1 Samuel 10:16

KJV

And Saul said unto his uncle, He told us plainly that the asses were found. But of the matter of the kingdom, whereof Samuel spake, he told him not.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Saul {H7586} said {H559} unto his uncle {H1730}, He told {H5046} us plainly {H5046} that the asses {H860} were found {H4672}. But of the matter {H1697} of the kingdom {H4410}, whereof Samuel {H8050} spake {H559}, he told {H5046} him not.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sha'ul answered his uncle, "He told us that the donkeys had been found," but said nothing to him about the matter of his being made king.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

And Saul said unto his uncle, He told us plainly that the asses were found. But concerning the matter of the kingdom, whereof Samuel spake, he told him not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 10:16 provides a crucial early insight into the character of Saul following his private anointing as Israel's first king by the prophet Samuel. The verse reveals Saul's remarkable discretion, as he readily shares the trivial news of his father's lost donkeys being found, yet deliberately conceals the momentous revelation of his divine appointment to kingship. This act of silence speaks volumes about his initial humility, prudence, or perhaps the overwhelming awe he felt regarding the immense responsibility that had just been placed upon him, setting a significant tone for the nascent stages of his reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the pivotal narrative of Israel's transition from a judgeship to a monarchy. Immediately preceding this conversation, Saul, while on a seemingly mundane search for his father Kish's lost donkeys, was providentially led to Samuel, the revered prophet. In a private, divinely orchestrated encounter, Samuel, acting under God's direct instruction, [anointed Saul with oil](/1_samuel/10-1 "1 Samuel 10:1 - Saul Anointed King") and declared him to be the future ruler over God's inheritance. This sacred anointing was powerfully corroborated by three specific prophetic signs that Saul experienced precisely as predicted, unequivocally confirming the divine origin of his calling and the authenticity of Samuel's message (cf. [1 Samuel 10:2-7](/1_samuel/10-2-7 "1 Samuel 10:2-7 - Samuel's Prophetic Signs to Saul")). Upon his return home, his uncle, a prominent familial figure, naturally inquired about his extended absence and the details of his encounter with Samuel. Saul's selective disclosure in this verse directly precedes the momentous public assembly at Mizpah, where the selection of Israel's first king would be formally revealed through lots (cf. [1 Samuel 10:17-24](/1_samuel/10-17-24 "1 Samuel 10:17-24 - Saul Chosen as King at Mizpah")), thereby underscoring the tension and progression from private divine appointment to public manifestation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period chronicled in 1 Samuel marks a profound paradigm shift in Israelite history, moving from a decentralized tribal confederacy governed by charismatic judges to a centralized monarchy. This monumental transition was largely precipitated by the people's insistent demand for a king "like all the nations" ([1 Samuel 8:5](/1_samuel/8-5 "1 Samuel 8:5 - Israel Demands a King")), a request that initially displeased Samuel but was ultimately sanctioned by God as a concession to their will. Within this cultural milieu, prophets like Samuel wielded immense spiritual and political influence as God's designated spokesmen, often playing a critical role in anointing kings and conveying divine messages. Familial ties were paramount in ancient Israelite society, making it entirely natural and expected for an uncle to inquire about a nephew's prolonged absence and significant encounters. The act of anointing with oil was a deeply symbolic and customary practice for consecrating individuals for sacred office—whether priests, prophets, or kings—signifying divine empowerment and setting them apart for a specific purpose. Saul's initial anointing was intentionally private, emphasizing that his authority derived directly from God's sovereign choice, rather than from popular acclaim or human election, a crucial theological foundation for the nascent Israelite monarchy.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of 1 Samuel. Firstly, it illuminates **Saul's Initial Character**, portraying him as discreet, seemingly humble, and certainly prudent in handling such momentous news. This early portrayal stands in stark contrast to his later displays of impulsiveness, disobedience, and pride, thereby subtly foreshadowing the tragic trajectory of his reign and eventual downfall. Secondly, it underscores the profound theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Timing**. God's meticulously crafted plans often unfold in stages, with periods of private preparation preceding public revelation. Saul's anointing was a secret divine act, demonstrating that God frequently works behind the scenes, preparing individuals and circumstances, before making His will known to the broader populace. The public confirmation of his kingship would come later at Mizpah ([1 Samuel 10:17](/1_samuel/10-17 "1 Samuel 10:17 - Samuel Gathers Israel at Mizpah")). Thirdly, the verse subtly touches upon the **Burden and Weight of Leadership**. Saul's silence might not only stem from humility but also from an early, perhaps subconscious, recognition of the immense responsibility, inherent challenges, and potential isolation that accompany leading a nation under God's covenant, especially one that had previously resisted the idea of a human king. This subtle acknowledgment of the kingship's gravity sets the stage for the complex and often tumultuous relationship between Saul, Samuel, and God throughout the remainder of the book.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Matter (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This noun, from the root meaning "to speak," carries a broad semantic range, encompassing "word," "thing," "affair," or "business." In this context, "the matter of the kingdom" (דְּבַר הַמְּלוּכָה, _dᵉbar hammᵉlûwkâh_) refers to the weighty affair or subject of kingship itself. Saul's deliberate omission of this "matter" highlights its profound significance compared to the triviality of the lost donkeys. It signifies not just a word spoken, but the entire reality and implications of the royal office.
