Meaning of 1 Samuel 10:20

This verse describes a pivotal moment in Israel's history where God, through the casting of lots under Samuel's leadership, designates the tribe of Benjamin as the one from which Saul, the first king, would be chosen. The process of selecting by lot was a recognized method in ancient Israel for discerning God's will in matters of selection or division, ensuring a divinely appointed outcome rather than a humanly devised one. This act signifies God's direct involvement in establishing the monarchy, emphasizing that kingship was not merely a political expediency but a divinely orchestrated institution.

Context and Background

This event occurs in the immediate aftermath of God's anointing of Saul as king (1 Samuel 10:1). The nation of Israel had clamored for a king like the surrounding nations, a desire that God, while not endorsing their motivation, ultimately accommodated. Samuel, as the prophet and judge, was tasked with formally presenting this divinely chosen leader to the people. The assembly of all Israel by tribes underscores the national significance of this selection and the communal acceptance of the new leadership structure. The casting of lots was a method employed when human discernment was insufficient or when a clear, objective divine choice was needed, as seen in the allocation of land in Joshua's time or the selection of Matthias to replace Judas in the New Testament.

Key Themes and Messages

The primary themes are divine sovereignty and divine election. God is shown to be in control of the political destiny of Israel, not by chance or popular vote, but through a deliberate, albeit mysterious, process of selection. The casting of lots is a tangible manifestation of God's hidden hand guiding events. It also highlights the importance of obedience; Samuel, as God's prophet, faithfully carries out this directive, and the tribes of Israel are present, indicating their participation and acquiescence to the divine process. Furthermore, it introduces the theme of leadership and its divine origin, setting a precedent for future rulers.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this verse teaches that God is actively involved in the governance of His people and, by extension, in the lives of individuals. Even when human desires lead to changes in societal structure, God can work through those changes to fulfill His purposes. For believers today, it underscores the importance of recognizing God's hand in our circumstances, even those that seem arbitrary or determined by chance. It encourages trust in God's ultimate control and His ability to select and empower individuals for His purposes, whether in leadership roles or in everyday life.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This event is a crucial turning point, marking the transition from the period of the Judges to the era of the Monarchy in Israel. It sets the stage for the reigns of Saul, David, and Solomon, and the subsequent division of the kingdom. The establishment of the monarchy, initiated through this divinely sanctioned selection, is part of God's unfolding plan for Israel, a nation through which His redemptive purposes would eventually be realized. The lineage of David, from which the Messiah would come, is directly impacted by the establishment of this kingship, albeit starting with a flawed king like Saul.

Analogies

One analogy for the casting of lots is the way a lottery works, where numbers are drawn randomly to determine a winner. However, in the biblical context, it is not mere randomness but a divinely guided "chance" that reveals God's predetermined choice. Another analogy is a captain selecting a player for a crucial position on a team; while the coach might have a general idea, a specific, decisive choice is made to fill that role, and in this case, God is the ultimate "captain" making the selection.

Relation to Other Verses

This practice of selecting by lot is echoed in several other biblical passages. In the Old Testament, it was used to determine the scapegoat on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:8) and to divide conquered land among the tribes (Joshua 14:2; 18:6-10). In the New Testament, after Judas Iscariot's betrayal and death, the apostles cast lots to choose a replacement between Joseph called Barsabbas and Matthias, stating, "Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take the place in this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs" (Acts 1:24-25). This consistent use of lots across different eras and contexts demonstrates its enduring function as a method for discerning God's will in specific situations.