Overview
1 Samuel 10 recounts the anointing of Saul as Israel’s first king and his initial signs of kingship. This chapter begins with the prophet Samuel anointing Saul privately, marking him as the Lord’s chosen leader for Israel. Samuel then provides Saul with detailed prophecies about his journey home, which are promptly fulfilled, including meeting a group of prophets that leads Saul to prophesy with them, demonstrating the Spirit of God upon him. The chapter culminates with Samuel publicly confirming Saul's kingship before the assembly of Israel at Mizpah. Here, despite Saul's initial hesitation and concealment among the baggage, his stature and divine selection are affirmed by the people, who declare, “God save the king.” This historical account not only introduces the monarchy in Israel but also highlights the divine orchestration in the leadership transition, despite Saul’s personal reservations and the varied reactions of the Israelite tribes.