1 Samuel 10
Wayne Barber · Citado em PreceptAustin
1 Samuel 10
Barber - Dr. Hugh Ross, an astrophysicist from the University of Toronto and now president of Reasons to Believe (an organization dedicated to providing valid rational proof of the Bible’s reliability), assured me that at the lowest rate of chance, namely one in ten—thus making allowance for the fact that we do not know the size of the population in the different places through which Saul traveled—the probability of the events mentioned in 1 Samuel 10:2–6 happening in sequence and as Samuel predicted would be one in eight million. As simple as Samuel’s signs appear on the printed page, only a sovereign God could orchestrate the necessary events with such precise timing and incredible accuracy. William Cowper's hymn adapted by Gary Brumley will move your heart beloved.... God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform; He plants his footsteps in the sea, And rides upon the storm. -- William Cowper ILLUSTRATIONS OF GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY Brian Bell - God’s sovereignty & providence is seen in His control of men & events. He does according to His will among the host of heaven & among the inhabitants of the earth; & none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?” Dan 4:35ESV Illustrations: 1. John Bunyan: was drafted as a soldier in the civil war in England & was sent to take part in the siege of Leicester(Les-ter). As he was about to begin sentry duty 1 night, another requested that they exchange responsibilities. Bunyan agreed. That night the other soldier was shot in the head & died. Bunyan was spared so that in the providence of God he might minister through the written word to generations to come. [wrote greatest allegory of all time, Pilgrim’s Progress] 2. William Cowper: faced a great crisis. Tired of the struggle, he decided to take his own life, he took an overdose of laudanum[low-dinum](potent narcotic, high morphine concentration) but his suicide attempt failed. Then he tried to drown himself in Thames river, but he was prevented from doing so. The next morning he deliberately tried to impale himself on a knife, but the blade broke & he was only slightly injured. Then he tried to hang himself - & almost succeeded. Someone found him unconscious & cut him down. In despair he began reading Paul’s letter to the Romans & received strength to believe that God loved him. [He became one of the most popular poets of the 18th century; Hymn: “There is a Fountain Filled W/Blood”] 3. Christopher Columbus: felt greatly disheartened & discouraged after many attempts to obtain financing for a trip to India. While on way back to Italy he stopped 1 day at a convent not far from Granada & asked for a drink of water. The monk who gave him the water heard his story was the man who intervened on his behalf with Queen Isabella. Out of that request for a glass of water came the money to equip the vessels that ultimately crossed the Atlantic - that request led to the discovery of America. 4. John
1 Samuel 10
Barber - As Saul turned from Samuel, the Lord changed Saul’s heart. A herdsman-farmer was given the disposition of a patriot-statesman-warrior. This change caused Saul to think of affairs of state and freed him from the cares of his former manner of life.
1 Samuel 10
Barber - One of the most frequently asked questions is, Was Saul saved when God gave him “another heart”? Was Dr. A. R. S. Kennedy right when he said, “His [Saul’s] is the first conversion recorded in sacred literature”? While this issue has been hotly debated, it seems most likely that God gave to Saul that which he lacked by training and heredity. He provided him with the inner disposition to fulfill the tasks of a king. He equipped him, as He had done the judges, so that Saul would be able to deliver His people from those who sought to oppress them. When the transitory enthusiasm of his meeting with the prophets passed, it left Saul with a certain inner sense that could not be satisfied without further communion with the Lord. New powers were at work within him that he did not fully understand. He wanted to be alone to try to sort things out in his mind. Instead of going straight home he probably sent his servant on ahead of him while he ascended the hill to spend time in solitary reflection. When he arrived at the high place, did Saul use those two loaves of bread for a thank offering? We do not know, but that certainly is a possibility, for he had been given a new disposition. QUESTION - Was King Saul saved? ANSWER - People have long puzzled over the question of whether or not King Saul was saved; that is, whether or not Saul was forgiven and justified by God and is in heaven today. It’s not possible to give a definitive answer because, of course, Saul’s salvation rests with God, not with us. We have no certain knowledge of the condition of Saul’s heart. As Scripture says, only God sees the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). The Bible does indicate that a person’s spiritual transformation will be evidenced by his or her “fruit” (Matthew 7:16–20). If a person continually produces “bad fruit,” then it is unlikely that he is a true believer. Arguing against Saul’s salvation is his record of jealousy, hatred, and