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1 Samuel 10:21 (BSB)
Then he had the tribe of Benjamin come forward by its clans, and the clan of Matri was selected. Finally, Saul son of Kish was selected. But when they looked for him, they could not find him.
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“Then he had the tribe of Benjamin come forward by its clans, and the clan of Matri was selected. Finally, Saul son of Kish was selected. But when they looked for him, they could not find him.” — 1 Samuel 10:21
Imagine a tense moment where a community is coming together to make a big decision. The tribe of Benjamin is called up, and everyone is on edge, waiting to see who will be chosen as their leader. Then, through a process like drawing straws, Saul, the son of Kish, is picked. But here’s the twist—when they go to find him, he’s nowhere to be found! It’s like a scene from a movie where the hero is supposed to step up but suddenly goes missing. This moment is loaded with suspense and uncertainty, making you wonder what’s going to happen next.
This book, 1 Samuel, is often attributed to the prophet Samuel himself, who played a key role in Israel’s transition from judges to a monarchy. He witnessed the entire process of selecting Saul and wanted to capture the ups and downs of this pivotal moment in Israel’s history. By including this detail about Saul’s absence, Samuel highlights the tension and unpredictability of leadership. It reflects his perspective as someone who was deeply invested in Israel’s future and the challenges of guiding a nation.
At this time, the world was rife with political struggles and the constant threat of invasion. Israel was surrounded by powerful nations, and they desperately needed strong leadership. The people felt lost and insecure, longing for a king to unite and protect them. This historical backdrop makes Saul’s selection all the more significant—it’s not just a random choice; it’s a response to the urgent needs of a nation looking for hope in a chaotic world.
This verse matters today because it speaks to the unpredictability of leadership and our own lives. Just like Saul, who was chosen for a significant role but was nowhere to be found, you may feel called to something bigger but sometimes struggle to step up. It’s a reminder that even those chosen for great things can face moments of doubt or fear. This can resonate with you if you’ve ever felt unprepared for the challenges ahead, showing that it’s okay to have questions and uncertainties.
Think about a situation in your life where you feel called to take action or lead, but you’re hesitating or feeling overwhelmed. This week, identify one small step you can take towards that calling. It could be starting a conversation, volunteering for a project, or simply sharing your thoughts with someone. Facing your fears, like Saul had to do, can lead to unexpected growth and opportunities. Remember, it’s okay to feel uncertain, but taking that first step can be powerful!
To understand this moment, let’s step back a bit. Leading up to this, the people of Israel were clamoring for a king, wanting to fit in with other nations around them. God, hearing their cries, allowed them to choose a king. This selection process is crucial—it’s not just about picking a name; it’s about finding the right leader for a nation in turmoil. Saul being chosen but then going missing adds a layer of drama and foreshadows the challenges he will face. It shows that even in moments of divine selection, human unpredictability can play a huge role.
Have you ever felt called to do something important but were too scared or unsure to step forward? How did that experience shape your view of leadership or responsibility?
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