The King We asked for

A King for God’s People: The Rise of Saul

Text: 1 Samuel 9–10 Big Idea: God sovereignly directs ordinary circumstances to accomplish His purposes, but true leadership requires dependence on God rather than confidence in human appearance or position.

The rise of Saul unfolds in stages:

God directs him to Samuel,

Samuel privately anoints him,

God confirms the calling through signs and the Spirit,

and Israel publicly recognizes him as king.

God Is Working Behind the Scenes

Many of life’s most important moments do not initially appear important.

Saul begins the story looking for lost donkeys.

He is not seeking a throne, pursuing a prophetic calling, or expecting to become Israel’s king.

Yet, while Saul is concerned about his father’s animals, God is directing him toward Samuel and toward a national assignment.

This passage teaches us that God’s providence often operates through ordinary events. What appears to be a delay, inconvenience, or detour may be part of God’s larger purpose.

The question is not merely, “What is happening to me?” but, “How might God be directing me through what is happening?”

1. God Directs Ordinary Circumstances

1 Samuel 9:1–10

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1 Samuel 9:1–10 KJV 1900

1 Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power. 2 And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people. 3 And the asses of Kish Saul’s father were lost. And Kish said to Saul his son, Take now one of the servants with thee, and arise, go seek the asses. 4 And he passed through mount Ephraim, and passed through the land of Shalisha, but they found them not: then they passed through the land of Shalim, and there they were not: and he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they found them not.

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1 Samuel 9:1–10 KJV 1900

5 And when they were come to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant that was with him, Come, and let us return; lest my father leave caring for the asses, and take thought for us. 6 And he said unto him, Behold now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is an honourable man; all that he saith cometh surely to pass: now let us go thither; peradventure he can shew us our way that we should go. 7 Then said Saul to his servant, But, behold, if we go, what shall we bring the man? for the bread is spent in our vessels, and there is not a present to bring to the man of God: what have we? 8 And the servant answered Saul again, and said, Behold, I have here at hand the fourth part of a shekel of silver: that will I give to the man of God, to tell us our way.

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1 Samuel 9:1–10 KJV 1900

9 (Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, thus he spake, Come, and let us go to the seer: for he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer.) 10 Then said Saul to his servant, Well said; come, let us go. So they went unto the city where the man of God was.

A. Saul’s natural qualifications

The chapter introduces Saul as:

A man from Benjamin.

The son of Kish, a prominent and wealthy man.

An impressive young man who stood taller than everyone else.

Saul possessed qualities that would attract human attention.

He had family connections,

social standing,

and a commanding appearance.

Yet the opening description also prepares us to see a danger:

Saul looked like the kind of man people would choose. Israel had already expressed a desire for a king “like all the nations” in 1 Samuel 8. Saul’s appearance made him fit the people’s expectations.

B. A king begins with a mundane assignment

Saul’s father loses his donkeys and sends Saul to search for them. Saul travels through several regions but cannot find them.

Eventually, Saul wants to return because he fears his father will stop worrying about the donkeys and begin worrying about him. His servant, however, suggests that they seek the man of God who lives nearby.

Saul is not looking for God’s calling. He is simply trying to solve a practical problem.

C. God’s providence in the details

From the human perspective, Saul is wandering through the countryside.

From the divine perspective, God is bringing him to the exact place where he needs to be.

The lost donkeys, the servant’s suggestion, the location of Samuel, and the timing of their arrival all become instruments in God’s plan.

The larger story reveals that God had already told Samuel that Saul was coming and that Saul would be appointed leader over Israel.

God’s providence does not mean that every inconvenience is pleasant or that every event is immediately understandable. It means that God is not absent from the circumstances of His people.

A closed door may redirect us.

An unexpected conversation may provide wisdom.

A routine responsibility may place us where God wants us.

A delay may become an appointment with God’s purpose.

Do not despise ordinary obedience. Saul found Samuel while doing what his father had asked him to do.

Additional Application Cross References:

Psalm 37:23–24 — The steps of a person are established by the Lord, and God upholds those who fall.

Transition: God not only directs circumstances; He also directs people into the relationships and conversations necessary for His purposes.