murder. Saul’s rule as king was characterized by failure and rebellion. He directly disobeyed God (1 Samuel 15:1–35) and broke God’s law by offering a sacrifice that only priests were to offer (1 Samuel 13:1–14). Saul was visited by evil spirits on several occasions (1 Samuel 16:14; 18:10; 19:9). Saul spent much time and energy trying to murder David (1 Samuel 18:10; 19:10; 23:14); he even tried to murder his son Jonathan once (1 Samuel 20:33). Incredibly, King Saul ordered the slaughter of eighty-five innocent priests and their families (1 Samuel 22:18–19). He consulted a witch and asked her to conjure Samuel up from the dead—another direct violation of God’s Law (1 Samuel 28:1–20). Saul ended his life by committing suicide (1 Samuel 31:4). There is the tendency to look at the above facts and say, “Saul didn’t obey the Lord much at all, so that means he wasn’t saved.” But that is not quite fair, for there is more to the story. Saul was God’s choice to lead Israel (1 Samuel 9:15–16). Before Saul was made king, Samuel told him to visit some prophets (1 Samuel 10:5). At that time, Saul was told, “The Spirit of the Lord will come powerfully upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person. . . . God is with you” (verses 6–7). The promise that Saul would be “changed into a different person” sounds very much like the born-again statements in the New Testament (see 2 Corinthians 5:17). This description, plus the statement in verse 9 that “God changed Saul’s heart,” leads some to believe that Saul was saved. Just as Samuel had said, Saul was filled with the Spirit and prophesied with the other prophets (1 Samuel 10:10–13). The question remains how exactly Saul was changed. Was his new heart evidence that the Lord had forgiven his sin and saved him for eternity, or was the Lord simply overcoming Saul’s reluctance to be king (see 1 Samuel 9:21)? The Bible does not say. Those who believe that Saul was not saved point to the litany of abuses, missteps, and outrages that Saul committed, reasoning that no true follower of God could behave in such a way. Those who believe that Saul was saved point to the fact that he was chosen by God and then used by God to prophesy and to defeat the Philistines. Saul made mistakes in his struggle against the flesh, but so do we all (Romans 7:21–23). Saul walked in the flesh for most of his life and therefore disobeyed the Lord. It doesn`t make him unsaved. It just makes him a disobedient believer, some say, and the Lord disciplined His child in the way He saw fit. In 1 Samuel 28:19, the spirit of Samuel tells Saul, “Tomorrow you and your sons will be with me.” These words indicate Saul’s fate. Samuel definitely predicts the king’s death. The question then becomes, do Samuel’s words “with me” refer broadly to Sheol, the place of the dead, or do they refer more specifically to the abode of the righteous? (ED: SEE Luke 16:19-33+) A case could be made either way, but the fact that Saul’s son Jonathan was a righteous man argues for the idea that Saul joined Samuel in the abode of the righteous. Saul’s tragic choice to live according to the flesh caused him much sorrow. Saul started out so well, but his disobedience derailed what could have been a stellar kingship and the beginning of a dynasty. By his sin, King Saul lost everything: his relationship with his son, his leadership role in Israel, the love of his people, and finally his life. Again, it is not our place to judge another person’s salvation. Only God truly knows whether or not Saul was saved. Did Saul begin his career with a humble, God-fearing heart? Yes. Did he commit egregious sins later in life? Yes. The matter of his salvation is between God and Saul. GotQuestions.org 1 Samuel 10:10 When they came to the hill there, behold, a group of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him mightily, so that he prophesied among them. BGT 1 Samuel 10:10 καὶ ἔρχεται ἐκεῖθεν εἰς τὸν βουνόν καὶ ἰδοὺ χορὸς προφητῶν ἐξ ἐναντίας αὐτοῦ καὶ ἥλατο ἐπ᾽ αὐτὸν πνεῦμα θεοῦ καὶ ἐπροφήτευσεν ἐν μέσῳ αὐτῶν KJV 1 Samuel 10:10 And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them. NET 1 Samuel 10:10 When Saul and his servant arrived at Gibeah, a company of prophets was coming out to meet him. Then the spirit of God rushed upon Saul and he prophesied among them. CSB 1 Samuel 10:10 When Saul and his attendant arrived at Gibeah, a group of prophets met him. Then the Spirit of God took control of him, and he prophesied along with them. ESV 1 Samuel 10:10 When they came to Gibeah, behold, a group of prophets met him, and the Spirit of God rushed upon him, and he prophesied among them. NIV 1 Samuel 10:10 When they arrived at Gibeah, a procession of prophets met him; the Spirit of God came upon him in power, and he joined in their prophesying. NLT 1 Samuel 10:10 When Saul and his servant arrived at Gibeah, they saw a group of prophets coming toward them. Then the Spirit of God came powerfully upon Saul, and he, too, began to prophesy. NRS 1 Samuel 10:10 When they were going from there to Gibeah, a band of prophets met him; and the spirit of God possessed him, and he fell into a prophetic frenzy along with them. they came: 1Sa 10:5 19:20-24 1 Samuel 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Numbers 11:17 “Then