1 Samuel 9:14-27
9:16 a God’s directive to anoint him (by pouring olive oil on the head) marked Saul’s elevation in status and consecration for a special purpose (see Exod 30:22-33 b; Lev 8:12 c; 1 Kgs 19:16 d; Isa 45:1 e).• He will rescue them: As they had requested (1 Sam 8:20 f; cp. Judg 13:5 g). David eventually subdued the Philistines (2 Sam 5:17-25 h; 8:1 i; 21:15 j, 18-22 k).
• for I have ... heard their cry (cp. Exod 3:7-9 l): The Philistines were again threatening to conquer Israel and demand homage from them as vassals.
9:21 m the smallest tribe: Saul tried to downplay Benjamin’s prominence, but they were powerful warriors (Judg 20:14-31 n; cp. study note on 1 Sam 10:17). What better tribe to lead in battle?
• least important of all the families: Cp. 9:1 o.
9:25 p A typical house had a flat roof that was used for a variety of purposes, such as sleeping in warm weather (see Deut 22:8 q; 2 Kgs 4:10 r).
1 Samuel 10:1
10:1 s Samuel later repeated this process by anointing David with olive oil (16:13 t).• The people of Israel did not belong to the king but to the Lord. The king was to act as manager rather than owner (cp. 8:10-18 u).
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