Shmuel I Chapters 10-11 | The Anointing of Sha’ul

In Chapter 10, Sha’ul is anointed twice. The first anointment occurs privately, witnessed only by Shmuel and Sha’ul. Shmuel anoints Sha’ul and gives him three signs, which are all fulfilled. Despite being anointed, and even though the signs come to pass and Sha’ul prophesies, he decides to tell no one of his private encounter with Shmuel.

The second anointment is public, occurring later in the chapter. Shmuel opens the ceremony by rebuking the people for their request for a king, then instructs them to present themselves by tribe and clan for a lot-drawing. This ceremony echoes the capture of Akhan and carries an atmosphere of rebuke, yet surprisingly, the one chosen is not a sinner but God’s own choice, described in a positive light.

This tension – between a scene of rebuke and the arrival of a chosen, positively portrayed figure – reflects the theme running through recent chapters. On the one hand, God and Shmuel have strongly opposed the appointment of a king; on the other, God has accepted the people's demand and chosen a suitable king for them. Chapter 12 will continue this theme of criticizing the request of the people, while providing Israel with guidance on how to proceed properly within the framework they have chosen.