The Bible: 1 Samuel Chapter 10

In this video listen to 1 Samuel Chapter 10, read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In 1 Samuel Chapter 10 are stages 1 and 2 of 3 lifting Saul to the throne of Israel. First is the private anointing, second the public selection and third proving himself in battle which comes in the following chapters. First he is anointed privately by Saul. Physically, anointing is rubbing or pouring oil on another. This was done as a sign that someone was set aside or dedicated to service for God. It was often a sign that God’s favor and his Spirit was with that person. While many people were anointed for various tasks, there was one special anointed person... the Messiah, or “the” anointed one. Much later when Saul turned bad, he was still considered anointed by David. This is an important point, given that God knows the future and chose Saul, fully aware of how he would turn out. After his anointing, Saul changed. When the Holy spirit works in us it does change us - we are turned into different people. What it does NOT do is take away our choices. Those in whom the Spirit is working have to cooperate with the Spirit. This is completely unlike demonic oppression which is controlling. The result of this is that people have to learn how to cooperate with the Spirit. Essentially they have to practice. Finally he was selected publicly before all Israel - this was stage two. When this happened he hid himself in the baggage. Why was he hiding in the baggage? Was it because he had already been anointed, and already knew what was ahead. Was he so afraid of leadership he hid.