I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take of the Spirit who is upon you, and will put Him upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, so that you will not bear it all alone. Numbers 11:25)Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to him; and He took of the Spirit who was upon him and placed Him upon the seventy elders. And when the Spirit rested upon them, they prophesied. But they did not do it again. Numbers 11:26 But two men had remained in the camp; the name of one was Eldad and the name of the other Medad. And the Spirit rested upon them (now they were among those who had been registered, but had not gone out to the tent), and they prophesied in the camp. Numbers 11:29 But Moses said to him, “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the LORD’S people were prophets, that the LORD would put His Spirit upon them!” Numbers 24:2 And Balaam lifted up his eyes and saw Israel camping tribe by tribe; and the Spirit of God came upon him. Numbers 27:18 So the LORD said to Moses, “Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him; Judges 3:9-10 When the sons of Israel cried to the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer for the sons of Israel to deliver them, Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother. 10 The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel. When he went out to war, the LORD gave Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand, so that he prevailed over Cushan-rishathaim. Judges 6:34 So the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon; and he blew a trumpet, and the Abiezrites were called together to follow him. Judges 11:29 Now the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, so that he passed through Gilead and Manasseh; then he passed through Mizpah of Gilead, and from Mizpah of Gilead he went on to the sons of Ammon. Judges 13:24-25 Then the woman gave birth to a son and named him Samson; and the child grew up and the LORD blessed him. 25 And the Spirit of the LORD began to stir him in Mahaneh-dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol. Judges 14:6 The Spirit of the LORD came upon him mightily, so that he tore him as one tears a young goat though he had nothing in his hand; but he did not tell his father or mother what he had done. Judges 14:19 Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon him mightily, and he went down to Ashkelon and killed thirty of them and took their spoil and gave the changes of clothes to those who told the riddle. And his anger burned, and he went up to his father’s house. Judges 15:14 When he came to Lehi, the Philistines shouted as they met him. And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him mightily so that the ropes that were on his arms were as flax that is burned with fire, and his bonds dropped from his hands. SPIRIT CAUSES SAUL TO PROPHESY When they came to the hill there, behold, a group of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him mightily (tsalach; Lxx - hallomai - Jn 4:14), so that he prophesied among them - This same verb came upon mightily is used in 1Sa 10:6 and 1Sa 11:6 to empower Saul for his divinely ordained task. Without the Spirit he could not have carried out God's work! Does that sound familiar? It should for Jesus said "apart from Me (and My indwelling Spirit) you can do (absolutely) nothing (of eternal value)" (Jn 15:5). THOUGHT- So in this passage the Spirit enabled speaking which is interesting for Paul commands believers to continually be filled with the Spirit in Eph 5:18+ and the very next word in Greek in Eph 5:19+ is the verb for "speaking!" You can often discern if someone (including yourself) is Spirit filled by what comes out of their (your/my) mouth! ESV Study Bible Note (borrow) on Spirit of God came upon him mightily - This might not be a permanent spiritual renewal or conversion, but Saul is confirmed as the one to deliver Israel (see 1Sa 10:7, “do what your hand finds to do”; cf. 9:16) and is reminded of God’s presence by means of this visible sign (cf. Jdg. 14:6, 19; 15:14). Later the Spirit of the Lord “departed from Saul” (1Sa 16:14; 18:12). 1 Samuel 10:11 It came about, when all who knew him previously saw that he prophesied now with the prophets, that the people said to one another, "What has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?" BGT 1 Samuel 10:11 καὶ ἐγενήθησαν πάντες οἱ εἰδότες αὐτὸν ἐχθὲς καὶ τρίτην καὶ εἶδον καὶ ἰδοὺ αὐτὸς ἐν μέσῳ τῶν προφητῶν καὶ εἶπεν ὁ λαὸς ἕκαστος πρὸς τὸν πλησίον αὐτοῦ τί τοῦτο τὸ γεγονὸς τῷ υἱῷ Κις ἦ καὶ Σαουλ ἐν προφήταις KJV 1 Samuel 10:11 And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets? NET 1 Samuel 10:11 When everyone who had known him previously saw him prophesying with the prophets, the people all asked one another, "What on earth has happened to the son of Kish? Does even Saul belong with the prophets?" CSB 1 Samuel 10:11 Everyone who knew him previously and saw him prophesy with the prophets asked each other, "What has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?" ESV 1 Samuel 10:11 And when all who knew him previously saw how he prophesied with the prophets, the people said to one another, "What has come over the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?" NIV 