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Commentary on 1 Samuel 10 verses 17–27
Saul's nomination to the throne is here made public, in a general assembly of the elders of Israel, the representatives of their respective tribes at Mizpeh. It is probable that this convention of the states was called as soon as conveniently it might, after Saul was anointed, for, if there must be a change in their government, the sooner the better: it might be of bad consequence to be long in the doing. The people having met in a solemn assembly, in which God was in a peculiar manner present (and therefore it is said they were called together unto the Lord, Sa1 10:17), Samuel acts for God among them.
I. He reproves them for casting off the government of a prophet, and desiring that of a captain. 1. He shows them (Sa1 10:18) how happy they had been under the divine government; when God ruled them, he delivered them out of the hand of those that oppressed them, and what would they desire more? Could the mightiest man of valour do that for them which the Almighty God had done? 2. He likewise shows them (Sa1 10:19) what an affront they had put upon God (who had himself saved them out of all their tribulations, by his own power, and by such as he had immediately called and qualified) in desiring a king to save them. He tells them in plain terms, "You have this day rejected your God; you have in effect done it: so he construes it, and he might justly, for your so doing, reject you." Those that can live better by sense than by faith, that stay themselves upon an arm of flesh rather than upon the almighty arm, forsake a fountain of living waters for broken cisterns. And some make their obstinacy in this matter to be a presage of their rejecting Christ, in casting off whom they cast off God, that he should not reign over them.
II. He puts them upon choosing their king by lot. He knew whom God had chosen, and had already anointed him, but he knew also the peevishness of that people, and that there were those among them who would not acquiesce in the choice if it depended upon his single testimony; and therefore, that every tribe and every family of the chosen tribe might please themselves with having a chance for it, he calls them to the lot, Sa1 10:19. Benjamin is taken out of all the tribes (Sa1 10:20), and out of that tribe Saul the son of Kish, Sa1 10:21. By this method it would appear to the people, as it already appeared to Samuel, that Saul was appointed of God to be king; for the disposal of the lot is of the Lord. It would also prevent all disputes and exceptions; for the lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty. When the tribe of Benjamin was taken, they might easily foresee that they were setting up a family that would soon be put down again; for dying Jacob had, by the spirit of prophecy, entailed the dominion upon Judah. Judah is the tribe that must rule as a lion; Benjamin shall only ravin as a wolf, Gen 49:10, Gen 49:27. Those therefore that knew the scriptures could not be very fond of the doing of that which they foresaw must, ere long, be undone again.
III. It is with much ado, and not without further enquiries of the Lord, that Saul is at length produced. When the lot fell upon him, every one expected he should answer to his name at the first call, but, instead of that, none of his friends could find him (Sa1 10:21), he had hidden himself among the stuff (Sa1 10:22), so little fond was he now of that power which yet, when he was in possession of, he could not without the utmost indignation think of parting with.
1.He withdrew, in hopes that, upon his not appearing, they would proceed to another choice, or thus to express his modesty; for, by what had already passed, he knew he must be the man. We may suppose he was at this time really averse to take upon him the government, (1.) Because he was conscious to himself of unfitness for so great a trust. He had not been bred up to books, or arms, or courts, and feared he should be guilty of some fatal blunder. (2.) Because it would expose him to the envy of his neighbours that were ill-affected towards him. (3.) Because he understood, by what Samuel had said, that the people sinned in asking a king, and it was in anger that God granted their request. (4.) Because the affairs of Israel were at this time in a bad posture; the Philistines were strong, the Ammonites threatening: and he must be bold indeed that will set sail in a storm.
2.But the congregation, believing that choice well made which God himself made, would leave no way untried to find him out on whom the lot fell. They enquired of the Lord, either by the high priest, and his breast-plate of judgment, or by Samuel, and his spirit of prophecy; and the Lord directed them where they should find him, hidden among the carriages, and thence they fetched him, Sa1 10:23. Note, None will be losers at last by their humility and modesty. Honour, like the shadow, follows those that flee from it, but flees from those that pursue it.
