1 Samuel 10:21
He brought the tribe of Benjamin near by its clans, and the clan of the Matrites was taken by lot; and Saul the son of Kish was taken by lot. But when they sought him, he could not be found.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While everyone's eyes were on the grand pronouncements and the chosen one, the text subtly reveals that Saul, the very man God picked, was hiding. This isn't just a funny anecdote; it shows how even the chosen can feel overwhelmed and try to escape God's calling, a tension many of us still wrestle with today.
The people have just demanded a king, and God, through Samuel, has already chosen Saul. This passage describes the process of identifying Saul more publicly among the tribes, using the method of drawing lots to reveal God's selection. Although Saul is chosen, his absence when they search for him hints at his initial reluctance or humility, setting the stage for his reign.
Imagine the tension! The entire nation of Israel is waiting, holding their breath, as God’s chosen leader is about to be revealed. But how does God make this monumental decision?
In 1 Samuel 10, we see God using the ancient practice of casting lots to make His selection. This wasn't a game of chance; it was a profound act of divine sovereignty.
Divine Ordination
Casting lots was a way to discern God's will in crucial matters. When the lots were cast, it signified that God Himself was directing the outcome. The text emphasizes that it wasn't by accident or mere human decision-making, but by God's direct intervention.
The Unexpectedly Hidden King
This method highlighted that the choice ultimately rested with God, not with man. Even though people were presented, the final selection was a divine confirmation. It underscores a timeless truth: God’s plans are His own, and His choices often surprise us.
Saul is chosen, the lots fall on him, and then... he can't be found! What does this sudden disappearance reveal about the newly appointed king, and about God's perspective?
The immediate aftermath of Saul's selection is dramatic: he's nowhere to be found! This isn't just a narrative quirk; it's a powerful insight into Saul's character and the nature of true leadership.
Humble Beginnings or Reluctance?
Saul comes from a prominent family, and he's physically impressive. Yet, his immediate absence suggests either a profound humility and disbelief at his calling, or perhaps a deep-seated reluctance to step into such a significant, public role. It’s a moment of profound vulnerability.
God's Grace in Our Weakness
This hiddenness also speaks volumes about God. He knows Saul's heart, his flaws, and his potential. God doesn't choose perfect people; He chooses people He will equip and empower. Saul's disappearance highlights that God often works through our imperfections and our moments of doubt, calling us to step out even when we feel unqualified or afraid.
Understand the original words
mishpachah · Hebrew Noun
A division of a tribe in ancient Israel, often associated with family groupings or military units. It represents the extended kinship structure fundamental to Israelite society.
goral · Hebrew Noun
A method used in the Old Testament to determine the divine will or to make decisions, based on the belief that God sovereignly controls the outcome of casting objects. It was a recognized, authoritative means of discovering God's choice.
Saul's initial hiding reveals a deep-seated anxiety about his calling, foreshadowing the struggles and eventual downfall that marked his reign.
c. 1075 BC
Saul Anointed King
Samuel privately anoints Saul as the first king of Israel, a pivotal moment in Israel's transition from tribal confederation to monarchy.
c. 1070 BC
Saul's Military Victories
Saul achieves significant military victories, notably against the Ammonites, solidifying his rule and Israel's desire for a unified kingdom.
c. 1070 BC
Saul Crowned Publicly at Gilgal
Following his victories, Saul is formally acclaimed and crowned king at Gilgal, demonstrating popular support and the establishment of his reign.
c. 1069 BC
Saul's Rejection
Saul disobeys God's direct command through Samuel, leading to Samuel declaring that Saul's kingdom will not continue and God will seek a king after His own heart.
c. 1060 BC— this verse
This passage shows a similar situation where lots are cast to reveal guilt, this time after Jonathan ate honey and Saul asks God to reveal the guilty party.
Joshua 7:14-18Here, the casting of lots is used to identify Achan, who had stolen from Jericho, demonstrating God's ability to reveal hidden sin through this process.
Proverbs 16:33This proverb directly states that 'The lots are cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord,' reinforcing the idea that even seemingly random events are under God's sovereign control.
Acts 1:23-26After Jesus' ascension, the disciples cast lots to choose a replacement for Judas, showing that this practice was still seen as a way to discern God's will for leadership.
While everyone's eyes were on the grand pronouncements and the chosen one, the text subtly reveals that Saul, the very man God picked, was hiding. This isn't just a funny anecdote; it shows how even the chosen can feel overwhelmed and try to escape God's calling, a tension many of us still wrestle with today.
The people have just demanded a king, and God, through Samuel, has already chosen Saul. This passage describes the process of identifying Saul more publicly among the tribes, using the method of drawing lots to reveal God's selection. Although Saul is chosen, his absence when they search for him hints at his initial reluctance or humility, setting the stage for his reign.
The people have just demanded a king, and God, through Samuel, has already chosen Saul. This passage describes the process of identifying Saul more publicly among the tribes, using the method of drawing lots to reveal God's selection. Although Saul is chosen, his absence when they search for him hints at his initial reluctance or humility, setting the stage for his reign.
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Lot Drawn for Saul's Kingly Succession
God directs Samuel to draw lots to identify the next king, starting with the tribe of Benjamin and progressing to the specific family and individual.
c. 1060 BC
Saul Found Hiding
Despite being chosen by lot, Saul is found hiding among the baggage, revealing his reluctance and perhaps fear regarding the immense responsibility of kingship.
"He brought the tribe of Benjamin near by its clans, and the clan of the Matrites was taken by lot; and Saul the son of Kish was taken by lot. But when they sought him, he could not be found." — While everyone's eyes were on the grand pronouncements and the chosen one, the text subtly reveals that Saul, the very man God picked, was hiding. This isn't just a funny anecdote; it shows how even…