1 Samuel 10:11 When all those who had formerly known him saw him prophesying with the prophets, they asked each other, "What is this that has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?" NLT 1 Samuel 10:11 When those who knew Saul heard about it, they exclaimed, "What? Is even Saul a prophet? How did the son of Kish become a prophet?" NRS 1 Samuel 10:11 When all who knew him before saw how he prophesied with the prophets, the people said to one another, "What has come over the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?" when all: Joh 9:8,9 Ac 3:10 What: Mt 13:54,55 Ac 2:7,8 4:13 9:21 Is Saul: 1Sa 19:24 Joh 7:15 1 Samuel 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SAUL SURPRISES BY PROPHESYING It came about, when all who knew him previously saw that he prophesied now with the prophets, that the people said to one another (Heb. a man to his neighbour), "What has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?" - Two good questions! What had happened is God had chosen him to be king, Samuel had anointed him king and the Spirit came upon him confirming he was king. The prophecy was simply evidence of the changes that had been granted by God to Saul. So yes he was a king among the prophets at least for a short time. J
1 Samuel 10
Barber - Mizpah had been the site of the national convocation twenty-five years earlier when Israel had renewed their covenant with the Lord. The same site was to be the place where God would lead in the choice of Israel’s first king. Mizpah was a city about seven and a half miles north of Jerusalem which had been allotted to Benjamin, Josh. 18:26 where the Israelites assembled in Jdg. 20:1-3 and decreed the penalty to be visited upon the Benjamites for their maltreatment of the Levite's concubine (Jdg. 20:10). In 1Sa 7:5 Samuel said, “Gather all Israel to Mizpah and I will pray to the LORD for you.” So it was a city where national confession and repentance took place and brought in a period of spiritual awakening and of revived national life.. Finally here in 1Sa 10, it is the place where Saul will be crowned king (1Sa 10:17-25). Easton adds Mizpah is "A city of Benjamin, "the watch-tower", where the people were accustomed to meet in great national emergencies (Josh. 18:26; Judg. 20:1, 3; 21:1, 5; 1 Sam. 7:5-16). It has been supposed to be the same as Nob (1 Sam. 21:1; 22:9-19). It was some 4 miles north-west of Jerusalem, and was situated on the loftiest hill in the neighbourhood, some 600 feet above the plain of Gibeon." 1 Samuel 10:18 and he said to the sons of Israel, "Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, 'I brought Israel up from Egypt, and I delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the power of all the kingdoms that were oppressing you.' BGT 1 Samuel 10:18 καὶ εἶπεν πρὸς υἱοὺς Ισραηλ τάδε εἶπεν κύριος ὁ θεὸς Ισραηλ λέγων ἐγὼ ἀνήγαγον τοὺς υἱοὺς Ισραηλ ἐξ Αἰγύπτου καὶ ἐξειλάμην ὑμᾶς ἐκ χειρὸς Φαραω βασιλέως Αἰγύπτου καὶ ἐκ πασῶν τῶν βασιλειῶν τῶν θλιβουσῶν ὑμᾶς KJV 1 Samuel 10:18 And said unto the children of Israel, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and of them that oppressed you: NET 1 Samuel 10:18 He said to the Israelites, "This is what the LORD God of Israel says, 'I brought Israel up from Egypt and I delivered you from the power of the Egyptians and from the power of all the kingdoms that oppressed you. CSB 1 Samuel 10:18 and said to the Israelites, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'I brought Israel out of Egypt, and I rescued you from the power of the Egyptians and all the kingdoms that were oppressing you.' ESV 1 Samuel 10:18 And he said to the people of Israel, "Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, 'I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and I delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of all the kingdoms that were oppressing you.' NIV 1 Samuel 10:18 and said to them, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'I brought Israel up out of Egypt, and I delivered you from the power of Egypt and all the kingdoms that oppressed you.' NLT 1 Samuel 10:18 And he said, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, has declared: I brought you from Egypt and rescued you from the Egyptians and from all of the nations that were oppressing you. NRS 1 Samuel 10:18 and said to them, "Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, 'I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and I rescued you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of all the kingdoms that were oppressing you.' Thus says: Jdg 2:1 6:8,9 Ne 9:9-12,27,28 1 Samuel 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SAMUEL BEGINS WITH A HISTORY LESSON and he said to the sons of Israel, "Thus says the LORD (THUS HE IS SPEAKING AS GOD'S MOUTHPIECE), the God of Israel, 'I brought Israel up from Egypt, and I delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the power of all the kingdoms that were oppressing you.' - Samuel functioning as a prophet first reminds Israel it was God Who delivered them from all their enemies, from the time of deliverance in Egypt and thereafter throughout the 300 year period of judges. So even though the judges were often referred to as deliverers Yahweh (through Samuel) reminds them it was He Who saved them. Samuel will follow this reminder with severe condemnation. 