1 Samuel 10:20 – “When Samuel had all Israel come forward by tribes, the tribe of Benjamin was taken by lot.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Samuel begins the formal process of revealing God’s chosen king by having the tribes of Israel come forward. The selection process is done by casting lots, a common biblical method used to determine God’s will. When the lots are cast, the tribe of Benjamin is chosen, setting the stage for Saul’s public identification as the first king of Israel. This moment is both dramatic and significant, as the choice by lot demonstrates that the decision is not random or merely human but guided by God’s hand. By narrowing the selection down to Benjamin, God is confirming His earlier private anointing of Saul through Samuel, now bringing that choice into the public eye.
Historical Context
The casting of lots was a traditional way in ancient Israel to seek God’s guidance in decision-making. This method was often used when an impartial choice was needed, and it was seen as a way to let God direct the outcome. The gathering of all the tribes reflects the national importance of the moment. Benjamin, being one of the smaller and less prominent tribes, is chosen, which is unexpected and shows that God’s choices often defy human expectations. Saul, a Benjamite, had already been anointed privately by Samuel, but this public selection by lot would serve as a confirmation to the people that God had indeed chosen him.
Theological Implications
This verse underscores God’s sovereignty in guiding the choices that shape His people. By using the lot to select the tribe of Benjamin, God is actively involved in the decision, making it clear that Saul’s rise to kingship is not by chance or human manipulation but by divine appointment. This teaches us that God’s plans are intentional and that He is involved in the details of how His will unfolds. The selection of Benjamin, the smallest of the tribes, also reflects a recurring biblical theme: God often chooses the least likely people or groups to accomplish His purposes, highlighting His power and wisdom.
Literary Analysis
The narrative structure of this verse builds suspense and highlights the solemnity of the moment. The use of the lot as a means of selection adds a sense of divine mystery and weight to the proceedings. By focusing on the orderly process—bringing the tribes forward one by one—the text emphasizes the formality and gravity of the occasion. The literary device of narrowing down from the whole nation to a single tribe creates anticipation, drawing readers into the unfolding drama of Saul’s public revelation as king.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Joshua 7:14-18: The casting of lots to identify Achan, showing how this method was used to determine God’s will in important decisions.
- Proverbs 16:33: “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord,” highlighting the belief that God controls the outcome of lots.
- Acts 1:26: The apostles cast lots to choose a replacement for Judas, demonstrating the continued use of this practice to seek God’s guidance.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, this verse is a reminder that God is actively involved in the details of our lives, including our decisions and paths. It teaches us that God’s guidance is not limited to dramatic or obvious moments; He is at work even in the processes we may consider routine or random. This verse challenges us to trust that God’s hand is at work, directing outcomes according to His purpose. It also reminds us that God’s choices are often different from what we might expect, calling us to remain open to His leading, even when it surprises us.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s loving involvement in the lives of His people. By guiding the selection process through the casting of lots, God shows that He is not distant or uninvolved. Instead, He is actively orchestrating events to align with His plans for His people. God’s choice of Saul, from the small tribe of Benjamin, demonstrates that God’s love is not based on human status or expectation but on His own purposes and grace. It reassures us that God sees value in what the world might overlook, choosing and guiding according to His loving plan.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The selection of Saul by lot connects to the broader biblical theme of God’s sovereign choice, which finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as God chose Saul to lead Israel, God chose Jesus, His Son, to be the Savior of the world, fulfilling His plan of redemption (1 Peter 1:20). Jesus’ selection as the Messiah was not by human design but by God’s sovereign will, much like the casting of lots to reveal Saul. This connection reminds us that God’s choices are purposeful and that He guides history toward the fulfillment of His promises through Christ.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How can you trust that God is guiding the decisions and outcomes in your life, even when they seem uncertain or unexpected?
- What does the selection of the tribe of Benjamin teach you about God’s ability to choose and use unlikely people for His purposes?
- How can this verse encourage you to seek God’s guidance in your own decision-making processes?
- In what ways can you remain open to God’s direction, even when His plans unfold in unexpected ways?