* **Kingdom (Hebrew, _mᵉlûwkâh'_):** This feminine noun specifically denotes "kingship," "royal power," or "realm." It encapsulates the entire concept of monarchy, including its inherent authority, responsibilities, and divine mandate. The fact that Samuel "spake" of this "matter of the kingdom" to Saul signifies the weighty, divinely ordained nature of Saul's calling. Saul's deliberate omission of this word, _mᵉlûwkâh_, from his conversation with his uncle underscores the profound and perhaps overwhelming significance he attached to it, contrasting it sharply with the mundane "matter" of the lost donkeys.
* **Plainly (Hebrew, _nâgad'_):** This primitive root means "to front," "to stand boldly out opposite," and by implication, "to manifest" or "to announce." When Saul states, "He told us plainly that the asses were found," he emphasizes the unequivocal, clear, and unambiguous nature of Samuel's message regarding the mundane matter. This choice of word highlights the stark contrast with the unstated, yet infinitely more significant, "matter of the kingdom," which Samuel had spoken of with equal clarity but which Saul chose to keep un-manifested or un-announced to his uncle.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Saul said unto his uncle,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the familial and intimate setting of the conversation. Saul's uncle, a natural figure of authority and curiosity within the family structure, would have been expected to inquire about Saul's prolonged absence and his encounter with the renowned prophet Samuel. This sets the stage for Saul's selective disclosure.
* **"He told us plainly that the asses were found."**: Saul's immediate response addresses the ostensible and socially acceptable purpose of his journey—the recovery of his father's lost donkeys. The use of "plainly" (נָגַד, _nâgad_) emphasizes the clear, direct, and unambiguous nature of Samuel's message regarding this mundane matter. This part of the revelation is straightforward, easily digestible, and poses no immediate challenge or profound implication for the family or the broader community. It is the expected, practical, and non-controversial answer.
* **"But of the matter of the kingdom, whereof Samuel spake, he told him not."**: This is the pivotal and most revealing clause of the verse, highlighting Saul's profound discretion and self-restraint. Despite Samuel having spoken clearly and definitively about the kingship, Saul deliberately withheld this monumental information from his uncle. This act of silence is highly significant, suggesting a complex interplay of motivations: it could stem from a genuine sense of humility, feeling unworthy or overwhelmed by such a monumental calling; prudence, wisely waiting for God's appointed public timing; or even awe, being too stunned by the divine revelation to articulate it casually. This omission creates dramatic tension, underscoring the vast difference in significance between the trivial matter of found donkeys and the divinely appointed, nation-altering kingship.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound meaning. Most prominent is **Contrast**, which is masterfully used to juxtapose the mundane task of finding lost donkeys against the monumental, divinely ordained revelation of kingship. This stark opposition highlights Saul's selective disclosure and the vastly different weights he assigns to each piece of information. The act of **Silence** itself functions as a powerful narrative device, revealing more about Saul's inner state and strategic thinking than any words might have. His deliberate omission of the "matter of the kingdom" speaks volumes about his initial character, whether it be humility, awe, or a nascent sense of the immense responsibility. This also serves as a subtle **Foreshadowing** of Saul's complex and ultimately tragic character development; his initial discretion and apparent humility here stand in poignant contrast to the pride, impulsiveness, and disobedience that would increasingly define his reign, leading to his eventual downfall. Furthermore, there is a degree of **Irony** in the situation: the trivial matter is openly discussed and emphasized as "plainly" told, while the divinely ordained, nation-altering news is kept hidden, emphasizing the private, sacred nature of God's initial work in Saul's life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 10:16 offers a compelling theological insight into the nature of divine calling and human response. Saul's discretion teaches us that not all truths, even divinely revealed ones, are meant for immediate public consumption. There is a profound wisdom in discerning the appropriate time and context for revelation, a principle rooted in God's own sovereign timing. God often works in private, preparing individuals and circumstances, before publicly manifesting His plans. Saul's initial humility and measured response, however fleeting in his overall narrative, underscore the importance of processing significant divine appointments with sobriety, patience, and dependence on God's leading, rather than immediate self-promotion or premature announcement. This narrative invites reflection on the tension between personal conviction and public declaration, emphasizing that true authority and divine purpose often begin in quiet, consecrated moments of personal encounter with God.