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2. God Arranges Divine Appointments

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1 Samuel 9:11–27

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1 Samuel 9:11–27 KJV 1900

11 And as they went up the hill to the city, they found young maidens going out to draw water, and said unto them, Is the seer here? 12 And they answered them, and said, He is; behold, he is before you: make haste now, for he came to day to the city; for there is a sacrifice of the people to day in the high place: 13 As soon as ye be come into the city, ye shall straightway find him, before he go up to the high place to eat: for the people will not eat until he come, because he doth bless the sacrifice; and afterwards they eat that be bidden. Now therefore get you up; for about this time ye shall find him.

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1 Samuel 9:11–27 KJV 1900

14 And they went up into the city: and when they were come into the city, behold, Samuel came out against them, for to go up to the high place. 15 Now the Lord had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying, 16 To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me. 17 And when Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people.

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1 Samuel 9:11–27 KJV 1900

18 Then Saul drew near to Samuel in the gate, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, where the seer’s house is. 19 And Samuel answered Saul, and said, I am the seer: go up before me unto the high place; for ye shall eat with me to day, and to morrow I will let thee go, and will tell thee all that is in thine heart. 20 And as for thine asses that were lost three days ago, set not thy mind on them; for they are found. And on whom is all the desire of Israel? Is it not on thee, and on all thy father’s house? 21 And Saul answered and said, Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou so to me?

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1 Samuel 9:11–27 KJV 1900

22 And Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought them into the parlour, and made them sit in the chiefest place among them that were bidden, which were about thirty persons. 23 And Samuel said unto the cook, Bring the portion which I gave thee, of which I said unto thee, Set it by thee. 24 And the cook took up the shoulder, and that which was upon it, and set it before Saul. And Samuel said, Behold that which is left! set it before thee, and eat: for unto this time hath it been kept for thee since I said, I have invited the people. So Saul did eat with Samuel that day.

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1 Samuel 9:11–27 KJV 1900

25 And when they were come down from the high place into the city, Samuel communed with Saul upon the top of the house. 26 And they arose early: and it came to pass about the spring of the day, that Samuel called Saul to the top of the house, saying, Up, that I may send thee away. And Saul arose, and they went out both of them, he and Samuel, abroad. 27 And as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us, (and he passed on,) but stand thou still a while, that I may shew thee the word of God.

A. Saul meets the right person at the right time

As Saul and his servant approach the city, they meet young women who direct them toward Samuel. They are told that Samuel is present because of a public sacrifice and that the people are waiting for him to bless the offering.

The narrative emphasizes timing. Saul arrives just as Samuel is coming out. Nothing about the meeting is accidental.

B. Samuel sees more than Saul understands

Saul approaches Samuel with a practical question: “Where is the house of the seer?”

Samuel responds by inviting Saul to the feast, promising to tell him what is in his heart, and informing him that the lost donkeys have already been found.

Saul is still focused on the donkeys, but Samuel knows that God is addressing something much larger: the future of Israel.

This contrast is important. Saul is thinking about a private family problem; God is preparing him for a public responsibility.

C. Leadership is a response to God’s compassion

God tells Samuel that Saul will be appointed to save Israel from the Philistines because God has heard the cry of His people. Saul’s kingship is not presented merely as a reward for his appearance or ability. It is connected to God’s concern for His suffering people.

God’s leaders must never forget that leadership exists for the good of the people, not for personal status.

Application

God may use people to clarify what He is doing in our lives.

Seek counsel from spiritually mature believers.

Pay attention to conversations that bring biblical clarity.

Do not assume that every significant relationship is merely coincidental.

Remember that a calling from God is always connected to service.

The church should also evaluate leadership by more than charisma, appearance, education, or public presence. The central question is: Is this person being shaped and directed by God for the good of God’s people?

Illustration: A person may think he is taking a wrong turn because of road construction, only to discover that the detour takes him directly to the place he needed to be. Saul’s “detour” through the countryside was actually God’s route to Samuel.

Transition: God’s appointment of Saul becomes clear through a private act of anointing.

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3. God Calls and Commissions Unexpected People

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1 Samuel 9:27–10:8

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1 Samuel 9:27–10:8 KJV 1900

27 And as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us, (and he passed on,) but stand thou still a while, that I may shew thee the word of God. 1 Then 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 Rachel’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?

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1 Samuel 9:27–10:8 KJV 1900

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 Beth-el, 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:

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1 Samuel 9:27–10:8 KJV 1900

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.

A. The calling begins privately

Samuel asks Saul’s servant to go ahead so that he can speak privately with Saul. This is significant.

Before Saul is recognized publicly, he must hear the word of God personally.

Samuel takes a flask of oil, pours it on Saul’s head, kisses him, and declares that the Lord has anointed him ruler over His people.

