1 Samuel 10:22
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
What's striking here is not just Saul's hiding, but the timing and reason for his absence. The people ask if he's coming, and God reveals he's already present, just withdrawn and obscured, suggesting a deep-seated reluctance or perhaps even fear of the role God had chosen for him. It’s a powerful picture of how God sees us, even when we’re trying to disappear from His plans.
So they inquired again of the LORD, “Is there a man still to come?” and the LORD said, “Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Samuel has just anointed Saul as king, but the people don't know it yet and are looking for their new leader. Saul, meanwhile, has gone home and is keeping a low profile. The nation is eagerly awaiting their king, and God points to Saul's humble, almost hidden, position as a sign of where to find him.
The people of Israel wanted a king like the other nations. But God's plans often look different than our expectations.
Divine Selection Over Human Desire
When Israel demanded a king, they were asking for someone who fit their idea of leadership – visible, strong, and like their neighbors. The LORD's response here, and the subsequent crowning of Saul, highlights a crucial truth: God's choices aren't always what we'd pick. He sees what we miss, both in character and in future impact.
Saul, initially chosen, was hiding! This wasn't a sign of weakness to God, but rather, part of His unfolding plan. It’s a powerful reminder that true leadership, in God’s eyes, often begins not with outward show, but with an inward disposition that He cultivates.
Why would God choose a king who was hiding? Sometimes, God's plans involve unexpected detours and unseen preparation.
Where God Hides His Leaders
'Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage.' This is such a striking image! Saul wasn't on a throne or leading a charge; he was literally out of sight, blending in with the ordinary. This reveals that God often places His chosen ones in obscure places, allowing them to mature, to learn humility, and to be tested away from the spotlight.
This hiddenness isn't forever. It's a phase of divine incubation. God uses these quiet, unseen seasons to prepare individuals for public roles. It teaches us that obscurity is not insignificance in God's economy. What seems like hiding can actually be the essential place of preparation.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
sha'al · Hebrew Verb
The act of seeking guidance or a word from God, typically through a prophet, a priest, or the Urim and Thummim. It implies a recognition of God as the ultimate authority and source of truth.
Yahweh · Hebrew Noun
Yahweh, the personal, covenantal name of God revealed to Israel. It denotes His self-existence, holiness, and active involvement in human history.
This moment highlights Israel's deep desire for God's presence and guidance, even as they were transitioning to a new form of leadership under a king.
c. 1070 BC
Eli's Corrupt Sons
The sons of the priest Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were corrupt and dishonored God. This led to a loss of spiritual vitality and God's direct communication with Israel through the Urim and Thummim was infrequent.
c. 1070 BC
Ark of the Covenant Captured
In a battle against the Philistines, Israel suffered a devastating defeat, and the Ark of the Covenant was captured. This event symbolized God's apparent absence and the dire state of the nation.
c. 1050 BC
Samuel's Ministry and Call for a King
Samuel, a prophet and judge, faithfully served Israel, but the people, seeing other nations with kings, demanded one for themselves despite Samuel's warnings.
c. 1050 BC
Saul Anointed King
God chooses Saul, a humble man from the tribe of Benjamin, to be the first king of Israel. Samuel secretly anoints him.
c. 1050 BC— this verse
Saul's Public Presentation
Saul is presented to the people at Gilgal after being chosen by lot. His kingship is affirmed, though not without some dissent.
c. 1050 BC
Saul's First Military Victory
Saul leads Israel to victory against the Ammonites, solidifying his position as king. This victory demonstrates his initial effectiveness and God's renewed favor.
This passage sets the stage for Saul's anointing, showing God's deliberate choice of a humble, unassuming young man who initially didn't even know he was being sought.
1 Samuel 14:1-23This chapter shows Saul's insecurity and tendency to act rashly even after being chosen, highlighting the contrast with God's hidden choice and revealing the ongoing struggle with his leadership.
Matthew 11:2-6Jesus' response to John the Baptist's question mirrors the theme of hiddenness and divine purpose; Jesus points to His works, just as God's choice of Saul was revealed through action rather than fanfare.
John 7:10-13This passage illustrates how the world often doesn't recognize God's chosen people or actions when they aren't presented in a way that fits worldly expectations, echoing Saul's hiddenness among the baggage.
What's striking here is not just Saul's hiding, but the timing and reason for his absence. The people ask if he's coming, and God reveals he's already present, just withdrawn and obscured, suggesting a deep-seated reluctance or perhaps even fear of the role God had chosen for him. It’s a powerful picture of how God sees us, even when we’re trying to disappear from His plans.
Samuel has just anointed Saul as king, but the people don't know it yet and are looking for their new leader. Saul, meanwhile, has gone home and is keeping a low profile. The nation is eagerly awaiting their king, and God points to Saul's humble, almost hidden, position as a sign of where to find him.
Samuel has just anointed Saul as king, but the people don't know it yet and are looking for their new leader. Saul, meanwhile, has gone home and is keeping a low profile. The nation is eagerly awaiting their king, and God points to Saul's humble, almost hidden, position as a sign of where to find him.
"So they inquired again of the LORD, “Is there a man still to come?” and the LORD said, “Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage.”" — What's striking here is not just Saul's hiding, but the timing and reason for his absence. The people ask if he's coming, and God reveals he's already present, just withdrawn and obscured, su…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
