1 Samuel 9:16

KJV

To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him [to be] captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me.

KJV (with Strong's)

To morrow {H4279} about this time {H6256} I will send {H7971} thee a man {H376} out of the land {H776} of Benjamin {H1144}, and thou shalt anoint {H4886} him to be captain {H5057} over my people {H5971} Israel {H3478}, that he may save {H3467} my people {H5971} out of the hand {H3027} of the Philistines {H6430}: for I have looked {H7200} upon my people {H5971}, because their cry {H6818} is come {H935} unto me.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Tomorrow at about this time I will send you a man from the territory of Binyamin. You are to anoint him prince over my people Isra'el. He will save my people from the power of the P'lishtim, because I have seen my people's situation, and their cry of distress has come to me."

Berean Standard Bible

“At this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you are to anoint him leader over My people Israel; he will save them from the hand of the Philistines. For I have looked upon My people, because their cry has come to Me.”

American Standard Version

To-morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be prince over my people Israel; and he shall save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 9:16 records a pivotal divine revelation to the prophet Samuel, announcing God's sovereign intention to appoint Israel's first king. This verse details God's specific instructions to Samuel concerning the arrival of Saul, a man from the tribe of Benjamin, whom Samuel is to anoint as a divinely designated leader. The primary purpose of this appointment is to deliver God's people from the oppressive hand of the Philistines, a direct response to the cries of distress that have reached God's ears, underscoring His compassionate attentiveness to His covenant people, even amidst their flawed request for a monarchy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct word from God to Samuel, preparing him for the arrival of Saul. It immediately follows Samuel's receipt of a divine pre-announcement that a man from Benjamin would arrive the next day, whom he was to anoint as "captain" (1 Samuel 9:15). The preceding chapter, [1 Samuel 8](/1_samuel/8 "1 Samuel 8 - Israel Demands a King"), details Israel's demand for a king "like all the nations" (1 Samuel 8:5), a request that displeased Samuel but which God commanded him to grant, viewing it as a rejection of His direct rule (1 Samuel 8:7). This divine instruction to Samuel in 1 Samuel 9:16 thus sets the stage for the fulfillment of Israel's desire, albeit under God's sovereign oversight, and introduces the specific individual chosen for this unprecedented role. The narrative then proceeds to describe Saul's arrival, his meeting with Samuel, and the subsequent anointing, culminating in his public presentation and acclamation as king.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this point in Israel's history, the nation was transitioning from the period of the Judges, a time characterized by sporadic leadership and frequent cycles of apostasy, oppression, and deliverance. The Philistines were a dominant and persistent threat, militarily superior and often controlling Israelite territory and resources, as evidenced by their suppression of Israelite metallurgy (1 Samuel 13:19-22). Israel's demand for a king was partly a response to this Philistine oppression and partly a desire to conform to the political structures of surrounding nations, seeking stability and a centralized military leader. The concept of anointing was a common practice in the ancient Near East, signifying consecration for a special office, often priestly or royal, and imbuing the anointed one with divine authority. The tribe of Benjamin, though small, had a history of fierce warriors (Judges 20:16) and would later be noted for its loyalty, making Saul's origin significant.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes of 1 Samuel and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating God's active hand in history, raising up leaders and orchestrating events even when human choices are imperfect. Despite Israel's flawed motivation for a king, God had a plan to provide a leader to deliver them from the Philistines, showcasing His ability to work through human instruments for His purposes. Secondly, it underscores **God's Compassion and Responsiveness** to the cries of His people. The phrase "for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me" echoes similar divine responses to Israel's distress throughout their history, such as in [Exodus 2:23-25](/exodus/2-23 "Exodus 2:23-25 - God Hears Israel's Groaning in Egypt") and [Judges 2:18](/judges/2-18 "Judges 2:18 - God Raises Up Judges in Response to Cries"). This reveals God's enduring covenant faithfulness, even when His people are disobedient. Finally, it introduces the theme of **Deliverance and Leadership**, emphasizing Saul's initial role as a military deliverer, a continuation of the judge-like function, before fully embracing the monarchical role. This sets the expectation for the king to be a protector and savior of his people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Anoint (Hebrew, _mashach'_):** The verb מָשַׁח (_mashach'_) means "to smear," "to rub with oil," and by extension, "to anoint." In a religious context, it signifies consecration, setting apart a person or object for sacred use or a special office. Here, it denotes the divine appointment of Saul as God's chosen leader. This act of anointing was not merely a ceremonial gesture but a symbolic impartation of divine authority and enablement for the task ahead. It marked Saul as God's designated representative, establishing his legitimacy in the eyes of the people and before God. This term is foundational to the concept of the "Messiah" (Hebrew: _Mashiach_), meaning "Anointed One."
