Imagine being told privately that you have been chosen for something enormous — the promotion, the scholarship, the role everyone else wanted — but told to keep quiet until it is announced. You go home, your family asks what happened, and you talk about everything except the one thing that matters. Saul does just that. His uncle asks what Samuel said, and Saul answers only that the donkeys were found. Days later, when the whole nation gathers and the lot falls on him, he cannot be found. He is hiding among the luggage.
Where it sits in the story: Israel's first king is made in two stages: a private anointing that shows God's choice, and a public selection that shows the people's recognition. Anointing with oil — the root of the word 'Messiah' — becomes the sign of God's chosen king through the rest of the Old Testament, and ultimately the title of Jesus. Yet the chapter also plants doubts: Saul's reluctance, and some who ask, 'How can this man save us?'
What this chapter is doing: To establish Saul as king both by God's choice and by public recognition, with signs and the Spirit confirming his call, while hinting at the uncertainty around him.
- 10:1–8 — Samuel anoints Saul with oil and kisses him. He gives three signs: men at Rachel's tomb will say the donkeys are found; three men at the oak of Tabor will give him bread; at Gibeah of God he will meet prophets, the Spirit will come on him, and he will be changed. He must wait seven days for Samuel at Gilgal.
- 10:9–16 — God gives Saul another heart and all the signs happen. He prophesies with the prophets, and people ask, 'Is Saul also among the prophets?' — which becomes a proverb. At home he tells his uncle about the donkeys but not the kingdom.
- 10:17–24 — Samuel gathers Israel at Mizpah and reminds them they have rejected the God who saved them. Lots are cast by tribe, clan and family, and fall on Saul, who is found hiding among the baggage. Standing head and shoulders above everyone, he is acclaimed: 'Long live the king!'
- 10:25–27 — Samuel explains the rights and duties of kingship, writes them in a book, and lays it before the LORD. Saul goes home to Gibeah with some brave men, but some troublemakers despise him and bring no gift; Saul keeps silent.
Key verse: 1 Samuel 10:1 · So what: Being chosen does not remove fear. Saul hides; many of us would too. The chapter shows God equipping a reluctant man and also a written charter limiting the king — an early sign that even a leader chosen by God stands under God's law. That is still a useful measure for anyone given power.