1 Samuel 10:22 – “So they inquired further of the Lord, ‘Has the man come here yet?’ And the Lord said, ‘Yes, he has hidden himself among the supplies.’”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, the people of Israel are actively searching for Saul after the lot had revealed him as their chosen king. When Saul cannot be found, they seek God’s guidance, asking if Saul is present. God responds by revealing that Saul is hiding among the supplies. This moment highlights Saul’s fear and reluctance to step into the role that God has called him to. Saul’s decision to hide shows that he is overwhelmed by the responsibility and the expectations that come with being king. Despite his divine calling, Saul’s reaction is very human—he feels inadequate and unprepared. However, God’s direct response to the people’s inquiry shows that even in moments of fear, God knows exactly where we are and continues to call us forward.
Historical Context
This event occurs during the public selection of Israel’s first king, a major turning point in the nation’s history. The Israelites, tired of their current leadership under judges, demanded a king to lead them like the other nations. Despite God’s warnings about the challenges of having a human king, He granted their request and chose Saul, a young man from the tribe of Benjamin. Saul had already been privately anointed by Samuel, but this public selection was meant to confirm God’s choice in front of the whole nation. Saul’s hiding at this critical moment reflects the immense pressure he felt and foreshadows some of the struggles he would face as king.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse teaches that God sees us, even when we try to hide from His calling. Saul’s attempt to avoid the spotlight didn’t change God’s plan for him. This shows that God’s call on our lives is persistent; He knows our fears, insecurities, and doubts, yet He continues to call us into His purpose. The fact that God directly answers the people’s question about Saul’s location also demonstrates God’s willingness to meet us where we are, even when we are reluctant or afraid. It’s a reminder that God’s plans are not dependent on our confidence or readiness but on His purpose and provision.
Literary Analysis
The verse employs direct dialogue and a dramatic twist to convey the narrative’s emotional tension. The search for Saul creates suspense, and the unexpected revelation that he is hiding among the supplies adds a layer of irony. This literary choice underscores Saul’s internal struggle between God’s calling and his own insecurities. The people’s inquiry and God’s clear response also highlight the contrast between human uncertainty and God’s knowledge. The imagery of Saul hiding among the mundane supplies adds to the dramatic impact, emphasizing the disconnect between his calling to be king and his current fearful state.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 4:13-14: Moses hesitates when called by God, asking Him to send someone else, showing that reluctance to accept God’s call is a common human response.
- Jonah 1:3: Jonah tries to flee from God’s calling, reflecting the fear and resistance that people often feel when faced with God’s commands.
- Psalm 139:7-10: The psalmist acknowledges that there is nowhere to hide from God’s presence, emphasizing that God sees us wherever we are.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, this verse is a reminder that God sees us in our moments of hiding and fear. Just like Saul, we can feel overwhelmed or unworthy when faced with what God asks of us. However, this verse encourages us to trust that God knows our struggles and continues to call us forward despite them. It teaches us that hiding from God’s call doesn’t change His plan for our lives. Instead of running or hiding, we are encouraged to bring our fears to God, trusting that He will equip and strengthen us to fulfill His purposes.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows God’s loving nature by illustrating His patience and understanding of our human weaknesses. God’s response to the people’s inquiry about Saul is not one of anger or frustration but of guidance. He meets Saul in his moment of hiding, gently bringing him out into the open. God’s love is evident in how He continues to call Saul, even when Saul is reluctant. This moment reflects God’s desire to guide us patiently, understanding our fears and working with us as we grow into His calling.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Saul’s hiding and reluctance contrast with Jesus’ willingness to accept His mission, even though He faced great fear and suffering. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed earnestly, expressing His human desire to avoid the cross, yet He willingly submitted to God’s will (Matthew 26:39). Jesus’ courage and obedience stand as a perfect example for us, showing that while we may feel fear, we can trust God’s plan and move forward. Jesus faced every human emotion, including fear, yet He fully embraced God’s calling, showing us the way to do the same.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you ever felt like hiding from something God was calling you to do? How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience?
- How does Saul’s hiding among the supplies challenge you to confront your own fears and hesitations about God’s call on your life?
- What does this verse teach you about God’s patience and understanding when we feel unprepared or afraid?
- In what ways can you bring your fears to God and trust Him to guide you forward, even when you feel like hiding?