1 Samuel 10:1-8: The Anointing of Saul as King
The Appointment of Saul as King
In 1 Samuel 10:1-8, we read about the anointing of Saul as the first king of Israel. This important event marks a significant turning point in the history of Israel.
Samuel Anoints Saul (1 Samuel 10:1)
The passage begins with Samuel, the prophet, anointing Saul, the son of Kish, as the king of Israel. This act of anointing was a sacred ritual, symbolizing the selection and empowerment of Saul for his new role.
The Sign of the Oil (1 Samuel 10:1)
As Samuel anointed Saul, he poured oil on his head, signifying the pouring out of God's Spirit upon him. This act was a physical manifestation of God's approval and blessing upon Saul's new role as king.
The Three Signs (1 Samuel 10:2-6)
Samuel then presented Saul with three signs that would confirm his anointing as king:
- The First Sign: Meeting the Two Men (1 Samuel 10:2) Saul would meet two men near Rachel's tomb, who would inform him that the donkeys his father was searching for had been found.
- The Second Sign: The Oak of Tabor (1 Samuel 10:3) Saul would encounter three men going up to Bethel to worship, carrying three goats, three loaves of bread, and a skin of wine.
- The Third Sign: The Group of Prophets (1 Samuel 10:5-6) Saul would come across a group of prophets coming down from a high place, prophesying and accompanied by musicians playing the lyre, the tambourine, and the flute.
The Change in Saul (1 Samuel 10:6-7)
When Saul encountered the group of prophets, the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied along with them. This experience transformed Saul, and he became a different person.
The Conclusion (1 Samuel 10:8)
The passage concludes with Samuel's instruction to Saul to wait seven days at Gilgal, where Samuel would meet him and offer sacrifices.
In this passage, we see the beginning of Saul's journey as the first king of Israel, anointed by God and empowered by the Spirit.
