Anointing of Saul as King
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The anointing of Saul as the first king of Israel is a significant event in the history of the Israelites, marking the transition from a theocratic system of judges to a 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 prophecy in Israel's governance.

Background

The demand for a king arose from the Israelites' desire to be like other nations and have a centralized leadership to lead them in battle and govern 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 His sovereign plan to establish a monarchy in Israel (1 Samuel 8:7-9).

Divine Selection of Saul

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 on God's sovereign choice.

The Anointing by Samuel

In 1 Samuel 9, Saul's journey to find his father's lost donkeys leads him to the prophet Samuel. God had already revealed to Samuel that Saul would be the one to lead His people. In 1 Samuel 10:1, Samuel anoints Saul with oil, a symbolic act signifying Saul's consecration and empowerment by the Holy Spirit for the role of king: "Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, 'Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?'" .

Signs of Confirmation

To confirm Saul's anointing, Samuel provides him with a series of signs that would occur as he returns home. These signs include meeting two men by Rachel's tomb, encountering three men going to Bethel, and joining a group of prophets at Gibeah, where the Spirit of the LORD would come powerfully upon him, and he would prophesy (1 Samuel 10:2-6). These events transpire as foretold, affirming God's choice and empowering Saul for his new role.

Public Proclamation

Following the private anointing, Saul is publicly proclaimed king at Mizpah. Samuel gathers the people and, through the casting of lots, Saul is chosen before the assembly (1 Samuel 10:20-24). Despite initial reluctance and hiding among the baggage, Saul is brought forth, and Samuel declares, "Do you see the one the LORD has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people." And the people shout, "Long live the king!" (1 Samuel 10:24).

Significance

The anointing of Saul as king represents a pivotal moment in Israel's history, illustrating the tension between human desires and divine will. It underscores the importance of divine guidance and the role of prophetic authority in the establishment of leadership. Saul's anointing also sets the stage for the complex narrative of his reign, characterized by initial success, subsequent disobedience, and eventual rejection by God in favor of David, a man after God's own heart.
Subtopics

