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1 Samuel 9:26–10:8
Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on his head, and kissed him and said: “Is it not because the Lord has anointed you commander over His inheritance?” (v. 1)
After the sacrifice and feast, Samuel takes Saul to his home, where they speak together and Saul spends the night. But early the next morning, Samuel calls Saul from his place of rest on the roof of the house. A momentous day is dawning, for both Saul and Israel.
As Samuel walks with Saul toward the outskirts of Ramah, he tells Saul to send his servant ahead but tells Saul to remain in order to hear “the word of God.” Then, with no apparent ceremony, Samuel pours a flask of oil on Saul’s head, anointing him as king. This ritual is divinely commanded for various objects and for people in various roles (Ex. 30:22–33), but until this moment it never has been used to mark a king. The application of the anointing oil indicates that an object or person is designated by God for some special service. But though the priests and others might receive anointing, only the king of Israel is to be known as “the Lord’s anointed” or simply “the anointed” (see 1 Sam. 2:10). The Hebrew word translated as “anointed” is the root from which we get our word messiah. Saul is set apart to be the king, the “savior” of his people. However, because the anointing is a sign of God’s choice and equipping, it is clear that the king is merely a regent under Yahweh, who retains His status as Israel’s King. Later, Jesus will claim a divine anointing (Luke 4:18) that sets Him apart as the Messiah, the true “Anointed One,” the King of kings.
Samuel kisses Saul to show his agreement with and acceptance of God’s choice. He then gives Saul three signs that will serve to confirm to him that he is God’s choice for the throne. First, he will meet two men who will tell him the donkeys are found and Saul’s father is worried about him. Second, he will meet three men preparing for a sacrifice, and they will give him some of their provisions. Third, he will meet a group of prophets, whereupon the Spirit of God will come upon him, he will prophesy with the prophets, and he will be ” ‘turned into another man.’ ” At that time, Saul should ” ‘do as the occasion demands.’ ” Perhaps by this Samuel means that Saul should attack the Philistine garrison at the point where he will meet the prophets, but he may simply mean that Saul should utter prophecies as the Spirit moves him. Afterward, he is to go to Gilgal to await Samuel, who will come to offer sacrifices and give him further instructions.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
As Saul was anointed with oil, as Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit at His baptism, so we, too, have been anointed by the Spirit. By this anointing, we are called and empowered to serve God. For what particular tasks or avenues of service has the Spirit gifted and empowered you?Identify these areas and apply yourself diligently to them.
For Further Study
- 2 Cor. 1:21–22
- 1 John 2:20, 27