1 Samuel 9:2 "And he had a choice and handsome son whose name was Saul. There was not a more handsome person than he among the children of Israel. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people."

The smallest tribe of Benjamin provided the first king. Saul is introduced as having all the natural - look the part king - namely, a strong man and towering height, deportment. When kings were elective, great respect was paid to personal appearance. Bodily appearance is enhanced when it is regarded and treated as the temple of the Holy Spirit. The Christian's body is not to be regarded as his own. (1 Corinthians 6:19 ). It has been bought with a price. God is to be glorified in the believer's body (1 Corinthians 6:20 ). The body must be continually presented to God as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1 ). Then even when our bodies may appear weak (2 Corinthians 10:10 ), they can be the instruments of demonstration and power of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 2:4 ).

"Look for the donkeys" (1 Samuel 9:3 NKJV). Little did Saul realise that, while searching for lost donkeys, he would come to a kingdom. God often uses common occurrences to lead us where He wants. We find, like Abraham's oldest servant, "being on the way, the LORD led me." (Genesis 24:27 NKJV)

1 Samuel 9:10 "So they went unto the city where the man of God was."

Unable to find the donkeys the help of Samuel was sought.

1 Samuel 9:9 "... Come, and let us go to the seer: for he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer."

There is no essential difference between a seer and a prophet. Samuel was fully prepared for Saul's visit.

1 Samuel 9:15 "Now the LORD had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying,"

Ellicott explains: "(Literally) had uncovered the ear of Samuel. The image is taken from the action of pushing aside the headdress, in order the more conveniently to whisper some words into the ear."

What a beautiful description of Holy Spirit communication with the human spirit - brushing aside all the clutter of the soulish mind, to speak unhindered the word and purpose of the Lord (1 Samuel 9:15-17 ).

Samuel welcomed and promised Saul.

1 Samuel 9:19 "... tomorrow I will let you go and will tell you all that is in your heart."

It could have been that liberation of the Lord's people from the Philistines was already a desire in the heart of Saul. Certainly when God uses a prophet to communicate His plan and purpose to another, it has already been put in the heart by the Holy Spirit.

	Samuel reassures Saul (1 Samuel 9:20 ).
	Reveals he will meet Israel's desires (1 Samuel 9:20 ).
	Gives him, at the feast, the place of honour (1 Samuel 9:25-26 ).
	Saw Saul on his way with the now word of the Spirit for him. (1 Samuel 9:27 ).

This is an example of preparing for special service.

Samuel anointed Saul as the Lord's anointed.

1 Samuel 10:1 "Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on his head, and kissed him and said: "Is it not because the Lord has anointed you commander over His inheritance?"

Kings had their calling affirmed in this way. Anointed to be God's representative to His people. Samuel gave specific prophetic signs that would confirm the word given to Saul.

	His business would end successfully - "... the donkeys ... have been found ..." (1 Samuel 10:2 NKJV).
	His bodily need would be amply met - "three men ... give you two loaves of bread" (1 Samuel 10:3-4 NKJV).
	His spiritual need would receive supply of the Holy Spirit - "Then the Spirit of the LORD will come upon you and you will prophesy ... and you will become another man" (1 Samuel 10:6 NKJV).

God gives prosperity, provision, power to those set apart to serve Him. As Saul turned to go, God gave him another heart (1 Samuel 10:9 ), imparted the qualities needed to be king and deliverer of the people. All the signs came to pass that day (1 Samuel 10:9, 10:10-13 ). God confirmed His given word with infallible proofs. Saul kept silent saying nothing of his honour, not even to his own family, until the secret call was endorsed before the nation (1 Samuel 10:14-16 ).

Saul, though privately anointed, had to be selected by practice of the sacred lot.

	Samuel called the people together (1 Samuel 10:17 ).
	The tribe of Benjamin was chosen (1 Samuel 10:20 ).
	The family of Matri was chosen (1 Samuel 10:21 ).
	Saul the son of Kish was chosen (1 Samuel 10:21 ).

It is thought that the Urim and Thummim was used to make inquiry as to the Lord's choice of king. (Exodus 28:30; Numbers 27:12-21 ) How the lots were taken is not said.

"It is to be noted that for the full and auspicious acknowledgment of Saul as king, his mysterious interview with the seer did not alone suffice. Publicly, in solemn, national assembly, it was necessary for the Spirit of the eternal to choose him out, and make him known as the eternal's man." Ellicott - Ewald

1 Samuel 10:21,22 "... But when they sought him, he could not be found. 22 ... And the Lord answered, "There he is, hidden among the equipment.""

God could use Saul while he was little in his own eyes - stay humbled by the privilege of serving (2 Corinthians 12:9,10 ).

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. From which tribe was Israel's first king chosen? (1 Samuel 9:1 ). What made him attractive as a people's choice? (1 Samuel 9:2 ).
2. When our bodily presence appears weak, can they be the instruments of Holy Spirit power? (1 Corinthians 2:4 ).
3. Do you think God uses common occurrences to lead us where He wants? (1 Samuel 9:3,10; Genesis 24:27 ).
4. What beautiful description of Holy Spirit communication is given in 1 Samuel 9:15-17? Do you hear the whisper of the Holy Spirit in your human spirit?
5. What promise did Samuel make to Saul? (1 Samuel 9:19 ). Do you see in Samuel's dealing with Saul an example of preparing one for special service? (1 Samuel 9:20- 27 ).
6. How did samuel affirm Saul's calling? Do you believe that a personal prophetic word will be accompanied with prophetic signs? (1 Samuel 10:1-16 ).
7. Why do you think the private anointing of Saul needed a public selection? (1 Samuel 10:17-20 ).
8. What made Saul hide from the people? Could he hide from God? (1 Samuel 10:21-22 ).