IV. Samuel presents him to the people, and they accept him. He needed not to mount the bench, or scaffold, to be seen; when he stood upon even ground with the rest he was seen above them all, for he was taller than any of them by head and shoulders, Sa1 10:23. "Look you," said Samuel, "what a king God has chosen for you, just such a one as you wished for; there is none like him among all the people, that has so much majesty in his countenance and such a graceful stateliness in his mien; he is in the crowd like a cedar among the shrubs. Let your own eyes be judges, is he not a brave and gallant man?" The people hereupon signified their approbation of the choice, and their acceptance of him; they shouted and said, Let the king live, that is, "Let him long reign over us in health and prosperity." Subjects were wont to testify their affection and allegiance to their prince by their good wishes, and those turned (as our translation does this) into addresses to God. Psa 72:15, Prayer shall be made for him continually. See Psa 20:1. Samuel had told them they would soon be weary of their king, but, in the mind they are now in, they will never be so: Let the king live.
V. Samuel settles the original contract between them, and leaves it upon record, Sa1 10:25. He had before told them the manner of the king (Sa1 8:11), how he would abuse his power; now he tells them the manner of the kingdom, or rather the law, or judgment, or constitution, of it, what power the prince might challenge and the utmost of the property the subject might claim. He fixed the land-marks between them, that neither might encroach upon the other. Let them rightly understand one another at first, and let the agreement remain in black and white, which will tend to preserve a good understanding between them ever after. The learned bishop Patrick thinks he now repeated and registered what he had told them (Sa1 8:11) of the arbitrary power their kings would assume, that it might hereafter be a witness against them that they had drawn the calamity upon themselves, for they were warned what it would come to and yet they would have a king.
VI. The convention was dissolved when the solemnity was over: Samuel sent every man to his house. Here were no votes passed, nor, for aught that appears, so much as a motion made, for the raising of money to support the dignity of their new-elected king; if therefore he afterwards thinks fit to take what they do not think fit to give (which yet it was necessary that he should have), they must thank themselves. They went every man to his house, pleased with the name of a king over them, and Saul also went home to Gibeah, to his father's house, not puffed up with the name of a kingdom under him. At Gibeah he had no palace, no throne, no court, yet thither he goes. If he must be a king, as one mindful of the rock out of which he was hewn, he will make his own city the royal city, nor will he be ashamed (as too many are when they are preferred) of his mean relations. Such a humble spirit as this puts a beauty and lustre upon great advancements. The condition rising, and the mind not rising with it, behold how good and pleasant it is! But,
1.How did the people stand affected to their new king? The generality of them, it should seem, did not show themselves much concerned: They went every man to his own house. Their own domestic affairs lay nearer their hearts than any interests of the public; this was the general temper. But, (1.) There were some so faithful as to attend him: A band of men whose hearts God had touched, Sa1 10:26. Not the body of the people, but a small company, who because they were fond of their own choice of a king, or because they had so much more sense than their neighbours as to conclude that if he was a king he ought to be respected accordingly, went with him to Gibeah, as his life-guard. They were those whose hearts God had touched, in this instance, to do their duty. Note, Whatever good there is in us, or is done by us, at any time, it must be ascribed to the grace of God. If the heart bend at any time the right way, it is because he has touched it. One touch is enough, when it is divine. (2.) There were others so spiteful as to affront him; children of Belial, men that would endure no yoke, that would be pleased with nothing that either God or Samuel did; they despised him (Sa1 10:27) for the meanness of his tribe and family, the smallness of his estate, and the privacy of his education; and they said, How shall this man save us? Yet they did not propose any man more likely; nor, whomsoever they had, must their salvation come from the man, but from God. They would not join with their neighbours in testifying an affection to him and his government, by bringing him presents, or addressing him upon his accession to the crown. Perhaps those discontented spirits were most earnest for a king, and yet, now that they had one, they quarrelled with him, because he was not altogether such a one as themselves. It was reason enough for them not to like him because others did. Thus differently are men affected to our exalted Redeemer. God hath set him king upon the holy hill of Sion. There is a remnant that submit to him, rejoice in him, bring him presents, and follow him wherever he goes; and they are those whose hearts God has touched, whom he has made willing in the day of his power. But there are others who despise him, who ask, How shall this man save us? They are offended in him, stumble at his external meanness, and they will be broken by it.
