1 Samuel 10
BSB1 Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, “Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance? 2 When you leave me today, you will find two men at Rachel’s tomb in Zelzah on the border of Benjamin. They will say to you, ‘The donkeys you seek have been found, and now your father has stopped worrying about the donkeys and started worrying about you, asking, “What should I do about my son?”’ 3 Then you will go on from there until you come to the Oak of Tabor. Three men going up to God at Bethel will meet you there, one carrying three young goats, another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a skin of wine. 4 They will greet you and give you two loaves of bread, which you will accept from their hands. 5 After that you will come to Gibeah of God, where the Philistines have an outpost. As you approach the city, you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place, preceded by harps, tambourines, flutes, and lyres, and they will be prophesying. 6 Then the Spirit of the LORD will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be transformed into a different person. 7 When these signs have come, do as the occasion demands, for God is with you. 8 And you shall go before me to Gilgal, and surely I will come to you to offer burnt offerings and to sacrifice peace offerings. Wait seven days until I come to you and show you what you are to do." 9 As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul’s heart, and all the signs came to pass that day. 10 When Saul and his servant arrived at Gibeah, a group of prophets met him. Then the Spirit of God rushed upon him, and he prophesied along with them. 11 All those who had formerly known Saul and saw him prophesying with the prophets asked one another, “What has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?" 12 Then a man who lived there replied, “And who is their father?” So the saying became a proverb: “Is Saul also among the prophets?" 13 And when Saul had finished prophesying, he went up to the high place. 14 Now Saul’s uncle asked him and his servant, “Where did you go?” “To look for the donkeys,” Saul replied. “When we saw they were not to be found, we went to Samuel." 15 “Tell me,” Saul’s uncle asked, “what did Samuel say to you?" 16 And Saul replied, “He assured us that the donkeys had been found.” But Saul did not tell his uncle what Samuel had said about the kingship. 17 After this, Samuel summoned the people to the LORD at Mizpah 18 and said to the Israelites, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I brought Israel up out of Egypt, and I rescued you from the hands of the Egyptians and of all the kingdoms that oppressed you.’ 19 But today you have rejected your God, who saves you from all your troubles and afflictions, and you have said to Him, ‘No, set a king over us.’ Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes and clans." 20 Thus Samuel had all the tribes of Israel come forward, and the tribe of Benjamin was selected. 21 Then he had the tribe of Benjamin come forward by its clans, and the clan of Matri was selected. Finally, Saul son of Kish was selected. But when they looked for him, they could not find him. 22 So again they inquired of the LORD, “Has the man come here yet?” And the LORD replied, “Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage." 23 So they ran and brought Saul, and when he stood among the people, he was a head taller than any of the others. 24 Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see the one the LORD has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people.” And all the people shouted, “Long live the king!" 25 Then Samuel explained to the people the rights of kingship. He wrote them on a scroll and laid it up before the LORD. And Samuel sent all the people away, each to his own home. 26 Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, and the men of valor whose hearts God had touched went with him. 27 But some worthless men said, “How can this man save us?” So they despised him and brought him no gifts; but Saul remained silent about it.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 10
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 1 Samuel 10
- Themes from 1 Samuel 10
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 10
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
In 1 Samuel 10, Samuel anoints Saul as the first king of Israel, as instructed by God. After the anointing, Saul is given several signs to confirm his calling, including finding two donkeys that have been lost, meeting three men carrying goats, bread, and wine, and encountering a group of prophets. When Saul encounters the prophets, the Spirit of the Lord comes upon him, and he prophesies with them. The chapter concludes with Saul's return home, where his uncle asks about his encounter with Samuel, and Saul's reluctance to share the details of his anointing. Key verses include 1 Samuel 10:1, where Samuel anoints Saul, and 1 Samuel 10:9-13, where Saul encounters the prophets and is transformed by the Spirit of the Lord.
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of the larger narrative of 1 Samuel, which describes the transition from the period of the judges to the monarchy in Israel. The anointing of Saul as king is a pivotal moment in this narrative, as it marks the beginning of a new era in Israel's history. The chapter is also connected to the broader biblical narrative, as it prefigures the anointing of Christ with the Holy Spirit, which empowered Him for His ministry. This is seen in (Acts 10:38).
