1 Samuel 9-10 Commentary
In this passage, we find the story of Saul's anointing as the first king of Israel. This event marks a significant turning point in Israel's history, as the people transition from a theocratic government to a monarchical system.
Saul's Search for Donkeys (9:1-5)
The passage begins with Saul, a Benjaminite, searching for his father's donkeys. This seemingly insignificant event sets the stage for Saul's encounter with Samuel and ultimately his anointing as king.
9:1-5
- 1 There was a Benjamite, a man of standing, whose name was Kish son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bekorath, a Benjamite. Kish was a man of standing.
- 2 Kish had a son named Saul, an impressive young man. There was no one among the Israelites more handsome than he. He stood a head taller than the people.
- 3 Now the donkeys belonging to Kish, Saul's father, were lost. Kish said to his son Saul, “Take one of the servants with you and go and look for the donkeys.”
- 4 So Saul and his servant went through the hill country of Ephraim and passed through the region of Shalisha, but they did not find them. They went on into the region of Shaalim, but the donkeys were not there. They passed through the region of Benjamin, but they did not find them.
- 5 When they reached the district of Zuph, Saul said to the servant, “Come, let us go back, or my father will stop thinking about the donkeys and start worrying about us.”
Saul Meets Samuel (9:6-14)
As Saul searches for the donkeys, he meets a prophet named Samuel, who is instructed by God to anoint Saul as king.
9:6-14
- 6 But the servant replied, “Look, in this town there is a man of God; he is highly respected, and everything he says comes true. Let us go there now. Perhaps he will tell us what way to take.”
- 7 Saul said to his servant, “If we go, what can we give the man? The bread from our sacks is gone, and there is no gift to take to the man of God. What do we have?”
- 8 The servant answered, “Look, I have in my hand a quarter of a shekel of silver. I will give it to the man of God so that he will tell us what way to take.” (
- 9 Formerly in Israel, anyone who went to inquire of God would say, “Come, let us go to the seer,” because the prophet of today used to be called a seer.
- 10 Then Saul said to his servant, “Well said; let us go.” So they set off toward the town where the man of God was.
- 11 As they were going up the hill to the town, they met some young women coming out to draw water, and Saul asked them, “Is the seer here?”
- 12 “He is,” they answered. “He’s ahead of you. Hurry now; he has just come to our town, and today he is sacrificing the people’s offerings at the high place.
- 13 As soon as you enter the town, you will find him before he goes up to the high place to eat. The people will not begin eating till he comes, because he must bless the sacrifice; afterward those who are invited will eat. Go up now; you should find him.”
- 14 They went up to the town, and as they were entering it, there was Samuel, coming toward them on his way up to the high place.
The Anointing of Saul (10:1-16)
In this passage, Samuel anoints Saul as king, and Saul is given a series of signs to confirm his kingship.
10:1-16
- 10:1 Then Samuel took a flask of olive oil and poured it on Saul’s head and kissed him, saying, “Has not the Lord anointed you leader over his inheritance?
- 2 When you leave me today, you will meet two men near Rachel’s tomb, at Zelzah on the border of Benjamin. They will say to you, ‘The donkeys you set out to look for have been found. But now your father has stopped thinking about them and is worried about you. He is asking, “What shall I do about my son?”’
- 3 “Then go on from there until you reach the great tree of Tabor. Three men going up to worship God at Beth
