Samuel Anoints Saul

Illustration of Samuel Anoints Saul
Era
United Kingdom
Date
c. 1050 BC โ‰ˆ Approximate
Reference
1 Samuel 10:1-8
Israel demanded a king. God gave them what they asked for - and it would cost them dearly.

The Israelites, weary of being led by judges and eager to emulate neighboring nations, demanded a human king from the aging prophet Samuel, who warned them of the burdens this would bring. Obeying God's specific command, Samuel privately anointed Saul, a tall Benjamite chosen by divine lot, by pouring oil on his head and declaring him ruler over Israel. This transition established Israel's first monarchy, shifting the nation from direct theocratic rule under God to governance through a king. In Scripture, the event underscores themes of human rebellion against divine authority while setting the stage for the Davidic line and future messianic promises.

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Did You Know?

1

Obeying God's specific command, Samuel privately anointed Saul, a tall Benjamite chosen by divine lot, by pouring oil on his head and declaring him ruler over Israel.

2

This transition established Israel's first monarchy, shifting the nation from direct theocratic rule under God to governance through a king.

3

This event is dated to approximately c. 1050 BC in biblical chronology.

4

This took place at or near Gilgal.

Key Passage

Samuel Anoints Saul

1 Samuel 10:1-8

T1hen Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?

2 When thou art departed from me to day, then thou shalt find two men by Rachelโ€™s sepulchre in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say unto thee, The asses which thou wentest to seek are found: and, lo, thy father hath left the care of the asses, and sorroweth for you, saying, What shall I do for my son? 3 Then shalt thou go on forward from thence, and thou shalt come to the plain of Tabor, and there shall meet thee three men going up to God to Bethel, one carrying three kids, and another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a bottle of wine: 4 And they will salute thee, and give thee two loaves of bread; which thou shalt receive of their hands. 5 After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy: 6 And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man. 7 And let it be, when these signs are come unto thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee; for God is with thee. 8 And thou shalt go down before me to Gilgal; and, behold, I will come down unto thee, to offer burnt offerings, and to sacrifice sacrifices of peace offerings: seven days shalt thou tarry, till I come to thee, and shew thee what thou shalt do.

Read full chapter: 1 Samuel 10 โ†’

Meanwhile in the World

Egypt is in decline (Third Intermediate Period). Phoenicia dominates Mediterranean trade. The Greek Dark Age continues. Assyria is rising in Mesopotamia. Homer may be composing the Iliad and Odyssey. This is the era of the great Phoenician alphabet spreading.

When: c. 1050 - 930 BC

Key Civilizations: Phoenicia, Early Assyria

Biblical Parallels: 1 Samuel 8-31 , 2 Samuel 1-24 , 1 Kings 1-11

Explore Related

Characters 2

Samuel Samuel served as Israel's final judge and a major prophet during the transition from tribal leadershipโ€ฆ Saul (King) Saul was anointed as the first king of Israel by the prophet Samuel after the people demanded a monarch toโ€ฆ

Places 1

Gilgal Gilgal was the first encampment of the Israelites after they crossed the Jordan River into Canaan underโ€ฆ