I Samuel 10

Hook

Have you ever felt completely unprepared for a sudden change in your life? Maybe you were just running an errand—looking for "lost donkeys"—and suddenly, you found yourself standing at the threshold of a massive new responsibility. That is exactly where we find Saul in I Samuel 10. He started his day as an ordinary guy trying to help his father, and by sunset, he was chosen to lead a nation. It’s a wild, slightly overwhelming story about how we often find our purpose when we aren’t even looking for it. Whether you are starting a new job, a new relationship, or just a new chapter, Saul’s story reminds us that we don’t have to feel "ready" to be the right person for the moment. Let’s dive into how he went from farmer to king.

Context

• Who/When/Where: This takes place in ancient Israel, roughly 3,000 years ago. The people are asking for a king, and the prophet Samuel is the one tasked with finding and anointing him.
• Key Term - Anoint: To pour oil on someone’s head to mark them for a special, holy task.
• Key Term - Prophet: A person who speaks for God and sees things others might miss.
• The Setting: The story moves from a private meeting between Samuel and Saul to a public ceremony at Mizpah, showing the transition from a hidden, personal calling to a public, community reality.

Text Snapshot

Samuel took a flask of oil and poured some on Saul’s head and kissed him, and said, “GOD herewith anoints you ruler over this people—God’s own.” ... The spirit of GOD will grip you, and you will speak in ecstasy along with them; you will become a different person. And once these signs have happened to you, act when the occasion arises, for God is with you. (I Samuel 10:1-7)

Close Reading

Insight 1: The Oil and the Kiss

The great commentator Malbim explains that the oil and the kiss weren't just random acts. The oil represented a "spirit of strength" to lead, while the kiss was a symbolic "merging of spirits." It’s a beautiful, intimate moment. Even though Samuel is the big-deal prophet and Saul is just a guy looking for farm animals, they share a moment of human connection. It reminds us that even the most "official" callings are rooted in personal, human relationships. You don't lead from a distance; you lead by connecting with people, soul to soul. Radak also notes that this wasn't the "official" royal anointing oil used for kings of the Davidic line, but a special oil for a temporary leader. This teaches us that sometimes we are called to lead for a specific time or a specific task, and that is just as holy as a permanent title.

Insight 2: Changing Your "Heart"

The text says, "God gave him another heart" (I Samuel 10:9). This isn't about physical anatomy; it’s about a shift in perspective. Suddenly, Saul is "among the prophets," acting in ways his friends don't recognize. Have you ever had a moment where you stepped into a role and felt like a "new person"? That is what the text describes. It’s not that Saul stopped being Saul; it’s that he gained a new capacity for vision. The commentary by Ralbag points out that Saul had never been a prophet before, yet he was immediately capable of it. The lesson here is that our potential is often much larger than our history. Just because you haven't done something before doesn't mean you aren't capable of it when the moment demands it.

Insight 3: Hiding Among the Baggage

When the time came for the public announcement, Saul was nowhere to be found. God reveals, "He is hiding among the baggage" (I Samuel 10:22). This is the ultimate "imposter syndrome" moment! The guy chosen to be king is literally hiding behind the suitcases. It’s incredibly relatable. Even when we are gifted or chosen, our internal fear often tells us we don't belong in the spotlight. But the text doesn't mock him for hiding; it accepts him as he is. He stands a "head taller" than everyone else, showing that his physical presence matched the gravity of his role, even if his heart was still nervous. We can be brave and terrified at the same time.

Apply It

This week, practice the "Saul Moment." We often feel like we need to be perfect or fully prepared before we take a step toward a goal. Spend 60 seconds each morning this week identifying one "baggage" item in your life—a fear, a doubt, or a feeling of being unprepared—and simply acknowledge it. Then, repeat this phrase to yourself: "I don't have to be perfect to be present." You don't need a crown to be a leader in your own life; you just need to show up to the spot where you're needed. Whether it’s speaking up in a meeting or helping a neighbor, just act when the occasion arises.

Chevruta Mini

1. Why do you think Saul felt the need to hide among the baggage even after Samuel told him he was chosen? Have you ever felt that way?
2. The people were surprised to see Saul acting like a prophet. Does our environment change who we are, or does it just help us reveal who we were all along?

Takeaway

You don't need to feel ready to be exactly who you are called to be in this moment.

(Read the full text at https://www.sefaria.org/I_Samuel_10)