The big picture
Saul, the young man sent to find his father's donkeys, has received an unexpected welcome from Samuel, God's prophet. The animals have been found, but Samuel has kept him behind for a private message. God has chosen him to rule Israel, the people who demanded a king. Saul will receive signs confirming that choice before the nation gathers to meet its ruler. His private experience and public selection unfold separately.
In this chapter
- Samuel Anoints Saul and Gives Signs 1 Samuel 10:1-8
Samuel pours oil on Saul's head and kisses him, marking God's choice of him as ruler.
- Saul Changes but Keeps His Secret 1 Samuel 10:9-16
As Saul turns to leave Samuel, God gives him a changed heart.
- The Chosen King Hides Among Baggage 1 Samuel 10:17-24
Samuel gathers the people at Mizpeh and reminds them that God rescued them, yet they have rejected his rule by demanding a king.
- Saul Receives Support and Scorn 1 Samuel 10:25-27
Samuel explains the rules governing the kingdom, writes them down, and places the record before God.
Central truth
God confirms Saul's appointment through signs and public selection, yet the new king begins with both support and contempt.
Scripture beside the summary
1 Samuel · King James Version · 271 Samuel 10:1-8
Samuel Anoints Saul and Gives Signs
Samuel pours oil on Saul's head and kisses him, marking God's choice of him as ruler. He describes three encounters Saul will have on the way home. Men will report the donkeys found, travellers will give him bread, and a group of prophets will meet him with music. God's Spirit will come upon him, and he will speak among them as a changed man. Samuel also gives a firm instruction: Saul must wait seven days at Gilgal, a gathering place, until Samuel comes with further directions.
In everyday life
A newly appointed lifeboat captain receives the station keys and a series of named contacts for her first day. Each expected meeting confirms that the crew has prepared for her arrival. One instruction remains firm: she must wait for the senior trainer before launching. Saul's signs include God's Spirit, beyond any human appointment process.
Notice
1 Samuel 10:8 Samuel's instructions include waiting, not only receiving signs. Saul's new role comes with limits and a need to hear further directions before acting.
1 Samuel 10:1-8
King James Version1Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?
2When 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?
3Then 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 Beth-el, one carrying three kids, and another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a bottle of wine:
4And they will salute thee, and give thee two loaves of bread; which thou shalt receive of their hands.
5After 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:
6And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.
7And let it be, when these signs are come unto thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee; for God is with thee.
8And 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.
1 Samuel 10:9-16
Saul Changes but Keeps His Secret
As Saul turns to leave Samuel, God gives him a changed heart. The signs take place that day. When God's Spirit comes upon him, he speaks among the prophets, surprising people who knew him before. Their astonishment becomes a familiar saying about Saul being among prophets. Later his uncle asks where he and the servant went. Saul explains the donkey search and says Samuel told them the animals were found. He does not mention what Samuel said about the kingdom.
In everyday life
The shy choir member steps forward at rehearsal and sings a solo with unexpected confidence. Friends exchange startled looks. Back home, his uncle asks about the evening, and he mentions the practice but keeps the new lead role to himself. Saul's change is attributed to God's Spirit, not confidence gained through singing.
Notice
1 Samuel 10:16 Saul tells his uncle about the donkeys but leaves out the kingdom. The account records his silence without explaining why he chooses it.
1 Samuel 10:9-16
King James Version9And 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.
10And 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.
11And 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?
12And one of the same place answered and said, But who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets?
13And when he had made an end of prophesying, he came to the high place.
14And 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 no where, we came to Samuel.
15And Saul’s uncle said, Tell me, I pray thee, what Samuel said unto you.
16And 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.
1 Samuel 10:17-24
The Chosen King Hides Among Baggage
Samuel gathers the people at Mizpeh and reminds them that God rescued them, yet they have rejected his rule by demanding a king. A selection process narrows the choice through tribe and family until Saul is named. He cannot be found. God reveals that he is hiding among the baggage, and people bring him out. He stands taller than everyone around him. Samuel presents him as God's chosen man, and the crowd greets their new king with a shout of support.
In everyday life
An incoming theatre director hears her name announced to the full cast and stays behind a stack of costume trunks. A stagehand finds her and leads her into the lights. The applause is real, but so is her reluctance to face the room. Saul's public selection is attributed to God, not a theatre committee.
Notice
1 Samuel 10:22 God identifies Saul's hiding place after identifying him as king. Being chosen for the role has not removed Saul's wish to remain out of sight.
1 Samuel 10:17-24
King James Version17And Samuel called the people together unto the LORD to Mizpeh;
18And 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:
19And 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.
20And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken.
21When 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: and when they sought him, he could not be found.
22Therefore 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.
23And 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.
24And 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.
1 Samuel 10:25-27
Saul Receives Support and Scorn
Samuel explains the rules governing the kingdom, writes them down, and places the record before God. He then sends the people home. Saul returns to Gibeah, his home town, accompanied by men whose loyalty God has stirred. Others despise him and question whether he can save them. They withhold the gifts that would acknowledge his standing. Saul hears the contempt but says nothing. The new monarchy begins with a written account of its duties and a public divided over its king.
In everyday life
This housing cooperative's new chair carries the agreed rules home after her first meeting. Several residents help stack the chairs, while others refuse to hand over their keys and mutter that she will fail. She leaves their insults unanswered. Saul's supporters are moved by God, and his office is kingship rather than a shared housing role.
Notice
1 Samuel 10:27 Saul remains silent when some people despise him. At this early point, he does not use his new position to punish their rejection.
1 Samuel 10:25-27
King James Version25Then 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.
26And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and there went with him a band of men, whose hearts God had touched.
27But 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.
Details worth noticing
The opening image
1 Samuel 10:1 begins with “Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over his…”
Where the chapter turns
1 Samuel 10:14 forms a natural hinge: “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 no where, we came to…”
The final note
1 Samuel 10:27 leaves the reader with “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.”
A word trail through the chapter
The words Samuel, LORD, people, prophets, Saul, asses help reveal the chapter’s repeated concerns.
KJV words made clear
- stuff
- Baggage or equipment, the things among which Saul hides during his selection.
Music and video connected to the passage
Related media appears when its Scripture reference overlaps this study. Music and video can illuminate a theme while the biblical text remains the foundation.