1 Samuel 10:19 "But you have today rejected your God, who delivers you from all your calamities and your distresses; yet you have said, 'No, but set a king over us!' Now therefore, present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes and by your clans." BGT 1 Samuel 10:19 καὶ ὑμεῖς σήμερον ἐξουθενήκατε τὸν θεόν ὃς αὐτός ἐστιν ὑμῶν σωτὴρ ἐκ πάντων τῶν κακῶν ὑμῶν καὶ θλίψεων ὑμῶν καὶ εἴπατε οὐχί ἀλλ᾽ ἢ ὅτι βασιλέα στήσεις ἐφ᾽ ἡμῶν καὶ νῦν κατάστητε ἐνώπιον κυρίου κατὰ τὰ σκῆπτρα ὑμῶν καὶ κατὰ τὰς φυλὰς ὑμῶν KJV 1 Samuel 10:19 And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes, and by your thousands. NET 1 Samuel 10:19 But today you have rejected your God who saves you from all your trouble and distress. You have said, "No! Appoint a king over us." Now take your positions before the LORD by your tribes and by your clans.'" CSB 1 Samuel 10:19 But today you have rejected your God, who saves you from all your troubles and afflictions. You said to Him, 'You must set a king over us.' Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes and clans." ESV 1 Samuel 10:19 But today you have rejected your God, who saves you from all your calamities and your distresses, and you have said to him, 'Set a king over us.' Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes and by your thousands." NIV 1 Samuel 10:19 But you have now rejected your God, who saves you out of all your calamities and distresses. And you have said, 'No, set a king over us.' So now present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes and clans." NLT 1 Samuel 10:19 But though I have rescued you from your misery and distress, you have rejected your God today and have said, 'No, we want a king instead!' Now, therefore, present yourselves before the LORD by tribes and clans." NRS 1 Samuel 10:19 But today you have rejected your God, who saves you from all your calamities and your distresses; and you have said, 'No! but set a king over us.' Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes and by your clans." And you have: 1Sa 8:7-9,19 12:12,17-19 by your tribes: Nu 17:2 Jos 7:14-26 Mic 5:2 1 Samuel 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries REMINDER OF REDEMPTION BY GOD THEY REJECTED But - Strong term of contrast. In spite of what God had done for Israel, instead of prompting greater love and adoration, Israel had an opposite response. You have today rejected your God, Who delivers (yasha') you from all your calamities and your distresses - Samuel again reminds Israel that they had rejected the very One Who had rescued them and not just from "some" but from ALL their calamities and your distresses. This is a direct rebellion against the first commandment in Exodus 20:1-3+ Then God spoke all these words, saying, 2 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 3 “You shall have no other gods before Me. Yet you have said, 'No, but set a king over us!' - Yet introduces a contrast, in this case their stubborn refusal to accept God as their true King. This was sin against the LORD and yet the LORD hears their rejection and gives them their request. Now therefore, present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes and by your clans." - NET - Now take your positions before the LORD by your tribes and by your clans.'" Note not before Samuel but before the LORD, because Samuel wanted Israel to understand it was the LORD Who was in control of the selection of Saul. Delivers (saves, help) (03467) yasha' (See also yeshua from which we get our word "Jesus") is an important Hebrew verb which means to help, to save, to deliver. The root in Arabic is "make wide" which underscores the main thought of yasha' as to bring to a place of safety or broad pasture in contrast to a narrow strait which symbolizes distress or danger. Yasha' connotes protection that produces freedom from a present danger (2Sa 22:3, Job 5:4), salvation or deliverance in a religious sense (Ps 51:12), a title of God (Savior - 2Sa 22:47; 1Chr 16:35; Ps 18:46; Ps 24:5; Ps 25:5; Ps 27:9; Ps 65:5; Ps 79:9; Ps 85:4; Isa 17:10; 62:11; Mic 7:7 Hab 3:18), victory as an act or a result of conquering (2Sa 22:36; Ps 18:35) It is notable that almost 20% of the uses of yasha' are found during the dark days of Judges (dominated by the heart attitude of Jdg 21:25), which surely speaks of the undeserved lovingkindness of God! Uses in this section of 1 Samuel - 1 Sam. 9:16; 1 Sam. 10:19; 1 Sam. 10:27; 1 Sam. 11:3; 1 Samuel 10:20 Thus Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, and the tribe of Benjamin was taken by lot. BGT 1 Samuel 10:20 καὶ προσήγαγεν Σαμουηλ πάντα τὰ σκῆπτρα Ισραηλ καὶ κατακληροῦται σκῆπτρον Βενιαμιν KJV 1 Samuel 10:20 And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken. NET 1 Samuel 10:20 Then Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, and the tribe of Benjamin was chosen by lot. CSB 1 Samuel 10:20 Samuel had all the tribes of Israel come forward, and the tribe of Benjamin was selected. ESV 1 Samuel 10:20 Then Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, and the tribe of Benjamin was taken by lot. NIV 1 Samuel 10:20 When Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, the tribe of Benjamin was chosen. NLT 