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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 Samuel 10:17–27. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
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.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
It is common experience that in the school of adversity the heart is forced to discipline itself; but when one has achieved supreme rule, it is at once changed and puffed up by the experience of his high estate.It was thus that Saul, realizing at first his unworthiness, fled from the honor of governing but presently assumed it and was puffed up with pride. By his desire for honor before the people and wishing not to be blamed before them, he alienated him who had anointed him to be king.
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Summary
1 Samuel 10:22 captures a pivotal moment in the establishment of Israel's monarchy, detailing the public assembly's search for their divinely chosen king, Saul. After the lot had fallen upon him, Saul was conspicuously absent. This verse records the people's subsequent, urgent inquiry of the LORD regarding Saul's whereabouts and God's immediate, precise revelation that Saul had concealed himself "among the stuff," underscoring both Saul's initial apprehension and God's sovereign oversight in inaugurating the new era of kingship.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated at the dramatic climax of Saul's public anointing and presentation as Israel's first king. Samuel had previously anointed Saul in private, confirming God's choice and empowering him with prophetic signs 1 Samuel 10:1-8. Following this, Samuel gathered all Israel at Mizpah for the formal selection process. The method involved casting lots, which progressively narrowed the choice to the tribe of Benjamin, then the family of Matri, and finally to Saul himself 1 Samuel 10:17-21. The expectation was for the newly identified king to step forward and be presented to the assembled nation. Saul's unexpected absence at this crucial juncture creates significant narrative tension, directly leading to the people's inquiry in this verse and God's revealing answer. The subsequent verses then describe Saul's public presentation, his impressive physical stature, and the people's acclamation, "Long live the king!" 1 Samuel 10:23-24.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Israelites' demand for a king 1 Samuel 8:5 marked a profound shift from their previous tribal confederacy governed by judges. This desire stemmed partly from a longing to be "like all the nations," possessing a visible, centralized leader to fight their battles. Mizpah was a historically significant assembly point, frequently used for national gatherings, prayer, and covenant renewal, as seen in various accounts (e.g., [Judges 20:1 "Judges 20:1 - Israel Gathers at Mizpah"]). The practice of "enquiring of the LORD" typically involved the high priest utilizing the Urim and Thummim, sacred objects housed within the breastplate of the high priest, which were used for discerning God's will in specific situations Exodus 28:30. This highlights the deep-seated cultural expectation that even in the selection of a king, divine guidance was paramount. The "stuff" (Hebrew: kᵉlîy) would have encompassed the diverse equipment, provisions, and personal belongings brought by the thousands of people gathered for such a large-scale national event, forming a cluttered backdrop against which Saul sought to disappear.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of 1 Samuel. Firstly, it underscores Divine Sovereignty in the selection of Israel's king; despite the human process of casting lots, God's direct intervention reveals Saul's hidden location, demonstrating His absolute control over events and His intimate knowledge of individuals. Secondly, it introduces the complex theme of Saul's Character, initially portraying him with a surprising blend of humility, timidity, or perhaps even a deep sense of inadequacy regarding the immense responsibility of kingship. This initial reluctance stands in stark contrast to the pride and disobedience that would later define his reign and ultimately lead to his rejection by God 1 Samuel 15:23. Thirdly, the act of "enquiring of the LORD" reinforces the critical importance of Seeking Divine Guidance in all matters, especially those of national significance, even when a choice seems clear. This reliance on God's direction is a recurring motif throughout the book, often contrasted with the tragic consequences of human self-reliance.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb (H7592) means "to ask, inquire, consult, request, demand." It is significant that Saul's own name (Sha'ul) is derived from this root, meaning "asked for" or "desired." Here, it signifies the people's formal act of seeking divine counsel, likely through the Urim and Thummim via the high priest or through Samuel as a prophet. It indicates a formal, religious consultation to ascertain God's will or knowledge regarding a specific matter, emphasizing their continued reliance on God even after the lot had fallen.
This primitive root (H2244) means "to secrete, hide (self), do secretly." The reflexive form used here clearly indicates Saul's deliberate action of self-concealment. It suggests a profound reluctance or apprehension on Saul's part to step into the public spotlight and assume the monumental responsibility of kingship. This act sets a tone for his early character, revealing a man not eager for power, but perhaps overwhelmed by the divine call.
This noun (H3627) is broad, referring to "any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon); armour, bag, carriage, furniture, instrument, jewel, pot, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware." In this context, it refers to the various items, provisions, and personal belongings that a large gathering of people would bring. Hiding "among the stuff" implies a desire to be inconspicuous, to blend in with the mundane and avoid attention, rather than to stand out as the chosen king.
Verse Breakdown
"Therefore they enquired of the LORD further, if the man should yet come thither."
