1 Samuel 10
Saul’s Anointing and Announcement as King
Despite knowing that this was not God’s timing or God’s choice, the prophet Samuel obeyed the Lord by anointing and announcing Saul as the first king of Israel.
Saul’s rise to kingship over Israel took place in three distinct stages: He was (1) anointed by Samuel (9:1 - 10:16), (2) chosen by lot (10:17-27), and (3) confirmed by public acclamation (11:1-15). - Youngblood
Private Anointing
Ceremony
Vs. 1 - Samuel took the flask of oil, poured it out on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, “Hasn’t the Lord anointed you ruler over his inheritance?
The word “anoint” means to rub or sprinkle on; apply an ointment or oily liquid to. And this was a literal anointing of Saul. But the idea of anointing is much bigger. What happened to Saul’s head and body was a picture of what God did in him spiritually. The Holy Spirit was poured out on him, equipping him for the job of ruling as king over Israel. - David Guzik
Signs
Vs. 9 - When Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed his heart
The “heart” represented, of course, a person’s emotions and intellect, and some commentators have interpreted this description as Saul’s conversion to following God. Others believe the author was simply implying that God supernaturally prepared the young king for leadership.
Vs. 9 - and all the signs came about that day.
Samuel then gave Saul three signs that would verify to the king elect that Samuel had anointed him in harmony with God’s will. - Thomas Constable
Meeting men with a message at Rachel’s grave
Encountering three men with bread and wine
Empowerment to prophesy by Spirit of God
The signs seem to have served as a confirmation to Saul himself that this anointing was from God. Some commentators speculate that each of them may have uniquely addressed Saul's specific skepticism.
It also seems necessary that Holy Spirit empowerment be given to a young man here who may have possessed very little understanding of or inclination towards God.
Secret
Vs. 16 - Saul did not tell him what Samuel had said about the matter of kingship.
We are not told why Saul did not share his life-altering news at this time. Perhaps Samuel had instructed him to wait. Maybe he feared no one would believe his story. Or perhaps Saul was still processing. After all, he had left the farm to find donkeys, not to seek a throne.
Public Announcement
The Rejection
Vs. 19-20 - Today you have rejected your God, who saves you from all your troubles and afflictions. You said to him, ‘You must set a king over us.’ Now therefore present yourselves before the Lord by your tribes and clans.” Samuel had all the tribes of Israel come forward, and the tribe of Benjamin was selected.
How did Saul feel to be exalted as the new king in this way? Samuel’s speech sounds a little like, “Hey everyone, listen up! This is not what God wants for you, but since you insisted, here is your new leader.”
It remains very clear that God did not choose this king for Himself, but rather for the people. In other words, though God actually appointed Saul, Saul did not in the final analysis represent God’s choice, but the people’s choice. - G. Coleman Luck
The Lot
Vs. 21 - Saul son of Kish was selected
The selection was made by a system of drawing lots that finally led to one man being chosen. Two people, a confident Samuel and a nervous Saul, knew through God’s previous private revelation who would be chosen. - Don Fleming
This public selection ceremony confirmed, despite Samuel’s sobering speech, that God Himself had chosen the young Saul as king. This was not His plan, but it was His provision, an answer to His people’s cries for a leader (9:16).
The Supplies
Vs. 22 - There he is, hidden among the supplies.
Saul’s timidity in this chapter is curious when one considers who he eventually became. Some commentators speculate that his actions here were merely a cultural expression of humility. But James Coffman notes: The extreme humility and modesty of the young Saul as indicated in 1 Samuel 9:21 and also in his hiding in the baggage on this occasion contrast starkly with the pride and arrogance of the man later on in his history. Our feeling is that these original indications of Saul's humility were genuine.
Throughout these verses Saul behaved in an exemplary fashion. However, notice that the writer made no reference to his regard for God or God’s Word. By every outward appearance, Saul was very capable of serving as Israel’s king. This is what the people wanted, a man similar to themselves to lead them, and that is exactly what God gave them. - Thomas Constable
The Scroll
Samuel reminded the people again (8:11-18) of what Moses had told them about the rights of a king (Deuteronomy 17).
Placing the scroll in the presence of the Lord meant in the tabernacle, which emphasized God's oversight of the process; he would hold Israel accountable for this decision. - Bryan E. Beyer
The Farm
Vs. 26 - Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, and brave men whose hearts God had touched went with him.
Saul therefore made no immediate changes in the nation’s administration, but returned to his farm at Gibeah. Gibeah became the administrative center of Israel during Saul’s reign. - Don Fleming
