Chapter 10
10:1 Then Samuel took a vial of a 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?

(a) In the Law this anointing signified the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which were necessary for those who would rule.
10:2 When thou art departed from me to day, then thou shalt find two men by Rachels sepulchre in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say unto thee, The b 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?
(b) Samuel confirms him by these signs, that God has appointed him king.
10:5 After that thou shalt come to the c 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:
(c) Which was a high place in the city Kirjath-jearim, where the ark was, ( 1 Samuel 7:2 ).
10:9 And it was [so], that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another d heart: and all those signs came to pass that day.
(d) He gave him such virtues as were fitting for a king.
10:12 And one of the same place answered and said, But who [is] their e father? Therefore it became a proverb, [Is] Saul also among the f prophets?
(e) Meaning, that prophecy comes not by succession, but is given to whom it pleases God.
(f) Noting by it him that from low degree comes suddenly to honour.
10:17 And Samuel g called the people together unto the LORD to Mizpeh;
(g) Both to declare to them their fault in asking a king, and also to show Gods sentence in it.
10:20 And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was h taken.
(h) That is, by casting of lot.
10:22 Therefore they enquired of the LORD further, if the man should yet come thither. And the LORD answered, Behold, he i hath hid himself among the stuff.
(i) As though he were unworthy and unwilling.
10:25 Then Samuel told the people k the manner of the kingdom, and wrote [it] in a book, and laid [it] up before the LORD. And Samuel sent all the people away, every man to his house.
(k) As it is written in ( Deuteronomy 17:15 ).
10:27 But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he l held his peace.
(l) Both to avoid disputing and also to win them by patience.