1 Samuel 10 explained: Saul Becomes Israel's First King

Samuel anoints Saul privately (v. 1)

Pouring oil on Saul's head marked him as chosen by God to lead Israel, here called God's inheritance, and the kiss showed Samuel's welcome and respect. Christians later read such anointings as pointing to Jesus, whose title Messiah means "anointed one."

Signs to prove the message (vv. 2-8)

Samuel names very specific meetings on the road so Saul can be sure the anointing really came from God. The order to wait seven days for Samuel at Gilgal sets up a test that returns later in the book.

Saul among the prophets (vv. 9-13)

Saul meets a group of prophets coming down from a place of worship, praising God with music, and when the Spirit of God comes on him he joins in, changed inside. People who knew him were amazed, and "Is Saul also among the prophets?" became a saying, though what "who is their father?" meant is not certain.

Keeping the secret (vv. 14-16)

Saul tells his uncle about the donkeys but says nothing about becoming king. The text does not explain why, so it may have been modesty, caution or uncertainty.

Chosen by lot at Mizpah (vv. 17-24)

Samuel reminds the people that asking for a king meant turning from the God who rescued them, then draws lots, a way of letting God narrow the choice from tribe to clan to one man. Saul is found hiding among the baggage, yet when he stands up, taller than everyone, the people shout for their king.

Rules for the king, mixed welcome (vv. 25-27)

Samuel writes down the rights and limits of kingship and stores the scroll at the sanctuary, so even the king would be under written rules. Some loyal men go with Saul, but others mock him and withhold the gifts that showed loyalty to a ruler, and Saul stays silent.

Key verse: 1 Samuel 10:24

Where Christians differ

Readers differ on whether this chapter mainly presents Israel's first king as God's gift or as a reluctant concession to a people who had turned away from God, since the text seems to hold both views at once.

Something to think about

Saul hid when his big moment came; what makes a person shrink back from a role others are sure belongs to them?