The encounter between the prophet Samuel and Saul, the future king of Israel, is a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, marking the transition from the period of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. This event is primarily recorded in 1 Samuel 9 and 10.

Background

The Israelites, desiring to be like other nations, demanded a king to lead them (1 Samuel 8:5). Despite Samuel's warnings about the potential consequences of having a king, God instructed him to heed the people's request. This set the stage for Saul's anointing as the first king of Israel.

The Search for Lost Donkeys

The narrative begins with Saul, the son of Kish, a wealthy Benjamite, searching for his father's lost donkeys. Accompanied by a servant, Saul traversed the hill country of Ephraim and the land of Benjamin without success (1 Samuel 9:3-4). As they approached the land of Zuph, Saul considered returning home, but his servant suggested consulting a man of God in the nearby town, known for his prophetic insight (1 Samuel 9:6).

Divine Appointment

Unbeknownst to Saul, God had already revealed to Samuel that He would send a man from the land of Benjamin to be anointed as leader over Israel (1 Samuel 9:15-16). When Saul and his servant arrived in the town, they encountered Samuel, who was on his way to a high place to offer a sacrifice (1 Samuel 9:14).

Samuel's Revelation

Upon meeting Saul, Samuel informed him that the donkeys had been found and invited him to a meal at the high place (1 Samuel 9:19-20). During the meal, Samuel honored Saul by giving him the choicest portion of meat, signifying his future role as king (1 Samuel 9:22-24).

The following morning, Samuel privately anointed Saul with oil, declaring, "Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?" (1 Samuel 10:1). Samuel then provided Saul with specific signs that would confirm his anointing, including encounters with two men near Rachel's tomb, three men at the oak of Tabor, and a group of prophets at Gibeah (1 Samuel 10:2-5).

Transformation and Confirmation

As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed his heart, and all the signs Samuel had given him were fulfilled that day (1 Samuel 10:9). When Saul encountered the prophets, the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him, and he joined in their prophesying, astonishing those who knew him (1 Samuel 10:10-11).

Public Acclamation

Samuel later summoned the people of Israel to Mizpah, where he cast lots to identify Saul as the chosen king. Despite initial reluctance and hiding among the baggage, Saul was brought forth and presented to the people, who acclaimed him as king (1 Samuel 10:20-24).

Significance

Samuel's encounter with Saul underscores the sovereignty of God in the establishment of Israel's monarchy. It highlights the role of prophetic guidance in the anointing of leaders and the transformative power of the Spirit of God. This event also sets the stage for the complex relationship between divine authority and human kingship that unfolds throughout the biblical narrative.