What qualities made Saul the "one the LORD has chosen" in 1 Samuel 10:24? Setting the Scene Israel has begged Samuel for a king “like all the other nations” (1 Samuel 8:5). The prophet brings Saul before the people and declares, “Do you see the man the LORD has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people” (1 Samuel 10:24). The verse itself is short, but the surrounding narrative paints a fuller portrait of why Saul could be publicly presented as God’s chosen ruler. Text Snapshot “Samuel said to all the people, ‘Do you see the man the LORD has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people.’ Then the people shouted, ‘Long live the king!’ ” Qualities Highlighted by Scripture • Divine Selection – Samuel’s phrase “the LORD has chosen” anchors everything. Saul is king neither by human vote nor family pedigree; he is installed by God’s sovereign will (cf. Deuteronomy 17:14-15). • Physical Presence – “From his shoulders up he was taller than any of the people” (1 Samuel 10:23). – Earlier: “There was not a man among the Israelites more handsome than he” (1 Samuel 9:2). – In a culture that valued visible strength in battle leadership, Saul’s stature made him stand out immediately. • Humility at the Outset – When first told of God’s plan, Saul replies, “Am I not a Benjamite… the least of all the tribes?” (1 Samuel 9:21). – At the public lot-casting, he hides “among the supplies” (10:22). This reluctance signals he is not grasping for power. • Spirit-Empowered – “The Spirit of God will come powerfully upon you, and you will prophesy… and be transformed” (1 Samuel 10:6). – Fulfilled in 10:10 when Saul joins the prophetic procession. God equips whom He calls. • Initial Obedience – Samuel gives detailed instructions (10:7-8). “When these signs have occurred, do as the occasion demands, for God is with you.” Saul follows each step, awaiting Samuel at Gilgal (10:8, cf. 13:8-9 for later contrast). Obedience marks the starting line of his reign. • Representative of the People – From Benjamin—smallest tribe—Saul embodies unity by not favoring the dominant clans of Judah or Ephraim. – His father Kish is “a man of standing” (9:1), giving him resources to mobilize Israel yet not enough prominence to threaten tribal balance. • Fresh Reputation – Unlike Eli’s sons (1 Samuel 2:12-17) or Samuel’s sons (8:3), there is no record of corruption. The new monarchy begins with a clean slate, satisfying Israel’s hope for righteous leadership. Why These Qualities Mattered Then • Visible reassurance: Israel’s first king needed battlefield credibility; Saul’s height and vigor supplied it (11:6-11). • Spiritual authenticity: Prophetic activity authenticated that the throne would operate under divine authority, not mere politics. • Humble origin: God’s pattern of choosing the unlikely (Judges 6:15; 1 Corinthians 1:27-29) is on display, keeping Israel dependent on Him rather than pedigree. Takeaway for Today God still calls and equips according to His purposes, blending outward gifts with inward readiness. Saul’s early qualities—divine calling, humility, Spirit-empowerment, and obedience—remain essentials for any servant leader. The challenge is to maintain them; Saul’s later failings remind us that starting well must be matched by finishing well (1 Samuel 15:22-23; 2 Timothy 4:7). |
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