1 Samuel 10:1

EXPOSITION

SAUL ANOINTED TO BE KING , AND SIGNS GIVEN HIM CONVINCING HIM OF THE TRUTH OF HIS APPOINTMENT ( 1 Samuel 10:1-16 ).

A vial of oil. Hebrew, "the vial of oil," because it was that same holy oil with which the priests were anointed ( Exodus 29:7 ). Throughout Holy Scripture the office of king appears as one most sacred, and it is the king, and not the priest, who is especially called Messiah, Jehovah s anointed ( 1 Samuel 2:10 , 1 Samuel 2:35 ; 1 Samuel 12:3 , 1 Samuel 12:5 ; 1 Samuel 16:6 , etc.), because he represented the authority and power of God. And kissed him. I.e. did homage to him, and gave him the symbol and token of allegiance (see Psalms 2:12 ). Is it not? .... A strong affirmation often takes the form of a question, especially when, as probably was the case here, surprise is manifested. Saul, on whom the occurrences of the previous day must have come as strange and unintelligible marvels, was no doubt still more embarrassed when one so old and venerable, both in person and office, as Samuel solemnly consecrated him to be Israel's prince (see 1 Samuel 9:16 ), and gave him the kiss of fealty and allegiance. Samuel, therefore, answers Saul's inquiring looks with this question, and, further, gives him three signs to quiet his doubts, and convince him that his appointment is from God.