The Private Anointing of Saul

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God’s Sovereign Choice of a King – 1 Samuel 9:15 – 10:1

Dear Friends, the events of 1 Samuel 9 and 10 mark a major turning point in the history of Israel. While Saul was out searching for his father’s lost donkeys, God was orchestrating events behind the scenes. The day before Saul arrived, the Lord had already spoken to Samuel, saying, “Tomorrow about this time I will send to you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him to be prince over my people Israel” (9:16). God even revealed the reason — He had heard the cry of His people because of the oppression of the Philistines.

When Saul appeared — a tall, handsome young man standing head and shoulders above the people — Samuel immediately recognised him as the one God had chosen. In a private, intimate moment away from the crowds, Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, and kissed him, declaring, “Has not the Lord anointed you to be prince over his people Israel?” (10:1).

What happened next was extraordinary. The Spirit of God rushed upon Saul, and he was turned into “another man” (10:6). God gave him a new heart, and the signs Samuel predicted all came to pass exactly as spoken. This was no ordinary appointment — it was a divine commissioning.

This passage beautifully illustrates several important truths. First, God works in the ordinary events of life (searching for donkeys) to accomplish His sovereign purposes. Second, God equips those He calls — Saul received both a new heart and the empowering of the Holy Spirit. Third, leadership in God’s kingdom is not about human strength or appearance, but about God’s choice and enabling.


Pause & Pray: Take time today to reflect quietly before the Lord. Ask Him to reveal any area of your life where He may be preparing you for something new. Pray for a fresh work of His Spirit — a new heart, renewed obedience, and willingness to step into whatever role He has for you. Thank Him that He still calls, equips, and empowers His servants today.

Verse to Remember: “Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on his head and kissed him and said, ‘Has not the Lord anointed you to be prince over his people Israel?’” (1 Samuel 10:1 ESV)

Question to Consider: Looking back over your life, can you see times when God was quietly at work in ordinary circumstances to prepare you for His purposes? Is there any area right now where you sense God calling you to step forward in faith and obedience?

Article written by Shaun Fereday, Leader @SFGH Church

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