This clause reveals the people's perplexity and their immediate recourse to divine revelation. Having identified Saul by lot, they expected him to present himself. His absence prompts a second, more specific inquiry to the LORD, demonstrating their understanding that God's hand was in the selection and that only He could reveal the missing king's whereabouts. The phrase "further" (עוֹד, 'od) suggests a continuation or intensification of their seeking God's will, indicating their persistent desire for God's guidance.
"And the LORD answered, Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff."
This clause is a powerful demonstration of God's omniscience and direct involvement. The LORD's immediate and precise answer leaves no doubt about His knowledge of all things, even the hidden actions of an individual. The use of "Behold" (הִנֵּה, hinneh) serves to draw immediate attention to the startling revelation, confirming Saul's deliberate act of concealment and directing the people to his exact, unexpected location, thereby resolving the immediate crisis.
Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning. There is clear Irony in Saul, divinely chosen to be the visible leader of Israel, actively hiding from his appointed role. This contrasts sharply with the people's clamor for a king and their expectation of a strong, public figure. The divine revelation of his hiding place also emphasizes Divine Omniscience, portraying God as all-knowing and intimately involved in the affairs of His people, even to the point of revealing a man's secret location. Furthermore, Saul's act of hiding can be seen as a subtle Foreshadowing of his later character flaws; while initially interpreted as humility, it might also hint at a deeper insecurity or a tendency to shrink from the full implications of divine calling, which would later manifest as disobedience and a lack of full trust in God. The dramatic tension created by Saul's absence and God's precise revelation also serves as a narrative technique to heighten the significance of his eventual public presentation.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This episode profoundly illustrates God's sovereign hand in the appointment of leaders, even when human processes are involved. It underscores that God's knowledge is not limited by human perception or hidden actions; He sees and knows all things, from the grand sweep of history to the specific location of a reluctant king. Saul's initial humility or timidity, though commendable in some respects, also foreshadows a complex character arc where initial modesty gives way to pride and disobedience. The people's act of "enquiring of the LORD" serves as a timeless reminder of the necessity of seeking divine counsel in all significant decisions, acknowledging God's ultimate authority and wisdom in guiding His people.
Reflection and Application
The story of Saul hiding among the baggage offers a multi-layered invitation for personal reflection. It reminds us that God's call often comes to those who feel least prepared or most inadequate. Saul's initial reluctance might resonate with our own fears when faced with significant responsibilities or divine assignments. Do we, like Saul, sometimes try to hide from the very things God has called us to, perhaps out of fear of failure, fear of the spotlight, or a sense of unworthiness? This passage encourages us to trust in God's equipping power, recognizing that His call is always accompanied by His provision. It also serves as a powerful reminder of God's intimate knowledge of us – our strengths, our weaknesses, and even our hidden anxieties. Just as He knew exactly where Saul was, He knows our deepest thoughts and needs. Our response to God's call should be one of humble obedience, not evasion, trusting that His wisdom and power will sustain us through any challenge.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was Saul hiding? Was he afraid or humble?
The text itself does not explicitly state Saul's motivation, leading to scholarly debate. His act of hiding "among the stuff" could be interpreted in several ways:
Regardless of the precise motive, it highlights a stark contrast to the later, more self-assertive and disobedient Saul, marking a poignant beginning to his reign.
How did "they enquire of the LORD further"?
The phrase "enquired of the LORD" (Hebrew: sha'al YHWH) typically refers to a formal method of seeking divine guidance in ancient Israel. The most common means for such an inquiry, especially for national matters, was through the high priest using the Urim and Thummim. These were two objects kept in the breastplate of the high priest, used to discern God's "yes" or "no" answers or to reveal specific information, as seen in other biblical accounts Numbers 27:21. Alternatively, it could have involved Samuel, as a prophet, directly consulting God. Given the public nature of the event at Mizpah and the need for a definitive answer, the Urim and Thummim through the high priest is the most probable method.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The narrative of Saul's initial reluctance and God's precise revelation in 1 Samuel 10:22, while highlighting the complexities of human leadership, ultimately points forward to the perfect King, Jesus Christ. Saul, chosen by lot and found hiding, represents a human king, initially humble but ultimately flawed and unable to fully bear the weight of his calling. In contrast, Jesus, the true King, did not hide from His mission but willingly embraced it. He did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many Mark 10:45. While Saul was found among the "stuff" of human gathering, Christ emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, and was found in human likeness, humbling Himself even to death on a cross Philippians 2:7-8. God's omniscience in knowing Saul's hiding place foreshadows the Father's perfect knowledge of His Son's mission and the ultimate plan of redemption, which was "hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed to his saints" Colossians 1:26. Unlike Saul, whose reign ended in tragedy, Christ's kingship is eternal, perfect, and brings true salvation to all who believe, fulfilling the promise of a shepherd-king who would truly care for His flock ([John 10:11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd"]; [Hebrews 1:8 "Hebrews 1:8 - Christ's Eternal Kingship"]).