Comments on 1 Samuel 10 v1-8 Samuel makes some remarkably detailed predictions about what is to happen to Saul over the next week. Obviously, this also forms something of a test for Saul, as he could have chosen to fight against Samuel's predictions and done something contrary, as occurred with the substance of v. 8. This indicates people are free to ignore such predictions if they choose to. v7 "do as occasion serve thee", referring to the acts of 11:5-15. "God is with thee", the standard statement of divine endorsement, cp. Ex. 3:12, Josh. 1:5. v8 connects with 13:8, being the seven days later. v9 All of the predictions Samuel made are fulfilled, indicating Saul accepted and did what he was supposed to, at least up until the substance of v. 8. "God gave him another heart", paralleling the statement in v. 6 that Saul "shalt be turned into another man". This is clearly a result of the Spirit of God falling upon Saul as indicated in v. 6. Thus, we have a very supposedly NT theme in the OT, we have Saul being "born again". Unfortunately, Saul's conversion is short lived. v11-12 What is going on here is the people who knew Saul beforehand are questioning this apparent spiritual conversion. The appellation "son of Kish" is a Semitism and is pejorative, suggesting the person is not noteworthy enough to be known by his own name. Thus, when they say "Is Saul also among the prophets", it is sarcastic, cp. v. 27. But, these sarcastic men are questioned by one more astute in v. 12, cp. v. 26. This person points out that the "father" of the prophets is actually God, and thus slighting them in such a fashion is an ironic twist. Thus, the sarcastic "Is Saul also among the prophets" becomes ironically played against the doubters as a proverb when Saul does in fact become king. v16 "But of the matter of the kingdom...", Saul does not bring up the matter, again suggesting present humility, cp. v. 22, 9:21. v17-24 Samuel makes Saul's calling to the kingship public. First, Samuel derides Israel for rejecting the Lord as their King (v. 19, cp. ch. 8), and he then separates out the tribe of Benjamin, then Saul's family only to find Saul missing. Saul tries to avoid the call by hiding in the baggage (i.e., the "stuff" in the KJV), but is thwarted as the Lord reveals to Samuel where he is hiding. Saul is then taken before the people and they generally acknowledge him as king, based largely upon his charisma, but there are some naysayers. v25 Samuel instructs Saul on the appropriate ordinances for the king, and then documents them, and places the document in the ark of the covenant. v26-27 Saul's conversion and call to be king cause division among his home town people. Some, who are spiritual, recognize and accept him (v. 26), while those who are not spiritual reject him (v. 27). "children of belial", a Semitism for "scoundrels" or "miscreants" or "riff raff". Copyright © 2002 by S. Kurt Neumiller . All rights reserved. No part of this text may be reproduced in any form or by any means for commercial gain without the express written consent of the author. Digital or printed copies may be freely made and distributed for personal and public non-commercial use.