So again they inquired of the LORD, "Has the man come here yet?" And the LORD replied, "Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage." So they inquired further of the LORDThis phrase indicates a deep reliance on divine guidance, a common practice in ancient Israel. The Hebrew root for "inquired" is "שָׁאַל" (sha'al), which means to ask or consult. This reflects the Israelites' dependence on God for leadership decisions, emphasizing the theocratic nature of their society. In a conservative Christian perspective, this underscores the importance of seeking God's will in all matters, trusting in His omniscience and sovereignty. Has the man come here yet? The "man" referred to is Saul, who was chosen by God to be the first king of Israel. This question highlights the anticipation and uncertainty among the people regarding their new leader. Historically, this moment marks a significant transition from the period of judges to a monarchy, illustrating the Israelites' desire for a human king to lead them, despite God's warnings through Samuel. And the LORD replied The direct communication from the LORD signifies His active involvement in the affairs of Israel. The Hebrew term for "replied" is "עָנָה" (anah), meaning to answer or respond. This interaction demonstrates God's willingness to guide His people, reinforcing the belief in His personal relationship with them. For conservative Christians, this serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and readiness to provide direction when sought earnestly. He has hidden himself among the supplies Saul's hiding reflects his initial humility and reluctance to assume the role of king. The Hebrew word for "hidden" is "חָבָא" (chaba), which conveys concealment or withdrawal. This act of hiding among the "supplies" or "baggage" (Hebrew: "כְּלִי" - keli) can be seen as symbolic of Saul's insecurity and the weight of responsibility he was about to bear. Archaeologically, the mention of supplies or baggage suggests a gathering place for the community's possessions, indicating a large assembly. From a conservative viewpoint, Saul's initial humility is seen as a positive trait, though it foreshadows his later struggles with pride and disobedience. This serves as a lesson on the importance of humility and reliance on God's strength rather than one's own. Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe first king of Israel, chosen by God but initially reluctant to step into his role, as evidenced by his hiding. 2. SamuelThe prophet who anointed Saul as king and served as a spiritual leader for Israel. 3. The LORDGod, who communicates with the Israelites and guides them in choosing their king. 4. The IsraelitesThe people of Israel who demanded a king to lead them like other nations. 5. The BaggageThe place where Saul hid, symbolizing his initial fear and reluctance to accept his calling. Teaching Points Reluctance in LeadershipSaul's hiding reflects a common human tendency to shy away from responsibilities and callings. We must trust in God's plan and step forward in faith. God's OmniscienceThe LORD's response to the inquiry shows His all-knowing nature. We cannot hide from God, and He sees our potential even when we doubt ourselves. Divine AppointmentDespite Saul's initial reluctance, God had chosen him for a purpose. This teaches us that God's plans are sovereign, and He equips those He calls. Human Weakness and Divine StrengthSaul's fear highlights human weakness, but it also sets the stage for God to demonstrate His strength through our inadequacies. Community SupportThe Israelites' inquiry and Samuel's guidance show the importance of community in discerning and supporting God's will for individuals. Bible Study Questions 1. What does Saul's hiding among the baggage reveal about his character and his view of God's calling? 2. How can we relate Saul's reluctance to our own experiences of fear or hesitation in accepting God's call in our lives? 3. In what ways does God's response to the Israelites' inquiry demonstrate His omniscience and care for His people? 4. How can the account of Saul's anointing and initial reluctance encourage us when we feel inadequate for the tasks God sets before us? 5. What role does community play in helping us discern and fulfill God's calling, as seen in the interaction between Samuel, Saul, and the Israelites? Connections to Other Scriptures Judges 6Gideon's reluctance and hiding when called by God parallels Saul's initial hesitation. Exodus 3-4Moses' hesitance and excuses when called by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. 1 Samuel 9The chapter where Saul is first introduced and anointed by Samuel, providing context for his reluctance. 