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1 Samuel 10:17-27

Saul Chosen by Lot

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17After this, Samuel summoned the people to the LORD at Mizpah

18and said to the Israelites, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I brought Israel up out of Egypt, and I rescued you from the hands of the Egyptians and of all the kingdoms that oppressed you.’

19But today you have rejected your God, who saves you from all your troubles and afflictions, and you have said to Him, ‘No, set a king over us.’ Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes and clans.”

20Thus Samuel had all the tribes of Israel come forward, and the tribe of Benjamin was selected.

21Then he had the tribe of Benjamin come forward by its clans, and the clan of Matri was selected. Finally, Saul son of Kish was selected. But when they looked for him, they could not find him.

22So again they inquired of the LORD, “Has the man come here yet?” And the LORD replied, “Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage.”

23So they ran and brought Saul, and when he stood among the people, he was a head taller than any of the others.

24Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see the one the LORD has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people.” And all the people shouted, “Long live the king!”

25Then Samuel explained to the people the rights of kingship. He wrote them on a scroll and laid it up before the LORD. And Samuel sent all the people away, each to his own home.

26Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, and the men of valor whose hearts God had touched went with him.

27But some worthless men said, “How can this man save us?” So they despised him and brought him no gifts; but Saul remained silent about it.

Berean Standard Bible

Read aloud

Samuel gathers Israel before the LORD at Mizpah and recalls the God who brought them out of Egypt and rescued them from oppression. Their demand for a king has rejected this saving God as their ruler. Receiving a king will not make that history disappear.

The selection narrows from Benjamin to the clan of Matri and finally to Saul son of Kish. But Saul cannot be found. When they inquire of the LORD, He reveals that Saul is hiding among the baggage. The people bring him out, and he stands a head taller than the others. Samuel identifies him as the LORD's choice, and they shout, “Long live the king!”

Samuel explains the rights of kingship, writes them on a scroll, and lays it before the LORD. The new office is being established under God's authority, not left to the crowd's excitement.

Saul returns to Gibeah with men of valor whose hearts God has touched. Others despise him, asking how he could save them, and bring no gifts. Saul remains silent. His public calling comes with both support and contempt; it does not remove the need for patient and accountable service.

Questions

1 How does the selection reach Saul?

AnswerThe tribe of Benjamin is selected, then the clan of Matri, and finally Saul son of Kish. Samuel presents him as the man the LORD has chosen.

2 Where is Saul, and how do the people find him?

AnswerHe is hiding among the baggage. The LORD tells them where he is, and they run to bring him out.

3 What does Samuel do after the people acclaim the king?

AnswerHe explains the rights of kingship, writes them on a scroll, and places it before the LORD. The ceremony includes instruction, not only celebration.

4 How does Saul respond to the men who despise him?

AnswerHe remains silent. Receiving a responsibility does not require answering every contemptuous remark, though honest concerns still deserve a hearing.

What This Means for Us

Saul's height makes him easy to recognize, but the passage does not say that appearance is what makes a king faithful. Leadership begins under God's authority and must be received with humility.

The divided response to Saul also warns us not to confuse a new beginning with instant unity. Some people will welcome a change, while others will resist it. A household can make room for honest concerns without allowing contempt to govern the conversation.

If you have been given responsibility, name one person who will be affected by your decisions and ask what faithful care requires of you.

Prayer

LORD, keep us humble when we are trusted with responsibility and patient when others respond differently. Help our household honor your authority, listen honestly, and serve the people in our care. Amen.

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