Anointing

Anointing in Consecration of High Priests

Anointing in Consecration of Kings

Anointing in Consecration of Priests

Anointing in Consecration of Prophets

Anointing in Consecration of the Tabernacle

Anointing in Consecration: Altars of

Anointing in Consecration: Cyrus

Anointing in Consecration: David

Anointing in Consecration: Hazael

Anointing in Consecration: Jacob's Pillar: At Beth-El

Anointing in Consecration: Jehoahaz

Anointing in Consecration: Jehu

Anointing in Consecration: Joash

Anointing in Consecration: Saul

Anointing in Consecration: Solomon

Anointing in Consecration: Vessels of

Anointing of Christ's Kingly and Priestly office

Anointing of Guests

Anointing of Jesus, As a Token of Love

Anointing of Spiritual Gifts

Anointing of the Body

Anointing of the Dead

Anointing of the Holy Spirit is Abiding in Saints

Anointing of the Holy Spirit is from God

Anointing of the Holy Spirit: God Preserves Those Who Receive

Anointing of the Holy Spirit: Guides Into all Truth

Anointing of the Holy Spirit: Saints Receive

Anointing of the Holy Spirit: That Christ should Receive: Foretold

Anointing of the Holy Spirit: That Christ should Receive: Fulfilled

Anointing of the Holy Spirit: Typified

Anointing of the Sick

Anointing Oil

Anointing Oil: Formula of, Given by Moses

Anointing was Applied to The Eyes

Anointing was Applied to The Face

Anointing was Applied to The Feet

Anointing was Applied to The Head

Anointing was Used for Curing the Sick

Anointing was Used for Decorating the Person

Anointing was Used for Healing Wounds

Anointing was Used for Preparing the Dead for Burial

Anointing was Used for Preparing Weapons for War

Anointing was Used for Purifying the Body

Anointing was Used for Refreshing the Body

Anointing was Used for The Jews Were Very Fond of

Anointing with Oil

Anointing with Ointment

Anointing: A Token of Joy

Anointing: Deprivation of, Threatened As a Punishment

Anointing: God Preserves Those Who Receive

Anointing: Neglect of, to Guests, a Mark of Disrespect

Anointing: Ointment For: An Article of Commerce

Anointing: Ointment For: Most Expensive

Anointing: Ointment For: Neglected in Times of Affliction

Anointing: Ointment For: Prepared by the Apothecary

Anointing: Ointment For: Richly Perfumed

Anointing: Omitted in Mourning

Anointing: Saints Receive

Anointing: Symbolical of Jesus

Anointing: Typified

Anointing: Why Recommended by Christ in Times of Fasting

Sacred Anointing: Antiquity of

Sacred Anointing: Consecrates to God's Service

Sacred Anointing: Illustrative of the Anointing of Christ With the Holy Spirit

Sacred Anointing: Illustrative of the Anointing of Saints With the Holy Spirit

Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: An Holy Anointing Oil for Ever

Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: Compounded by the Priests

Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: Divinely Prescribed

Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: Jews Condemned for Imitating

Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: Not to be Imitated

Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: To be Put on No Stranger

Sacred Anointing: Persons Who Received: Kings

Sacred Anointing: Persons Who Received: Priests

Sacred Anointing: Persons Who Received: Prophets

Sacred Anointing: Things Which Received: Brazen Altar

Sacred Anointing: Things Which Received: Brazen Laver

Sacred Anointing: Things Which Received: Tabernacle

Sacred Anointing: Those Who Partook of not to be Injured or Insulted

Sacred Anointing: Those Who Partook of Protected by God

Related Terms

Anointing (39 Occurrences)

Jambres (2 Occurrences)

Jannes (2 Occurrences)

Profane (69 Occurrences)

Aryan

Oath (286 Occurrences)

Delos

Doorkeeper (8 Occurrences)

Consecrate (65 Occurrences)

Scripture (51 Occurrences)

Diana (5 Occurrences)

Kidneys (15 Occurrences)

Gihon (6 Occurrences)

Four (3139 Occurrences)

Psalms (44 Occurrences)

Benediction

Anoint (59 Occurrences)

Swear (99 Occurrences)

Talmud

Preaching (116 Occurrences)

Artemis (5 Occurrences)

Armenian

Canonicity

Images (158 Occurrences)

Time (7245 Occurrences)

Sacraments

Inspiration (4 Occurrences)

Ananias (11 Occurrences)

I-iii

Courts (59 Occurrences)

Introduction (3 Occurrences)

Korahites (7 Occurrences)

Oak (22 Occurrences)

Fire (602 Occurrences)

Sons (2429 Occurrences)

Zoheleth (1 Occurrence)

Kadesh (30 Occurrences)

Uriah (33 Occurrences)

Onycha (1 Occurrence)

Oracle (57 Occurrences)

Jehovah (20094 Occurrences)

Ivy

Theology

Thigh (38 Occurrences)

Temporal (4 Occurrences)

Rites (6 Occurrences)

Eleazar (74 Occurrences)

Exile (101 Occurrences)

Dedicate (17 Occurrences)

Dance (18 Occurrences)

Desecrate (9 Occurrences)

Dedication (16 Occurrences)

Meonenim (1 Occurrence)

Myrtle (7 Occurrences)

Memphis (8 Occurrences)

Porter (6 Occurrences)

Profanation (1 Occurrence)

Port (3 Occurrences)

Phenicia (1 Occurrence)

Beersheba (33 Occurrences)

Blaspheme (16 Occurrences)

Biblical

Callisthenes

Calneh (2 Occurrences)

Alike (67 Occurrences)

Nehushtan (1 Occurrence)

Shrine (34 Occurrences)

Shimeathites (1 Occurrence)

Sacrificial (12 Occurrences)

Sun (1708 Occurrences)

Shekel (37 Occurrences)

Hazael (23 Occurrences)

Cruelty (8 Occurrences)

Sanctuary (250 Occurrences)

Cruel (196 Occurrences)

Astoreth

Lebanon (66 Occurrences)

Astarte (2 Occurrences)

Virgin (62 Occurrences)

Anointing of Saul
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