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1 Samuel 10:1

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¶ 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?

Then Samuel {H8050} took {H3947} a vial {H6378} of oil {H8081}, and poured {H3332} it upon his head {H7218}, and kissed {H5401} him, and said {H559}, Is it not because the LORD {H3068} hath anointed {H4886} thee to be captain {H5057} over his inheritance {H5159}?

Then Sh'mu'el took a flask of oil he had prepared and poured it on Sha'ul's head. He kissed him and said, "ADONAI has anointed you to be prince over his inheritance.

Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, “Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?

Then Samuel took the vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not that Jehovah hath anointed thee to be prince over his inheritance?

Commentary

1 Samuel 10:1 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history: the divine appointment and anointing of Saul as the nation's first king. This act, performed by the prophet Samuel, signifies God's direct involvement in establishing leadership for His people, even in response to their desire for a monarchy.

Context

Prior to this verse, the people of Israel had demanded a king to be like other nations, rejecting God's direct rule through judges. Though displeased, the LORD instructed Samuel to accede to their request, foretelling the burdens of monarchy. Saul, a Benjamite, was divinely led to Samuel while searching for lost donkeys. This encounter reveals God's sovereign hand in orchestrating events to bring His chosen leader into position, culminating in this private anointing before his public proclamation.

Key Themes

  • Divine Appointment: The verse powerfully illustrates God's active role in selecting leaders. Samuel's action is not his own initiative but a direct command from the LORD, emphasizing that Saul's authority comes from God, not merely from popular demand.
  • The Significance of Anointing: Pouring oil on the head was a symbolic act of consecration, setting someone apart for a special office or purpose. It signified divine blessing, empowerment by the Holy Spirit, and the transfer of authority. Kings, priests, and prophets were typically anointed, highlighting the sacred nature of their roles.
  • Leadership as Stewardship: Saul is anointed to be "captain over his inheritance." This phrase identifies Israel as God's own possession, His "inheritance" (Deuteronomy 4:20), and Saul's role is to lead and protect them on God's behalf. It underscores the responsibility of leadership within God's covenant people.
  • Prophetic Confirmation: Samuel, as God's prophet, validates Saul's kingship, ensuring the people understand that this transition is divinely sanctioned, not merely a political maneuver.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Anointed" (Hebrew: mashach - מָשַׁח): This verb means "to smear" or "to pour oil upon," specifically for consecration. From this root word comes the Hebrew term Mashiach (מָשִׁיחַ), meaning "Anointed One," which in Greek is Christos (Χριστός). Thus, Saul is literally a "messiah" or "christ" in the sense of being set apart by God for a special purpose, foreshadowing the ultimate Anointed One, Jesus Christ.
  • "Vial of oil" (Hebrew: pak - פַּךְ): A small, narrow-necked flask, suggesting a private, intimate anointing rather than a grand, public ceremony, which would come later. Olive oil was a common symbol of blessing, purity, and the Holy Spirit in ancient Israel.
  • "Captain" (Hebrew: nagid - נָגִיד): This term denotes a leader, prince, or ruler, often implying one divinely appointed or designated. It emphasizes a position of authority and governance, distinct from merely a military commander.
  • "His inheritance" (Hebrew: nachalah - נַחֲלָה): Refers to God's chosen people, Israel, as His special possession and treasured property, which He had promised to Abraham and his descendants.

Practical Application

The account of Saul's anointing reminds us that God is sovereign over all human affairs, including the appointment of leaders. While we may choose our leaders, God ultimately raises up and sets down authorities according to His divine plan (Romans 13:1). This verse also highlights the sacred responsibility of leadership, particularly within a spiritual context. Those in positions of influence are called to be stewards of God's people and purposes, acting with integrity and seeking divine guidance. Furthermore, it points us toward Jesus, the ultimate Anointed One, who perfectly fulfilled all roles of prophet, priest, and king, leading His people with divine authority and grace.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 16:13 (10 votes)

    Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.

  • Psalms 78:71 (8 votes)

    From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.

  • 1 Samuel 9:16 (7 votes)

    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.

  • Psalms 2:12 (6 votes)

    Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish [from] the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed [are] all they that put their trust in him.

  • Acts 13:21 (5 votes)

    And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.

  • 1 Samuel 26:11 (4 votes)

    The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that [is] at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go.

  • 2 Kings 9:3 (4 votes)

    Then take the box of oil, and pour [it] on his head, and say, Thus saith the LORD, I have anointed thee king over Israel. Then open the door, and flee, and tarry not.