1 Samuel 10:23

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.

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}.

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

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

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

1 Samuel 10:23 describes the dramatic moment of King Saul's public presentation to the people of Israel. After being privately anointed by Samuel and then chosen by lot, Saul had initially hidden himself. This verse captures the crowd's reaction as he is brought forth, revealing his imposing physical presence.

Context

This verse is the climax of Saul's public anointing and designation as Israel's first king. Following a national assembly at Mizpeh, lots were cast to identify God's chosen leader. Saul, who had been found hiding among the baggage (1 Samuel 10:22), is brought before the expectant nation. His physical appearance, particularly his height, immediately set him apart and visually confirmed the people's expectations for a king who could lead them in battle and represent their strength. This characteristic was previously highlighted in 1 Samuel 9:2, noting his impressive stature even before his anointing.

Key Themes

  • Physical Presence and Leadership: Saul's extraordinary height—standing "higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward"—was a significant asset in ancient cultures. It conveyed an immediate sense of authority, strength, and suitability for leadership, particularly military leadership. The people desired a king who was visibly impressive and capable of leading them against their enemies.
  • 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. This initial harmony between divine selection and popular appeal marked a hopeful beginning for the new monarchy in Israel.
  • The Dawn of Israelite Monarchy: 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" (1 Samuel 10:24) solidifies this shift.

Significance & Application

1 Samuel 10:23 highlights the initial appeal of outward appearances, especially in leadership. Saul possessed the ideal physical qualifications that people often seek in a leader: an imposing and commanding presence. However, the subsequent narrative of Saul's reign will reveal that such external qualities, while initially impressive, are not sufficient for true, God-honoring leadership. His story serves as a foundational lesson that while physical appearance can be appealing, it is inner character, obedience to God, and integrity that ultimately determine effective and righteous leadership.

This verse sets the stage for a crucial biblical principle later articulated in 1 Samuel 16:7, where God tells Samuel regarding David, "Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart." Saul’s impressive stature was a gift, but his failure to cultivate a humble and obedient heart ultimately led to his downfall, teaching a timeless lesson about God's true criteria for leadership.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 9:2 (5 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.