And Saul sayd vnto his vncle; He told vs plainely that the asses were found. But of the matter of the kingdome, whereof Samuel spake, he told him not. 1 Samuel 10:16 (KJV)
In this verse we encounter Saul, whom God chose through the prophet Samuel to become the first king of Israel. The surrounding context is the moment Samuel anoints Saul and reveals that he will lead the nation. After the anointing Samuel gives Saul a series of signs to confirm the divine appointment.
1 Samuel 10 records the events leading up to Saul’s selection. Samuel summoned all the tribes of Israel and, by casting lots, the tribe of Benjamin was chosen. From the family of Matri the lot fell on Saul, the son of Kish. When the people went to find Saul he was not immediately located, so they inquired of the Lord, who disclosed that Saul was hiding among the baggage.
When the messengers finally found Saul, Samuel informed him that he would be anointed king over Israel. Samuel also foretold several confirming signs: first, Saul would meet two men by Rachel’s sepulcher who would tell him that the donkeys he had been searching for had been found; second, he would encounter three men on a hill (or going up to God at Bethel) carrying offerings of bread, wine, and a young goat. These signs were intended to assure Saul of the divine nature of his calling.
Returning to the verse itself, Saul tells his uncle that the man they had encountered earlier had plainly reported the recovery of the asses. Yet Saul says nothing to his uncle about the matter of the kingdom that Samuel had spoken to him. This silence is significant. It may reflect Saul’s humility or an initial hesitation to fully embrace the weight of the kingship thrust upon him.
Saul’s subsequent reign is marked by complexities, challenges, and ultimately a tragic decline caused by disobedience and incomplete devotion to God. Nevertheless, this brief exchange in 1 Samuel 10:16 illuminates the early stage of Saul’s calling and his immediate response to the signs and words of Samuel. It highlights an internal conflict: while he readily acknowledges the mundane news of the donkeys, he withholds the profound news of his royal appointment, revealing the tension between ordinary concerns and the extraordinary responsibility of leadership.