1 Samuel 10:20 So Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel before the LORD, and the tribe of Benjamin was chosen by lot. NRS 1 Samuel 10:20 Then Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, and the tribe of Benjamin was taken by lot. brought: 1Sa 14:41 Jos 7:16-18 Ac 1:24-26 1 Samuel 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries TRIBE OF BENJAMIN CHOSEN Thus Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, and the tribe of Benjamin was taken by lot - Proverbs 16:33 is a good commentary on this passage for "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD." This process was deliberately chosen to show all Israel that the tribe of Benjamin was chosen by God. God was in charge of the selection of Israel's first human king. LOT [SMITH] (literally a pebble). The custom of deciding doubtful questions by lot is one of great extent and high antiquity. Among the Jews lots were used with the expectation that God would so control them as to give a right direction to them. They were very often used by God?s appointment. "As to the mode of casting lots, we have no certain information. Probably several modes were practiced." Lot [EBD] (Heb. goral, a "pebble"), a small stone used in casting lots (Num. 33:54; Jonah 1:7). The lot was always resorted to by the Hebrews with strictest reference to the interposition of God, and as a method of ascertaining the divine will (Prov. 16:33), and in serious cases of doubt (Esther 3:7). Thus the lot was used at the division of the land of Canaan among the several tribes (Num. 26:55; 34:13), at the detection of Achan (Josh. 7:14, 18), the election of Saul to be king (1 Sam. 10:20, 21), the distribution of the priestly offices of the temple service (1 Chr. 24:3, 5, 19; Luke 1:9), and over the two goats at the feast of Atonement (Lev. 16:8). Matthias, who was "numbered with the eleven" (Acts 1:24-26), was chosen by lot. Norman Geisler - 1 SAMUEL 10:1—Was Saul chosen by God, by the people, or by casting a lot? - When Critics Ask - scroll to page 144 PROBLEM: The Bible says Saul was chosen by the people (1 Sam. 8:19), by the Lord (1 Sam. 9:17; 10:24), and by casting a lot (1 Sam. 10:20–21). Which was it? SOLUTION: All three are true. Since the people demanded of God a king, He granted their request and guided their choice of Saul by means of casting a lot. Proverbs 16:33 declares that “the lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord” (cf. Acts 1:26). 1 Samuel 10:21 Then he brought the tribe of Benjamin near by its families, and the Matrite family was taken. And Saul the son of Kish was taken; but when they looked for him, he could not be found. BGT 1 Samuel 10:21 καὶ προσάγει σκῆπτρον Βενιαμιν εἰς φυλάς καὶ κατακληροῦται φυλὴ Ματταρι καὶ προσάγουσιν τὴν φυλὴν Ματταρι εἰς ἄνδρας καὶ κατακληροῦται Σαουλ υἱὸς Κις καὶ ἐζήτει αὐτόν καὶ οὐχ εὑρίσκετο KJV 1 Samuel 10:21 When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was taken, and Saul the son of Kish was taken: and when they sought him, he could not be found. NET 1 Samuel 10:21 Then he brought the tribe of Benjamin near by its families, and the family of Matri was chosen by lot. At last Saul son of Kish was chosen by lot. But when they looked for him, he was nowhere to be found. CSB 1 Samuel 10:21 Then he had the tribe of Benjamin come forward by its clans, and the Matrite clan was selected. Finally, Saul son of Kish was selected. But when they searched for him, they could not find him. ESV 1 Samuel 10:21 He brought the tribe of Benjamin near by its clans, and the clan of the Matrites was taken by lot; and Saul the son of Kish was taken by lot. But when they sought him, he could not be found. NIV 1 Samuel 10:21 Then he brought forward the tribe of Benjamin, clan by clan, and Matri's clan was chosen. Finally Saul son of Kish was chosen. But when they looked for him, he was not to be found. NLT 1 Samuel 10:21 Then he brought each family of the tribe of Benjamin before the LORD, and the family of the Matrites was chosen. And finally Saul son of Kish was chosen from among them. But when they looked for him, he had disappeared! NRS 1 Samuel 10:21 He brought the tribe of Benjamin near by its families, and the family of the Matrites was taken by lot. Finally he brought the family of the Matrites near man by man, and Saul the son of Kish was taken by lot. But when they sought him, he could not be found. 1Sa 14:40-42, Lv 16:8-10; Jos 7:15-18 1 Samuel 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE LOT FALLS ON SAUL Then he brought the tribe of Benjamin near by its families, and the Matrite family was taken. And Saul the son of Kish was taken - The lot moves closer to selecting Saul. Alternatively one of the priests may have used the Urim and Thummim to determine the Lord's will (Ex. 28:30), but there is no mention anywhere in this section of priest being present. Recall that God had used a similar methodology in exposing Achan (Josh 7:14-18). The lot would be used later to identify Saul's own son Jonathan for breaking his command to eat no food until the enemy was defeated (1Sa 14:38-42). But when they looked for him, he could not be found - The question is how could Saul be taken if he was absent? Presumably they had names on the lots. Cyril Barber - Commentators have