1 Samuel 10:25 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Then Samuel told the people the rights and duties of the kingship, and he wrote them in a book and laid it up before the Lord. Then Samuel sent all the people away, each one to his home.

NIV: Samuel explained to the people the rights and duties of kingship. He wrote them down on a scroll and deposited it before the Lord. Then Samuel dismissed the people to go to their own homes.

NASB: Then Samuel told the people the ordinances of the kingdom, and wrote them in the book, and placed it before the Lord. And Samuel sent all the people away, each one to his house.

CSB: Samuel proclaimed to the people the rights of kingship. He wrote them on a scroll, which he placed in the presence of the Lord. Then Samuel sent all the people home.

NLT: Then Samuel told the people what the rights and duties of a king were. He wrote them down on a scroll and placed it before the Lord. Then Samuel sent the people home again.

KJV: Then Samuel told the people the manner of the kingdom, and wrote it in a book, and laid it up before the Lord. And Samuel sent all the people away, every man to his house.

NKJV: Then Samuel explained to the people the behavior of royalty, and wrote it in a book and laid it up before the Lord. And Samuel sent all the people away, every man to his house.

First Samuel 10:17–27 describes how God indicates that Saul is to become the first king of Israel. Samuel calls the nation to gather. Though the Lord is allowing the people to reject Him by insisting on a human king, lots are cast to reveal the tribe of Benjamin, Saul's clan and family, and finally Saul himself. Saul is hardly eager: he hides. Once found, he stands before the people, taller than everyone. After Samuel endorses the Lord's choice, the people call out "long live the king!" Saul returns to his home with a group of valiant men. Another group despises him, but Saul takes no action against them.

Samuel anoints Saul as the next prince of Israel and gives him three signs of things that will happen to confirm his prophecy. The Spirit of God rushes on Saul and he joins in prophesying with a group of musical prophets. Saul tells his uncle he met Samuel, but he doesn't reveal what Samuel told him about the kingship. Samuel calls all of Israel to Mizpah. Saul is selected king by casting lots. Though Saul hides at first, the people shout, "long live the king!" A group of valiant men accompany Saul back home while another group opposes him.

Despite being warned, Israel demanded to have a human king (1 Samuel 8:19–20). God allowed this, telling Samuel to anoint Saul (1 Samuel 9:15–17). The old prophet gives the young man three signs that will confirm this appointment is from God; everything happens as Samuel describes. Samuel calls the people to Mizpah where the new king is selected by casting lots. Saul hides, is discovered, and then is warmly accepted as Israel's new king. However, some are dubious that Saul is equipped for the task. Saul will be successful at first (1 Samuel 11:11) but will eventually reject God and be replaced by David (Samuel 16:1).

First Samuel introduces the key figures who led Israel after the era of the judges. The books of 1 and 2 Samuel were originally part of a single text, split in certain translations shortly before the birth of Christ. Some of the Bible’s most famous characters are depicted in this book. These including the prophet Samuel, Israel’s first king, Saul, her greatest king, David, and other famous names such as Goliath and Jonathan. By the end of this book, Saul has fallen; the book of 2 Samuel begins with David’s ascension to the throne.