◄ 1 Samuel 10:24 ►
Samuel said to all the people, "Do you see the one the LORD has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people." And all the people shouted, "Long live the king!"
Study Bible
Samuel said to all the people
This phrase highlights the role of Samuel as a prophet and leader in Israel. Samuel, whose name in Hebrew (שְׁמוּאֵל, Shemu'el) means "heard of God," serves as a bridge between the period of the judges and the monarchy. His authority and respect among the Israelites are evident as he addresses the entire assembly. Historically, Samuel's leadership was crucial during a time of transition, and his words carried the weight of divine authority.

Do you see the one the LORD has chosen?
The phrase underscores the divine selection of Saul as king. The Hebrew word for "chosen" (בָּחַר, bachar) implies a deliberate and purposeful choice by God. This divine election is central to the narrative, emphasizing that Saul's kingship is not merely a human decision but a fulfillment of God's sovereign will. Theologically, this reflects the belief that God is actively involved in the governance of His people, choosing leaders according to His purposes.

There is no one like him among all the people
This statement highlights Saul's unique qualities and stature. The Hebrew context suggests a comparison that elevates Saul above his peers, possibly referring to his physical appearance, as earlier described in 1 Samuel 9:2, where Saul is noted for being taller than any of the people. This distinction sets Saul apart as the ideal candidate for kingship in the eyes of the people, aligning with their desire for a king like the nations around them.

And the people shouted, 'Long live the king!'
The people's acclamation signifies their acceptance and support of Saul as their king. The phrase "Long live the king" (in Hebrew, יְחִי הַמֶּלֶךְ, yechi ha-melech) is a traditional expression of loyalty and hope for a prosperous reign. This moment marks a significant shift in Israel's history, as they transition from a theocracy led by judges to a monarchy. Theologically, it reflects the tension between God's ideal leadership and the people's demand for a human king, as previously warned by Samuel in 1 Samuel 8.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Samuel
The last judge of Israel, a prophet, and a key figure in the transition from the period of judges to the monarchy. He anointed Saul as the first king of Israel.

2. Saul
The first king of Israel, chosen by God and anointed by Samuel. He was from the tribe of Benjamin and was noted for his impressive physical stature.

3. The People of Israel
The collective nation of Israel, who desired a king to lead them like other nations. They responded to Saul's anointing with enthusiasm.

4. Mizpah
The place where Samuel gathered the people to present Saul as king. It was a significant location for assemblies and covenant renewals.

5. The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, who chose Saul to be king. His choice reflects His sovereignty and involvement in the leadership of His people.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Leadership
God is actively involved in the selection of leaders. His choices may not always align with human expectations, but they serve His purposes.

The Role of Physical Appearance
Saul's impressive stature was a factor in his selection, reflecting human tendencies to value outward appearance. However, God looks at the heart, as seen in later scriptures.

The People's Response to Leadership
The enthusiastic response of the people ("Long live the king!") shows their desire for a human leader. This can serve as a reminder to seek God's guidance in our leadership choices.

The Importance of Obedience to God
Saul's anointing as king was a divine appointment, but his future success depended on his obedience to God's commands.

Transition and Change
The transition from judges to a monarchy was significant for Israel. Change can be challenging, but trusting in God's plan is crucial.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the selection of Saul as king reflect God's sovereignty, and what can we learn about trusting God's choices in our own lives?

2. In what ways do we, like the Israelites, sometimes prioritize outward appearances over inner character when choosing leaders?

3. How does the people's response to Saul's anointing ("Long live the king!") reflect our own reactions to new leadership or change?

4. What lessons can we draw from Saul's anointing about the importance of obedience to God in positions of leadership?

5. How can we apply the principles of God's guidelines for a king (Deuteronomy 17:14-20) to our understanding of leadership today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 17:14-20
This passage outlines God's guidelines for a king over Israel, emphasizing the king's role in leading the people according to God's law.

1 Samuel 8:4-22
This chapter describes the people's demand for a king and God's warning about the implications of having a human king.

