10:1 Then Samuel took a vial of a oil, and poured [it] upon
his head, and kissed him, and said, [Is it] not because the
LORD hath anointed thee [to be] captain over his
inheritance?
(a) In the Law this anointing signified the gifts of the
Holy Spirit, which were necessary for those who would
rule.
10:2 When thou art departed from me to day, then thou shalt find
two men by Rachel's sepulchre in the border of Benjamin at
Zelzah; and they will say unto thee, The b asses which
thou wentest to seek are found: and, lo, thy father hath
left the care of the asses, and sorroweth for you, saying,
What shall I do for my son?
(b) Samuel confirms him by these signs, that God has
appointed him king.
10:5 After that thou shalt come to the c hill of God, where
[is] the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to
pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou
shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high
place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a
harp, before them; and they shall prophesy:
(c) Which was a high place in the city Kirjath-jearim,
where the ark was, (1Sa 7:2).
10:9 And it was [so], that when he had turned his back to go
from Samuel, God gave him another d heart: and all those
signs came to pass that day.
(d) He gave him such virtues as were fitting for a king.
10:12 And one of the same place answered and said, But who [is]
their e father? Therefore it became a proverb, [Is]
Saul also among the f prophets?
(e) Meaning, that prophecy comes not by succession, but is
given to whom it pleases God.
(f) Noting by it him that from low degree comes suddenly
to honour.
10:17 And Samuel g called the people together unto the LORD to
Mizpeh;
(g) Both to declare to them their fault in asking a king,
and also to show God's sentence in it.
10:20 And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to
come near, the tribe of Benjamin was h taken.
(h) That is, by casting of lot.
10:22 Therefore they enquired of the LORD further, if the man
should yet come thither. And the LORD answered, Behold, he
i hath hid himself among the stuff.
(i) As though he were unworthy and unwilling.
10:25 Then Samuel told the people k the manner of the kingdom,
and wrote [it] in a book, and laid [it] up before the
LORD. And Samuel sent all the people away, every man to
his house.
