1 Samuel 10:22

KJV

Therefore they enquired of the LORD further, if the man should yet come thither. And the LORD answered, Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore they enquired {H7592} of the LORD {H3068} further, if the man {H376} should yet come {H935} thither {H1988}. And the LORD {H3068} answered {H559}, Behold, he hath hid {H2244} himself among the stuff {H3627}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They asked ADONAI, "Has the man come here?"ADONAI answered, "There he is, hiding, in among the equipment."

Berean Standard Bible

So again they inquired of the LORD, “Has the man come here yet?” And the LORD replied, “Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage.”

American Standard Version

Therefore they asked of Jehovah further, Is there yet a man to come hither? And Jehovah answered, Behold, he hath hid himself among the baggage.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 10:22 records a crucial moment in the anointing of Israel's first king, Saul. After the public assembly at Mizpah had gathered to formally select the king by lot, and the divine choice had fallen upon Saul, he was nowhere to be found. This verse details the people's subsequent inquiry of the LORD regarding Saul's whereabouts and God's immediate, precise revelation that Saul had concealed himself "among the stuff," highlighting both Saul's initial apprehension and God's sovereign oversight in the establishment of the monarchy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is positioned at the climax of Saul's public inauguration as king. Earlier in the chapter, Samuel had privately anointed Saul, giving him prophetic signs to confirm God's choice and empower him for leadership ([1 Samuel 10:1-8](/1_samuel/10-1 "1 Samuel 10:1-8 - Samuel Anoints Saul")). Following this, Samuel summoned all Israel to Mizpah to formally present their king. The process involved casting lots, which progressively narrowed down to the tribe of Benjamin, then the family of Matri, and finally to Saul himself ([1 Samuel 10:17-21](/1_samuel/10-17 "1 Samuel 10:17-21 - Saul Chosen by Lot")). The expectation was for the newly chosen king to step forward and be presented to the people. Saul's absence at this critical juncture creates a dramatic tension, leading directly to the people's inquiry in verse 22 and God's revealing answer. The subsequent verses describe Saul's public presentation, his impressive stature, and the acclamation of "Long live the king!" ([1 Samuel 10:23-24](/1_samuel/10-23 "1 Samuel 10:23-24 - Saul Presented to the People")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The request for a king by the Israelites ([1 Samuel 8:5](/1_samuel/8-5 "1 Samuel 8:5 - Israel Demands a King")) marked a significant shift from their previous tribal confederacy led by judges. This desire was partly driven by a longing to be "like all the nations," possessing a visible, centralized leader to fight their battles. Mizpah was a significant assembly point, often associated with national gatherings, prayer, and covenant renewal ([Judges 20:1](/judges/20-1 "Judges 20:1 - Israel Gathers at Mizpah") for example). The method of "enquiring of the LORD" typically involved the high priest using the Urim and Thummim, two objects kept in the breastplate of the high priest, used for discerning God's will in specific situations ([Exodus 28:30](/exodus/28-30 "Exodus 28:30 - The Urim and Thummim")). This highlights the expectation that even in choosing a king, divine guidance was paramount. The "stuff" (Hebrew: _kelim_) would have referred to the various equipment, provisions, and personal belongings brought by the thousands of people gathered for such a national event, forming a chaotic backdrop against which Saul sought to disappear.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 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 theme of **Saul's Character**, initially portraying him with a surprising blend of humility, timidity, or perhaps even a deep sense of inadequacy concerning the immense responsibility of kingship. This initial reluctance stands in stark contrast to the pride and disobedience that would later define his reign and lead to his rejection ([1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Saul's Disobedience and Rejection")). 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
* **Enquired (Hebrew, _sha'al'_):** This verb means "to ask, inquire, consult." 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 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.
* **Hid himself (Hebrew, _chava'_):** This verb means "to hide, conceal oneself." 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.
* **Stuff (Hebrew, _kelim'_):** This noun is broad, referring to "vessels, implements, baggage, equipment, articles, goods." 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.
* **"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.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. There is clear **Irony** in Saul, chosen by divine lot to be the 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, visible leader. 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.

* [Psalm 139:7-12](/psalms/139-7 "Psalm 139:7-12 - God's Omnipresence and Omniscience")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD")
* [Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - All Things Open to God")

### 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
* **In what areas of your life might you be "hiding among the stuff," avoiding a responsibility or calling you suspect God has for you?**
* **How does God's omniscience, as demonstrated in this verse, comfort or challenge you in your personal walk of faith?**
* **When faced with significant decisions, how diligently do you "enquire of the LORD" for guidance, and what methods do you use?**

### FAQ
**Why was Saul hiding? Was he afraid or humble?**

Answer: 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:
1. **Humility/Modesty:** He might have genuinely felt unworthy or overwhelmed by the immense responsibility of leading a nation, especially given his humble background from the smallest tribe ([1 Samuel 9:21](/1_samuel/9-21 "1 Samuel 9:21 - Saul's Humility")). This aligns with his earlier protestations to Samuel.
2. **Timidity/Fear:** The sheer weight of the crown and the expectations of the people might have instilled fear in him. He knew the people's desire for a king "like all the nations" ([1 Samuel 8:5](/1_samuel/8-5 "1 Samuel 8:5 - Israel's Demand for a King")), and perhaps he doubted his ability to fulfill such a demanding role.
3. **Apprehension:** A mixture of both humility and fear, recognizing the gravity of the position and his own human limitations.
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"?**

Answer: 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](/numbers/27-21 "Numbers 27:21 - Eleazar to Inquire by Urim and Thummim")). 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](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). 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](/phil/2-7 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humiliation")). 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](/col/1-26 "Colossians 1:26 - The Mystery Revealed")). 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 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd"); [Hebrews 1:8](/heb/1-8 "Hebrews 1:8 - Christ's Eternal Kingship")).

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 20:18

¶ And the children of Israel arose, and went up to the house of God, and asked counsel of God, and said, Which of us shall go up first to the battle against the children of Benjamin? And the LORD said, Judah [shall go up] first.

Numbers 27:21

And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask [counsel] for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, [both] he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.

Judges 20:28

And Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, stood before it in those days,) saying, Shall I yet again go out to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother, or shall I cease? And the LORD said, Go up; for to morrow I will deliver them into thine hand.

Judges 20:23

(And the children of Israel went up and wept before the LORD until even, and asked counsel of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up again to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother? And the LORD said, Go up against him.)

1 Samuel 23:11

Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? will Saul come down, as thy servant hath heard? O LORD God of Israel, I beseech thee, tell thy servant. And the LORD said, He will come down.

1 Samuel 23:12

Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the LORD said, They will deliver [thee] up.

1 Samuel 15:17

And Samuel said, When thou [wast] little in thine own sight, [wast] thou not [made] the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel?