1Sa 10:1
10:1 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.

1Sa 10:2
10:2 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.

1Sa 10:5
10:5 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, 1Sa 7:2.

1Sa 10:9
10:9 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.

1Sa 10:12
10:12 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.

1Sa 10:17
10:17 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.

1Sa 10:20
10:20 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.

1Sa 10:22
10:22 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.

1Sa 10:25
10:25 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 De 17:15.

1Sa 10:27
10:27 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.

This document is from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library at Calvin College. Last updated on May 27, 1999. Contacting the CCEL.