* [Proverbs 11:13](/proverbs/11-13 "Proverbs 11:13 - The Discretion of the Faithful")
* [Ecclesiastes 3:7](/ecclesiastes/3-7 "Ecclesiastes 3:7 - A Time to Keep Silence and a Time to Speak")
* [Matthew 16:20](/matthew/16-20 "Matthew 16:20 - Jesus Commands Disciples to Keep His Identity Secret")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Saul's initial discretion in 1 Samuel 10:16 provides a powerful and enduring lesson for believers today regarding the wisdom of timing and the virtue of humility in the face of divine calling. In an age characterized by instant communication, pervasive social media, and the constant urge to publicize every personal achievement or significant event, Saul's decision to withhold the most momentous news of his life stands out as a counter-cultural act. This is not about deception, but about profound prudence—recognizing that some revelations are meant to be nurtured in the quiet, sacred space between God and the individual, awaiting God's perfect timing for public manifestation. It challenges us to consider whether we are quick to claim credit, announce our "kingship" (our gifts, callings, or successes), or prematurely broadcast God's work in our lives before He has fully prepared the way or the audience. True humility often manifests not in self-deprecation, but in a sober assessment of one's role, a patient trust in God's unfolding plan, and a willingness to wait for His appointed moment. This verse encourages us to cultivate a spirit of discernment, understanding that there is indeed "a time to keep silence, and a time to speak" ([Ecclesiastes 3:7](/ecclesiastes/3-7 "Ecclesiastes 3:7 - A Time to Keep Silence and a Time to Speak")), especially when it pertains to the sacred and often sensitive work of God in our lives and in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Saul's initial discretion challenge our modern tendency to immediately share significant news or accomplishments, especially those we perceive as divine appointments or blessings?**
* **In what specific areas of your life might God be calling you to exercise greater prudence or patience in revelation, allowing His perfect timing to dictate disclosure rather than your own eagerness?**
* **What does Saul's initial response reveal about the nature of true humility in the face of divine appointment, and what practical steps can we take to cultivate such a spirit in our own lives?**
* **How can we discern God's timing for speaking versus remaining silent about His work in our lives, ensuring we are not acting out of fear or pride, but out of wisdom, obedience, and alignment with His purposes?**

### FAQ
**Why did Saul choose not to tell his uncle about the kingdom?**

Answer: Saul's decision to withhold the news of his anointing as king was likely multifaceted and deeply strategic. Primarily, it suggests an initial sense of humility and profound awe in the face of such an immense, divinely ordained responsibility. He may have felt overwhelmed or even unworthy, a sentiment echoed later when he hid among the baggage before his public presentation at Mizpah ([1 Samuel 10:22](/1_samuel/10-22 "1 Samuel 10:22 - Saul Hides Among the Baggage")). Secondly, it demonstrates remarkable prudence; Saul understood that the private anointing was a preparatory step, and the public revelation of his kingship would come at God's appointed time and through Samuel's public declaration, not through his own premature announcement. This discretion allowed God's plan to unfold without human interference, undue pressure, or the potential for immediate, unmanaged public reaction.

