1 Samuel 10:9-27: The Anointing of Saul as King
Saul's Encounter with Samuel (10:9-13)
9 When Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul's heart, and all these signs were fulfilled that day.
10 When they arrived at Gibeah, a procession of prophets came toward Saul and the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him, and he prophesied among them.
11 Those who had formerly known Saul saw him prophesying among the prophets and asked each other, "What is this that has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?"
12 A man who lived there answered, "And who is their father?" Therefore it became a saying: "Is Saul also among the prophets?"
13 After Saul stopped prophesying, he went to the high place.
Saul, who was initially unaware of the significance of his anointing, now begins to manifest the signs of a true leader, anointed by God. This encounter marks a turning point in Saul's life, as he begins to realize the magnitude of his calling.
Saul's Private Conversation with Samuel (10:14-16)
14 Then Saul's uncle said to him and his servant, "Where have you two been?" "In search of the donkeys," Saul replied. "But when we saw they were not to be found, we went to Samuel."
15 Saul's uncle said, "Tell me about your conversation with Samuel."
16 Saul reported to his uncle what Samuel had said, but he did not tell him what Samuel had said about the kingship.
In this private conversation, Saul is cautious about sharing the details of his anointing with his uncle. This may indicate that Saul is still grappling with the weight of his new responsibility.
Saul's Public Acclamation as King (10:17-27)
17 Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel together at Mizpah and said, "This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: 'I brought Israel up out of Egypt, and I delivered you from the power of the Egyptians and from the power of all the kingdoms that oppressed you.'"
18 But you have now rejected your God, who saves you from all your calamities and distresses. You said to him, "No, appoint a king over us." So now present yourselves before the Lord by your tribes and clans."
19 When Samuel had all Israel come forward by tribes, the tribe of Benjamin was taken by lot.
20 Then Samuel had the tribe of Benjamin come forward by clans, and Matri's clan was taken. Finally, the family of Matri was taken, and Saul, the son of Kish, was taken. But when they looked for him, he was not to be found.
21 So they inquired further of the Lord, "Has the man come here yet?" And the Lord said, "Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage."
22 So they ran and brought him from there; and when he took his stand among the people, he stood a head taller than anyone else.
23 Samuel said to all the people, "Do you see the man the Lord has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people." And all the people shouted, "Long live the king!"
24 Samuel explained to the people the right and duties of kingship. He wrote them down on a scroll and deposited it before the Lord, and then Samuel dismissed the people to go to their homes.
25 Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, accompanied by valiant men whose hearts God had touched.
26 But some scoundrels said, "How can this man save us?" They despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul kept silent.
27 Now Nahash king of the Ammonites had been severely oppressing the Gadites and Reubenites, gouging out their right eyes and inhibiting anyone from coming to their rescue.
In this public acclamation, Saul is officially recognized as the king of Israel. The people celebrate, and Saul takes his place as their leader. However, not everyone is convinced of Saul's ability to lead, and some even despise him. Despite this, Saul remains silent, choosing not to react to their criticism.
