10:1 When an Israelite king took office, he was not only crowned, he was anointed. The coronation was the political act of establishing the king as ruler; the anointing was the religious act of making the king God’s representative to the people. A king was always anointed by a priest or prophet. The special anointing oil was a mixture of olive oil, myrrh, and other expensive spices. It was poured over the king’s head to symbolize the presence and power of the Holy Spirit of God in his life. This anointing ceremony was to remind the king of his great responsibility to lead his people by God’s wisdom and not his own.
10:6 How could Saul be so filled with the Spirit and yet later commit such evil acts? Throughout the Old Testament, God’s Spirit “came upon” a person temporarily so that God could use him or her for great acts. This happened frequently to Israel’s judges when they were called by God to rescue the nation (Judges 3:8-10). This was not always a permanent, abiding influence, but sometimes a temporary manifestation of the Holy Spirit. Yet, at times in the Old Testament, the Spirit even came upon unbelievers to enable them to do unusual tasks (Numbers 24; 2 Chronicles 36:22, 23). The Holy Spirit gave the person power to do what God asked, but it did not always produce the other fruits of the Spirit, such as self-control. Saul, in his early years as king, had “another heart” (10:1-10) as a result of the Holy Spirit’s work in him. But as Saul’s power grew, so did his pride. After a while he refused to seek God; the Spirit left him (16:14), and his good attitude melted away.
10:10, 11 A prophet is someone who speaks God’s words. While God told many prophets to predict certain events, what God wanted most was for them to instruct and inspire people to live in faithfulness to God. When Saul’s friends heard inspired words coming from Saul, they exclaimed, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” This was an expression of surprise at worldly Saul’s becoming religious. It is equivalent to “What? Has he got religion?”
10:19 Israel’s true king was God, but the nation demanded another. Imagine wanting a human being instead of God as guide and leader! Throughout history, men and women have rejected God, and they continue to do it today. Are you rejecting God by pushing him aside and acknowledging someone or something else as your “king” or top priority? Learn from these stories of Israel’s kings, and don’t push God aside.
10:20 The Israelites chose their first king by casting lots—perhaps by using the Urim and Thummim, two plates or flat stones carried by the high priest. The fact that Saul was chosen may seem like luck, but it was really the opposite. God had instructed the Israelites to make the Urim and Thummim for the specific purpose of consulting him in times such as this (Exodus 28:30; Numbers 27:12-21). By using the Urim and Thummim, the Israelites were taking the decision out of their own hands and turning it over to God. Only the high priest could use the Urim and Thummim, which were designed to give only yes or no answers.
10:22 When the Israelites assembled to choose a king, Saul already knew he was the one (10:1). Instead of coming forward, however, he hid among the stuff (military baggage). Often we hide from important responsibilities because we are afraid of failure, afraid of what others will think, or perhaps unsure about how to proceed. Prepare now to step up to your future responsibilities. Count on God’s provision rather than your feelings of adequacy.
10:24 Saul, who not long before was a farmer searching for donkeys, was now king. Although he was tall, handsome, and wealthy, it is surprising that he was God’s choice to be king, since he was not a deeply religious man. But God does not choose people according to our expectations. He may not even choose the one best qualified for the task, but rather the one who will fulfill his larger purpose. Sometimes this means allowing a poor leader to be subjected to teach people a valuable lesson. God may want to use you for a great work, or he may choose someone else who seems less fit. In either case, try to look for God’s greater purpose.
10:25 The kings of Israel, unlike kings of other nations, had specific regulations outlined for them (Deuteronomy 17:14-20). Pagan kings were considered gods; they made their own laws and answered to no one. By contrast, Israel’s king had to answer to a higher authority—the Lord of heaven and earth. The Israelites now had a king like everyone else, just as they wanted. But Samuel, in his charge to both the king and the people, wanted to make sure that the rule of Israel’s king would be different from that of his pagan counterparts. “Laid it up before the LORD” means that Samuel put the scroll, as a witness to the agreement, in a special place at Mizpeh.
10:26 Since Israel had no political capital at this time, Saul returned to Gibeah, his hometown, which eventually became the first capital of the kingdom. Saul’s move to Gibeah marked the first time that the political center of Israel was separated from the religious center. During this time, the religious center was in Ramah, Samuel’s home.
10:26, 27 Some men became Saul’s constant companions, while others (“the children of Belial”) despised him. Criticism will always be directed toward those who lead because they are out in front. At this time, Saul took no notice of those who seemed to be against him, although later he would become consumed with jealousy (19:1-3; 26:17-21). As you lead, listen to constructive criticism, but don’t spend valuable time and energy worrying about those who may oppose you. Instead, focus your attention on those who are ready and willing to help.