Saul’s Anointing – the Rise of Israel’s First King

Introduction: Chosen, Yet Uncertain

“Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.” —William Shakespeare

History is full of leaders who were thrust into power, unsure of themselves and hesitant to step into their calling. In 1940, Winston Churchill became Britain’s Prime Minister as war erupted in Europe. Many doubted his ability to lead, yet history remembers him as one of the most decisive leaders of his time.

George Washington – Twice resigned from leadership roles, including voluntarily giving up power after the Revolutionary War.

Moses – “Who am I that I should go?” (Exodus 3:11) – full of excuses, but chosen to confront Pharaoh.

Abraham Lincoln – Failed in business, defeated in several elections, and yet led the nation through its darkest hour.

Gideon – Hiding in the winepress when God called him a “mighty man of valor” (Judges 6).

And then there’s Saul—tall, impressive-looking, yet hiding among the baggage (1 Samuel 10:22). He didn’t seek to be king, and he didn’t even realize God had selected him—until chapter 9.

In 1 Samuel 9-10, we see a similar moment. Saul is chosen as Israel’s first king, yet he struggles with insecurity and uncertainty. God calls him, anoints him, and empowers him—but will he trust God or his own fears?

I. Saul’s Introduction: God Chooses an Unlikely Leader (1 Samuel 9:1-14)

1 Samuel 9:1–14 ESV

1 There was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, son of Zeror, son of Becorath, son of Aphiah, a Benjaminite, a man of wealth. 2 And he had a son whose name was Saul, a handsome young man. There was not a man among the people of Israel more handsome than he. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people. 3 Now the donkeys of Kish, Saul’s father, were lost. So Kish said to Saul his son, “Take one of the young men with you, and arise, go and look for the donkeys.” 4 And he passed through the hill country of Ephraim and passed through the land of Shalishah, but they did not find them. And they passed through the land of Shaalim, but they were not there. Then they passed through the land of Benjamin, but did not find them. 5 When they came to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant who was with him, “Come, let us go back, lest my father cease to care about the donkeys and become anxious about us.” 6 But he said to him, “Behold, there is a man of God in this city, and he is a man who is held in honor; all that he says comes true. So now let us go there. Perhaps he can tell us the way we should go.” 7 Then Saul said to his servant, “But if we go, what can we bring the man? For the bread in our sacks is gone, and there is no present to bring to the man of God. What do we have?” 8 The servant answered Saul again, “Here, I have with me a quarter of a shekel of silver, and I will give it to the man of God to tell us our way.” 9 (Formerly in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, he said, “Come, let us go to the seer,” for today’s “prophet” was formerly called a seer.) 10 And Saul said to his servant, “Well said; come, let us go.” So they went to the city where the man of God was. 11 As they went up the hill to the city, they met young women coming out to draw water and said to them, “Is the seer here?” 12 They answered, “He is; behold, he is just ahead of you. Hurry. He has come just now to the city, because the people have a sacrifice today on the high place. 13 As soon as you enter the city you will find him, before he goes up to the high place to eat. For the people will not eat till he comes, since he must bless the sacrifice; afterward those who are invited will eat. Now go up, for you will meet him immediately.” 14 So they went up to the city. As they were entering the city, they saw Samuel coming out toward them on his way up to the high place.

 Introducing Saul: The Tall, the Handsome… the Hollow

Saul is introduced as a young man from the tribe of Benjamin (v. 1-2), known for his handsome appearance and great stature. Saul was the kind of guy you’d pick first in a fantasy draft—impressive, head and shoulders above the rest, the kind of man you’d expect to dominate the leadership game. But when the game actually started… he folded like a lawn chair.

The Rise and Fall of Ryan Leaf

Ryan Leaf is one of the most famous cautionary tales in sports history. Drafted as the second overall NFL pick in 1998—right after Peyton Manning—Leaf was supposed to be the future of the league. He had the arm, the stats, the swagger. But as soon as the pressure hit, the cracks showed. Immaturity, poor decision-making, off-field issues… he went from franchise hope to historic bust.

He clashed with teammates, coaches, and the media. He was arrogant and combative—famously yelling at a reporter in a post-game meltdown. Lacked the mental toughness and character needed to lead a team. His teammates didn’t rally behind him—he alienated the locker room. Threw 14 interceptions to only 2 touchdowns in his rookie year. His confidence plummeted, and his mechanics fell apart. Battled shoulder injuries and later became addicted to prescription painkillers. His NFL career ended in just 3 seasons. Leaf ended up in prison for burglary and drug-related offenses before finally turning his life around in recovery.

Israel had their Ryan Leaf. His name was Saul.

Saul was tall, good-looking, and impressive at first glance—but as the story unfolds, we see that God was already preparing for David, a man after His own heart. Saul is the perfect picture of external promise without internal preparation. The kind of leader the people wanted—but not the one they needed.

His search for lost donkeys (vv. 3-4) leads him on an unexpected journey toward kingship. Saul’s servant suggests seeking guidance from the prophet Samuel (v. 6). This seemingly random event is actually God’s orchestration to bring Saul to Samuel.

