MPV Commentary

Three Signs.

Samuel took a vial of oil and anointed Saul as king, following the ancient Hebrew custom of investiture with the royal office (Jud 9:8). However, there were two types of anointings: a private one by a prophet (1Sa 16:13), which was meant to indicate the person's future status, and a public inauguration performed by the high priest. The first king of a dynasty was typically anointed, but not his heirs unless their succession was disputed.

Samuel kissed Saul as a sign of respectful homage and congratulation on his new role (Ps 2:12).

When you leave me today, Samuel said to Saul, I want you to remember three specific signs that will confirm my prophetic message. The first sign is Rachel's tomb near Bethlehem (Ge 35:16). The second is Zelzah, a town in the neighborhood of Beth-lehem.

The third sign involves three men going up to Beth-el to offer sacrifices at a time when the ark and tabernacle were not in a settled location. They brought kids for sacrifice, loaves for offerings, and wine for libations.

Saul was then directed to go to the hill of God, probably Geba (1Sa 13:3), where a school of prophets had been established. The company of prophets there were likely students at this seminary, which taught law, psalmody, and instrumental music.

The Spirit of the Lord will rush upon you, endowing you with a capacity to act in a manner superior to your previous character and habits (1Sa 10:6). You will display energy, wisdom, and magnanimity worthy of a prince instead of the simplicity, ignorance, and sheepishness of a peasant.

Saul was instructed to go down before Samuel to Gilgal, where he would remain for seven days to allow time for the tribes on both sides of Jordan to assemble (2Sa 2:4; 5:3).

When Saul turned his back to leave Samuel, God gave him another heart. Influenced by Samuel's words and the fulfillment of these signs, Saul overcame his reluctance to take on the role of king.

The spectacle of a man without any previous instruction or taste entering with ardor into the spirit and skilfully accompanying the melodies of the sacred band was extraordinary (1Sa 19:24). The prophetic spirit had come upon him, giving him personal evidence of the truth of God's word spoken to him.

But who is their father? Samuel asked, referring to Saul as a man without known ancestry.

Samuel called the people together at Mizpeh, a hill near Hebron where national assemblies were held. After charging them with rejecting God's institution and choosing one of their own, he proceeded to nominate Saul as king. The appointment was made by the miraculous lot, with tribes, families, and individuals being passed until Saul was found.

Saul's concealment must have been due to innate modesty or nervous excitement under the circumstances. When dragged into view, he was seen to possess physical advantages that a rude people desired in their sovereigns. Samuel explained "the manner of the kingdom," including its rights and privileges, as well as limitations.

The charter of this constitutional monarchy was recorded and laid up before the Lord, deposited with the priests along with the nation's most sacred archives.

Saul returned to his place of residence, Gibeah, near Geba (Jud 20:20). A band of men whose hearts God had touched went with him, fearing God and regarding allegiance to their king as a conscientious duty. They opposed "the children of Belial."

The children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, withholding the customary presents that upheld the honor of the sovereign and the splendor of the royal household. Saul bore the insult with prudence and magnanimity, which would be useful in the beginning of his government.