Tuesday, May 28 – 1 Samuel 10, 11 – Additional Reading, Patriarchs and Prophets, Chapter 59, “The First King of Israel”

1. How do you think Saul felt when Samuel anointed him as king? 1 Samuel 10:1

2. Why do you think Samuel did not tell Saul’s uncle about what Samuel did with him? 1 Samuel 10:14-16

3. In what way did Saul show magnanimity after the defeat of the Ammonites? 1 Samuel 11:11-13

Commentary and Reflection:

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The story in today’s chapters beautifully illustrates divine interaction with ordinary life matters. It all begins when Cis, Saul’s father, loses his donkeys. From there, a series of regular events unfold, leading to Saul’s selection as the first king of Israel.

When Saul comes to Ramah to see Samuel, worried about his father’s donkeys, he finds that Samuel anoints him as king. Anointing typically involved pouring or applying olive oil to the person. In this case, Samuel poured oil on Saul’s head. Anointing someone with olive oil was an ancient practice.

“Persons were anointed for various reasons: as a mark of honor (Luke 7:46; John 11:2), in preparation for social events (Ruth 3:3), or as signifying a proper qualification for some special service, dignity, function, or privilege.” SDABC, 1 Samuel 10:1

“Among the Hebrews the anointing of a man by a prophet was symbolic of the impartation to him of a special endowment of the Holy Spirit for the accomplishment of his appointed task. This holy anointing oil was used for the consecration of articles used for religious purposes, such as the tabernacle (Ex. 30:26-29), and for the consecration ofpriests (Ex. 29:7; Ex. 30:30; Lev. 8:10-12; etc.). Special care was to be exercised in its preparation and use (Ex. 30:23-33). There was, of course, no more sanctity in the oil itself than in the water of baptism; it did not convey special virtue — it was only a symbol.” SDABC, 1 Samuel 10:1

“The anointing with oil is an excellent illustration of how God makes use of human customs to lead men to reach out for a deeper, truer knowledge of salvation.” SDABC, 1 Samuel 10:1

The story provides insight into how God relates to us and guides His children in everyday matters. The Lord lets Samuel know that the future king is coming to visit him, looking for some lost donkeys. Then, when Samuel speaks with Saul, he offers the prediction of some regular events that would happen to him when he left his house as evidence of his calling: he would meet two men in a specific place who would speak to him about the donkeys; later, he would meet three men with young goats who would give him two loaves of bread, and finally, he would encounter a company of prophets.

It’s not that God orchestrated everything to happen this way, but that He knew what was going to happen and offered that knowledge to Saul as evidence. It’s not about God predestining or preordaining, but about His foreknowledge of what will happen and of the decisions we will make. It’s beyond our understanding that despite His foreknowledge, we still have the opportunity to make our own choices.

It is also noteworthy that although the Lord chooses the king, He still allows the process for his appointment. First, He anoints him, then He makes the people witness his selection, and finally, He shows His blessing upon the chosen person. The same happens in the church and in the country. Although God is in the selection of His leaders, He does not dictate the outcome, but manifests His providence through a process. May He grant us the wisdom to honor and not manipulate the processes of the church.

It’s evident why Saul was selected for the qualities he displayed. His physical qualities, his obedient, humble character, his tact, his courage, and magnanimity were the characteristics that God sought in His instrument. Then, the anointing of the Spirit changed his heart.

May the Lord bless you today as you reflect on the valuable lessons of this beautiful story.