* **Captain (Hebrew, _nagid'_):** The Hebrew word נָגִיד (_nagid'_) is translated here as "captain," but its semantic range is broader, encompassing "prince," "leader," "ruler," or "commander." It often denotes someone appointed to a position of prominence or authority, particularly one designated by God. Unlike _melek_ (מֶלֶךְ), which strictly means "king," _nagid_ highlights the divine selection and the administrative/military leadership aspect of the role, rather than the dynastic or absolute monarchical power. The use of _nagid_ here emphasizes that Saul's authority originates from God's appointment, underscoring his role as a divinely chosen deliverer and leader of God's people, rather than a self-appointed or popularly elected monarch.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin":** This clause highlights God's precise timing and sovereign control over events. Samuel is given a specific timeframe, emphasizing the immediacy and certainty of God's plan. The mention of "the land of Benjamin" is significant, not only identifying Saul's tribal origin but also foreshadowing the unexpected nature of God's choice, as Benjamin was one of the smallest tribes in Israel (1 Samuel 9:21). This detail underscores that God's choice is not based on human expectation or tribal prominence but on His own divine wisdom.
* **"and thou shalt anoint him [to be] captain over my people Israel":** This is the direct command to Samuel, outlining his role in the divine appointment. The act of anointing signifies consecration and divine authorization, publicly designating Saul as God's chosen leader. The phrase "my people Israel" reinforces God's continued covenant relationship with the nation, despite their request for a king. Saul is to be "captain" (_nagid_), a leader appointed by God to guide and protect, emphasizing his divinely ordained authority and responsibility towards the covenant community.
* **"that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines":** This clause clearly states the immediate, practical purpose of Saul's appointment: deliverance from external oppression. The Philistines represented a significant and ongoing threat to Israel's existence and freedom. Saul's primary mission, as envisioned by God, is military salvation, a role akin to the judges who had previously delivered Israel. This highlights God's compassionate response to the distress of His people and His provision of a human agent to execute His saving will.
* **"for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me":** This final clause provides the divine motivation behind Saul's appointment. It reveals God's intimate awareness of His people's suffering and His empathetic response. The "cry" (צַעֲקָה, _tsa'aqah'_) signifies a desperate plea for help, a lament of distress. God's "looking upon" and hearing their cry demonstrates His active engagement with human history and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant, even when His people's actions are imperfect. This is a powerful affirmation of God's compassionate nature and His readiness to intervene on behalf of the oppressed.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Divine Foreshadowing** is prominent, as God explicitly reveals His future action ("I will send thee a man") and the specific role of the chosen leader ("save my people"). This creates a sense of divine orchestration and inevitability, building anticipation for Saul's arrival. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the phrases "I have looked upon my people" and "their cry is come unto me." While God is spirit and omnipresent, these expressions attribute human-like senses and actions to Him, making His compassion and attentiveness relatable and immediate to the audience. This emphasizes God's personal involvement and responsiveness to the human condition. Furthermore, there is an element of **Divine Irony** at play. Israel had demanded a king "like all the nations" (1 Samuel 8:5), yet God responds by providing a leader who is distinctively "captain over my people Israel," chosen not by human preference but by divine decree, and whose primary purpose is to fulfill God's redemptive plan for His covenant people. This subtly highlights the contrast between human desires and divine wisdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 9:16 profoundly illustrates God's active involvement in human affairs, His sovereign control over history, and His compassionate response to the suffering of His people. It demonstrates that even when humanity's requests are flawed or motivated by worldly desires, God can integrate them into His overarching redemptive plan. The divine appointment of Saul, despite Israel's rejection of God's direct rule, underscores God's commitment to provide leadership and deliverance for His covenant people. This verse sets a precedent for understanding that all legitimate authority ultimately flows from God, and that leaders are accountable to Him for their stewardship of His people. It also highlights the theme of divine election, where God chooses individuals for specific purposes, often in unexpected ways, to accomplish His will on earth.

