1 Samuel 10:22
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)
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Isn't it striking how God’s answer points to Saul's humility, or perhaps his fear, in hiding among the baggage? This isn't a picture of eager ambition, but rather a God who sees and chooses even when his chosen one is trying to disappear. The divine selection is so powerful that it can find someone attempting to be invisible.
Just before this, Samuel has just anointed Saul as king, but the people haven't seen him yet, and Saul is off at home. This moment follows a series of events where God is guiding the people towards a king, and now they're looking for their new leader, eager to see him presented. The discovery that Saul is hiding among the supplies highlights the tension between God's choice and Saul's own hesitant nature as he steps into this monumental role.
We often picture leaders as the most obvious, most qualified, or most eager. But God’s choices often surprise us.
God's Hidden Plans
In 1 Samuel 10, the people of Israel are demanding a king, just like the other nations. God, through Samuel, anoints Saul as king. But when it comes time to present him, Saul isn't exactly center stage. He’s hiding! This is a powerful picture of how God’s kingdom doesn’t always operate on human terms. The one chosen to lead is literally out of sight, blending in with the ordinary. It challenges our assumptions about who God uses and how He works. He doesn't need the spotlight-lovers; He often picks the humble, the overlooked, the ones who are content to stay in the background.
While Saul was hiding from his kingship, there’s another King who is hidden, but for a different reason – and His return will change everything.
A King in Hiding, A King to Come
Saul's hiding among the baggage is a striking, though unintended, foreshadowing. While he was hiding from the responsibility of kingship, Jesus, our true King, was also hidden in a sense. He was born in humble circumstances, lived a life unseen by most of the world's powers, and even His resurrection was initially unseen by His own disciples.
But unlike Saul, Jesus’ hiding wasn't out of fear or reluctance. It was part of God's perfect plan for redemption. And the promise is not just that He was hidden, but that He will return. The same God who orchestrated Saul's hiddenness also orchestrated Jesus' humble beginnings and His eventual, glorious return to establish His eternal kingdom. This verse, while about an earthly king, echoes the deeper truth of our heavenly King.
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.
Saul's hiding among the baggage isn't just a quirky detail; it reveals the deep-seated insecurity and reluctance that plagued Israel's first king, even as God was initiating His plan for monarchy.
c. 1070 BC
Eli's Corrupt Sons
The priesthood under Eli is marked by corruption, with his sons Hophni and Phinehas disrespecting God and the people's offerings. This widespread spiritual decay created a crisis of leadership and divine connection in Israel.
c. 1070 BC
The Ark of the Covenant Captured
In a devastating battle, the Israelites are defeated by the Philistines, and the Ark of the Covenant is captured. This event highlights Israel's spiritual and military weakness and the loss of God's tangible presence.
c. 1050 BC
Samuel's Ministry as Judge
Samuel, a prophet and judge, faithfully served Israel, calling them to repent and return to God. He led them to a significant victory over the Philistines, restoring some hope and order.
c. 1050 BC
Israel Demands a King
The people of Israel, influenced by surrounding nations and dissatisfied with the leadership, demand a king. This marks a significant turning point, as they reject Samuel's God-appointed way of leadership.
This passage continues the theme of Saul's hiddenness and God's guidance, showing Jonathan acting boldly while Saul is still hesitant, echoing Saul's earlier reluctance to fully step into his calling.
1 Samuel 9:2This verse introduces Saul as a 'choice and handsome' young man, highlighting the outward appearance that contrasted with his inner insecurity and tendency to hide, setting the stage for his later actions.
Matthew 13:44Jesus uses the parable of a hidden treasure to illustrate the immense value of the Kingdom of God, paralleling how something incredibly precious (like Saul, and ultimately Christ) can be concealed from plain sight.
John 7:10This passage shows Jesus' own brothers disbelieving in him, and Jesus himself not openly revealing himself during the feast, demonstrating the recurring biblical theme of God's chosen ones being initially hidden or unrecognized.
Isn't it striking how God’s answer points to Saul's humility, or perhaps his fear, in hiding among the baggage? This isn't a picture of eager ambition, but rather a God who sees and chooses even when his chosen one is trying to disappear. The divine selection is so powerful that it can find someone attempting to be invisible.
Just before this, Samuel has just anointed Saul as king, but the people haven't seen him yet, and Saul is off at home. This moment follows a series of events where God is guiding the people towards a king, and now they're looking for their new leader, eager to see him presented. The discovery that Saul is hiding among the supplies highlights the tension between God's choice and Saul's own hesitant nature as he steps into this monumental role.
Just before this, Samuel has just anointed Saul as king, but the people haven't seen him yet, and Saul is off at home. This moment follows a series of events where God is guiding the people towards a king, and now they're looking for their new leader, eager to see him presented. The discovery that Saul is hiding among the supplies highlights the tension between God's choice and Saul's own hesitant nature as he steps into this monumental role.
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c. 1050 BC— this verse
Saul Anointed King
Samuel secretly anoints Saul, a tall and impressive young man, as king. Saul is initially filled with the Spirit and proves himself in battle, but his character flaws soon begin to emerge.
c. 1050 BC
Saul Hides Among the Baggage
When summoned to be presented to the people as king after his anointing, Saul hides among the supplies. This reveals his fear, insecurity, and perhaps a reluctance to embrace the public role God had chosen for 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.”" — Isn't it striking how God’s answer points to Saul's humility, or perhaps his fear, in hiding among the baggage? This isn't a picture of eager ambition, but rather a God who sees and chooses even when…