Heart Application
As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, bringing about transformation and enabling us to serve God in new ways. We are also encouraged to humble ourselves, like Saul, and to seek God's glory rather than our own. This is evident in (1 Samuel 10:22) and (Proverbs 22:4).
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about the anointing of Saul as the first king of Israel. Samuel anoints Saul with oil, and the Spirit of the Lord comes upon him, giving him a new heart and enabling him to prophesy. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, and the need to humble ourselves and seek God's glory. This is seen in (1 Samuel 10:6) and (1 Samuel 10:9-13).
Voices from the Church
“The anointing with oil was a symbol of the Spirit's work, and when Saul encountered the prophets, the Spirit came upon him, giving him a new heart and enabling him to prophesy.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The Spirit of the Lord came upon Saul, and he was changed into a different person, indicating the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Anointing of Saul (1 Samuel 10:1) — Samuel anoints Saul with oil, symbolizing the setting apart of Saul for God's purposes.
- The Signs Confirming Saul's Anointing (1 Samuel 10:2-8) — Saul is given several signs to confirm his calling, including finding two donkeys that have been lost, meeting three men carrying goats, bread, and wine.
- The Encounter with the Prophets (1 Samuel 10:9-13) — Saul encounters a group of prophets, and the Spirit of the Lord comes upon him, giving him a new heart and enabling him to prophesy.
- The Return Home (1 Samuel 10:14-16) — Saul returns home, where his uncle asks about his encounter with Samuel, and Saul is reluctant to share the details of his anointing.
- The Confirmation of Saul's Anointing (1 Samuel 10:17-27) — The chapter concludes with the confirmation of Saul's anointing, as he is presented to the people and recognized as their king.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- This chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all things, including the selection of leaders and the working of the Holy Spirit. This is seen in (1 Samuel 10:24) and (Proverbs 21:1).
- The Work of the Holy Spirit
- The chapter highlights the importance of the Holy Spirit's work in the life of a believer, bringing about transformation and enabling prophetic ministry. This is evident in (1 Samuel 10:6) and (1 Samuel 10:10).
- The Importance of Humility
- The chapter encourages humility, as Saul is reluctant to share the details of his anointing, indicating a lack of desire for personal glory. This is seen in (1 Samuel 10:15-16) and (Proverbs 22:4).
- The Anointing of Christ
- The anointing of Saul prefigures the anointing of Christ with the Holy Spirit, which empowered Him for His ministry. This is seen in (Acts 10:38).
Lessons from 1 Samuel 10
- The Importance of the Holy Spirit's Work — The chapter highlights the importance of the Holy Spirit's work in the life of a believer, bringing about transformation and enabling prophetic ministry.
- The Need for Humility — The chapter encourages humility, as Saul is reluctant to share the details of his anointing, indicating a lack of desire for personal glory.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all things, including the selection of leaders and the working of the Holy Spirit.
- The Anointing of Christ — The anointing of Saul prefigures the anointing of Christ with the Holy Spirit, which empowered Him for His ministry.
- The Transformation of the Heart — The chapter describes the transformation that occurs in Saul's life as a result of the Spirit's work, enabling him to serve God in a new way.
Themes from 1 Samuel 10
- The Anointing of Leaders — The chapter describes the anointing of Saul as the first king of Israel, and the signs that confirm his calling.
- The Work of the Holy Spirit — The chapter highlights the importance of the Holy Spirit's work in the life of a believer, bringing about transformation and enabling prophetic ministry.
- The Importance of Humility — The chapter encourages humility, as Saul is reluctant to share the details of his anointing, indicating a lack of desire for personal glory.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all things, including the selection of leaders and the working of the Holy Spirit.
- The Transformation of the Heart — The chapter describes the transformation that occurs in Saul's life as a result of the Spirit's work, enabling him to serve God in a new way.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the anointing of Saul with oil symbolize, and how does it relate to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives?
- How does the encounter with the prophets demonstrate the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, and what can we learn from this experience?
- What does the reluctance of Saul to share the details of his anointing reveal about his character, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
- How does the confirmation of Saul's anointing relate to the broader biblical narrative, and what does it teach us about God's sovereignty and the work of the Holy Spirit?
