1 Samuel 10 reveals Saul confirmed as king and empowered by God's Spirit. Learn how God established Israel's first king.
The tenth chapter of 1 Samuel records the culmination of Saul's journey from a private individual to the public king of Israel. After Samuel had privately anointed Saul, he gave him three signs to confirm his calling. These signs were fulfilled exactly as predicted, demonstrating that God's hand was upon Saul. The most significant of these signs was the transformation that occurred when the Spirit of the Lord came upon Saul, and he prophesied among a company of prophets. This supernatural change marked Saul as a man set apart for divine service.
The public confirmation of Saul's kingship took place at Mizpeh, where Samuel gathered all the tribes of Israel. The people were presented with a stark contrast between God's faithful leadership and their desire for a human king. Samuel explained the conduct of a king and wrote it in a book, laying the foundation for the monarchy. The divine selection of Saul was confirmed by casting lots, a process that revealed God's choice. When Saul was presented to the people, his physical stature impressed them, and they shouted, "God save the king" (1 Samuel 10:24).
Saul confirmed as king and God's Spirit empowers him recorded in 1 Samuel 10 reveal that divine empowerment is essential for fulfilling God's calling. Saul's transformation by the Spirit was a prerequisite for his role as king. The public confirmation of his selection demonstrated that the monarchy was not a human invention but a divine institution. This pattern of divine calling and empowerment continues throughout Scripture, pointing forward to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, who was anointed with the Holy Spirit without measure.
The Fulfillment of the Signs
The Three Signs
Samuel gave Saul three signs to confirm his calling. The first sign was that he would meet two men near Rachel's tomb, who would tell him that the donkeys had been found and that his father was worried about him (1 Samuel 10:2). The fulfillment of this sign would reassure Saul that God was with him.
The second sign was that Saul would meet three men near the great tree of Tabor. They would greet him and give him two loaves of bread, which he would receive (1 Samuel 10:3-4). This provision demonstrated that God would supply Saul's needs.
The third sign was that Saul would meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with instruments of music. The Spirit of the Lord would come upon him, and he would prophesy with them, being turned into another man (1 Samuel 10:5-6). This transformation would equip Saul for his role as king.
The Transformation of Saul
The fulfillment of the third sign was the most dramatic. The text states that "the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them" (1 Samuel 10:10). This experience was a supernatural empowerment that changed Saul's character and equipped him for leadership.
The transformation was so remarkable that the people who knew Saul were astonished. They asked, "What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?" (1 Samuel 10:11). The question became a proverb, reflecting the surprising nature of Saul's change.
The transformation by the Spirit was a confirmation that God had set Saul apart for a specific purpose. The empowerment was not a permanent state but a provision for the tasks that lay ahead. Saul's experience foreshadowed the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers, empowering them for service.
The Public Confirmation at Mizpeh
The Gathering of the People
Samuel gathered all the tribes of Israel at Mizpeh, the place of the previous national assembly. The gathering was a public declaration of God's choice for king. The text states that Samuel said, "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" (1 Samuel 10:18). The reminder of God's faithfulness set the stage for the announcement of the king.
Samuel presented the people with a choice: they could either serve the Lord or reject His rule. He said, "And 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" (1 Samuel 10:19). The rebuke was a reminder of the gravity of their request.
Despite the rebuke, God would grant their request. The selection of a king was an act of divine mercy, even in the midst of human sin. The gathering at Mizpeh was a demonstration of God's sovereignty, using human failure to accomplish His purposes.
The Selection by Lot
The selection of the king was confirmed by casting lots, a method used to determine God's will. Samuel caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, and the tribe of Benjamin was taken. Then the family of Matri was taken, and finally Saul the son of Kish was chosen (1 Samuel 10:20-21).
When Saul was sought, he could not be found. He had hidden himself among the baggage, a sign of his humility and reluctance to accept the role. The Lord revealed his location, and he was brought before the people.
Saul's hiding was a contrast to the typical pursuit of power. He was not seeking the throne but was chosen by God. His humility at the beginning of his reign was a positive sign, though it would not last. The people's reaction was one of approval: "When they saw him, they shouted, God save the king" (1 Samuel 10:24).
The Role of the King
The Manner of the Kingdom
Samuel explained to the people the manner of the kingdom and wrote it in a book, laying the foundation for the monarchy. The text states that "he wrote it in a book, and laid it up before the LORD" (1 Samuel 10:25). The document likely included the rights and responsibilities of the king and the people.
The manner of the kingdom was a reminder that the king was subject to God's law. The king was not an absolute monarch but a servant of God, responsible for ruling according to divine commands. The document served as a constitution for the monarchy.
The laying of the book before the Lord indicated that the monarchy was a divine institution. The king was accountable to God, not to the people. The written document would serve as a reference for future generations.
The People's Response
The people responded to Saul's selection with joy and approval. They shouted, "God save the king" (1 Samuel 10:24). The acclamation was an acknowledgment of Saul's legitimacy as the chosen king.
However, not everyone was pleased. The text states that "there were certain children of Belial, which said, How shall this man save us?" (1 Samuel 10:27). These detractors despised Saul and brought him no presents. Their opposition was a sign of the challenges that lay ahead.
Despite the opposition, Saul was restrained and did not respond. His initial restraint was a sign of humility and wisdom. The chapter ends with Saul returning to his house in Gibeah, accompanied by a band of men whose hearts God had touched (1 Samuel 10:26).