Anointing symbolizes designation for a particular role. Saul is not self-appointed. His authority is received, not seized.

B. God’s calling is connected to God’s mission

Samuel tells Saul that he will reign over the Lord’s people and save them from surrounding enemies.

The wording places limits around Saul’s authority. Israel does not belong to Saul. The people belong to the Lord.

This is a foundational principle for every form of Christian leadership:

The church belongs to Christ.

The ministry belongs to Christ.

The people belong to Christ.

The leader is a steward, not an owner.

A pastor, teacher, parent, ministry leader, or elected servant must exercise authority under God’s authority.

C. God confirms His word through specific signs

Samuel gives Saul several signs:

Two men will tell him that the donkeys have been found.

Three men will meet him carrying offerings and will give him two loaves of bread.

He will encounter a group of prophets, and the Spirit of God will come upon him.

These signs confirm that God’s Word is reliable and that Saul’s calling is genuine. Saul does not need to manufacture his authority. God is able to establish what He has initiated.

Application

God’s calling may come in ways that humble us.

Saul is not introduced as a prophet or warrior. He is a young man searching for animals. His assignment is larger than his expectations, and his calling depends on God’s provision.

When God calls people, He does not always begin with the person everyone expects. God sees what human beings cannot see, and He equips those whom He appoints.

However, an unexpected calling does not mean an unaccountable calling. It must be confirmed by God’s Word, consistent with God’s character, and exercised for God’s purposes.

Transition: God’s calling requires more than an external title. Saul must be changed and empowered by God.

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4. God Gives Power for God-Given Responsibilities

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1 Samuel 10:9–16

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1 Samuel 10:9–16 KJV 1900

9 And it was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day. 10 And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them. 11 And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?

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1 Samuel 10:9–16 KJV 1900

12 And one of the same place answered and said, But who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets? 13 And when he had made an end of prophesying, he came to the high place. 14 And Saul’s uncle said unto him and to his servant, Whither went ye? And he said, To seek the asses: and when we saw that they were no where, we came to Samuel.

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1 Samuel 10:9–16 KJV 1900

15 And Saul’s uncle said, Tell me, I pray thee, what Samuel said unto you. 16 And Saul said unto his uncle, He told us plainly that the asses were found. But of the matter of the kingdom, whereof Samuel spake, he told him not.

A. God changes Saul’s heart

As Saul turns to leave Samuel, God gives him a new heart. The signs occur as Samuel predicted, and the Spirit of God comes powerfully upon Saul.

The passage does not mean that Saul became morally perfect or permanently faithful. The later story will reveal serious weaknesses in his character. But at this moment, God equips Saul for the task to which He has called him.

The calling is accompanied by divine enablement.

B. The Spirit empowers Saul for service

Saul joins the prophets and prophesies. The people recognize that something has changed: “Is Saul also among the prophets?”

Their question reflects surprise. Saul is not known for being a prophetic figure. Yet God’s Spirit is not limited by human expectations.

This does not make Saul independent of God. It makes him dependent upon God. The Spirit’s work is a gift for service, not a platform for self-exaltation.

C. Saul’s silence reveals a complicated heart

When Saul’s uncle asks what Samuel told him, Saul mentions the donkeys but does not mention the matter of the kingdom.

This may reflect humility, uncertainty, fear, wisdom, or reluctance. The text does not explain his motive. We should therefore avoid being more certain than the passage allows.

Still, the scene reminds us that a person can receive a genuine opportunity from God while still wrestling internally with fear and self-understanding.

Application

God does not call us to serve Him in our own strength.

Parents need God’s wisdom.

Teachers need God’s patience.

Leaders need God’s courage.

Pastors need God’s grace.

Every believer needs the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit.

The right response to God’s calling is not, “I am naturally capable,” but, “If God has assigned this work, He must sustain me in it.”

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5. God’s Choice Must Be Received with Humility

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1 Samuel 10:17–27

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1 Samuel 10:17–27 KJV 1900

17 And Samuel called the people together unto the Lord to Mizpeh; 18 And said unto the children of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and of them that oppressed you: 19 And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the Lord by your tribes, and by your thousands.

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1 Samuel 10:17–27 KJV 1900

20 And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken. 21 When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was taken, and Saul the son of Kish was taken: and when they sought him, he could not be found.

