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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.
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 10:23 vividly portrays the dramatic public presentation of Saul as Israel's first king at Mizpah. After a period of initial apprehension or humility that led him to hide, this verse captures the moment he is brought forth and stands before the assembled nation. His imposing physical stature, described as towering over everyone else, served as a powerful visual confirmation for the people, aligning perfectly with their desire for a king of impressive and commanding presence, thereby marking a pivotal transition in Israel's history.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to underscore the significance of Saul's presentation. Hyperbole or Exaggeration is present in the description "higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward," which, while potentially literal, certainly amplifies Saul's imposing stature to emphasize his exceptional nature and suitability for kingship in the eyes of the people. This striking physical description functions as powerful Symbolism, where Saul's extraordinary height symbolizes his initial perceived fitness for leadership, his visible strength, and the people's aspirations for a powerful, commanding king. Furthermore, the scene creates a dramatic Juxtaposition between Saul's initial hiding (as described in 1 Samuel 10:22) and his sudden, dramatic public revelation, building anticipation and maximizing visual impact. This initial emphasis on outward appearance also serves as subtle Foreshadowing, hinting at the later theological contrast in the narrative where God's ultimate criteria for leadership are revealed to be focused on the heart rather than mere physical attributes or human charisma.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 10:23 powerfully introduces Saul as the king the people desired: physically impressive, commanding, and seemingly capable of leading them against their enemies. This initial emphasis on outward appearance, however, sets the stage for a profound theological lesson that permeates the rest of Saul's narrative and, indeed, the entire biblical story of leadership. While Saul possessed the ideal external qualities for a monarch in the eyes of the people, his subsequent reign would tragically reveal that such superficial attributes are insufficient for true, God-honoring leadership. God's ultimate criteria for leadership are not based on physical stature, human charisma, or impressive resumes, but on obedience, humility, and a heart devoted to Him. This foundational principle is later explicitly articulated in God's rejection of Saul and selection of David, highlighting that divine favor rests not on human perception but on divine insight into the heart. The narrative thus subtly critiques the human tendency to prioritize outward appearance over inward character.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The dramatic presentation of Saul in 1 Samuel 10:23 serves as a timeless reminder of humanity's persistent tendency to prioritize outward appearances, especially when evaluating leadership. We are often instinctively drawn to charisma, physical presence, impressive credentials, or visible strength, believing these qualities inherently qualify someone for significant roles. Saul's initial acceptance and popularity, fueled by his imposing stature, resonated deeply with the people's desire for a king who could physically embody power and lead them to victory. Yet, the subsequent narrative of his reign tragically reveals that external attributes, while initially appealing, are fundamentally insufficient for true, God-honoring leadership. His story challenges us to look beyond the superficial and to cultivate and value inner character, integrity, humility, and, most crucially, unwavering obedience to God. In our own lives, whether we are evaluating leaders, choosing friends, or pursuing our own aspirations, this verse calls us to seek God's perspective, recognizing that true strength, lasting impact, and genuine authority flow not from outward grandeur but from a heart aligned with His divine will.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was Saul hiding among the baggage before his public presentation?
Answer: Saul's act of hiding (mentioned in 1 Samuel 10:22) is subject to various interpretations. It could genuinely reflect humility and a profound sense of unworthiness in the face of such immense responsibility, particularly for a man from a relatively obscure family and the smallest tribe of Israel. Alternatively, it might indicate fear or apprehension about stepping into the demanding and perilous role of king, especially given the constant threats Israel faced from its enemies. Some scholars also suggest it could have been a divinely orchestrated test, or a moment for Saul to process the gravity of his calling before publicly embracing it. Regardless of the precise motivation, his being "fetched" highlights the dramatic contrast between his initial reluctance and his public revelation as Israel's first king, underscoring the divine imperative behind his appointment.
Was Saul's exceptional height a sign of God's favor or a specific divine appointment?
Answer: Saul's height was undoubtedly a significant factor in the eyes of the people, aligning perfectly with their cultural expectations for a king. It made him visually impressive and seemed to confirm their desire for a strong, commanding leader. While God did choose Saul, his physical stature was more a reflection of human preference and a providential alignment with societal ideals than God's primary criterion for leadership. The subsequent narrative of Saul's reign, particularly when contrasted with David's anointing, makes it abundantly clear that God "looks not on the outward appearance, but on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). Therefore, while his height was a providential gift that initially aided his acceptance by the people, it was not the fundamental reason for God's choice, nor was it a guarantee of spiritual success or lasting divine favor.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The towering figure of Saul, "higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward," stands in stark and instructive contrast to the true King who would come centuries later. Saul was the king "after man's heart," chosen for his impressive outward appearance and perceived ability to lead in battle, thereby fulfilling the people's desire for a monarch "like all the nations" (1 Samuel 8:5). Yet, his reign ultimately failed due to disobedience, pride, and a lack of true submission to God's will. In profound contrast, Jesus Christ, the ultimate and eternal King, came not with physical grandeur or imposing stature but in humble form, fulfilling the prophecy that "He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him" (Isaiah 53:2). While Saul's height symbolized human strength and authority, Christ's true "height" is His divine authority and spiritual power, given to Him as the resurrected Lord over all creation (Matthew 28:18). He is the true Shepherd-King who leads not by physical might or human charisma but by sacrificial love, perfect obedience, and the power of His atoning work on the cross (Philippians 2:5-11). Saul's story, therefore, serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the insufficiency of human-centric kingship and points to the absolute necessity of God's perfect, Christ-centered rule, which transcends all human expectations and outward appearances, establishing an eternal kingdom that is "not of this world" (John 18:36).