- What are some ways in which we can humble ourselves, like Saul, and seek God's glory rather than our own?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Anointing of Saul (1 Samuel 10:1-8)
| 10:1 | Samuel anoints Saul with oil, symbolizing the setting apart of Saul for God's purposes. |
| 10:2 | Saul is given several signs to confirm his calling, including finding two donkeys that have been lost, meeting three men carrying goats, bread, and wine. |
| 10:3 | Saul is instructed to go to the oak of Tabor, where he will meet three men carrying goats, bread, and wine. |
| 10:4 | Saul is instructed to go to the hill of God, where he will meet a group of prophets, and the Spirit of the Lord will come upon him. |
| 10:5 | Saul is instructed to prophesy with the prophets, and to be changed into a different person. |
| 10:6 | The Spirit of the Lord will come upon Saul, and he will prophesy with the prophets; and he will be changed into a different person. |
| 10:7 | Saul is instructed to do whatever his hand finds to do, for God is with him. |
| 10:8 | Saul is instructed to go down to Gilgal, where he will meet Samuel, and where the people will be gathered to make him king. |
2. The Encounter with the Prophets (1 Samuel 10:9-13)
| 10:9 | As Saul turns to leave Samuel, God gives him another heart, and all these signs come to pass that day. |
| 10:10 | When they come to the hill of God, there is a group of prophets, and the Spirit of God comes upon Saul, and he prophesies with them. |
| 10:11 | It comes to pass, when all who knew him previously see that he is prophesying with the prophets, that the people say to one another, "What is this that has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?" |
| 10:12 | A man from there answers, "And who is their father?" Therefore it becomes a proverb: "Is Saul also among the prophets?" |
| 10:13 | When he finishes prophesying, he comes to the high place. |
3. The Return Home (1 Samuel 10:14-16)
| 10:14 | Saul's uncle asks him and his servant, "Where did you go?" And he said, "To look for the donkeys. When we saw that they were not to be found, we went to Samuel." |
| 10:15 | Saul's uncle asks him, "Tell me, please, what Samuel said to you." |
| 10:16 | Saul said to his uncle, "He told us plainly that the donkeys had been found." But about the matter of the kingdom, of which Samuel had spoken, he did not tell him. |
4. The Confirmation of Saul's Anointing (1 Samuel 10:17-27)
| 10:17 | Samuel calls the people together to the Lord at Mizpah, and says to the sons of Israel, "Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, 'I brought Israel up from Egypt, and I delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of all the kingdoms that were oppressing you.'" |
| 10:18 | But today you have rejected your God, who himself saves you from all your calamities and your distresses; yet you have said to him, 'No, but set a king over us!' Now therefore, present yourselves before the Lord by your tribes and by your clans." |
| 10:19 | So Samuel brings all the tribes of Israel near, and the tribe of Benjamin is taken by lot. |
| 10:20 | Then he brings the tribe of Benjamin near by its families, and the family of the Matrites is taken by lot. And Saul the son of Kish is taken by lot. |
| 10:21 | When they seek him, he is not to be found, so they inquire of the Lord, "Has the man come here?" |
| 10:22 | The Lord says, "Behold, he is hiding among the baggage." |
| 10:23 | So they run and take him from there, and when he stands among the people, he is taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward. |
| 10:24 | Samuel says to all the people, "Do you see him whom the Lord has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people." So all the people shout, "Long live the king!" |
| 10:25 | Then Samuel tells the people the rights and duties of the kingship, and he writes them in a book and lays it before the Lord. |
| 10:26 | Samuel sends all the people away, each one to his house. |
| 10:27 | Saul also goes to his house in Gibeah; and the valiant men whose hearts God had touched go with him. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the anointing of Saul with oil?
The anointing of Saul with oil symbolizes the setting apart of Saul for God's purposes, and marks the beginning of his reign as king. This is seen in (1 Samuel 10:1) and (1 Samuel 10:6).
What are the signs that confirm Saul's anointing?
The signs that confirm Saul's anointing include finding two donkeys that have been lost, meeting three men carrying goats, bread, and wine, and encountering a group of prophets. This is seen in (1 Samuel 10:2-8) and (1 Samuel 10:9-13).
What is the role of the Holy Spirit in Saul's life?
