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 again they inquired of the LORD,Israel did not proceed merely by human observation or popular enthusiasm. After the lot had identified Saul, they sought the Lord’s direction concerning his absence. The nation’s public selection of a king remained under God’s sovereign oversight, even though Israel had asked for a monarchy like the surrounding nations. Their inquiry likely came through the priestly means God had appointed for discerning His will. Jdg 20:27-28 And the Israelites inquired of the LORD.… “Has the man come here yet?” Saul had been chosen before all Israel, but he was nowhere to be found when the moment came for him to stand before the people. His absence heightened the tension of the assembly and revealed the weight of the calling placed upon him. The king Israel desired was not emerging through self-promotion or public ambition. 1Sa 16:11-12 And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons”… And the LORD replied, God answered with precise knowledge of Saul’s location. The Lord who had directed Samuel to anoint Saul privately now directed the nation to find him publicly. Nothing in the transition to monarchy was hidden from God or beyond His rule. 2Sa 2:1 Some time later, David inquired of the LORD, … “Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage.” Saul had withdrawn among the supplies and equipment of those gathered at Mizpah. His hiding may reflect genuine humility and fear before an immense responsibility, yet it also anticipates the insecurity that would later trouble his reign. God brought Saul forth despite his reluctance, showing that divine appointment, not personal confidence or human stature, equips a man for the task God assigns. 1Sa 17:22 Then David left his supplies in the care of… 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. Samuel The prophet who anointed Saul as king and served as a spiritual leader for Israel. 3. The LORD God, who communicates with the Israelites and guides them in choosing their king. 4. The Israelites The people of Israel who demanded a king to lead them like other nations. 5. The Baggage The 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 Omniscience The 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 Appointment Despite 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 Strength Saul's fear highlights human weakness, but it also sets the stage for God to demonstrate His strength through our inadequacies. Community Support The 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 3-4 Moses' hesitance and excuses when called by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. 1 Samuel 9 The chapter where Saul is first introduced and anointed by Samuel, providing context for his reluctance. 1 Samuel 15 Saul's later disobedience, showing a pattern of insecurity and failure to fully trust in God's plan. Psalm 139 Highlights 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 6641 election, responsibilities 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 Scripture Place of Jesus in the History of the World. And V the Kingdom Undivided and the Kingdom Divided The Earliest Chapters in Divine Revelation The Trial of Saul. The History Books Letter xxii (Circa A. D. 1129) to Simon, Abbot of S. Nicholas Blessed are they that Mourn And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah Samuel Links 1 Samuel 10:22 NIV1 Samuel 10:22 NLT 1 Samuel 10:22 ESV 1 Samuel 10:22 NASB 1 Samuel 10:22 KJV 1 Samuel 10:22 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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