Narrate the first anointing of Saul by Samuel.

Answer Details

The first anointing of Saul by Samuel (1 Samuel 9:1-10:1)

Saul, the son of Kish, a wealthy Benjamite, was a handsome young man, taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward. The donkeys (asses) belonging to his father were lost, so Kish sent Saul with a servant to look for them. They passed through the hill country of Ephraim and other districts but could not find the animals. When they came to the land of Zuph, Saul suggested they return, lest his father stop worrying about the donkeys and begin to worry about them.

The servant told Saul that there was a man of God (Samuel the seer) in that city who was highly respected and whose words always came true, and suggested they consult him about their journey. As they went up to the city they met young women who told them the seer had just come for a sacrifice at the high place.

Now the LORD had revealed to Samuel the day before, "Tomorrow about this time I will send to you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him to be prince over my people Israel." When Samuel saw Saul, the LORD told him, "Here is the man of whom I spoke; he it is who shall rule over my people." Samuel told Saul not to worry about the donkeys, for they had been found, and hinted that all the desire of Israel was on him and his father's house. Saul modestly replied that he was of the smallest tribe of Israel, Benjamin, and his family the humblest.

Samuel brought Saul and his servant into the hall, gave them the chief place among about thirty guests, and set before Saul the choice portion of meat which had been reserved for him. Afterwards Samuel communed with Saul on the housetop, and early the next morning saw them off. As they reached the edge of the city, Samuel told Saul to send the servant on ahead so that he might make known to Saul the word of God.

Then Samuel took a vial (flask) of oil, poured it on Saul's head, kissed him, and said, "Has not the LORD anointed you to be prince over his people Israel? You shall reign over the people of the LORD and save them from the hand of their enemies." He then gave Saul signs to confirm his appointment.