2.How did Saul resent the bad conduct of those that were disaffected to his government? He held his peace. Margin, He was as though he had been deaf. He was so far from resenting it that he seemed not to take notice of it, which was an evidence of his humility and modesty, and the mercifulness of his disposition, and also that he was well satisfied with his title to the crown; for those are commonly most jealous of their honour, and most revengeful of affronts, that gain their power by improper means. Christ held his peace when he was affronted, for it was the day of his patience; but there is a day of recompence coming.
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SUMMARY
1 Samuel 10:17 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, describing Samuel's authoritative summons of the entire nation to Mizpeh. This assembly, convened "unto the LORD," was a sacred convocation intended to publicly ratify God's choice for Israel's first king, following the people's persistent demand for a monarchy and Saul's prior private anointing. The verse sets the stage for the dramatic revelation of Saul as king, powerfully underscoring God's continued sovereignty over the nation's leadership and destiny amidst a significant transition.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse serves as a crucial transition point in the unfolding narrative of 1 Samuel. It immediately follows the private anointing of Saul by Samuel and the subsequent confirmatory signs that validated his kingship (1 Samuel 10:1-16). While Saul has been divinely chosen and personally affirmed, 1 Samuel 10:17 initiates the public, national process of revealing the king. It meticulously sets the stage for the casting of lots in the subsequent verses (1 Samuel 10:18-24), which formally identifies Saul to the gathered tribes. The preceding chapters, particularly 1 Samuel 8, meticulously detail Israel's rejection of God as their direct King and their insistent demand for a human monarch "like all the nations," a request God reluctantly granted through Samuel, demonstrating His patient condescension to His people's desires.
Historical & Cultural Context: The period described in 1 Samuel is one of profound transition for Israel, moving from a loose confederacy of tribes governed by judges to a centralized monarchy. This monumental shift was largely propelled by Israel's fervent desire for a visible human leader to unite them against their formidable enemies, particularly the Philistines, and to conform to the established political structures of surrounding nations. Mizpeh (meaning "watchtower" or "outlook") was a historically significant and sacred location for national assemblies, fervent prayer, and solemn covenant renewal, as vividly depicted in Judges 20:1 and 1 Samuel 7:5-6. Its deliberate selection for this momentous event underscored the profound spiritual and covenantal nature of the transition, elevating it far beyond a purely secular political gathering and rooting it deeply in Israel's theological identity.
Key Themes: 1 Samuel 10:17 powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to the book of 1 Samuel. Firstly, Divine Oversight in Leadership Selection is paramount; despite the people's human desire for a king, God remains sovereign, meticulously guiding the process through His faithful prophet Samuel. The assembly being explicitly "unto the LORD" emphasizes that the selection is ultimately a divine act, not merely a popular vote, reinforcing the truth that "the king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will" (Proverbs 21:1). Secondly, National Unity and Participation are vividly evident in the calling together of "the people," signifying a collective, national involvement in this foundational shift, even if their initial motivations were flawed. Thirdly, Samuel's Enduring Prophetic Authority is prominently showcased as he orchestrates this gathering under direct divine instruction, demonstrating his continued indispensable role as God's mediator and spiritual guide for the nation. This moment also subtly underscores the inherent Tension Between Human Desire and Divine Will, as God graciously accommodates Israel's request for a king while still ensuring His own sovereign purposes are meticulously fulfilled.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
1 Samuel 10:17 effectively employs Foreshadowing, meticulously setting the stage for the dramatic public revelation of Saul as king that immediately follows in the narrative. The very act of gathering the people "unto the LORD" at Mizpeh profoundly Symbolizes the sacred and national significance of the impending event, elevating it far beyond a mere political transition to a divinely sanctioned act. The location itself, Mizpeh, serves as a powerful Symbol, representing a historical place of national unity, divine encounter, and covenant renewal, drawing deeply on its prior appearances in Israel's sacred history. Samuel's actions, described as calling the people together, demonstrate a clear Divine Mandate, reinforcing his prophetic authority and the profound idea that even the establishment of a human monarchy was under God's ultimate direction, despite the people's potentially flawed motivations.