1 Samuel 9:1-2
Provides background on Saul, highlighting his physical attributes and his selection by God.

1 Samuel 16:7
Contrasts God's criteria for choosing leaders, focusing on the heart rather than outward appearance, as seen later in the selection of David.
Sermons
A Royal Mien1 Samuel 10:24
God Save the KingG. G. Gillan, D. D.1 Samuel 10:24
God Save the KingB. Dale 1 Samuel 10:24
The Choice Young Man and GoodlyJ. A. Miller.1 Samuel 10:24
The KingW. C. E. Newbolt, M. A.1 Samuel 10:24
Saul Chosen KingW. G. Blaikie, D. D.1 Samuel 10:17-25
Saul Chosen KingMonday Club Sermons1 Samuel 10:17-25
Saul Chosen KingA. Maclaren, D. D.1 Samuel 10:17-25
Saul Chosen, KingWilliam E. Barton.1 Samuel 10:17-25
Saul Publicly ChosenB. Dale 1 Samuel 10:17-25
The Public Recognition of Incipient KingshipJoseph S. Exell, M. A.1 Samuel 10:17-25
People
Benjamin, Egyptians, Kish, Matri, Matrites, Rachel, Samuel, Saul
Places
Bethel, Egypt, Gibeah, Gibeath-elohim, Gilgal, Mizpah, Tabor, Zelzah, Zuph
Topics
Along, Chosen, Cries, Fixed, Lord's, Loud, None, Samuel, Save, Selection, Shout, Shouted, Surely
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Samuel 10:24

     5196   voice
     5370   kingship, human

1 Samuel 10:17-25

     5366   king
     7236   Israel, united kingdom

1 Samuel 10:20-24

     6641   election, responsibilities
     8129   guidance, examples

Library
The King after Man's Heart
'And Samuel called the people together unto the Lord to Mizpeh; 18. And said unto the children of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and of them that oppressed you; 19. And ye have this day rejected your God, who Himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto Him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Place of Jesus in the History of the World.
The great event of the History of the world is the revolution by which the noblest portions of humanity have passed from the ancient religions, comprised under the vague name of Paganism, to a religion founded on the Divine Unity, the Trinity, and the Incarnation of the Son of God. It has taken nearly a thousand years to accomplish this conversion. The new religion had itself taken at least three hundred years in its formation. But the origin of the revolution in question with which we have to do …
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

And V the Kingdom Undivided and the Kingdom Divided
THE HISTORICAL BOOKS: I and II Samuel. I and II Kings. I and II Chronicles. NOTE.--As these three pairs of books are so closely related in their historical contents, it is deemed best to study them together, though they overlap the two divisions of IV and V. I. CHARTS Chart A. General Contents +--+ " I AND II SAMUEL " +-------------+-----+------+ "Samuel "Saul "David " +-------------+-----+------+----------+ " " " " I AND II KINGS "NOTE.--Biblical …
Frank Nelson Palmer—A Bird's-Eye View of the Bible

The Earliest Chapters in Divine Revelation
[Sidenote: The nature of inspiration] Since the days of the Greek philosophers the subject of inspiration and revelation has been fertile theme for discussion and dispute among scholars and theologians. Many different theories have been advanced, and ultimately abandoned as untenable. In its simplest meaning and use, inspiration describes the personal influence of one individual upon the mind and spirit of another. Thus we often say, "That man inspired me." What we are or do under the influence …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

The Trial of Saul.
"And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering."--1 Samuel xiii. 9. We are all on our trial. Every one who lives is on his trial, whether he will serve God or not. And we read in Scripture of many instances of the trials upon which Almighty God puts us His creatures. In the beginning, Adam, when he was first created, was put upon his trial. He was placed in a beautiful garden, he had every thing given him for his pleasure and comfort; …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

The History Books
[Illustration: (drop cap T) Assyrian idol-god] Thus little by little the Book of God grew, and the people He had chosen to be its guardians took their place among the nations. A small place it was from one point of view! A narrow strip of land, but unique in its position as one of the highways of the world, on which a few tribes were banded together. All around great empires watched them with eager eyes; the powerful kings of Assyria, Egypt, and Babylonia, the learned Greeks, and, in later times, …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

Letter xxii (Circa A. D. 1129) to Simon, Abbot of S. Nicholas
To Simon, Abbot of S. Nicholas Bernard consoles him under the persecution of which he is the object. The most pious endeavours do not always have the desired success. What line of conduct ought to be followed towards his inferiors by a prelate who is desirous of stricter discipline. 1. I have learned with much pain by your letter the persecution that you are enduring for the sake of righteousness, and although the consolation given you by Christ in the promise of His kingdom may suffice amply for …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Blessed are they that Mourn
Blessed are they that mourn. Matthew 5:4 Here are eight steps leading to true blessedness. They may be compared to Jacob's Ladder, the top whereof reached to heaven. We have already gone over one step, and now let us proceed to the second: Blessed are they that mourn'. We must go through the valley of tears to paradise. Mourning were a sad and unpleasant subject to treat on, were it not that it has blessedness going before, and comfort coming after. Mourning is put here for repentance. It implies …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah
"And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall come forth unto Me (one) [Pg 480] to be Ruler in Israel; and His goings forth are the times of old, the days of eternity." The close connection of this verse with what immediately precedes (Caspari is wrong in considering iv. 9-14 as an episode) is evident, not only from the [Hebrew: v] copulative, and from the analogy of the near relation of the announcement of salvation to the prophecy of disaster …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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