Impressive exterior, but unstable interior Saul looked like a king—but was insecure, erratic, and spiritually shallow.

Couldn’t handle pressure Just like Leaf folded under scrutiny and expectation, Saul cracked under the weight of leadership—offering unlawful sacrifices, making rash vows, and refusing to repent.

Alienated his own people Saul’s leadership eventually caused Israel to fracture. He was suspicious of allies (like David) and sought control rather than godly obedience.

Tragic ending Like Leaf’s crash from NFL stardom to prison, Saul’s life ended in despair, suicide, and defeat on the battlefield.

Key Lessons from Saul’s Introduction

God’s call often comes through ordinary circumstances.

Saul wasn’t seeking a throne—he was looking for donkeys. Many times, God leads us into our calling through small, everyday moments.

God sees beyond appearance—He looks at the heart. Saul was physically impressive, but was he spiritually prepared?

Reflection Question: Have you ever experienced a moment where what seemed like a “random” event turned out to be God leading you?

II. Saul’s Private Anointing (1 Samuel 9:15-10:8)

1 Samuel 9:15–10:8 ESV

15 Now the day before Saul came, the Lord had revealed to Samuel: 16 “Tomorrow about this time I will send to you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him to be prince over my people Israel. He shall save my people from the hand of the Philistines. For I have seen my people, because their cry has come to me.” 17 When Samuel saw Saul, the Lord told him, “Here is the man of whom I spoke to you! He it is who shall restrain my people.” 18 Then Saul approached Samuel in the gate and said, “Tell me where is the house of the seer?” 19 Samuel answered Saul, “I am the seer. Go up before me to the high place, for today you shall eat with me, and in the morning I will let you go and will tell you all that is on your mind. 20 As for your donkeys that were lost three days ago, do not set your mind on them, for they have been found. And for whom is all that is desirable in Israel? Is it not for you and for all your father’s house?” 21 Saul answered, “Am I not a Benjaminite, from the least of the tribes of Israel? And is not my clan the humblest of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then have you spoken to me in this way?” 22 Then Samuel took Saul and his young man and brought them into the hall and gave them a place at the head of those who had been invited, who were about thirty persons. 23 And Samuel said to the cook, “Bring the portion I gave you, of which I said to you, ‘Put it aside.’ ” 24 So the cook took up the leg and what was on it and set them before Saul. And Samuel said, “See, what was kept is set before you. Eat, because it was kept for you until the hour appointed, that you might eat with the guests.” So Saul ate with Samuel that day. 25 And when they came down from the high place into the city, a bed was spread for Saul on the roof, and he lay down to sleep. 26 Then at the break of dawn Samuel called to Saul on the roof, “Up, that I may send you on your way.” So Saul arose, and both he and Samuel went out into the street. 27 As they were going down to the outskirts of the city, Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the servant to pass on before us, and when he has passed on, stop here yourself for a while, that I may make known to you the word of God.” 1 Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on his head and kissed him and said, “Has not the Lord anointed you to be prince over his people Israel? And you shall reign over the people of the Lord and you will save them from the hand of their surrounding enemies. And this shall be the sign to you that the Lord has anointed you to be prince over his heritage. 2 When you depart from me today, you will meet two men by Rachel’s tomb in the territory of Benjamin at Zelzah, and they will say to you, ‘The donkeys that you went to seek are found, and now your father has ceased to care about the donkeys and is anxious about you, saying, “What shall I do about my son?” ’ 3 Then you shall go on from there farther and come to the oak of Tabor. Three men going up to God at Bethel will meet you there, one carrying three young goats, another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a skin of wine. 4 And they will greet you and give you two loaves of bread, which you shall accept from their hand. 5 After that you shall come to Gibeath-elohim, where there is a garrison of the Philistines. And there, as soon as you come to the city, you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place with harp, tambourine, flute, and lyre before them, prophesying. 6 Then the Spirit of the Lord will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man. 7 Now when these signs meet you, do what your hand finds to do, for God is with you. 8 Then go down before me to Gilgal. And behold, I am coming down to you to offer burnt offerings and to sacrifice peace offerings. Seven days you shall wait, until I come to you and show you what you shall do.”

II. Saul’s Private Anointing (1 Samuel 9:15-10:8)

Verse 15–16 – “The day before Saul came, the LORD had revealed to Samuel…” God was already orchestrating the moment. Saul’s search for donkeys was a divine setup. This wasn’t accidental—it was appointment wrapped in the appearance of randomness.

Verse 17 – “Here is the man of whom I spoke…” God confirms Saul to Samuel. Notice: God doesn’t say, “Here is the man after My own heart,” as He would later with David.

Chapter 10:1 – Samuel anoints Saul privately. This is important. No public fanfare yet. God confirms before the crowd ever sees. The anointing was real—but it was not rooted in Saul’s personal worthiness.

Verses 2–8 – Samuel gives Saul three prophetic signs to confirm the calling:

Donkeys found – a mundane issue resolved by divine knowledge.

