1 Samuel 10:23

KJV

And they ran and fetched him thence: and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they ran {H7323} and fetched {H3947} him thence: and when he stood {H3320} among {H8432} the people {H5971}, he was higher {H1361} than any of the people {H5971} from his shoulders {H7926} and upward {H4605}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They ran and brought him from there, and when he stood among the people he was head and shoulders taller than anyone around.

Berean Standard Bible

So they ran and brought Saul, and when he stood among the people, he was a head taller than any of the others.

American Standard Version

And they ran and fetched him thence; and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 10:23 marks the pivotal moment of King Saul's public presentation to the people of Israel at Mizpah. After being privately anointed by Samuel and then chosen by lot, Saul had initially hidden himself, perhaps out of humility or apprehension. This verse dramatically captures the crowd's reaction as he is brought forth, revealing his imposing and exceptional physical presence, which immediately set him apart and visually confirmed the people's desire for a king of impressive stature.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of Saul's designation as Israel's first king, following a series of significant events. Samuel had already privately anointed Saul in [1 Samuel 10:1](/1_samuel/10-1 "Samuel Anoints Saul"), signifying God's choice. Subsequently, a national assembly was convened at Mizpah to publicly confirm the king, where lots were cast to identify God's chosen leader from among the tribes and clans (cf. [1 Samuel 10:17-22](/1_samuel/10-17 "The Casting of Lots at Mizpah")). When the lot fell on Saul, he was found hiding among the baggage, as noted in [1 Samuel 10:22](/1_samuel/10-22 "Saul Hiding Among the Baggage"). Verse 23 describes the direct result of his discovery and presentation, highlighting his physical appearance as a striking visual confirmation for the expectant nation, a characteristic previously emphasized in [1 Samuel 9:2](/1_samuel/9-2 "Saul's Initial Description").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period leading up to Saul's kingship was marked by a desire among the Israelites to have a king "like all the nations" ([1 Samuel 8:5](/1_samuel/8-5 "Israel's Demand for a King")), primarily to lead them in battle against formidable enemies like the Philistines. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, physical stature, strength, and an imposing presence were highly valued qualities in a leader, particularly a military one. A king's physical appearance was often seen as a reflection of his authority, power, and even divine favor. Saul's exceptional height would have immediately conveyed a sense of suitability and leadership capability to the Israelite people, aligning perfectly with their cultural expectations for a monarch who could represent their strength and lead them effectively.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Physical Presence and Leadership**, illustrating how Saul's extraordinary height—standing "higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward"—was a significant asset in ancient cultures, conveying an immediate sense of authority and suitability for military leadership. Secondly, it highlights the interplay between **Divine Choice and Human Expectation**. While God divinely chose Saul, his physical attributes aligned perfectly with what the Israelites themselves might have looked for in a monarch, marking an initial harmony between divine selection and popular appeal. Thirdly, it signifies **The Dawn of Israelite Monarchy**, as this public display of Saul as king marks a pivotal transition for Israel from a confederation of tribes led by judges to a centralized monarchy. The people's acclamation of "God Save the King" in [1 Samuel 10:24](/1_samuel/10-24 "The People Acclaim Saul") solidifies this monumental shift.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fetched (Hebrew, _lāqaḥ_):** This verb, meaning "to take," "to fetch," or "to bring," implies an active effort on the part of the people to retrieve Saul from his hiding place. It suggests a sense of urgency and determination to present God's chosen king, highlighting the public's eagerness and the dramatic nature of his emergence from obscurity.
* **Higher (Hebrew, _gābōah_):** This adjective denotes "high," "exalted," or "tall." Its use here emphasizes Saul's exceptional physical stature, setting him apart from the entire populace. This physical superiority was not merely a descriptive detail but a significant visual marker of his perceived suitability for leadership, particularly in a culture that valued imposing physical presence in its rulers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they ran and fetched him thence:"** This clause describes the immediate and energetic action taken by the people (or a designated group) to retrieve Saul from where he was hiding, likely among the baggage mentioned in [1 Samuel 10:22](/1_samuel/10-22 "Saul Hiding Among the Baggage"). The "ran" conveys urgency and excitement, underscoring the anticipation surrounding the revelation of their new king.
* **"and when he stood among the people,"** This describes the moment of Saul's public presentation. Having been brought forth, he now stands in full view of the assembled nation. This act of "standing among" signifies his public acceptance of the role and the people's collective gaze upon their chosen leader, marking the transition from private anointing to public affirmation.
* **"he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward."** This is the precise and vivid description of Saul's remarkable stature. It emphasizes that his height was not just generally tall, but exceptionally so, towering over others by a significant margin (at least a head taller). This physical dominance immediately conveyed a sense of authority, strength, and a commanding presence, fulfilling the visual expectations the Israelites held for a king who could lead them in battle and represent their nation's power.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration** is evident in the description "higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward," which, while possibly literal, certainly amplifies Saul's imposing stature to underscore his exceptional nature. This physical description also functions as **Symbolism**, where Saul's height symbolizes his initial perceived fitness for leadership, his visible strength, and the people's aspirations for a powerful king. Furthermore, the scene presents a stark **Juxtaposition** between Saul's initial hiding (as described in the preceding verse) and his dramatic public revelation, creating a moment of high anticipation and 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 criteria for leadership are revealed to be focused on the heart rather than mere physical attributes.