* [Exodus 3:7](/exodus/3-7 "Exodus 3:7 - God Hears the Cry of Israel in Egypt")
* [Psalm 107:13](/psalm/107-13 "Psalm 107:13 - God Delivers from Distress")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons, Removes and Sets Up Kings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers profound insights for believers today, reminding us that God remains intimately involved in the affairs of nations and the lives of individuals. It challenges us to recognize God's sovereign hand in leadership, even when circumstances seem chaotic or human choices appear misguided. Just as God heard the "cry" of Israel under Philistine oppression, He continues to hear the cries of the oppressed and suffering in our world, and He works through various means, including human leaders, to bring about justice and deliverance. This should inspire us to pray for our leaders, recognizing their divine appointment (Romans 13:1), and to trust in God's ultimate plan, even when we cannot fully discern it. It also encourages us to cultivate a heart of compassion, echoing God's own responsiveness to human need, and to be instruments of His deliverance and care in our own spheres of influence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's response to Israel's "cry" in this verse encourage you about His attentiveness to your own prayers and struggles?**
* **In what ways does God's sovereign appointment of leaders, even those with flaws, shape your perspective on earthly authority?**
* **How can you, like Samuel, be an instrument of God's divine purpose in your community or sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**Was God pleased with Israel's request for a king, given that He provided one?**

Answer: While God ultimately granted Israel's request for a king, 1 Samuel 8:7 explicitly states that God told Samuel, "Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them." This indicates that God was not pleased with the *motivation* behind their request, which stemmed from a desire to be "like all the nations" (1 Samuel 8:5) and a rejection of His direct rule, rather than a humble seeking of His will. However, in His sovereignty and compassion, God chose to work *through* their flawed request, providing a king (Saul) who would initially deliver them from the Philistines, thus integrating their desire into His larger plan for Israel's history and the eventual establishment of the Davidic covenant. This demonstrates God's ability to bring about His purposes even amidst human imperfection and rebellion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 9:16, with its depiction of God appointing a "captain" to "save" His people, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate Anointed One, Jesus Christ. Saul, the first anointed leader, served as a deliverer from physical oppression, but his reign was ultimately flawed and temporary. He was a type of the king to come, yet insufficient to provide lasting salvation. Jesus, however, is the true and eternal "Anointed One" (Messiah/Christ), consecrated not with oil but by the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:18; Acts 10:38), and appointed by God as the ultimate "Captain" and Savior. He is the one sent from God to deliver His people, not merely from Philistine oppression, but from the far greater enemies of sin, death, and the devil (Hebrews 2:14-15; Colossians 1:13-14). Just as God heard the cry of Israel in their distress, He heard the cry of all humanity groaning under the weight of sin, and in response, He sent His Son (John 3:16). Jesus fulfills the role of the divinely appointed leader perfectly, not only saving His people but also establishing an eternal kingdom (Luke 1:32-33) and serving as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep (John 10:11). Thus, Saul's anointing and mission point forward to the perfect and everlasting salvation found in Christ, the true King and Deliverer of God's people.

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 10:1

¶ Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured [it] upon his head, and kissed him, and said, [Is it] not because the LORD hath anointed thee [to be] captain over his inheritance?

Psalms 25:18

Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.

Psalms 106:44

Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry:

Exodus 3:7

¶ And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which [are] in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;

Exodus 3:9

Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them.

1 Samuel 15:1

¶ Samuel also said unto Saul, The LORD sent me to anoint thee [to be] king over his people, over Israel: now therefore hearken thou unto the voice of the words of the LORD.

Exodus 2:23

¶ And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.