1 Samuel 10:23

Verse

So they ran and brought Saul, and when he stood among the people, he was a head taller than any of the others.

American Standard Version (1901)

And 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.

Bible in Basic English

So they went quickly and made him come out; and when he took his place among the people, he was taller by a head than any of the people.

Free Bible Version

They ran and brought Saul over. When he stood among the people, he was head and shoulders taller than anyone else.

King James (Authorized) Version

And 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.

Translation for Translators

So they quickly went there and found him, and brought him in front of all the people. They could see that truly he was a head taller than anyone else.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Then they ran and retrieved Saul from there. When he stood among the people, he was taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward.

Noah Webster Bible

And they ran and brought him thence: and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward.

World English Bible

They ran and got him there. When he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward.

Young's Literal Translation

And they run and bring him thence, and he stationed himself in the midst of the people, and he is higher than any of the people from his shoulder and upward.

Context

Saul Proclaimed King

²²So again they inquired of the LORD, “Has the man come here yet?” And the LORD replied, “Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage.”²³So they ran and brought Saul, and when he stood among the people, he was a head taller than any of the others. ²⁴Samuel 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!”

Summary

In 1 Samuel 10:23, we see the moment when Saul is chosen by God to be the first king of Israel. This event marks a significant transition in Israel's history from being led by judges to having a monarchy. The casting of lots to select Saul demonstrates God's sovereignty in choosing leaders and orchestrating events according to His divine plan. This verse highlights the importance of seeking God's guidance and trusting in His providence, even in times of uncertainty or change. It also serves as a reminder that God can use unexpected individuals for His purposes, showcasing His wisdom and power in fulfilling His will.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And Samuel said to all the people, see ye him whom the Lord hath chosen,.... For the choice being made by lot, the disposal of which is of the Lord, it is properly attributed to him, and the people could not object to it, but must allow it was the Lord's doing. Eupolemus (k), an Heathen writer, says, that Saul was made king by Samuel by the counsel or will of God; and Samuel appeals to their eyes for the goodness of the choice, a better could not have been made: that there is none like him among the people? so graceful, so stately, so prince like and majestic; they wanted to have a king like such the nations had; and Saul was such an one, had all the outward appearance of grandeur that could be wished for, and which in other nations recommended persons to the imperial dignity: and all the people shouted; made a general ado: and said, God save the king; or "let the king live" (l); they owned and saluted him as their king, and prayed he might live long to reign over them; the Targum is, "let the king prosper"; let his reign be prosperous and glorious, and let him enjoy all health and happiness, peace and prosperity. (k) Apud Euseb. Praepar. Evangel. l. 9. c. 30. p. 447. (l) "vivat rex", Pagninus, Montanus, &c.