1 Samuel 10:1

Introduction

Samuel anoints Saul captain of the Lord's inheritance, 1Sam 10:1. Instructs him concerning his return home, whom he should meet, and what he should do, 1Sam 10:2-8. Saul meets a company of prophets, the Spirit of the Lord comes on him, and he prophesies among them, 1Sam 10:9-13. He meets his uncle, and converses with him, 1Sam 10:14-16. Samuel calls the people together to Mizpeh, and upbraids them for having rejected the Lord as their king, 1Sam 10:17-19. Lots are cast to find out the person proper to be appointed king; Saul is chosen, 1Sam 10:20-24. Samuel shows the manner of the king, and writes it in a book, 1Sam 10:25. Saul goes to Gibeah; and certain persons refuse to acknowledge him as king, 1Sam 10:26, 1Sam 10:27.

Verse 1

Took a vial of oil - The reasons of this rite the reader will find largely stated in the note on Exo 29:7. The anointing mentioned here took place in the open field. See the preceding chapter, 1Sam 9:26-27 (note). How simple was the ancient ceremony of consecrating a king! A prophet or priest poured oil upon his head, and kissed him; and said, Thus the Lord hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance. This was the whole of the ceremony. Even in this anointing, Saul is not acknowledged as king, but simply נגיד nagid, a captain - one who goes before and leads the people.
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