### 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. However, this initial emphasis on outward appearance sets the stage for a profound theological lesson that permeates the rest of Saul's narrative and indeed, the entire biblical story. While Saul possessed the ideal external qualities for a monarch in the eyes of the people, his subsequent reign would reveal that such superficial attributes are insufficient for true, God-honoring leadership. God's ultimate criteria for leadership are not based on physical stature or human charisma, 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.

* [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "God Looks on the Heart")
* [Isaiah 53:2](/isaiah/53-2 "The Unimpressive Appearance of the Suffering Servant")
* [2 Corinthians 10:10](/2_corinthians/10-10 "Paul's Physical Presence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The dramatic presentation of Saul in 1 Samuel 10:23 serves as a timeless reminder of humanity's tendency to prioritize outward appearances, especially in leadership. We are often drawn to charisma, physical presence, or impressive resumes, believing these qualities inherently qualify someone for significant roles. Saul's initial success, fueled by his imposing stature, resonated with the people's desire for a king who could physically embody strength and power. Yet, the subsequent narrative of his reign tragically reveals that external attributes, while initially appealing, are not sufficient for true, God-honoring leadership. His story challenges us to look beyond the superficial and to cultivate and value inner character, integrity, humility, and above all, 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 and lasting impact flow from a heart aligned with His will, not from outward grandeur.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we, like the Israelites, tend to prioritize outward appearances in leadership or in our personal lives?**
* **What "shoulders and upward" qualities do we look for in others, and how might these distract us from what God truly values?**
* **In what ways does God challenge our conventional notions of strength and leadership, both in the Bible and in our own experiences?**

### FAQ
**Why was Saul hiding among the baggage before his public presentation?**

Answer: Saul's hiding (mentioned in [1 Samuel 10:22](/1_samuel/10-22 "Saul Hiding Among the Baggage")) is open to interpretation. It could reflect genuine humility and a sense of unworthiness in the face of such immense responsibility, especially for a man from a relatively obscure family and tribe. Alternatively, it might indicate fear or apprehension about stepping into the demanding role of king, particularly given the challenges Israel faced from its enemies. It's also possible it was a test orchestrated by God or Samuel to see if he would truly embrace the call. 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.

**Was Saul's exceptional height a sign of God's favor or a specific divine appointment?**

Answer: Saul's height was certainly a significant factor in the eyes of the people, aligning with their cultural expectations for a king. It made him visually impressive and seemed to confirm their desire for a strong leader. While God did choose Saul, his physical stature was more a reflection of human preference than God's primary criterion for leadership. The narrative of Saul's reign, particularly when contrasted with David's anointing, makes it clear that God "looks not on the outward appearance, but on the heart" ([1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "God Looks on the Heart")). So, 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 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 ability to lead in battle, fulfilling the people's desire for a monarch "like all the nations" ([1 Samuel 8:5](/1_samuel/8-5 "Israel's Demand for a King")). Yet, his reign ultimately failed due to disobedience and a lack of true submission to God. In contrast, Jesus Christ, the ultimate King, came not with physical grandeur 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](/isaiah/53-2 "The Suffering Servant's Appearance")). 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](/matthew/28-18 "All Authority Given to Christ")). He is the true [Shepherd-King](/john/10-11 "Jesus the Good Shepherd") who leads not by physical might but by sacrificial love and perfect obedience, establishing an eternal kingdom that transcends all human expectations and outward appearances. Saul's story, therefore, serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the insufficiency of human-centric kingship and points to the necessity of God's perfect, Christ-centered rule.

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

1 Samuel 9:2

And he had a son, whose name [was] Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and [there was] not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward [he was] higher than any of the people.

1 Samuel 17:4

And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height [was] six cubits and a span.

1 Samuel 16:7

But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.