1 Samuel 10:22

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.

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}.

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

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.”

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

Commentary on 1 Samuel 10:22 (KJV)

1 Samuel 10:22 captures a pivotal moment in the establishment of Israel's monarchy, revealing both Saul's initial character and God's sovereign involvement. After the people of Israel had gathered at Mizpeh to formally select their king by lot, and the lot had fallen on Saul, he was nowhere to be found. This verse describes the assembly's subsequent action and the divine response.

Context

This verse follows the dramatic events of Samuel's anointing of Saul in private, and then the public assembly at Mizpeh, where the tribes of Israel were gathered to confirm God's chosen king. The people had previously clamored for a king like other nations (1 Samuel 8:5). When the lot was cast, it narrowed down to Saul, the son of Kish, from the tribe of Benjamin (1 Samuel 10:20-21). However, when it was time for his public presentation, Saul was conspicuously absent. The phrase "enquired of the LORD further" indicates the people's reliance on divine guidance, likely through the Urim and Thummim, a priestly method for discerning God's will.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Omniscience: The LORD's immediate and precise answer, "Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff," powerfully demonstrates God's all-knowing nature. Nothing is hidden from Him, even the location of a reluctant future king. This underscores God's active involvement in the affairs of Israel.
  • Saul's Initial Humility or Timidity: Saul's act of hiding "among the stuff" (referring to the baggage, equipment, or provisions of the assembly) suggests a profound sense of humility, inadequacy, or perhaps fear regarding the immense responsibility of kingship. This contrasts sharply with his later pride and disobedience, highlighting the complex character arc of Israel's first king.
  • Seeking God's Guidance: The act of enquiring of the LORD emphasizes the importance of seeking divine direction, especially in matters of national significance. It shows that even after a clear divine selection through lots, the people still turned to God for specific details.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "stuff" is kelim (כֵּלִים), which can refer to various items such as vessels, implements, baggage, or general goods. Hiding among these items implies a deliberate attempt to be inconspicuous, to avoid the spotlight and the heavy crown that awaited him. The phrase "enquired of the LORD" (sha'al YHWH) is a common biblical idiom for seeking divine counsel, often through priestly means like the Urim and Thummim or through prophets.

Practical Application

This verse offers several timeless lessons. Firstly, it reminds us that God knows us fully and completely, even our hidden fears and insecurities, much like He knew where Saul was hiding (see Psalm 139:7-12). Secondly, it illustrates that even those called to significant leadership roles may experience hesitation or doubt. True calling often requires stepping out of one's comfort zone and trusting in God's empowerment. Finally, it reinforces the enduring principle of seeking God's direction in all decisions, both personal and collective, recognizing that His wisdom surpasses all human understanding.

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Cross-References

  • Judges 20:18 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    (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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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?