Why did Saul hide among the baggage in 1 Samuel 10:22? Setting the Scene • Israel had clamored for a king “like all the other nations” (1 Samuel 8:5). • God directed Samuel to anoint Saul privately (1 Samuel 10:1). • A public selection by lot would now reveal that same man to the whole nation (1 Samuel 10:17-24). • Instead of stepping forward when his name was announced, Saul was nowhere to be found—he “has hidden himself among the supplies” (1 Samuel 10:22). Possible Motives Behind Saul’s Hiding 1. Sense of Unworthiness • Saul had earlier protested, “Am I not a Benjamite… the least of all the tribes…?” (1 Samuel 9:21). • Like Moses (“Who am I?”—Exodus 3:11) and Gideon (“my clan is the weakest”—Judges 6:15), Saul may have honestly felt inadequate for royal duty. 2. Fear of Leadership’s Weight • The king would “lead out and fight our battles” (1 Samuel 8:20). • Saul, though tall and impressive (1 Samuel 9:2), knew this task was beyond human strength alone. • Proverbs 29:25 reminds: “The fear of man is a snare.” Saul’s initial timidity foreshadowed later struggles with people-pleasing (1 Samuel 15:24). 3. Reluctance to Step into God’s Plan • God’s choice was unmistakable, yet Saul’s hiding showed resistance rather than readiness. • Jonah tried something similar—running from, not toward, God’s call (Jonah 1:3). • The episode highlights how human reluctance cannot overturn divine election (Romans 11:29). 4. Desire to Appear Humble • Ancient Near Eastern customs prized modesty before elevation. • However, true humility submits to God’s directive; false humility excuses disobedience (James 4:17). Lessons for Today • Divine Calling Overrides Personal Hesitation – “Faithful is He who calls you, and He will also do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24). – God equips the one He appoints; insecurity must yield to trust. • Fear Must Be Faced, Not Hidden – Hiding postpones obedience but cannot thwart God’s purposes (Psalm 33:11). – Bringing fears to the Lord transforms them into platforms for His glory (Psalm 34:4). • Begin Well, Continue Well – Saul’s story warns that initial modesty must mature into lifelong surrender (1 Samuel 15:17). – Starting in weakness is fine; staying in self-reliance is fatal (Galatians 3:3). Takeaway Saul’s retreat to the baggage reveals a complex blend of insecurity, fear, and reluctant humility. Scripture presents the moment honestly, inviting each believer to step out from behind personal “supplies” and embrace God’s call with confidence in His sufficiency. |
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