1 Samuel 10: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Samuel 10 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Saul is anointed as king by Samuel, who pours oil on his head and declares him prince over Yahweh's inheritance (vv. 1-2). Samuel provides Saul with signs to confirm his kingship, including encounters with two men at Rachel's tomb and three men at the oak of Tabor (vv.

Key verse

“It was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart; and all those signs happened that day.”
1 Samuel 10:9 (WEB)

Outline

1 Samuel 10:1–2 Saul's Anointing as King
1 Samuel 10:3–5 Signs of Confirmation
1 Samuel 10:6–8 Empowerment by the Spirit
1 Samuel 10:9–10 Saul's Transformation
1 Samuel 10:11–12 Public Recognition
1 Samuel 10:13–16 Saul's Response to His Calling
1 Samuel 10:17–27 Samuel's Public Declaration

Discussion questions

In v1, what act does Samuel perform to signify Saul's anointing?
What do the two men at Rachel's tomb tell Saul in v2?
Saul's hiding among the baggage in v22: what does this suggest about his character?
The proverb 'Is Saul also among the prophets?' in v12: what does it imply about Saul's unexpected role?
When have you felt unprepared for a responsibility like Saul's kingship in v1?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Samuel 10: 1 Samuel 16, 1 Samuel 9, 1 Samuel 11.

Before next time: read 1 Samuel 11.