New International Version They ran and brought him out, and as he stood among the people he was a head taller than any of the others. New Living Translation So they found him and brought him out, and he stood head and shoulders above anyone else. English Standard Version Then they ran and took him from there. And when he stood among the people, he was taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward. Berean Standard Bible So they ran and brought Saul, and when he stood among the people, he was a head taller than any of the others. Berean Literal Bible And they ran and brought him from there, and he stood in the midst of the people, and he was taller than any of the people from his shoulder and upward. King James Bible And they ran and fetched him thence: and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward. New King James Version So they ran and brought him from there; and when he stood among the people, he was taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward. New American Standard Bible So they ran and took him from there, and when he stood among the people, he was taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward. NASB 1995 So they ran and took him from there, and when he stood among the people, he was taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward. NASB 1977 So they ran and took him from there, and when he stood among the people, he was taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward. Legacy Standard Bible So they ran and took him from there, and he stood among the people. And he was taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward. Amplified Bible So they ran and took him from there, and when he stood among the people, he was taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward. Berean Annotated Bible So they ran and brought Saul, and when he stood among the people, he was a head taller than any of the others. Christian Standard Bible They ran and got him from there. When he stood among the people, he stood a head taller than anyone else. Holman Christian Standard Bible They ran and got him from there. When he stood among the people, he stood a head taller than anyone else. American Standard Version And they ran and fetched him thence; and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward. Contemporary English Version The people ran and got Saul and brought him into the middle of the crowd. He was more than a head taller than anyone else. English Revised Version And they ran and fetched him thence; and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward. GOD'S WORD® Translation They ran and got him from there. As he stood among the people, he was a head taller than everyone else. Good News Translation So they ran and brought Saul out to the people, and they could see that he was a foot taller than anyone else. International Standard Version They ran and brought him from there. When he stood among the people, he was taller than any of the others by a head. NET Bible So they ran and brought him from there. When he took his position among the people, he stood head and shoulders above them all. New Heart English Bible They ran and fetched him there; and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward. Webster's Bible Translation And they ran and brought him thence: and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo they ran and brought Saul, and when he stood among the people, he was a head taller than any of the others. World English Bible They ran and got him there. When he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd they run and bring him there, and he stationed himself in the midst of the people, and he is higher than any of the people from his shoulder and upward. Berean Literal Bible And they ran and brought him from there, and he stood in the midst of the people, and he was taller than any of the people from his shoulder and upward. Young's Literal Translation And they run and bring him thence, and he stationed himself in the midst of the people, and he is higher than any of the people from his shoulder and upward. Smith's Literal Translation And they will run and take him from thence, and he will stand in the midst of the people; and he will be high above all the people, from his shoulders and above. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd they ran and fetched him thence: and he stood in the midst of the people, and he was higher than any of the people from the shoulders and upward. Catholic Public Domain Version And so they ran and brought him there. And he stood in the midst of the people, and he was taller than the entire people, from the shoulders upward. New American Bible They ran to bring him from there; when he took his place among the people, he stood head and shoulders above all the people. New Revised Standard Version Then they ran and brought him from there. When he took his stand among the people, he was head and shoulders taller than any of them. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd they ran and brought him from there; and when he stood among the people, he was head and shoulders higher than any of the people. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And they ran and brought him from there, and he stood among the people and was taller than all the people, from his shoulder and above OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And they ran and fetched him thence; and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward. Brenton Septuagint Translation And he ran and took him thence, and he set him in the midst of the people; and he was higher than all the people by his shoulders and upwards. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Saul Proclaimed King…22So again they inquired of the LORD, “Has the man come here yet?” And the LORD replied, “Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage.” 23So they ran and brought Saul, and when he stood among the people, he was a head taller than any of the others. 24Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see the one the LORD has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people.” And all the people shouted, “Long live the king!”… Cross References So they ran and brought Saul, 1 Samuel 16:11 And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied, “but he is tending the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel replied. “For we will not sit down to eat until he arrives.” Acts 9:27 Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and described how Saul had seen the Lord, who had spoken to him on the road to Damascus, and how Saul had spoken boldly in that city in the name of Jesus. John 1:42 Andrew brought him to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which is translated as Peter). and when he stood among the people, 1 Samuel 16:12 So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.” Numbers 27:18-20 And the LORD replied to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man with the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him. / Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation, and commission him in their sight. / Confer on him some of your authority, so that the whole congregation of Israel will obey him. Deuteronomy 17:15 you are to appoint over yourselves the king whom the LORD your God shall choose. Appoint a king from among your brothers; you are not to set over yourselves a foreigner who is not one of your brothers. he was a head taller than any of the others. 1 Samuel 17:4 Then a champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out from the Philistine camp. He was six cubits and a span in height, Numbers 13:33 We even saw the Nephilim there—the descendants of Anak that come from the Nephilim! We seemed like grasshoppers in our own sight, and we must have seemed the same to them!” Deuteronomy 2:10-11 (The Emites used to live there, a people great and many, as tall as the Anakites. / Like the Anakites, they were also regarded as Rephaim, though the Moabites called them Emites. 