Samuel privately anoints Saul with oil, declaring him prince over the LORD's inheritance, and gives signs: he will meet men near Rachel's tomb, receive bread at the oak of Tabor, and encounter prophets at Gibeah where the Spirit of the LORD will rush upon him and turn him into another man. All signs occur; Saul prophesies among the prophets, giving rise to the saying, 'Is Saul also among the prophets?' At Mizpah, Samuel presents Saul by lot—tribe of Benjamin, clan of the Matrites, Saul son of Kish—but he is hiding among the baggage. Brought forward, Saul stands head and shoulders above all; the people shout 'Long live the king!' though some worthless fellows despise him.
Read 1 Samuel Chapter 10 Summary
Original
Characters in This Chapter
Samuel
Last judge and prophet who anointed both Saul and David as kings
Saul
First king of Israel, whose disobedience led to his rejection by God
David
Shepherd boy anointed as future king, man after God's own heart
Jonathan
Saul's son who became David's closest friend despite the rivalry
Hannah
Samuel's mother who prayed for a son and dedicated him to God
Places in This Chapter
Position in Book
Samuel's MinistryChapters 1-7
Saul's ReignChapters 8-15
Israel demands a king, Saul's anointing and early victories, his disobedience and rejection by God.
David's RiseChapters 16-31