1 Samuel 10:16

And Saul replied, "He assured us that the donkeys had been found." But Saul did not tell his uncle what Samuel had said about the kingship.

Study Bible

Saul said to his uncle
This phrase introduces us to a familial interaction, highlighting the importance of family ties in ancient Israelite society. The Hebrew word for "uncle" is "דּוֹד" (dod), which can also mean beloved or friend, indicating a close relationship. Saul's communication with his uncle suggests a level of respect and trust, which was crucial in maintaining family unity and social structure in the tribal culture of Israel.

He assured us that the donkeys had been found
The mention of the donkeys is significant as it ties back to the earlier narrative where Saul was searching for his father's lost donkeys (1 Samuel 9:3). The Hebrew word for "assured" is "הַגִּיד" (haggid), meaning to declare or make known. This statement reflects Saul's focus on the immediate, tangible concerns of his family, rather than the spiritual or national implications of his encounter with Samuel. It underscores Saul's initial reluctance or inability to grasp the full scope of his divine appointment.

But Saul did not tell his uncle
This phrase indicates a deliberate omission on Saul's part. The Hebrew verb "לֹא הִגִּיד" (lo higgid) suggests a conscious decision to withhold information. This could reflect Saul's humility, fear, or uncertainty about his new role as king. It also sets the stage for the unfolding of God's plan, which often involves human hesitancy and the gradual revelation of divine purposes.

what Samuel had said about the kingship
The term "kingship" in Hebrew is "מַלְכוּת" (malkut), which denotes not just the office of a king but the authority and responsibility that come with it. Samuel's words to Saul about kingship were prophetic and transformative, marking a pivotal moment in Israel's history as they transitioned from a theocracy to a monarchy. Saul's silence on this matter may reflect his internal struggle with accepting such a monumental role, highlighting the theme of divine election and human response that runs throughout the biblical narrative.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Saul
The first king of Israel, chosen by God and anointed by the prophet Samuel. At this point in the account, Saul is still a young man, not yet publicly recognized as king.

2. Saul's Uncle
A relative of Saul who inquires about Saul's recent encounter with the prophet Samuel. His curiosity represents the broader interest of the people in Saul's activities.

3. Samuel
The last judge of Israel and a prophet who anointed Saul as king. Samuel plays a crucial role in transitioning Israel from a theocracy to a monarchy.

4. The Donkeys
The lost donkeys of Saul's father, Kish, which initially set Saul on his journey to meet Samuel. Their recovery symbolizes God's providence and the unfolding of His plan.

5. Kingship
The divine appointment of Saul as the first king of Israel, a significant shift in Israel's governance, marking the transition from judges to a monarchy.

Teaching Points

Divine Timing and Revelation
God's plans often unfold in stages. Saul's reluctance to reveal his kingship reflects a divine timing that is not yet complete. We should trust God's timing in revealing His plans for our lives.

Fear of Man vs. Fear of God
Saul's omission may indicate a fear of man or uncertainty. As believers, we are called to prioritize God's approval over human opinion.

The Role of Humility
Saul's initial humility in not boasting about his anointing is commendable. Humility is a virtue that God values and often uses to prepare us for greater responsibilities.

Obedience and Faithfulness
Saul's journey reminds us of the importance of obedience to God's instructions. Faithfulness in small tasks, like finding the donkeys, can lead to greater responsibilities.

Bible Study Questions

1. What might have been Saul's reasons for not telling his uncle about his anointing as king, and how can this inform our understanding of God's timing in our lives?

2. How does Saul's initial humility compare to his later actions as king, and what can we learn about the importance of maintaining humility throughout our lives?

3. In what ways does the account of Saul's anointing challenge us to consider our own fears of human opinion versus our commitment to God's calling?

4. How can we apply the principle of being faithful in small tasks, as seen in Saul's search for the donkeys, to our daily walk with God?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to wait for God's timing to reveal His plans. How did that experience shape your faith and trust in Him?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 9
Provides the background of Saul's journey to find the lost donkeys and his encounter with Samuel, where he is privately anointed as king.

1 Samuel 15
Later in Saul's life, his failure to fully obey God's command through Samuel leads to his rejection as king, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's word.

Proverbs 29:25
Discusses the fear of man versus trust in God, relevant to Saul's hesitance to disclose his anointing as king.

Luke 12:2-3
Jesus teaches that nothing is hidden that will not be revealed, paralleling Saul's initial secrecy about his kingship.