1 Samuel 10:20 Meaning Explained

1 Samuel 10:20

Then Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, and the tribe of Benjamin was taken by lot.

English Standard Version (ESV)

Isn't it fascinating how "the lot" is the decisive factor here, not Samuel's personal preference or any tribal maneuvering? God's sovereign hand is at work, even in the seemingly random casting of lots, to reveal His chosen king and bring about His purposes. This points to a trust in divine direction, even when the outcome feels out of human control.

What 1 Samuel 10:20 means

Just moments before, the people of Israel had demanded a king, tired of the "bad old days" under judges and wanting to be like other nations. Samuel, following God's lead, had already privately anointed Saul as king, but now it's time for the public reveal to all the tribes, and the selection process is underway to confirm Saul as their chosen leader. This public selection process, starting with casting lots, leads directly to Saul being presented and acclaimed king.

The Lottery of Divine Providence

Ever feel like you got the short end of the stick? Or maybe you felt overlooked? This verse shows that even in what looks like random chance, God is at work.

A Lot of Faith

When Samuel is about to reveal Israel's first king, he doesn't just pick someone. He uses a process of 'casting lots.' In ancient Israel, this wasn't like buying a lottery ticket hoping for riches. It was a way to seek God's direct guidance, trusting that the outcome, however surprising, was what God willed.

Benjamin's Smallness

What's fascinating is that the tribe of Benjamin was actually the smallest and weakest tribe at this point in Israel's history (Judges 19-21 tells a grim story about them). It seems like an unlikely choice for the leader of a nation yearning for strength and unity. Yet, God often chooses the humble, the overlooked, and the seemingly inadequate to display His power.

From Tribal Identity to National Leadership

Israel had been led by judges for generations, but now they wanted a king. This moment marks a huge shift, moving from the power of individual tribes to a unified nation under one ruler.

The Birth of a Monarchy

Before this, Israel's identity was strongly tied to its twelve tribes, each with its own territory and leadership. Judges like Gideon or Deborah operated within this tribal structure. But the people's demand for a king wasn't just for a figurehead; it was a desire for a centralized government, military strength, and a system like the surrounding nations.

God's Plan Unfolds

Samuel, acting on God's behalf, orchestrates this selection. By bringing all the tribes near and then using the lot, he emphasizes that this isn't just a human decision. It's God establishing a new order for His people. Even though Saul, from Benjamin, would ultimately falter, this event set the stage for the Davidic line and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

Understand the original words

Original language

lotגּוֹרָל

goral · Hebrew Noun

A method of divine decision-making or seeking God's will where the outcome was believed to be controlled by the LORD rather than by human chance.

Historical context

Written: Likely compiled during the Divided Monarchy, possibly around the 8th-6th centuries BC, though the events described occurred around 1000 BC.
Author: Traditionally attributed to the prophet Samuel, though modern scholarship suggests compilation by later editors, possibly from the Deuteronomistic school.
Location: Written from the region of Ramah, where Samuel lived, but referencing events across the tribal territories of Israel.
Genre: Narrative history, characterized by its genealogical and chronological elements, detailing the transition from the period of the Judges to the monarchy.

Historical background

c. 1070 BC
Death of Samson
Samson, the last judge of Israel, dies, marking the end of an era of charismatic, localized leadership.
c. 1050 BC
Eli's judgeship ends
The high priest Eli, who judged Israel for 40 years, dies as the Ark of the Covenant is captured by the Philistines. This signifies a period of great spiritual and political decline.
c. 1050-1010 BC
Philistine Oppression
The Philistines exert significant military control over Israel, hindering Israel's development and freedom. This pressure fuels the desire for a king to unite them.
c. 1040 BC
Samuel Anoints Saul
The prophet Samuel secretly anoints Saul, son of Kish, as king over Israel, fulfilling the people's long-standing request. This marks the beginning of the monarchy.
c. 1040 BC— this verse
Saul's first public presentation
Samuel gathers the Israelites at Gilgal to present Saul as their new king. This is a pivotal moment where the people publicly acknowledge and affirm their new leadership structure.

Key themes

01God's sovereign choice
02Lot casting for divine will
03Tribal selection

Cross-references

Joshua 18:10

This passage describes the process of dividing the land of Canaan by lot among the remaining tribes of Israel, showing lot as a method for divine allocation.

Proverbs 16:33

This proverb directly states that lots are cast into a lap but their final disposal comes from the Lord, reinforcing the idea that even seemingly random selections are under God's control.

Acts 1:26

In the New Testament, the disciples cast lots to determine Matthias' replacement for Judas, demonstrating the continued use of lots for discerning God's will in choosing leadership.

1 Samuel 14:41

This passage shows Saul asking the Lord to give a lot between him and Jonathan, illustrating how lots were used in a desperate situation to uncover hidden sin or make a crucial decision.

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What 1 Samuel 10:20 means

Historical context

Written: Likely compiled during the Divided Monarchy, possibly around the 8th-6th centuries BC, though the events described occurred around 1000 BC.
Author: Traditionally attributed to the prophet Samuel, though modern scholarship suggests compilation by later editors, possibly from the Deuteronomistic school.
Location: Written from the region of Ramah, where Samuel lived, but referencing events across the tribal territories of Israel.
Genre: Narrative history, characterized by its genealogical and chronological elements, detailing the transition from the period of the Judges to the monarchy.

Historical background

c. 1070 BC

Death of Samson

Samson, the last judge of Israel, dies, marking the end of an era of charismatic, localized leadership.

c. 1050 BC

Eli's judgeship ends

The high priest Eli, who judged Israel for 40 years, dies as the Ark of the Covenant is captured by the Philistines. This signifies a period of great spiritual and political decline.

c. 1050-1010 BC

Philistine Oppression

The Philistines exert significant military control over Israel, hindering Israel's development and freedom. This pressure fuels the desire for a king to unite them.

c. 1040 BC

Samuel Anoints Saul

The prophet Samuel secretly anoints Saul, son of Kish, as king over Israel, fulfilling the people's long-standing request. This marks the beginning of the monarchy.

c. 1040 BC— this verse

Saul's first public presentation

Samuel gathers the Israelites at Gilgal to present Saul as their new king. This is a pivotal moment where the people publicly acknowledge and affirm their new leadership structure.