The anointing of Saul as the first king of Israel is a significant event in the biblical narrative, marking the transition from the period of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy. This event is primarily recorded in the First Book of Samuel, chapters 9 and 10, and it highlights themes of divine selection, obedience, and the role of prophetic authority.

Background

The Israelites, desiring to be like other nations, requested a king to lead them (1 Samuel 8:5). Despite the prophet Samuel's warnings about the potential pitfalls of monarchy, God instructed Samuel to heed the people's request, indicating that their demand was a rejection of His direct rule over them (1 Samuel 8:7-9).

Divine Selection

Saul, the son of Kish from the tribe of Benjamin, was chosen by God to be the first king. Described as a handsome and tall young man, Saul stood out among the Israelites (1 Samuel 9:2). His selection was not based on his personal ambition or political maneuvering but was a divine appointment orchestrated by God.

The Anointing

The anointing of Saul is a pivotal moment that underscores the role of the prophet as God's intermediary. In 1 Samuel 9, Saul is led to Samuel through a series of providential events involving the search for his father's lost donkeys. God had already revealed to Samuel that Saul would be the chosen one: "About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you are to anoint him ruler over My people Israel" (1 Samuel 9:16).

In 1 Samuel 10:1, Samuel anoints Saul with oil, a symbolic act signifying Saul's consecration and empowerment by the Holy Spirit for his new role. Samuel declares, "Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?" (1 Samuel 10:1). This anointing signifies God's choice and blessing, setting Saul apart for leadership.

Signs and Confirmation

To confirm Saul's anointing, Samuel provides him with a series of signs that would occur as he returns home. These signs include encounters with two men near Rachel's tomb, three men at the great tree of Tabor, and a group of prophets at Gibeah (1 Samuel 10:2-5). Each event unfolds precisely as Samuel predicted, affirming God's hand in Saul's selection.

The Spirit of the LORD comes powerfully upon Saul, and he joins the prophets in prophesying, which astonishes those who knew him (1 Samuel 10:10-11). This transformation serves as a divine endorsement of Saul's new role and demonstrates the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.

Public Acclamation

Following the private anointing, Saul is publicly proclaimed king at Mizpah. Samuel gathers the people and casts lots to reveal God's choice, and the lot falls on Saul (1 Samuel 10:20-21). Despite initial reluctance and hiding among the baggage, Saul is brought forward, and Samuel presents him to the people: "Do you see the one the LORD has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people" (1 Samuel 10:24). The people respond with acclamation, "Long live the king!" (1 Samuel 10:24).

Significance

The anointing of Saul marks a new chapter in Israel's history, reflecting both the people's desire for a human king and God's sovereign will. It sets the stage for the complex relationship between divine authority and human leadership, a theme that continues throughout the biblical narrative. Saul's anointing also foreshadows the anointing of David, his successor, and ultimately points to the anointed one, the Messiah, in the person of Jesus Christ.