Chosen by God: Saul’s Anointing and First Steps as King (1 Samuel 10:1-27)
Have you ever felt unsure about stepping into something new—even when others believed in you? Or maybe you’ve sensed that God was calling you to something, but it all felt too big or too fast.
In 1 Samuel 10, we read about Saul’s first steps toward becoming the king of Israel. It’s a chapter full of signs, surprises, and mixed emotions. Let’s take a closer look and see what it teaches us about calling, confidence, and God’s timing.
A Private Anointing
The chapter begins with something quiet but powerful: the prophet Samuel takes a jar of oil and pours it on Saul’s head. This was a sign that Saul was chosen by God to be Israel’s first king.
This moment wasn’t in front of a crowd. It was just the two of them. Sometimes God starts something new in us quietly—before anyone else knows. Don’t underestimate those private moments with God. That’s often where big things begin.
God Gives Clear Signs
After anointing Saul, Samuel tells him that he’ll see some specific things on his way home—lost donkeys found, people giving him bread, and a group of prophets worshiping.
These weren’t random events. God was using them to confirm Saul’s calling and to show Saul that He was truly with him.
When we’re unsure, God can give us little signs along the way—reminders that we’re not walking alone.
A Changed Heart
As Saul leaves Samuel, something amazing happens—God changes Saul’s heart. Soon after, he meets a group of prophets and begins prophesying, just like Samuel said he would.
This shows that God doesn’t just call people—He equips and transforms them too. When God leads us into something new, He doesn’t expect us to do it alone. He shapes us for the journey.
Keeping It Quiet
When Saul gets home, his uncle asks where he’s been. Saul tells him about meeting Samuel—but he doesn’t mention the part about being anointed king.
Why? Maybe he felt unsure. Maybe he didn’t know what to say. Sometimes when God is doing something new in us, we hold it close to our hearts for a while—and that’s okay.
A Public Calling… and Hiding
Later, Samuel gathers all of Israel to officially reveal the new king. They cast lots (like drawing names), and Saul is chosen.
But where is Saul? He’s hiding among the supplies!
Even though God had chosen and prepared him, Saul was still nervous. And yet, when the people finally saw him, they shouted, “Long live the king!”
This moment reminds us that even people called by God can feel scared or unready. But God sees the whole picture, even when we feel hidden or uncertain.
Some Support, Some Doubt
After the announcement, Samuel writes down the rules for kingship and sends everyone home.
Some people celebrated Saul. Others weren’t so sure and didn’t respect him. Saul stayed quiet and didn’t fight back.
Not everyone will understand or support what God is doing in your life. But what matters most is that God knows, and He’s with you.
Final Thoughts: What Can We Learn from Saul’s First Steps?
- God often starts His work in us privately before showing it publicly.
- He gives signs and encouragement to help us trust Him.
- God changes our hearts to prepare us for what’s ahead.
- Fear is normal, but we can move forward anyway.
- Not everyone will cheer for us—but God’s approval is enough.
Maybe you’re in a season where you feel like Saul—called, but unsure. Or maybe you’re still waiting to understand your purpose.
Whatever the case, remember this: If God calls you, He will guide you.
Take a moment today to ask yourself:
What step might God be calling me to take—even if I feel unprepared?
You might be surprised how God uses even small steps to lead you toward something greater.
1 Samuel 10:1-27 (WEB)
10:1 Then Samuel took the vial of oil and poured it on his head, then kissed him and said, “Hasn’t the LORD anointed you to be prince over his inheritance? 2 When you have departed from me today, then you will find two men by Rachel’s tomb, on the border of Benjamin at Zelzah. They will tell you, ‘The donkeys which you went to look for have been found; and behold, your father has stopped caring about the donkeys and is anxious for you, saying, “What shall I do for my son?” ’3 “Then you will go on forward from there, and you will come to the oak of Tabor. Three men will meet you there going up to God to Bethel: one carrying three young goats, and another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a container of wine. 4 They will greet you and give you two loaves of bread, which you shall receive from their hand.5 “After that you will come to the hill of God, where the garrison of the Philistines is; and it will happen, when you have come there to the city, that you will meet a band of prophets coming down from the high place with a lute, a tambourine, a pipe, and a harp before them; and they will be prophesying. 6 Then the LORD’s Spirit will come mightily on you, then you will prophesy with them and will be turned into another man. 7 Let it be, when these signs have come to you, that you do what is appropriate for the occasion; for God is with you.8 “Go down ahead of me to Gilgal; and behold, I will come down to you to offer burnt offerings and to sacrifice sacrifices of peace offerings. Wait seven days, until I come to you and show you what you are to do.” 9 It was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart; and all those signs happened that day. 10 When they came there to the hill, behold, a band of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came mightily on him, and he prophesied among them. 11 When all who knew him before saw that, behold, he prophesied with the prophets, then the people said to one another, “What is this that has come to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?”12 One from the same place answered, “Who is their father?” Therefore it became a proverb, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” 13 When he had finished prophesying, he came to the high place.14 Saul’s uncle said to him and to his servant, “Where did you go?”He said, “To seek the donkeys. When we saw that they were not found, we came to Samuel.”15 Saul’s uncle said, “Please tell me what Samuel said to you.”16 Saul said to his uncle, “He told us plainly that the donkeys were found.” But concerning the matter of the kingdom, of which Samuel spoke, he didn’t tell him.17 Samuel called the people together to the LORD to Mizpah; 18 and he said to the children of Israel, “The LORD, the God of Israel, says ‘I brought Israel up out of Egypt and I delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all the kingdoms that oppressed you.’ 19 But you have today rejected your God, who himself saves you out of all your calamities and your distresses; and you have said to him, ‘No! Set a king over us!’ Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes and by your thousands.”20 So Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, and the tribe of Benjamin was chosen. 21 He brought the tribe of Benjamin near by their families and the family of the Matrites was chosen. Then Saul the son of Kish was chosen; but when they looked for him, he could not be found. 22 Therefore they asked of the LORD further, “Is there yet a man to come here?”The LORD answered, “Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage.”23 They ran and got him there. When he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward. 24 Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see him whom the LORD has chosen, that there is no one like him among all the people?”All the people shouted and said, “Long live the king!”25 Then Samuel told the people the regulations of the kingdom, and wrote it in a book and laid it up before the LORD. Samuel sent all the people away, every man to his house. 26 Saul also went to his house in Gibeah; and the army went with him, whose hearts God had touched. 27 But certain worthless fellows said, “How could this man save us?” They despised him, and brought him no tribute. But he held his peace.