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1 Samuel 10:17–27 KJV 1900

22 Therefore they inquired of the Lord further, if the man should yet come thither. And the Lord answered, Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff. 23 And they ran and fetched him thence: and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward.

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1 Samuel 10:17–27 KJV 1900

24 And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him whom the Lord hath chosen, that there is none like him among all the people? And all the people shouted, and said, God save the king. 25 Then Samuel told the people 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.

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1 Samuel 10:17–27 KJV 1900

26 And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and there went with him a band of men, whose hearts God had touched. 27 But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace.

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A. Israel must remember why it wanted a king

Samuel gathers the people at Mizpah and reminds them that they rejected God as their King and demanded a human king.

This does not mean the institution of kingship was outside God’s plan. Deuteronomy had already anticipated kingship. But Israel’s request was driven by distrust and a desire to be like the surrounding nations.

The danger was not simply having a king. The danger was wanting a king who would replace dependence upon God.

Cross References

Deuteronomy 17:14–20 — God had already provided instructions for Israel’s future king, including humility and submission to God’s law.

1 Samuel 8:4–9, 19–22 — Israel rejects God’s direct kingship and demands a king like the surrounding nations.

Psalm 146:3–5 — Do not place ultimate trust in rulers or human beings; blessed is the person whose hope is in the Lord.

B. Saul is chosen publicly

Samuel brings the tribes forward, then the clans, and finally the families. The process culminates in Saul being selected.

The public recognition confirms the private anointing. Saul is not merely a private claimant; the nation acknowledges him as king.

C. Saul is found hiding among the baggage

When the people look for Saul, he cannot be found. The Lord reveals that he is hiding among the baggage.

This moment is both humorous and revealing. Saul has the physical appearance of a king, but he does not yet display the confidence expected of one. He is literally hiding from the responsibility he has been given.

The people bring him out, and when they see him, they respond, “Long live the king!” Some accept him, while others despise him and question how he can save them. Saul remains silent.

D. Human recognition is not the same as spiritual faithfulness

Saul’s election demonstrates that public approval and divine appointment are not enough by themselves. A leader must continue to listen to God.

The beginning of leadership is not the same as the completion of leadership.

Application

Those who lead must remember:

A position is not proof of maturity.

An opportunity is not the same as character.

Public affirmation is not the same as God’s ongoing approval.

Leadership must continually submit to the Word of God.

Those who follow must also avoid placing ultimate hope in human leaders. Israel wanted a king, but only God could truly save and shepherd His people.

Christ-Centered Conclusion

Saul points forward to the need for a better King.

Saul was chosen from among God’s people, but he was marked by weakness, insecurity, and eventual disobedience. His height and appearance could not provide the faithful leadership Israel needed.

Jesus is the true and ultimate King.

Saul was concerned with his own position; Jesus humbled Himself to serve.

Saul’s authority was temporary; Christ’s kingdom is everlasting.

Saul could not ultimately save Israel; Jesus saves His people from sin.

Saul needed God to change his heart; Jesus gives His people new hearts through the Holy Spirit.

Saul was hidden among the baggage; Christ was rejected and humbled, yet exalted by God.

Christ-Centered Cross References

2 Samuel 7:12–16 — God promises a lasting royal line that ultimately finds fulfillment in Christ.

Isaiah 9:6–7 — The promised King will reign with justice and righteousness forever.

Micah 5:2 — The ruler of God’s people will come from humble Bethlehem.

Matthew 21:5 — Jesus is presented as the humble King who comes to Zion.

Philippians 2:5–11 — Christ humbles Himself, obeys the Father, and is exalted above every name.

Revelation 19:16 — Jesus is revealed as “King of kings and Lord of lords.”

The passage calls us to trust God’s providence, and to place our ultimate hope in Christ. Human leaders may be useful servants, but Jesus alone is the perfect King.

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God was at work in Saul’s ordinary journey

God was at work in Saul’s ordinary journey, his unexpected meeting with Samuel, his private anointing, his spiritual empowerment, and his public appointment.

The same God remains sovereign over the details of our lives.

Because of that:

Trust God when your circumstances seem ordinary or confusing.

Receive godly counsel when God places wise people in your path.

Serve humbly when God gives you responsibility.

Depend on the Holy Spirit rather than natural ability.

Refuse to place ultimate hope in human leaders.

Submit every area of life to Jesus Christ, the true King.

Closing question: Am I seeking God’s will and depending on His power, or am I merely looking for a leader, opportunity, or solution that will make me feel secure apart from Him?