1 Samuel 10

Saul Made King (10:9–27)

9–13 As Saul went on his way God changed [his] heart, just as Samuel had predicted(verse6). Even the people in Saul’s hometown noticed the change—though they didn’t know the reason for it. Perhaps they were even mocking him when they asked: “Is Saul also among the prophets?” (verse 11).

A man said, “And who is their father?”—probably a snide reference to the prophets themselves, implying that they had no father, that they were “nobodies.” In any case, Saul’s fellow townspeople completely misunderstood the change that had taken place in him—just as the people of Nazareth couldn’t understand what had happened to Jesus (Mark 6:1–6). The Apostle Paul gave the best explanation for this lack of understanding: The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God,for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them (1 Corinthians 2:14).

14–16 These verses emphasize the fact that no one knew that Saul had been chosen by God to be Israel’s king. This was important, because Samuel would soon cast lots to “choose” who would be king. It was essential that the people believe that Saul had been chosen by lot—that is, by God³⁷—and not by Samuel. In that way, the people would be more likely to support Saul, as proved to be the case (verse 24).

17–24 Samuel then gathered the representatives of Israel at Mizpah, a town that served as one of Israel’s meeting places during Samuel’s time (1 Samuel 7:5–6). His purpose was to reveal to the people the man whom God had already chosen to be their king. And Samuel revealed the choice through the casting of lots.

First the Lord, through Samuel, rebuked the Israelites for having rejected Him (1 Samuel 8:7) in favor of a king of their own liking (verse 19). Then Samuel said, in effect: “Okay, we’ll cast lots to see who your king will be.” And then, just as if no choice had previously been made, Saul was “chosen.” Saul knew that the lot would fall to him, and so—still reluctant—he hid himself among the baggage (verse 22). But the Lord disclosed Saul’s hiding place, and he was brought out and acclaimed king of Israel (verses 23–24).

25–27 Then, after explaining to both Saul and the people the regulations of the kingship, Samuel wrote them down. In this way, the written regulations would serve as a witness in case either side—Saul or the people—failed in their mutual duties to each other. Surely included in the regulations was the requirement that Saul was to serve under God and that the people were to obey Saul as God’s representative. Only in this way could Israel have a king and still maintain its covenant relationship with the Lord.

Verses 26 and 27 describe two responses to Saul’s leadership: some were inspired to join him, but others—just a few—were in clined to oppose him.