1 Samuel 10:21 - Printer Friendly

ESV: 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.

NIV: Then he brought forward the tribe of Benjamin, clan by clan, and Matri’s clan was taken. Finally Saul son of Kish was taken. But when they looked for him, he was not to be found.

NASB: Then he brought the tribe of Benjamin forward by its families, and the Matrite family was selected by lot. And Saul the son of Kish was selected by lot; but when they looked for him, he could not be found.

CSB: Then he had the tribe of Benjamin come forward by its clans, and the Matrite clan was selected. Finally, Saul son of Kish was selected. But when they searched for him, they could not find him.

NLT: Then he brought each family of the tribe of Benjamin before the Lord, and the family of the Matrites was chosen. And finally Saul son of Kish was chosen from among them. But when they looked for him, he had disappeared!

KJV: 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.

NKJV: When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was chosen. And Saul the son of Kish was chosen. But when they sought him, he could not be found.

First Samuel 10:17–27 describes how God indicates that Saul is to become the first king of Israel. Samuel calls the nation to gather. Though the Lord is allowing the people to reject Him by insisting on a human king, lots are cast to reveal the tribe of Benjamin, Saul's clan and family, and finally Saul himself. Saul is hardly eager: he hides. Once found, he stands before the people, taller than everyone. After Samuel endorses the Lord's choice, the people call out "long live the king!" Saul returns to his home with a group of valiant men. Another group despises him, but Saul takes no action against them.

Samuel anoints Saul as the next prince of Israel and gives him three signs of things that will happen to confirm his prophecy. The Spirit of God rushes on Saul and he joins in prophesying with a group of musical prophets. Saul tells his uncle he met Samuel, but he doesn't reveal what Samuel told him about the kingship. Samuel calls all of Israel to Mizpah. Saul is selected king by casting lots. Though Saul hides at first, the people shout, "long live the king!" A group of valiant men accompany Saul back home while another group opposes him.

Despite being warned, Israel demanded to have a human king (1 Samuel 8:19–20). God allowed this, telling Samuel to anoint Saul (1 Samuel 9:15–17). The old prophet gives the young man three signs that will confirm this appointment is from God; everything happens as Samuel describes. Samuel calls the people to Mizpah where the new king is selected by casting lots. Saul hides, is discovered, and then is warmly accepted as Israel's new king. However, some are dubious that Saul is equipped for the task. Saul will be successful at first (1 Samuel 11:11) but will eventually reject God and be replaced by David (Samuel 16:1).

First Samuel introduces the key figures who led Israel after the era of the judges. The books of 1 and 2 Samuel were originally part of a single text, split in certain translations shortly before the birth of Christ. Some of the Bible’s most famous characters are depicted in this book. These including the prophet Samuel, Israel’s first king, Saul, her greatest king, David, and other famous names such as Goliath and Jonathan. By the end of this book, Saul has fallen; the book of 2 Samuel begins with David’s ascension to the throne.