1 Samuel 10:17 - Meaning and Application

Saul’s appointment to the throne is now made public before a general assembly of Israel’s elders, the representatives of their tribes at Mizpah. It was wise to call this meeting soon after Saul was anointed, because if a change in government had to happen, it should happen quickly. The people gathered in a solemn assembly where God was present in a special way, so the text says they were called together before the Lord (1 Samuel 10:17). Samuel then spoke for God among them.

First, he rebuked them for turning away from the rule of a prophet and asking for a king instead. He reminded them how blessed they had been under God’s own rule. When God governed them, he rescued them from their oppressors, and no human ruler could have done more for them. He also showed them how deeply they had insulted God, who had already saved them from every trouble by his own power and through leaders he had chosen and equipped. In plain terms, he said, “You have rejected your God today,” meaning they had in effect done so, and for that reason God could justly reject them. Those who trust in human strength more than in God turn away from the fountain of living water and choose cracked cisterns instead. Some have also seen in this stubbornness a warning of later rejecting Christ, since to reject him is to reject God’s rule.

Next, Samuel had them choose their king by lot. He already knew whom God had chosen and had anointed, but he also knew the people were hard to satisfy. Some would not accept Saul if Samuel simply named him. So he brought the tribes and families before the lot, giving each group a fair chance in their eyes (1 Samuel 10:19). The tribe of Benjamin was chosen from all the tribes, and then Saul son of Kish from Benjamin (1 Samuel 10:20-21). This made it clear to everyone that God had chosen Saul, because the outcome of the lot belongs to the Lord. It also helped quiet arguments, since the lot ends disputes and settles between strong opponents. Those who knew Scripture could also see that this kingdom would not last forever, because Jacob had foretold that rule would belong to Judah in the end, while Benjamin would be compared to a wolf (Genesis 49:10, 27).

Still, Saul was not found at once. When the lot fell on him, everyone expected him to step forward, but his relatives could not find him. He had hidden himself among the baggage (1 Samuel 10:21-22). He was so unwilling then to have the power he later clung to so fiercely. He may have hoped that if he did not appear, they would move on to another choice, or he may simply have been showing modesty, since he already knew the lot had chosen him. At that moment he may truly have felt unfit for such a heavy duty. He had not been trained for books, war, or court life, and he may have feared making some serious mistake. He may also have feared the envy of neighbors who did not like him. Samuel had also made clear that Israel sinned in asking for a king, so Saul knew God had granted their request in anger. And the nation was in a poor state, with the Philistines strong and the Ammonites threatening, so it was no small thing to take the helm in such a storm.

But the congregation believed that the choice God made was the right one, so they searched carefully until they found him. They asked the Lord, likely through the high priest and the breastpiece used for judgment, or through Samuel and the gift of prophecy, and the Lord showed them where Saul was hidden among the baggage (1 Samuel 10:23). In the end, humility and modesty do not leave a person poorer. Honor follows those who run from it, and it leaves those who chase after it.

Samuel then brought Saul before the people, and they accepted him. Saul did not need a raised platform to be noticed. Even standing on level ground, he stood above everyone else, since he was taller than any of them by a head and shoulders (1 Samuel 10:23). Samuel pointed out that God had chosen just the kind of king they had wanted, a man with striking presence and noble bearing. He stood out among the people like a cedar among shrubs. Samuel asked them to judge for themselves whether he was not a fine and able man. The people answered by shouting their approval and saying, “Long live the king,” meaning they hoped he would reign long, in health and peace. Subjects often showed loyalty through good wishes for their ruler, and such wishes were really prayers to God on the king’s behalf (Psalm 72:15; Psalm 20:1). Samuel had warned them they would soon grow tired of their king, but at that moment they were full of confidence: “Let the king live.”

Samuel then set down the terms of the kingdom and kept them in record (1 Samuel 10:25). Earlier he had told them what kind of man a king would be, how he would misuse his power (1 Samuel 8:11). Now he explained the law and order of the kingdom, or its settled rule, showing what power the prince might claim and what rights the people could keep. He marked the boundaries between ruler and subject so that neither would invade the other’s place. It is good to understand one another clearly at the start, and it is good to keep the agreement written down, because that helps preserve peace later. Bishop Patrick thought Samuel may have repeated and officially recorded the warning already given in (1 Samuel 8:11), so it would stand as witness against them later. They had been told what their request would cost them, and still they wanted a king.

When the solemn assembly was over, Samuel sent every man home.

No vote was taken, and, so far as we know, no motion was even made to raise money to support the dignity of their new king. So if Saul later chose to take what they had refused to give, though he did need support, they would have only themselves to blame. The people then went home, pleased enough with the idea of having a king over them. Saul also went to Gibeah, his father’s house, and did not let his new honor make him proud.

He had no palace there, no throne, and no court, yet he still went back there. If he must be a king, he would make his own town the royal city. Like one who remembered the humble rock from which he had been cut, he was not ashamed of his lowly family. That kind of humble spirit adds real beauty to great success. When a person rises in position but not in pride, how good and pleasant that is.

How did the people feel about their new king? Most of them did not seem very concerned. They each went to their own house, and their own family business was closer to their hearts than the public good. That was the general spirit. Yet some were faithful enough to stay with him, a band of men whose hearts God had touched (1 Samuel 10:26). They were not the whole nation, only a small group, perhaps because they gladly supported the king they had chosen, or because they understood that if he was king, he deserved respect. They went with him to Gibeah as his guard.

These were people whose hearts God had moved to do what was right. Whatever good is in us, or whatever good we do, must be credited to God’s grace. If a heart turns the right way, it is because God has touched it. One touch is enough when it comes from him.

There were others, however, who were bitter and insulting, men called children of Belial, meaning worthless and rebellious men who would bear no yoke. Nothing that God or Samuel did would satisfy them. They despised Saul (1 Samuel 10:27) because of his tribe, his family background, his small estate, and his quiet upbringing. They said, “How can this man save us?” Yet they did not offer anyone better. And in any case, salvation would not come from the man himself, but from God.

They would not even join their neighbors in showing respect to Saul by bringing him gifts or greeting him as king. Perhaps these were the very people who had been most eager for a king, and now they complained because he was not the kind of man they wanted. Often people dislike what others approve of simply for that reason. In the same way, people respond very differently to our exalted Redeemer, Christ. God has set him as king on the holy hill of Zion. Some submit to him, rejoice in him, bring him gifts, and follow wherever he leads. They are those whose hearts God has touched and whom he has made willing in the day of his power.

But others despise him. They ask, “How can this man save us?” They are offended by his outward lowliness and stumble over him, and that stumbling will end in their ruin.

How did Saul react to the insults of those who rejected his rule? He said nothing. The margin notes that he was as if he were deaf. He did not even seem to notice their abuse, which showed his humility, modesty, and gentle spirit. It also showed that he was fully satisfied with his right to the throne. People are often most jealous of their honor, and most ready to strike back at insults, when they have gained power by unfair means.

Christ kept silent when men insulted him, because it was the day of his patience. But a day of judgment and repayment is coming.