**What does this verse tell us about Saul's character at this early stage?**

Answer: At this early point in the narrative, 1 Samuel 10:16 portrays Saul as a man of significant discretion, humility, and perhaps a nascent awareness of the immense burden of leadership. His ability to keep such a momentous secret suggests a level of self-control, thoughtfulness, and a capacity for strategic silence. This initial portrayal stands in stark contrast to the pride, impulsiveness, and disobedience that would increasingly characterize his later reign, ultimately leading to his rejection by God. The verse highlights a promising beginning, hinting at the potential for a wise and God-fearing king, a potential that, tragically, would not be fully realized due to his subsequent failures.

**Is it always good to keep secrets, especially about God's work?**

Answer: The principle highlighted here is not about keeping "secrets" in a deceptive or manipulative sense, but about exercising "discretion" and "prudence" in the timing of revelation. The Bible teaches that there is "a time to keep silence, and a time to speak" ([Ecclesiastes 3:7](/ecclesiastes/3-7 "Ecclesiastes 3:7 - A Time to Keep Silence and a Time to Speak")). God often prepares individuals privately before revealing His plans publicly. For instance, Jesus frequently commanded those He healed or His disciples to keep His identity or miracles quiet for a time (e.g., [Mark 1:44](/mark/1-44 "Mark 1:44 - Jesus Commands Silence After Healing a Leper"), [Mark 8:30](/mark/8-30 "Mark 8:30 - Jesus Commands Disciples Not to Tell Anyone He Is the Christ")). Similarly, after his dramatic conversion, Paul spent time in Arabia before beginning his public ministry ([Galatians 1:17](/galatians/1-17 "Galatians 1:17 - Paul's Time in Arabia")). Saul's discretion here reflects a recognition of divine timing and the need for God to orchestrate the public unveiling of His will, rather than an act of concealment for personal gain.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Saul's anointing as Israel's first king marks a pivotal moment in the nation's history, his initial discretion in 1 Samuel 10:16 ultimately foreshadows the perfect King, Jesus Christ, in profound and redemptive ways. Saul's kingship, though divinely appointed, was earthly, temporary, and tragically flawed, leading to his eventual downfall. In stark contrast, Jesus' kingdom is not merely of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Is Not of This World")), but is eternal, perfectly righteous, and spiritually transformative. Like Saul, Jesus often exercised divine discretion, commanding those He healed or His disciples not to reveal His identity as the Messiah for a time, a phenomenon known as the "Messianic secret" ([Mark 8:30](/mark/8-30 "Mark 8:30 - Jesus Commands Disciples to Keep His Identity Secret")). This was not due to unworthiness, but to ensure that His mission, culminating in His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, was fully understood as the true path to His spiritual kingdom, not a political one that would incite premature rebellion against Rome. Jesus' anointing was not with oil, but with the Holy Spirit for His prophetic, priestly, and kingly offices ([Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus Anointed by the Spirit")). His true authority and kingship were not publicly declared at the outset of His ministry, but were progressively revealed, ultimately confirmed through His resurrection and ascension, where He was given "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - Jesus' Great Commission and Authority")). Saul's initial humility, however fleeting, points to the perfect and enduring humility of Christ, who, "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")). Ultimately, Saul's human failure as king underscores the desperate need for the perfect, eternal King, Jesus, whose kingdom will have no end ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - The Eternal Kingdom of Jesus")), and who perfectly embodies the wisdom, discretion, and divine power necessary to reign forever in righteousness and truth.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Judges 14:6

And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid, and [he had] nothing in his hand: but he told not his father or his mother what he had done.

1 Samuel 9:27

[And] as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us, (and he passed on,) but stand thou still a while, that I may shew thee the word of God.

1 Samuel 9:20

And as for thine asses that were lost three days ago, set not thy mind on them; for they are found. And on whom [is] all the desire of Israel? [Is it] not on thee, and on all thy father's house?

Proverbs 29:11

¶ A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise [man] keepeth it in till afterwards.

Exodus 4:18

¶ And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father in law, and said unto him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my brethren which [are] in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace.