremiah 2:13, where God says, “For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.” When people forsake God for the leadership of men, they trade divine sufficiency for human inadequacy.

iii. God’s mercy, however, still shines through. Though they rejected Him, He granted their request—not as a reward but as a form of discipline. He would use Saul’s reign to teach Israel the consequences of self-willed leadership and to prepare them for the greater king to come, David, the man after His own heart.

2. (1 Samuel 10:20–21a) Saul is selected by lot.

“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.”

Once Samuel concluded his rebuke, the LORD directed him to use the ancient method of selection by lot to reveal the man whom He had chosen. Though Saul had already been privately anointed, this public process confirmed God’s choice before the nation, leaving no room for dispute or favoritism.

a. “And Saul the son of Kish was taken”:
This process of casting lots, likely using stones or marked objects drawn before the assembly, was a sacred means of discerning God’s will. The LORD Himself guided the outcome, as Proverbs 16:33 affirms, “The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.” Thus, Saul’s selection was divinely directed, not by human manipulation.

i. The sequence moved from tribe to family to individual, narrowing the choice by divine design until Saul, the son of Kish from the tribe of Benjamin, was chosen. The smallest tribe of Israel was thus elevated by God’s sovereign decision, reminding the nation that divine choice does not depend on human strength or prominence.

ii. Saul’s selection demonstrated that God’s hand governs even the smallest details. This process also strengthened the people’s confidence in Saul’s appointment. No one could claim partiality or deceit; God Himself had confirmed the decision.

b. “Was taken”:
It is vital to understand that Saul’s kingship did not originate from the casting of lots. The public ceremony merely ratified what God had already decreed privately through Samuel’s anointing. The lot served as divine confirmation of the prophet’s word, not as a substitute for it.

i. God often works this way—privately anointing before publicly appointing. David, too, would later be anointed in secret (1 Samuel 16:13) before being publicly enthroned years later. True anointing always precedes recognition, for God equips in secret before He exalts in public.

ii. This scene illustrates the harmony between prophetic revelation and providential confirmation. The same God who spoke through Samuel controlled the casting of the lot. His sovereignty ruled both the word and the circumstance.

3. (1 Samuel 10:21b–24) Saul is revealed to be the king.

“But 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.”

After the casting of lots revealed Saul as Israel’s first king, an unexpected twist occurred—he could not be found. Instead of stepping forward, Saul was hiding “among the stuff,” or the baggage. This peculiar scene provides deep insight into Saul’s early humility, the people’s desire for outward appearance, and God’s gracious sovereignty in fulfilling His purpose despite human frailty.

a. “He hath hid himself among the stuff”:
Here Saul displayed an initial humility and sense of unworthiness. Though already anointed privately and confirmed by multiple divine signs, he avoided public attention and shrank from the responsibility now set before him. He was not yet ready to stand before the nation as its king.

i. Saul’s hiding may have sprung from genuine humility, or perhaps from fear and uncertainty. Either way, it revealed a man overwhelmed by divine calling. Often, those whom God calls to leadership are initially reluctant, recognizing the weight of the task. Moses hesitated at the burning bush (Exodus 4:10), and Jeremiah protested his youth (Jeremiah 1:6). Yet God delights to call those who feel inadequate, for His strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

ii. Charles Spurgeon, preaching on this passage in his sermon Hiding Among the Stuff, drew a parallel to believers who resist God’s higher calling: “There may be some of you here present, who may be doing precisely what Saul did, only you are doing it more foolishly than he did. He did but hide away from an earthly crown, but you hide from a heavenly one.” Many Christians today hide from spiritual responsibility or service, shrinking back from the crown of reward that awaits faithful obedience (1 Corinthians 9:25).

b. “He was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward”:
When Saul was finally brought forth, his stature immediately impressed the crowd. He was tall, strong, and handsome—the very image of what the people imagined a king should be. Outwardly, he looked the part of a monarch, and Israel rejoiced to see a leader who reflected their human ideal.

i. God, in His providence, allowed them the kind of king they desired—one who looked powerful and noble. But this was not the kind of king God ultimately intended for His people. As the LORD would later tell Samuel concerning David, “The LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

ii. Saul’s physical height symbolized Israel’s misplaced trust in outward strength rather than inward godliness. He was the “king from central casting,” chosen to satisfy the nation’s carnal expectations.

c. “See ye him whom the LORD hath chosen... there is none like him among all the people”:
Samuel presented Saul publicly to the people as the man whom the LORD had chosen. Yet Samuel’s tone may have carried a note of irony or restrained warning. Outwardly, Saul stood above all others, but inwardly, Samuel already sensed that Saul lacked the spiritual depth required to rule righteously.

i. Samuel’s words forced the people to confront their own desires: “Do you see him?” They wanted a king like the nations; now they had one. God gave them what they wanted, but it would come with consequences.

ii. This moment teaches that God sometimes grants what people persistently demand, even when it is not in their best interest, as a means of discipline and instruction. Psalm 106:15 warns, “And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.”

d. “And all the people shouted, and said, God save the king”:
This was Israel’s first royal acclamation. The people rejoiced at having a king they could see, admire, and rally behind. Their cry, “God save the king,” echoed the customs of surrounding nations, symbolizing their long-awaited conformity to worldly patterns.

i. Their enthusiasm reflected emotion rather than spiritual discernment. They celebrated the establishment of monarchy but failed to recognize the loss of direct divine rule. Israel now had what it wanted—but at the cost of God’s intended theocracy.

ii. Still, God’s mercy prevailed. Even though the people had sinned in asking for a king, God graciously worked through their decision, ultimately leading to David and to Christ—the King of kings, who would reign in perfect righteousness.

4. (1 Samuel 10:25–27) The monarchy established.

“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.”

With Saul’s public selection complete, Samuel formally established the monarchy and set divine boundaries for both king and people. The nation dispersed, returning to their homes, while Saul began his reign quietly, surrounded by loyal men whose hearts God had stirred.

a. “Samuel told the people the manner of the kingdom”:
Samuel instructed the people regarding the laws and responsibilities of the monarchy. He likely expounded upon Deuteronomy 17:14–20, where God had long ago provided guidelines for a future king. These rules required the king to fear the LORD, obey His commandments, avoid pride, and rely upon God rather than military might or wealth.

i. By teaching the “manner of the kingdom,” Samuel made it clear that Israel’s king, though possessing authority, was still subject to God’s law. No earthly ruler could stand above the Word of God. This principle safeguarded the nation from tyranny and reminded the king of his accountability to the divine throne.

b. “Wrote it in a book, and laid it up before the LORD”:
Samuel documented these regulations and placed the record before the LORD, likely in the sanctuary at Mizpah or Shiloh. Though this particular book is not preserved in Scripture, its message endured through Israel’s prophets and kings.

i. The fact that this book is not part of our Bible does not suggest anything is missing from God’s Word. Rather, it was a historical record for Israel’s national covenant, not a revelation meant for all generations. The canon of Scripture contains all that is necessary for faith and godliness (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

c. “And Saul also went home to Gibeah”:
At this stage, there was no palace, capital, or royal court. Saul returned to his hometown in simplicity, accompanied by “valiant men whose hearts God had touched.” God graciously surrounded Saul with strong and loyal men—an essential blessing for any leader.

i. These valiant men represent the divine provision of loyal supporters. Leadership is never a solitary calling; even the greatest kings need godly companions. As Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”

d. “But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us?... But he held his peace”:
Not all of Israel immediately accepted Saul’s kingship. Some rebels despised him and withheld tribute, questioning his ability to rule. Yet Saul responded with restraint, choosing silence instead of retaliation.

i. The Hebrew expression, literally meaning “he was as though he had been deaf,” indicates that Saul ignored their insults. As F. B. Meyer observed, “It is a great power when a man can act as though he were deaf to slander... turning from man to God, leaving with God his vindication.”

ii. Saul’s silence showed wisdom and humility. A lesser man might have tried to crush opposition or prove himself prematurely. Saul instead waited for God’s timing to vindicate him.

iii. At this moment, Saul began his reign with promise. He was:

• Chosen and anointed by God.

• Filled with the Spirit of God.

• Endorsed by the prophet Samuel.

• Confirmed by public selection.

• Accompanied by valiant men whose hearts God had touched.

• Humble and patient toward critics.

Yet despite these divine advantages, Saul’s later downfall would reveal the tragedy of wasted potential. Great beginnings do not guarantee faithful endings. The rest of 1 Samuel records the slow unraveling of a man who failed to walk consistently in the grace and obedience that God had so graciously bestowed.