The anointing of Saul as the first king of Israel is a pivotal event in the history of the Israelites, marking the transition from the period of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy. This event is primarily recorded in 1 Samuel 9-10.

Background

The Israelites, desiring to be like other nations, demanded a king to lead them, as recorded in 1 Samuel 8. Despite the warnings from the prophet Samuel about the potential consequences of having a king, the people persisted in their request. The LORD instructed Samuel to heed the voice of the people, saying, "Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king" (1 Samuel 8:7).

The Selection of Saul

Saul, the son of Kish from the tribe of Benjamin, was chosen by God to be the first king. Saul was described as "an impressive young man without equal among the Israelites—a head taller than any of the others" (1 Samuel 9:2). His physical stature and appearance made him an ideal candidate in the eyes of the people.

The Anointing

God orchestrated a meeting between Samuel and Saul through a series of providential events involving the search for Kish's lost donkeys. When Saul and his servant sought the counsel of the prophet Samuel, God revealed to Samuel that Saul was the chosen one. "The LORD had revealed to Samuel, 'About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin. Anoint him ruler over My people Israel; he will deliver them from the hand of the Philistines. For I have looked upon My people, because their cry has come to Me'" (1 Samuel 9:15-16).

Samuel anointed Saul privately, pouring oil on his head and declaring, "Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?" (1 Samuel 10:1). This anointing symbolized the divine appointment and empowerment of Saul to lead the nation.

Confirmation and Public Proclamation

Following the private anointing, Samuel provided Saul with several signs to confirm his calling, which all came to pass as foretold. Saul's kingship was publicly confirmed at Mizpah, where Samuel gathered the people and cast lots to reveal God's choice. When Saul was chosen, he initially hid among the baggage, displaying his humility and reluctance. However, when he stood among the people, they saw that "he was a head taller than any of the others" (1 Samuel 10:23), and they shouted, "Long live the king!" (1 Samuel 10:24).

Significance

The anointing of Saul as king was a significant moment in Israel's history, representing both the fulfillment of the people's desire for a monarch and the beginning of a new era under God's sovereign plan. Despite the challenges and eventual failures of Saul's reign, this event underscored the importance of divine guidance and the role of the prophet in the governance of Israel. Samuel's obedience to God's command, despite his personal reservations, highlights the prophet's faithfulness and the overarching theme of God's sovereignty in the establishment of Israel's monarchy.1 Samuel 9:10
Then said Saul to his servant, Well said; come, let us go. So they went to the city where the man of God was.
Nave's Topical Index

The Fourth Theological Oration, which is the Second Concerning the ...
... 3666] ...Words of God, speaking to Saul about David. ... Fulness of the Anointing One;
the effect of which is that That which anoints is called ... 3666] 1 Samuel 15:28 ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxx the fourth theological.htm

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