The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Samuel — Section 175

Vers. 26, 27 ;_ eh. x_. 1-8. (RAM~H.) - ,~aul privately anointed king. "And Samuel took a vial of 011, and poured 1t nron Ins hC'a<l." There is in the life of almost every man some day beyond all ot.lwrs, the C'vents of which serve to determine his future course. Such a <lay was that which i~ hPr<> described in the life of Snul. 011 the preceding day he had been guided by Providence to Samuel, and led by mean~ of his conversation to entertain exalted expectations concerning his future destiny. '· And "·h_en they were come down from the high place into tho city, Samuel com- mnned with Saul upon the top of the house" (ver. 25). "And a bed was spread for Sai:l on the roof, and he lay down" (LXX., Vulg. ). "The roofs in Jud93a were flat, vnth a parapet around them. To be lodged there was considered an honour. In fine weather it was not unusual to sleep in tbe open air but the place might occa- sionally b_e co_vered with a tent" (Geddes). _Strange thoughts must have passed tbrou_gl~ Ins mmd as he rested there under the silent stars. He rose early to prepare for his Journey, and watched the morning dawn over the distant hills, ushering in the most eventful day of his life. Then the voice of Samuel called to him from below, saying, ".A.rise, and I will send thee away." The prophet accompanied him, as a mark of respect, along the street, toward the end of the city (Ramah). But before parting from him be directed him to send his servant forward, that be might com- municate to him alone "the word of God." .And in this private interview Saul was- I. .APPOINTED TO THE HIGHEST DIGNITY (ver. 1). 1. By a rite Qf consecration. " Taking a vial, be anointed Saul, thus placing the institution of royalty on the same footing as that of the sanctuary and the priesthood (Exod. :x.xx. 33 ; Levit. viii. 10), as appointed and consecrated by God and to God, and intended to be the medium for receiving and transmitting blessing to the people" (Edersheim). "Anointing with oil was a S}mbol of endowment with the Spirit of God; as the oil itself, by virtue of the strength which it gives to the vital spirits, was a symbol of the Spirit of God as the principle of Di,ine and spiritual power" (Keil). "Two very good reasons they (tlie Jews) render why God did command the use of such anointing oil as in respect of the action. First, that it did signify the Divine election of that person and ,lesignation to that office; from whence it was necessary that it should be performed hy a prophet who understood the will of God. Secondly, that by it the person anointed might be made fit to receive the Divine influx." 11 In respect to the matter they gfre two reasons why it was oil, and not any other liquor. First, because, of all other, it signifies the greatest glory and excellency. Secondly, they tell us that oil continuetb uncorrupted longer than any other liquor. •.And, indeed, it bath been observed to preserve not only itself but other things from corruption ; hence they -conclude it fit their kings and priests, whose succession was to continue for ever, -should be anointed with oil, the most proper emblem of eternity. Beside, they observe that simple oil without any mixture was sufficient for the candlestick ; but that which was designed for unction must be compounded with principal spices, which signify a good name, always to be acquired by those in places of greatest dignity by the most laudable and honourable actions" (' Pearson on the Cree~,• Art. ii.). 2. Accompanied with an act of homage. "And kissed him." The k1s~ was given on the mouth, the hand, the £~et, or the garment, and was a token ~£ frie~?.- ehip, affection, and, in the case of prmcee, of reverence and homage (1 Krngs xvm. 19; Ps. ii. 12; Hosea xiii. 3). 3 . .And with a statement Qf its significance. "Is it not ? " &c. "Hatb not the Lord anointed thee to be ruler over his people, over Israel ? And thou shalt rule over the people of the Lord, and thou shalt eave them out of the band of their enemies" (LXX.). Hie appointment was of God, and_ the purpose of it was the deliverance of his people. The manner in which he r~ce1vr.rl it ebowe the change which had already taken place in his feelings ( eh. ix: 21 ). When God has work for a man to do, he has power to dispose and prepare him to do it. II. ASSURED OF CONFIRMATORY SIGNS (vere. 2-6). The events which San~uel prediderl were proofs of the Divine interposition, means of Saul's further prcparat10n, and emblems of his future dignity and power. 1. First siqn-ltis royalty was !lll CH. IX. 1-27.] THE FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL. 173