The story of Samuel anointing Saul as the first king of Israel is a significant event in the Bible, showing how Israel transitioned from judges to kings. This story is found in 1 Samuel 9-10.
Saul Meets Samuel
Bible Verse: 1 Samuel 9:15-17
“Now the day before Saul came, the Lord had revealed this 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. I have looked on my people, for their cry has reached me.’ When Samuel caught sight of Saul, the Lord said to him, ‘This is the man I spoke to you about; he will govern my people.'”
Saul was from the tribe of Benjamin and was out looking for his father’s lost donkeys. God had already told Samuel, the prophet, that Saul was the chosen one to be the first king of Israel. When Samuel saw Saul, God confirmed that Saul was the one to be anointed.
Saul’s Anointing
Bible Verse: 1 Samuel 10:1
“Then Samuel took a flask of olive oil and poured it on Saul’s head and kissed him, saying, ‘Has not the Lord anointed you ruler over his inheritance?'”
Samuel took a flask of olive oil, poured it over Saul’s head, and declared him the ruler over Israel. This act of pouring oil was a sign that Saul was chosen by God to be king.
Signs of God’s Choice
Bible Verse: 1 Samuel 10:9
“As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul’s heart, and all these signs were fulfilled that day.”
After anointing him, Samuel told Saul about several signs that would happen, proving that God had truly chosen him. These signs included meeting a group of prophets and prophesying with them. Everything happened just as Samuel had said, showing Saul and the people that God was with him.
Public Selection of Saul as King
Bible Verse: 1 Samuel 10:24
“Samuel said to all the people, ‘Do you see the man the Lord has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people.’ Then the people shouted, ‘Long live the king!'”
Later, Samuel gathered all the Israelites and publicly chose Saul as their king. The people accepted Saul and shouted, “Long live the king!”