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 10:17 powerfully illustrates the enduring principle of divine sovereignty in human affairs, particularly in the selection and establishment of leadership. Despite Israel's flawed motivation for desiring a king—to be "like all the nations" rather than trusting fully in God's direct rule—God graciously accommodates their request while still orchestrating the process to ensure His ultimate will is done. The assembly "unto the LORD" signifies that even when human desires or societal pressures drive decisions, faithful leadership (like Samuel's) seeks to bring those decisions into God's presence for His guidance and ratification. This highlights God's patient and active engagement with His people, working through their choices and circumstances to advance His broader redemptive plan, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers and communities alike. It serves as a powerful reminder that all significant decisions, whether deeply personal, familial, or communal, ought to be intentionally brought "unto the LORD." Just as Samuel gathered the entire nation of Israel to Mizpeh to seek divine guidance for their national leadership, we are likewise called to intentionally seek God's presence, His profound wisdom, and His divine blessing in our own transitions, challenges, and choices. This involves not merely uttering a quick prayer, but actively discerning God's will through diligent study of His inspired Word, seeking wise and godly counsel, and attentively listening to the leading of the Holy Spirit. The narrative also challenges us to critically examine the true nature of our desires: are they genuinely aligned with God's ultimate purposes, or are we, like ancient Israel, seeking to conform to the patterns of the world, desiring to be "like all the nations" rather than distinctly set apart for God? Ultimately, 1 Samuel 10:17 profoundly encourages a posture of humble dependence on God's unwavering sovereignty, trusting that He can and will work even through our imperfect requests and flawed choices to bring about His perfect and redemptive will.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was Mizpeh chosen as the location for this national assembly?
Answer: Mizpeh held profound historical and spiritual importance for Israel. It had previously served as a sacred site for national assembly, fervent prayer, and solemn covenant renewal, notably during the tumultuous time of the Judges (e.g., Judges 20:1) and under Samuel's own prophetic leadership, where Israel repented and sought God's deliverance from the Philistines (1 Samuel 7:5-6). Choosing Mizpeh for the public selection of the king meticulously underscored the sacred and covenantal nature of this momentous transition, emphasizing that the decision was being made in God's holy presence and within the enduring context of Israel's covenant relationship with Him.
What was the significance of calling the people "unto the LORD"?
Answer: The phrase "unto the LORD" (Hebrew: Yᵉhôvâh) indicates that this assembly was not merely a political or secular gathering, but a profoundly sacred convocation. It emphasized that the selection of the king, though fulfilling the people's expressed desire, was ultimately under divine oversight and required God's explicit ratification. It highlighted God's continued and unwavering sovereignty over His people, even as they transitioned from a direct theocracy under judges to a monarchy. This phrase serves as a powerful theological reminder that all legitimate authority, especially in Israel, ultimately derives from God, and all significant national decisions should be brought before Him for His divine guidance and blessing, as vividly seen in God's initial response to Israel's demand for a king in 1 Samuel 8:7.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 10:17, with its depiction of an earthly king chosen by human desire yet ratified by divine oversight, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate, divinely chosen King: Jesus Christ. While Saul was presented to Israel at Mizpeh, a place of earthly assembly and human gathering, Christ is the King who gathers all nations to Himself, not in an earthly location but into His eternal, spiritual kingdom. Unlike Saul, who was chosen in response to Israel's desire to be "like all the nations," Jesus is the King uniquely chosen and appointed by God, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, whose kingdom is emphatically "not of this world" (John 18:36). Samuel, acting as God's faithful prophet, mediates the selection of an imperfect human king; Christ, however, is the perfect Prophet, Priest, and King, who perfectly fulfills God's will and establishes a reign of righteousness, justice, and peace that far surpasses any earthly monarchy. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him (Matthew 28:18), making Him the true and eternal focus of all genuine assemblies "unto the LORD," the one to whom every knee will ultimately bow (Philippians 2:10-11).