The Lessons of 1 Samuel 10
The Necessity of Divine Empowerment
Saul's transformation by the Spirit demonstrates the necessity of divine empowerment for fulfilling God's calling. Without the Spirit's enablement, Saul could not have fulfilled his role as king. The empowerment was a gift from God, not a human achievement.
Divine empowerment is essential for service to God. The apostle Paul wrote, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13). Believers are dependent on the Spirit's power for every aspect of the Christian life.
The New Testament also emphasizes the necessity of the Spirit. The apostle Peter wrote, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me" (Acts 1:8). The Spirit empowers believers for witness and service.
The Danger of Rejecting God
The people's demand for a king was a rejection of God's direct rule. Samuel reminded them, "And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities" (1 Samuel 10:19). The rejection of God was a sin that would have consequences.
The danger of rejecting God is a recurring theme in Scripture. The Lord warned His people, "If ye will not hearken unto me, and will not do all these commandments... I will set my face against you" (Leviticus 26:14, 17). Rejection of God leads to judgment and suffering.
The New Testament also warns against rejecting God. The apostle Paul wrote, "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men" (Romans 1:18). Those who reject God face His judgment.
The Humility of Saul
Saul's hiding among the baggage demonstrated his initial humility. He was not seeking the throne but was chosen by God. His humility was a positive sign, indicating that he recognized his unworthiness for the role.
Humility is essential for leadership. The apostle Peter wrote, "Be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble" (1 Peter 5:5). Humility is the foundation for receiving God's grace and for effective leadership.
The New Testament also emphasizes the importance of humility. The apostle Paul wrote, "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves" (Philippians 2:3). Saul's initial humility was a model for leaders to follow.
Conclusion
1 Samuel chapter 10 records the confirmation of Saul as Israel's first king. The signs given by Samuel were fulfilled, demonstrating that God was with Saul. The Spirit of the Lord came upon Saul, transforming him and empowering him for his role. The public confirmation at Mizpeh, including the casting of lots, revealed God's choice. The people responded with acclamation, though some opposed him. The chapter ends with Saul returning to Gibeah, accompanied by a band of men whose hearts God had touched.
Saul confirmed as king and God's Spirit empowers him recorded in 1 Samuel 10 reveal that divine empowerment is essential for fulfilling God's calling. Saul's transformation by the Spirit was a prerequisite for his role as king. The public confirmation of his selection demonstrated that the monarchy was not a human invention but a divine institution. This pattern of divine calling and empowerment continues throughout Scripture, pointing forward to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, who was anointed with the Holy Spirit without measure.
The story of Saul's confirmation encourages believers to seek divine empowerment for their own callings and to recognize the importance of humility and dependence on God. The same Spirit who came upon Saul is available to believers today, empowering them for service and witness. By learning from Saul's example, believers can experience the power of the Spirit and fulfill the purposes for which God has called them.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What were the three signs Samuel gave Saul?
Samuel gave Saul three signs to confirm his calling. The first sign was meeting two men near Rachel's tomb, who would tell him the donkeys had been found and his father was worried. The second sign was meeting three men near the great tree of Tabor, who would give him two loaves of bread. The third sign was meeting a company of prophets, where the Spirit of the Lord would come upon him, and he would prophesy, being turned into another man (1 Samuel 10:2-6). The signs confirmed that God was with Saul and equipping him for his role as king.
2. What happened when the Spirit of the Lord came upon Saul?
When the Spirit of the Lord came upon Saul, he prophesied among a company of prophets and was turned into another man (1 Samuel 10:6, 10). The transformation was a supernatural empowerment that changed Saul's character and prepared him for leadership. The experience was so remarkable that people who knew Saul were astonished and asked, "Is Saul also among the prophets?" (1 Samuel 10:11). The Spirit's empowerment was a confirmation that God had set Saul apart for his calling.
3. How was Saul confirmed as king publicly?
Saul was confirmed as king publicly at Mizpeh, where Samuel gathered all the tribes of Israel. Samuel caused the tribes to come near by their families, and the Lord revealed His choice through the casting of lots. The tribe of Benjamin was selected, then the family of Matri, and finally Saul the son of Kish. When Saul could not be found because he had hidden among the baggage, the Lord revealed his location. He was brought before the people, who shouted, "God save the king" (1 Samuel 10:24). The public confirmation established Saul's legitimacy.
4. Why did Saul hide among the baggage?
Saul hid among the baggage because of his initial humility and reluctance to accept the role of king. He was not seeking the throne but was chosen by God. The text states that when Saul was sought, he could not be found, and they had to inquire of the Lord to discover his location (1 Samuel 10:21-22). Saul's hiding was a sign of his unworthiness and his awareness that the kingship was a divine calling, not a human ambition. His initial humility was a positive sign, though it would not last.
5. What lessons can believers learn from Saul's confirmation as king?
Believers can learn several important lessons from Saul's confirmation as king. First, divine empowerment is essential for fulfilling God's calling, as demonstrated by the Spirit coming upon Saul. Second, humility is important for leadership, as shown by Saul's hiding among the baggage. Third, God's sovereignty is evident in the selection process, as He revealed His choice through the casting of lots. Fourth, even when people reject God's rule, He can use their decisions to accomplish His purposes. Believers are called to seek the Spirit's empowerment, cultivate humility, trust in God's sovereignty, and recognize that God can work through human choices.
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