taken sides, either praising Saul for his self-abnegation or condemning him for his cowardice. They ignore the fact that other great men have done essentially the same. Athanasius of Alexandria, for example, deliberately avoided meeting with the other clergy when a bishop was to be selected, lest their choice fall on him. When Dr. V. Raymond Edman knew that God wanted him to teach at Wheaton College, Illinois, he purposely did not attend a meeting in New York City where Dr. J. Oliver Buswell, then president of the college, was scheduled to speak; Dr. Edman was concerned that someone might introduce him to Dr. Buswell, who as a result of the encounter might extend an invitation to join the faculty. Dr. Edman wanted to be sure the invitation came at the prompting of the Lord. A short time later a letter came asking him to accept a position in the political science department. The same spirit animated Saul. 1 Samuel 10:22 Therefore they inquired further of the LORD, "Has the man come here yet?" So the LORD said, "Behold, he is hiding himself by the baggage." BGT 1 Samuel 10:22 καὶ ἐπηρώτησεν Σαμουηλ ἔτι ἐν κυρίῳ εἰ ἔρχεται ὁ ἀνὴρ ἐνταῦθα καὶ εἶπεν κύριος ἰδοὺ αὐτὸς κέκρυπται ἐν τοῖς σκεύεσιν KJV 1 Samuel 10:22 Therefore they enquired of the LORD further, if the man should yet come thither. And the LORD answered, Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff. NET 1 Samuel 10:22 So they inquired again of the LORD, "Has the man arrived here yet?" The LORD said, "He has hidden himself among the equipment." CSB 1 Samuel 10:22 They again inquired of the LORD, "Has the man come here yet?" The LORD replied, "There he is, hidden among the supplies." ESV 1 Samuel 10:22 So they inquired again of the LORD, "Is there a man still to come?" and the LORD said, "Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage." NIV 1 Samuel 10:22 So they inquired further of the LORD, "Has the man come here yet?" And the LORD said, "Yes, he has hidden himself among the baggage." NLT 1 Samuel 10:22 So they asked the LORD, "Where is he?" And the LORD replied, "He is hiding among the baggage." NRS 1 Samuel 10:22 So they inquired again of the LORD, "Did the man come here?" and the LORD said, "See, he has hidden himself among the baggage." inquired: 1Sa 23:2-4,11,12 Nu 27:21 Jdg 1:1 20:18,23,28 he is hiding himself: 1Sa 9:21 15:17 Lu 14:11 1 Samuel 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SAMUEL INQUIRES OF YAHWEH Therefore they inquired further of the LORD, "Has the man come here yet?" - How did they inquire further of the LORD? Cyril Barber suggests "Unable to find their new king, the people apparently appealed to the high priest. He consulted the urim and thummim and Saul’s hiding place was revealed." So the LORD said, "Behold, he is hiding himself by the baggage - Self-effacing Saul in a suitcase! Or was it fearful Saul in hiding? Yahweh answers Samuel. How? Was it by a voice or an impression? The text does not tell us. There is a touch of irony here for when we first saw Saul, he was being sent to look for missing donkeys, but now it is Saul who is missing and the people go looking for him! Robert Bergen - Saul’s actions, however odd, were consistent with the portrayal of Saul to this point; previously the king-designate had shut out both his servant (1Sa 9:27) and his uncle (1Sa 10:16) from any knowledge of his destiny. Saul’s vacancy at his own coronation suitably foreshadows a reign that would vacate responsibilities associated with the exercise of godly rule and perhaps suggests the lack of wisdom of those who preferred such a king to Yahweh. At the same time, divine assistance in the search for Saul reinforced the conclusion that Saul was indeed the Lord’s answer to Israel’s demand for a king “like the other nations.” (Borrow 1 & 2 Samuel - New American Commentary) Brian Bell - Ask yourself: Am I hiding among the baggage? When it came time for being used by God, Saul was nowhere to be found. Even after God had equipped him, he was hiding out, ignoring one of the primary missions God had given him. Even after God had equipped us, many of us are hiding out, ignoring one of the primary missions God had given us. What baggage are you hiding behind? Often we hide among the baggage because of our baggage! Maybe the baggage of failing to trust God; the baggage of the fear of man; the baggage of self-negativism; the baggage of religiosity; the baggage of unforgiveness; the baggage of unconfessed sin; the baggage of complacency; the baggage of self-absorption. Maybe its just hiding in busyness! (that’s an easy place to hide in our culture) We have accumulated much baggage over the years! Let us get out from amongst the baggage. Let us give our baggage to the Lord. Let us be freed from the burden of carrying them. Are you hiding among the baggage to hide from God’s calling in your life? Are you still asking, “has God called me to do this?” “Am I qualified?” Any nudging of the Holy Spirit that you’ve been resisting, ignoring, or hiding from? 1 Samuel 10:23 So they ran and took him from there, and when he stood among the people, he was taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward. BGT 1 Samuel 10:23 καὶ ἔδραμεν καὶ λαμβάνει αὐτὸν ἐκεῖθεν καὶ κατέστησεν ἐν μέσῳ τοῦ λαοῦ καὶ ὑψώθη ὑπὲρ πάντα τὸν λαὸν