Three men with bread and wine – provision on the journey.

Prophets and the Spirit of God – “You will be changed into another man.”

Key Lessons from Saul’s Anointing

Why did God ordain Saul, knowing his character and eventual failure?

Why does God allow or appoint poor leaders today?

1. To Fulfill the People’s Demands (and Reveal Their Hearts)

1 Samuel 8:7–9 – God tells Samuel: “They have rejected Me from being king over them.”

Sometimes, God gives us the leader we demand—not the one we need—as a form of discipline and redirection.

Saul reflected Israel’s misplaced priorities: image over intimacy, stature over substance.

2. To Teach Through Contrast

Saul’s failure paves the way for David’s rise. Without Saul, Israel wouldn’t long for a man after God’s own heart.

God uses Saul to expose the cost of shallow leadership—and prepare the way for something greater.

3. To Accomplish His Sovereign Plan Despite Human Failure

Romans 9:17 – God raised up Pharaoh “for this very purpose”—to demonstrate His power.

God uses flawed leaders as part of His larger redemptive storyline.

4. To Judge or Chasten a Nation

Isaiah 3:4 – “I will make boys their princes, and infants shall rule over them.”

When a nation turns from God, poor leadership can be both the symptom and the sentence.

Hosea 8:4 – “They made kings, but not through Me.”

5. To Test and Refine the Faithful

Under Saul, men like Jonathan and David were refined in faith, courage, and obedience.

Sometimes righteous character is forged in unrighteous systems.

We are living in days where God is again allowing flawed leaders to rise—not to destroy the Church, but to awaken her. The question is: will we respond like David—or like the crowds who only wanted a king who looked good on a poster?”

III. Saul’s Public Coronation (1 Samuel 10:9-27)

1 Samuel 10:9–27 ESV

9 When he turned his back to leave Samuel, God gave him another heart. And all these signs came to pass that day. 10 When they came to Gibeah, behold, a group of prophets met him, and the Spirit of God rushed upon him, and he prophesied among them. 11 And when all who knew him previously saw how he prophesied with the prophets, the people said to one another, “What has come over the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?” 12 And a man of the place answered, “And 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?” And he said, “To seek the donkeys. And when we saw they were not to be found, we went to Samuel.” 15 And Saul’s uncle said, “Please tell me what Samuel said to you.” 16 And Saul said to his uncle, “He told us plainly that the donkeys had been found.” But about the matter of the kingdom, of which Samuel had spoken, he did not tell him anything. 17 Now Samuel called the people together to the Lord at Mizpah. 18 And he said to the people of Israel, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and I delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of all the kingdoms that were oppressing you.’ 19 But today you have rejected your God, who saves you from all your calamities and your distresses, and you have said to him, ‘Set a king over us.’ Now therefore present yourselves before the Lord by your tribes and by your thousands.” 20 Then Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, and the tribe of Benjamin was taken by lot. 21 He brought the tribe of Benjamin near by its clans, and the clan of the Matrites was taken by lot; and Saul the son of Kish was taken by lot. But when they sought him, he could not be found. 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.” 23 Then they ran and took him from there. And when he stood among the people, he was taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward. 24 And Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see him whom the Lord has chosen? There is none like him among all the people.” And all the people shouted, “Long live the king!” 25 Then Samuel told the people the rights and duties of the kingship, and he wrote them in a book and laid it up before the Lord. Then Samuel sent all the people away, each one to his home. 26 Saul also went to his home at Gibeah, and with him went men of valor whose hearts God had touched. 27 But some worthless fellows said, “How can this man save us?” And they despised him and brought him no present. But he held his peace.

III. Saul’s Public Coronation: A Reluctant King (1 Samuel 10:9-27)

Saul’s heart is changed (v. 9), but he keeps his anointing a secret (v. 16).

When Samuel gathers the people, Saul is chosen by lot (vv. 20-21).

Saul hides among the baggage (v. 22)—revealing his insecurity and reluctance.

Samuel presents Saul to the people (v. 24), and they shout, “Long live the king!”

Not everyone accepts Saul’s kingship (v. 27), foreshadowing future opposition.

Lessons from Saul’s Coronation

Even when God calls us, fear can make us hesitant.

Sometimes, our biggest enemy is our own self-doubt.

When we step into God’s calling, opposition is inevitable.

Reflection Question: Are there areas in your life where fear is keeping you from stepping into God’s calling?

Conclusion: Trusting God’s Call Over Our Own Fears

Saul’s anointing was a pivotal moment—not just for him, but for Israel’s future. However, as we will see, his reign is marked by insecurity, partial obedience, and eventual downfall.

How we respond to God’s call determines the kind of legacy we leave. Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”

Closing Prayer:Lord, help us to recognize Your calling in our lives. Give us the faith to step forward, even when we feel inadequate. Fill us with Your Spirit, so we can walk boldly in obedience to Your will. May we trust You more than our fears. In Jesus’ name, Amen.