The Holy Spirit comes upon Saul, giving him a new heart and enabling him to prophesy. This is seen in (1 Samuel 10:6) and (1 Samuel 10:10).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 10:1 → 1 Kings 1:39 | The anointing of Saul with oil is similar to the anointing of Solomon with oil, which marks the beginning of his reign as king. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 10:6 → Acts 10:38 | The anointing of Saul with the Holy Spirit prefigures the anointing of Christ with the Holy Spirit, which empowered Him for His ministry. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 10:9 → Psalm 51:10 | The transformation that occurs in Saul's life as a result of the Spirit's work is similar to the transformation that occurs in the life of David, as described in Psalm 51:10. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 10:10 → 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 | The gift of prophecy that Saul receives is similar to the spiritual gifts that believers receive in the church, as described in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 10:11 → Matthew 13:54-58 | The amazement of the people at Saul's prophesying is similar to the amazement of the people at Jesus' teaching and miracles, as described in Matthew 13:54-58. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 10:17 → Deuteronomy 17:14-20 | The establishment of the monarchy in Israel is in accordance with the instructions given in Deuteronomy 17:14-20. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 10:20 → Proverbs 16:33 | The use of the lot to select Saul as king is similar to the use of the lot to make decisions in other biblical contexts, as described in Proverbs 16:33. |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 10:24 → John 1:14 | The recognition of Saul as king by the people is similar to the recognition of Jesus as the Messiah by the people, as described in John 1:14. |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 10:25 → Deuteronomy 17:18-20 | The instructions given to the people about the rights and duties of the kingship are in accordance with the instructions given in Deuteronomy 17:18-20. |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 10:27 → 1 Chronicles 12:1-7 | The description of the valiant men who go with Saul is similar to the description of the mighty men who go with David, as described in 1 Chronicles 12:1-7. |
Sermons on 1 Samuel 10
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Awful Sin of Pride by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of patience and waiting on God's timing. He warns against making impulsive and fleshly decisions that can lead to disaster. T |
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Immersed in the Holy Spirit by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking the Holy Spirit with a sincere heart, surrendering all areas of our lives to God, and being open to His transformative work. It hig |
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(Through the Bible) 1 Samuel 1-10 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the spirit of God coming upon a person's life and anointing them. He highlights the significance of having a heart turned |
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The Eternal Spirit the Anointing of the Spirit by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing the book of Exodus and the anointing of Moses by the Lord. He then moves on to discuss the anointing of Jesus in the gospel of Luk |
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Kiss the Son by Aaron Dunlop | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of kissing the Son, which symbolizes worship, allegiance, and love towards Jesus Christ. The sermon references the story of a |
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(1 Samuel) a Good Start for Saul by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the obsession of our culture with image and celebrity, rather than substance. He emphasizes the importance of looking beyond appearances and |
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Grieve Not the Holy Spirit by Richard Sipley | In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing a book he read about an evangelist who preached to large crowds but allowed immorality and sin to destroy him. He then references |
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The Truth About Prophecy - Old Testament - Part 2 by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the truth about prophecy, exploring the characteristics of prophets in the Old Testament and the importance of discerning true prophets from false ones. It |
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The Anointing of Saul by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the anointing of Saul as the first king of Israel. The people of Jabish were under threat from their enemies and sought help from the I |
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Understanding the Anointing by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the desperate need to experience God's anointing, highlighting the importance of surrender, humility, and radical departure from nominal Christianity. It add |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Samuel 10
In this chapter, we see the anointing of Saul as the first king of Israel, and the signs that confirm his calling. The anointing with oil symbolizes the setting apart of Saul for God's purposes, and marks the beginning of his reign as king. The Holy Spirit comes upon Saul, giving him a new heart and enabling him to prophesy. The chapter also describes the establishment of the monarchy in Israel, and the recognition of Saul as king by the people. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of the Holy Spirit's work in the life of a believer, and the need to humble ourselves and seek God's glory. This is seen in (1 Samuel 10:6) and (1 Samuel 10:9-13). Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Role of the Holy Spirit
The chapter highlights the importance of the Holy Spirit's work in the life of a believer, bringing about transformation and enabling prophetic ministry. This is evident in (1 Samuel 10:6) and (1 Samuel 10:10).
The Reluctance of Saul
Saul is initially reluctant to share the details of his anointing with his uncle, indicating a humility and lack of desire for personal glory. This is seen in (1 Samuel 10:15-16).
The Confirmation of Saul's Anointing
The chapter describes several signs that confirm Saul's anointing, including the encounter with the prophets and the change in his heart. This is evident in (1 Samuel 10:9-13).