1 Samuel 10:20

And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken.

And when Samuel {H8050} had caused all the tribes {H7626} of Israel {H3478} to come near {H7126}, the tribe {H7626} of Benjamin {H1144} was taken {H3920}.

So Sh'mu'el had all the tribes come forward, and the tribe of Binyamin was chosen.

Thus Samuel had all the tribes of Israel come forward, and the tribe of Benjamin was selected.

So Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, and the tribe of Benjamin was taken.

Commentary

1 Samuel 10:20 KJV describes a pivotal moment in Israel's history: the divine selection of its first king through a public process involving lots. This verse specifically notes the identification of the tribe from which the king would come.

Context

This verse takes place at Mizpah, where the prophet Samuel had gathered all the tribes of Israel. The nation had previously demanded a king like other nations (1 Samuel 8:5), rejecting God's direct rule over them (1 Samuel 10:19). Despite their flawed motives, God permitted their request and guided the selection process. Samuel employed a method of casting lots (similar to the Urim and Thummim used by priests), which was believed to reveal God's will. The process began by narrowing down from all tribes, then clans, then families, until an individual was identified. Here, the first stage of selection is complete: the tribe of Benjamin is divinely "taken" or singled out.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Election: Even in response to Israel's rebellious demand for a king, God's sovereign hand is evident in the selection process. The casting of lots was seen as a means by which God revealed His choice, emphasizing that ultimate authority rests with Him (Proverbs 16:33).
  • Transition of Leadership: This verse marks a significant shift in Israel's governance, moving from a period of judges and prophetic leadership to a monarchy. This transition was divinely orchestrated, even if prompted by human desire.
  • Theocratic Governance: Despite the establishment of a human king, the method of selection reinforces the principle that Israel remained a theocracy, with God as the supreme ruler who appointed earthly leaders.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "taken" is nilkad (Χ ΧœΧ§Χ“), which means "to be caught" or "to be apprehended." This implies a definitive and inescapable selection by divine means, not merely a random draw. It underscores the certainty of God's choice in identifying the tribe of Benjamin, from which Saul would be found.

Practical Application

This passage reminds us that God is actively involved in human affairs, even in the establishment of leadership. It highlights the importance of seeking God's guidance in significant decisions, recognizing that His will can be revealed through various means, though His methods may not always align with our expectations. For the Israelites, it was a tangible demonstration that their future king would be God's choice, not merely a human preference. For us, it encourages trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances are complex or when human desires drive events.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Joshua 7:16

    ΒΆ So Joshua rose up early in the morning, and brought Israel by their tribes; and the tribe of Judah was taken:

  • Joshua 7:18

    And he brought his household man by man; and Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was taken.

  • Acts 1:24

    And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all [men], shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,

  • Acts 1:26

    And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

  • 1 Samuel 14:41

    Therefore Saul said unto the LORD God of Israel, Give a perfect [lot]. And Saul and Jonathan were taken: but the people escaped.
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