1 Samuel 9:2 And he had a son named Saul, choice and handsome, without equal among the Israelites—a head taller than any of the people. 1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” 1 Kings 19:19 So Elijah departed and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve teams of oxen, and he was with the twelfth team. Elijah passed by him and threw his cloak around him. Judges 6:15 “Please, my Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I save Israel? Indeed, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house.” Judges 7:2 Then the LORD said to Gideon, “You have too many men for Me to deliver Midian into their hands, lest Israel glorify themselves over Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’ 2 Samuel 14:25 Now there was not a man in all Israel as handsome and highly praised as Absalom. From the sole of his foot to the top of his head, he did not have a single flaw. Isaiah 53:2 He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no stately form or majesty to attract us, no beauty that we should desire Him. Treasury of Scripture And they ran and fetched him there: and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward. he was higher 1 Samuel 9:2 And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people. 1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. 1 Samuel 17:4 And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. Jump to Previous Head Higher Midst Others Quickly Ran Run Shoulder Shoulders Stationed Stood Taller Thence UpwardJump to Next Head Higher Midst Others Quickly Ran Run Shoulder Shoulders Stationed Stood Taller Thence Upward1 Samuel 10 1. Samuel anoints Saul2. He confirms him by prediction of three signs 9. Saul's heart is changed, and he prophesies 14. He conceals the matter of the kingdom from his uncle 17. Saul is chosen at Mizpeh by lot 26. The different affections of his subjects So they ran and brought Saul, The people responded quickly when Saul was identified as the man chosen to be Israel’s first king. His public presentation marked a decisive change from the era of judges to a monarchy under God’s direction. 1Sa 16:11 And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons”… and when he stood among the people, Saul took his place before the assembled nation as their appointed leader. Though he had hidden among the baggage, he now stood publicly before those he would govern and lead in battle. 1Sa 16:12 So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in.… he was a head taller than any of the others. Saul’s exceptional height gave him the commanding appearance the people expected in a king. His outward stature distinguished him before Israel, though the course of his reign would show that physical presence alone could not sustain faithful leadership. 1Sa 17:4 Then a champion named Goliath, who was from Gath,… Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe first king of Israel, chosen by God and anointed by the prophet Samuel. Saul is described as physically impressive, being taller than any of the people. 2. Samuel The prophet and last judge of Israel who anointed Saul as king. He plays a crucial role in transitioning Israel from a theocracy to a monarchy. 3. Israelites The people of Israel who demanded a king to lead them like other nations. They are gathered to witness the selection of their first king. 4. Mizpah The place where the assembly of Israel took place for the selection of Saul as king. It is a significant location for gatherings and covenant renewals in Israel's history. 5. The Selection Event The public event where Saul is chosen by lot to be king, demonstrating God's sovereign choice despite the people's desire for a king like other nations. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in LeadershipDespite human desires and criteria, God remains sovereign in appointing leaders. We should trust His wisdom in leadership decisions. The Danger of Outward Appearances Saul's selection based on his appearance serves as a caution against valuing external attributes over internal character and godliness. The Role of Obedience Saul's later failures remind us of the importance of obedience to God’s commands over personal ambition or societal expectations. Community and Accountability The public nature of Saul's selection highlights the importance of community in recognizing and affirming God’s calling on individuals. Preparation for Leadership Saul's initial humility and reluctance to step into leadership can remind us of the importance of preparation and reliance on God when called to lead. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 10:23?2. How does Saul's physical appearance in 1 Samuel 10:23 signify God's chosen leader? 3. What does Saul's height reveal about God's criteria for leadership in Israel? 4. How does 1 Samuel 10:23 connect to God's sovereignty in choosing leaders? 5. How can we discern God's chosen leaders in our communities today? 6. What qualities should we seek in leaders, based on 1 Samuel 10:23? 7. Why was Saul chosen as king despite his initial reluctance in 1 Samuel 10:23? 8. How does Saul's physical stature in 1 Samuel 10:23 symbolize leadership qualities? 9. What does 1 Samuel 10:23 reveal about God's criteria for leadership? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 10? Verses 23, 24. - And when he stood. This rendering spoils the poetic force of the original, where the rapidity of their action is expressed by three preterites following hard upon one another. The Hebrew is, "And they ran, and took him thence, and he stood forth (see 1 Samuel 12:7) among the people, and he was taller," etc. And now Samuel presents him to the multitude as "the chosen of Jehovah," and the people shout their assent by saying, "Let the king live." For this the A.V. puts our English phrase, but the Hebrew exactly answers to the French Vive le roi! THE EVENTS WHICH FOLLOWED IMMEDIATELY UPON SAUL'S ELECTION (vers. 25-27). 1 Samuel 10:23 captures the dramatic unveiling of Israel’s first king. Urgent obedience (“they ran”), divine appointment (“brought Saul”), public accountability (“stood among the people”), and striking appearance (“a head taller”) combine to affirm God’s sovereign choice while hinting that outward greatness alone cannot sustain true leadership. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So they ranוַיָּרֻ֙צוּ֙ (way·yā·ru·ṣū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 7323: To run and brought [Saul], וַיִּקָּחֻ֣הוּ (way·yiq·qā·ḥu·hū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine singular Strong's 3947: To take and when he stood וַיִּתְיַצֵּ֖ב (way·yiṯ·yaṣ·ṣêḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3320: To set or station oneself, take one's stand among בְּת֣וֹךְ (bə·ṯō·wḵ) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 8432: A bisection, the centre the people, הָעָ֑ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock he was a head מִשִּׁכְמ֖וֹ (miš·šiḵ·mōw) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 7926: The neck, as the place of burdens, the spur of a, hill taller וַיִּגְבַּהּ֙ (way·yiḡ·bah) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1361: To soar, be lofty, to be haughty than any מִכָּל־ (mik·kāl) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every of the others. הָעָ֔ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock Additonal Resources 1 Samuel 10:23 Blue Letter Bible1 Samuel 10:23 Bible Gateway 1 Samuel 10:23 Bible.com 1 Samuel 10:23 NIV |
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