Thus Samuel had all the tribes of Israel come forward, and the tribe of Benjamin was selected. Thus Samuel had all the tribes of Israel come forwardThe phrase begins with "Thus," indicating a continuation of a divine process initiated by God through His prophet Samuel. The Hebrew root for "Samuel" (שְׁמוּאֵל, Shemu'el) means "heard by God," emphasizing Samuel's role as a mediator between God and Israel. Samuel's leadership is pivotal, as he acts under divine instruction to guide Israel in selecting their first king. The "tribes of Israel" refers to the twelve tribes descending from the sons of Jacob, each with its unique heritage and role within the nation. The act of having them "come forward" suggests a formal assembly, a significant moment in Israel's history where God's sovereign choice is about to be revealed. This gathering underscores the unity and collective identity of Israel as God's chosen people, despite their request for a king like other nations. and the tribe of Benjamin was selected
The "tribe of Benjamin" (בִּנְיָמִין, Binyamin) is noteworthy for its historical and prophetic significance. Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, is often associated with strength and resilience. Despite being the smallest tribe, Benjamin's selection highlights God's sovereign choice, often favoring the unexpected or overlooked to fulfill His purposes. The Hebrew root for "selected" (לָקַח, laqach) implies a divine choosing or taking, indicating that this was not a random selection but a deliberate act of God. This choice sets the stage for Saul's anointing as king, a pivotal moment in Israel's transition from a theocracy to a monarchy. Historically, the tribe of Benjamin had a reputation for skilled warriors, as seen in the book of Judges, which may have influenced their selection. However, the ultimate reason lies in God's inscrutable wisdom and plan for His people, reminding us that God's ways are higher than ours, and His choices often defy human expectations. Persons / Places / Events 1. SamuelA prophet and judge of Israel who anointed Saul as the first king of Israel. He played a crucial role in transitioning Israel from a theocracy to a monarchy. 2. Tribes of IsraelThe twelve tribes descended from the sons of Jacob. In this context, they are gathered to select a king, demonstrating the unity and collective identity of the nation. 3. Tribe of BenjaminThe smallest of the tribes of Israel, from which Saul, the first king, was chosen. This selection highlights God's sovereignty and often unexpected choices. 4. Selection ProcessThe method by which God, through Samuel, identified Saul as king. This process involved casting lots, a common biblical practice for discerning God's will. 5. SaulThe individual ultimately chosen to be king. His selection marks a significant moment in Israel's history, as they transition to monarchical rule. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in LeadershipGod chooses leaders according to His purposes, often in ways that defy human expectations. Trust in His wisdom and timing. The Role of HumilitySaul's initial humility is a reminder that God often elevates those who do not seek their own glory. Cultivate humility in your own life. Unity and Identity in CommunityThe gathering of the tribes underscores the importance of unity in the body of Christ. Work towards unity in your church and community. Divine Guidance in Decision-MakingThe use of lots shows reliance on God for guidance. Seek God's will in your decisions through prayer and scripture. Unexpected ChoicesGod's selection of the least likely candidates (like the tribe of Benjamin) encourages us to be open to His unexpected plans for our lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the selection of the tribe of Benjamin reflect God's sovereignty and purpose in leadership? 2. In what ways can we apply the principle of humility, as seen in Saul's initial reaction, to our own lives and leadership roles? 3. How does the unity of the tribes of Israel in this passage inspire us to pursue unity within our own communities and churches? 4. What are some modern equivalents to casting lots that we can use to seek God's guidance in decision-making? 5. Reflect on a time when God chose an unexpected path or person in your life. How did this experience shape your understanding of His plans? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 9:21Saul's humility and surprise at being chosen, reflecting the unexpected nature of God's choices. Judges 20:12-14The tribe of Benjamin's previous history, providing context for their selection and the significance of Saul's kingship. Proverbs 16:33The casting of lots as a means of decision-making, emphasizing God's control over seemingly random events. Acts 1:24-26The use of lots in the New Testament to select Matthias as an apostle, showing continuity in seeking God's guidance. People Benjamin, Egyptians, Kish, Matri, Matrites, Rachel, Samuel, SaulPlaces Bethel, Egypt, Gibeah, Gibeath-elohim, Gilgal, Mizpah, Tabor, Zelzah, ZuphTopics Benjamin, Bringeth, Captured, Caused, Chosen, Lot, Samuel, Thus, Tribe, TribesDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 10:17-21 5671 clan 1 Samuel 10:17-25 5366 king
7236 Israel, united kingdom 1 Samuel 10:20-21 7392 lots, casting of 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 10:20 NIV1 Samuel 10:20 NLT1 Samuel 10:20 ESV1 Samuel 10:20 NASB1 Samuel 10:20 KJV
1 Samuel 10:20 Commentaries
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