1 Samuel 15Saul's later disobedience, showing a pattern of insecurity and failure to fully trust in God's plan. Psalm 139Highlights God's omniscience and presence, reminding us that we cannot hide from God. People Benjamin, Egyptians, Kish, Matri, Matrites, Rachel, Samuel, SaulPlaces Bethel, Egypt, Gibeah, Gibeath-elohim, Gilgal, Mizpah, Tabor, Zelzah, ZuphTopics Baggage, Behold, Further, Goods, Hid, Hidden, Hiding, Hither, Inquired, Keeping, Present, Question, Stuff, Thither, Vessels, View, Yes, YetDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 10:17-25 5366 king 7236 Israel, united kingdom 1 Samuel 10:20-22 8648 enquiring of God 1 Samuel 10:20-24 6641 election, responsibilities 8129 guidance, examples Library The King after Man's Heart 'And Samuel called the people together unto the Lord to Mizpeh; 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; 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 … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScripturePlace of Jesus in the History of the World. The great event of the History of the world is the revolution by which the noblest portions of humanity have passed from the ancient religions, comprised under the vague name of Paganism, to a religion founded on the Divine Unity, the Trinity, and the Incarnation of the Son of God. It has taken nearly a thousand years to accomplish this conversion. The new religion had itself taken at least three hundred years in its formation. But the origin of the revolution in question with which we have to do … Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus And V the Kingdom Undivided and the Kingdom Divided THE HISTORICAL BOOKS: I and II Samuel. I and II Kings. I and II Chronicles. NOTE.--As these three pairs of books are so closely related in their historical contents, it is deemed best to study them together, though they overlap the two divisions of IV and V. I. CHARTS Chart A. General Contents +--+ " I AND II SAMUEL " +-------------+-----+------+ "Samuel "Saul "David " +-------------+-----+------+----------+ " " " " I AND II KINGS "NOTE.--Biblical … Frank Nelson Palmer—A Bird's-Eye View of the Bible The Earliest Chapters in Divine Revelation [Sidenote: The nature of inspiration] Since the days of the Greek philosophers the subject of inspiration and revelation has been fertile theme for discussion and dispute among scholars and theologians. Many different theories have been advanced, and ultimately abandoned as untenable. In its simplest meaning and use, inspiration describes the personal influence of one individual upon the mind and spirit of another. Thus we often say, "That man inspired me." What we are or do under the influence … Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament The Trial of Saul. "And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering."--1 Samuel xiii. 9. We are all on our trial. Every one who lives is on his trial, whether he will serve God or not. And we read in Scripture of many instances of the trials upon which Almighty God puts us His creatures. In the beginning, Adam, when he was first created, was put upon his trial. He was placed in a beautiful garden, he had every thing given him for his pleasure and comfort; … John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII The History Books [Illustration: (drop cap T) Assyrian idol-god] Thus little by little the Book of God grew, and the people He had chosen to be its guardians took their place among the nations. A small place it was from one point of view! A narrow strip of land, but unique in its position as one of the highways of the world, on which a few tribes were banded together. All around great empires watched them with eager eyes; the powerful kings of Assyria, Egypt, and Babylonia, the learned Greeks, and, in later times, … Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making Letter xxii (Circa A. D. 1129) to Simon, Abbot of S. Nicholas To Simon, Abbot of S. Nicholas Bernard consoles him under the persecution of which he is the object. The most pious endeavours do not always have the desired success. What line of conduct ought to be followed towards his inferiors by a prelate who is desirous of stricter discipline. 1. I have learned with much pain by your letter the persecution that you are enduring for the sake of righteousness, and although the consolation given you by Christ in the promise of His kingdom may suffice amply for … Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Blessed are they that Mourn Blessed are they that mourn. Matthew 5:4 Here are eight steps leading to true blessedness. They may be compared to Jacob's Ladder, the top whereof reached to heaven. We have already gone over one step, and now let us proceed to the second: Blessed are they that mourn'. We must go through the valley of tears to paradise. Mourning were a sad and unpleasant subject to treat on, were it not that it has blessedness going before, and comfort coming after. Mourning is put here for repentance. It implies … Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah "And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall come forth unto Me (one) [Pg 480] to be Ruler in Israel; and His goings forth are the times of old, the days of eternity." The close connection of this verse with what immediately precedes (Caspari is wrong in considering iv. 9-14 as an episode) is evident, not only from the [Hebrew: v] copulative, and from the analogy of the near relation of the announcement of salvation to the prophecy of disaster … Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Samuel Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, … John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Samuel 10:22 NIV1 Samuel 10:22 NLT1 Samuel 10:22 ESV1 Samuel 10:22 NASB1 Samuel 10:22 KJV
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