Bible Commentaries

Then Samuel took a vial of ^a oil, and poured [it] upon his head, and kissed him, and said, [Is it] not because the LORD hath anointed thee [to be] captain over his inheritance?

(a) In the Law this anointing signified the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which were necessary for those who would rule.

When thou art departed from me to day, then thou shalt find two men by Rachel's sepulchre in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say unto thee, The ^b asses which thou wentest to seek are found: and, lo, thy father hath left the care of the asses, and sorroweth for you, saying, What shall I do for my son?

(b) Samuel confirms him by these signs, that God has appointed him king.

After that thou shalt come to the ^c hill of God, where [is] the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy:

(c) Which was a high place in the city Kirjath-jearim, where the ark was, (1 Samuel 7:2).

And it was [so], that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another ^d heart: and all those signs came to pass that day.

(d) He gave him such virtues as were fitting for a king.

And one of the same place answered and said, But who [is] their ^e father? Therefore it became a proverb, [Is] Saul also among the ^f prophets?

(e) Meaning, that prophecy comes not by succession, but is given to whom it pleases God.

(f) Noting by it him that from low degree comes suddenly to honour.

And Samuel ^g called the people together unto the LORD to Mizpeh;

(g) Both to declare to them their fault in asking a king, and also to show God's sentence in it.

And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was ^h taken.

(h) That is, by casting of lot.

Therefore they enquired of the LORD further, if the man should yet come thither. And the LORD answered, Behold, he ⁱ hath hid himself among the stuff.

(i) As though he were unworthy and unwilling.

Then Samuel told the people ^k the manner of the kingdom, and wrote [it] in a book, and laid [it] up before the LORD. And Samuel sent all the people away, every man to his house.

(k) As it is written in (Deuteronomy 17:15).

But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he ^l held his peace.

(l) Both to avoid disputing and also to win them by patience.