“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.”
Historical Context: 1 Samuel is a book in the Old Testament that tells the story of the transition from the period of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. At this point in the narrative, Samuel, the last judge, anoints Saul as the first king of Israel.
Saul’s Anointing: In 1 Samuel 10, Samuel performs the anointing ceremony on Saul, revealing to him that he will become the ruler over Israel. Before announcing Saul as king, Samuel gathers the people of Israel together and reminds them of God’s faithfulness in delivering them from Egypt and from the oppressive hands of various kingdoms.
God’s Deliverance: The verse highlights the divine intervention and deliverance of God in the history of Israel. It emphasizes that it was the Lord God of Israel who brought the people out of Egypt, freeing them from the bondage of slavery. God not only rescued them from the Egyptians but also protected them from the oppressive hands of other nations that sought to subdue them.
God’s Sovereignty: By reminding the Israelites of their deliverance, Samuel emphasizes God’s authority and sovereignty over Israel. The mention of God’s actions serves to reinforce the legitimacy of the upcoming monarchy and Saul’s anointing as king. It reminds the people that their history is interwoven with God’s faithfulness and that their future as a nation is dependent on their obedience to God’s commands.