ὑπὲρ ὠμίαν καὶ ἐπάνω KJV 1 Samuel 10:23 And they ran and fetched him thence: and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward. NET 1 Samuel 10:23 So they ran and brought him from there. When he took his position among the people, he stood head and shoulders above them all. CSB 1 Samuel 10:23 They ran and got him from there. When he stood among the people, he stood a head taller than anyone else. ESV 1 Samuel 10:23 Then they ran and took him from there. And when he stood among the people, he was taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward. NIV 1 Samuel 10:23 They ran and brought him out, and as he stood among the people he was a head taller than any of the others. NLT 1 Samuel 10:23 So they found him and brought him out, and he stood head and shoulders above anyone else. NRS 1 Samuel 10:23 Then they ran and brought him from there. When he took his stand among the people, he was head and shoulders taller than any of them. he was taller: 1Sa 9:2 16:7 17:4 1 Samuel 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE TALL KING IN THE SUITCASE So they ran and took him from there, and when he stood among the people, he was taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward - There is surely something almost comical about the tallest man in the land hiding in a suitcase! Saul begins his reign not on a throne but in a suitcase! Why was he in a suitcase? I think it was fear, not humility or modesty.
1 Samuel 10
Barber summarizes the events - Looking back we observe God’s hand in the events that took place. The probability of so complex a set of circumstances occurring by chance and without God’s sovereign control, is impossible to calculate. Consider the intermeshing of events: When Kish’s donkeys happened to go astray, it was Saul and not one of his brothers who was sent to look for them. After three days of fruitlessly searching each canyon and ravine throughout the hill country, Saul and the servant came without premeditation to the place where Samuel lived. A day earlier they would have missed him. On approaching the city, Saul and his servant unexpectedly met some young women who had just seen Samuel as they were going to draw water for the needs of their respective households. The exchange of greetings with Samuel had made the women aware of the fact that he was even then on his way to the high place to offer a sacrifice. On entering the city, Saul and his servant happened to meet Samuel. Without their telling him of their errand, he set their minds at ease by assuring them that the donkeys had been found. Samuel also invited them to dine with him, and they received incidental confirmation of the prophet’s prior knowledge of their coming from the cook. The next day Samuel gave Saul three signs that would take place in specified places and involve different people (1 Samuel 10:2–5). The Spirit of the Lord came upon Saul exactly as Samuel had predicted (10:6, 10). Confirmation of Saul’s selection as king over Israel was conducted in an official manner, proving beyond question God’s involvement in the proceedings and His choice of Israel’s new king (10:20–21). Source of Our Confidence Observing God’s hand in all these events is very comforting to us. We see from the experience of Saul how patiently and yet persistently the Lord works behind the scenes to accomplish His purpose in our lives. No incident is insignificant or unimportant. Our most stressful experiences are all a part of His sovereign plan. But lest we allow ourselves to be swayed by an apparent happenstance (Jonah 1:3), let us remember how manifold were God’s confirmatory signs to the man of His choosing and how abundant were the proofs of His will. The truth of God’s sovereignty reinforces itself on our minds as we meditate on God’s Word and consider how vitally involved He was in the experiences of His people throughout Biblical history. This truth encourages us in times of great blessing when it is easy to rejoice in the Lord and praise Him, and also in times of great depression when we are on the verge of despair and believe ourselves to be forsaken by Him. Then we can remember that as the Lord led Saul even though he was unaware of it, so He has under His control all of the circumstances of our lives. In the final analysis He will accomplish His purposes in and through us (Philippians 1:6). In light of the teaching of 1 Samuel 9–10, therefore, we can act with confidence and “do as the occasion requires,” for God is with us (10:7). The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is given to all believers. There is no partiality with God. He orchestrates the events of our lives even though we may not be aware of His involvement behind the scenes. With such assurance of the Lord’s presence, humility is the only appropriate response. In this respect Saul at this stage of his life serves as a good example. He did not think of himself more highly than was fitting, but instead internalized what was happening in his life and sought to understand the significance of the events that had taken him by surprise. Even those who opposed, ridiculed, and insulted him did not cause him to act unwisely. Rather, he was possessed of the quiet peaceable spirit that seeks for reconciliation instead of retribution.