“And they will salute thee, and give thee two loaves of bread; which thou shalt receive of their hands.”
Context:The book of 1 Samuel focuses on the transition of Israel from the time of the judges to the establishment of a monarchy under King Saul. In 1 Samuel 10, Saul is anointed as the first king of Israel by the prophet Samuel.
Anointing of Saul:Prior to the events described in verse 4, Samuel had anointed Saul with oil, signifying his selection as king. Samuel gave Saul a series of signs to confirm God’s choice, and verse 4 is one of these signs.
The salute and the loaves of bread:In this verse, Samuel informs Saul that as he proceeds on his journey, he will encounter a group of prophets descending from the high place. They will salute Saul, a gesture of respect and recognition, indicating that Saul’s anointing as king is divinely ordained.
Additionally, the prophets will give Saul two loaves of bread. This act of providing food symbolises provision and sustenance from God. It serves as a confirmation that God will be with Saul, meeting his needs and ensuring his success as king.
Symbolic significance:The salute and the provision of bread carry symbolic meaning in this passage. They represent the affirmation of Saul’s anointing, God’s presence with him, and the divine assistance he will receive as he fulfils his role as king.
The act of saluting Saul demonstrates the recognition and acceptance of his leadership by the prophets. It signifies the alignment of the prophetic community with God’s choice for king, further validating Saul’s position.
The provision of bread indicates that God will sustain Saul throughout his reign. It emphasises the divine support Saul will receive, not only in terms of physical nourishment but also in terms of guidance, wisdom, and protection.
Application:As we reflect on 1 Samuel 10:4, we can draw a few practical lessons from this passage:
- God’s chosen leaders should expect affirmation and recognition from those they serve. When we see God’s hand on someone’s life, it is essential to acknowledge and support them in their God-given role.
- Just as God provided bread to sustain Saul, He promises to provide for His chosen people. This includes physical needs, but it extends to every area of our lives. We can trust God’s faithfulness and provision as we walk in obedience to Him.
- God’s calling on our lives comes with divine assistance. We can rely on God’s guidance, wisdom, and strength to fulfil the tasks He has assigned us. We are not alone in our journey but have the Holy Spirit’s help and the support of fellow believers.
In summary, 1 Samuel 10:4 conveys the affirmation of Saul’s anointing as king through the salute of the prophets and the provision of bread. It serves as a reminder that God chooses and sustains His leaders, providing the necessary support and resources for them to fulfil their calling.
