Question 1

What does 1 Samuel 10:20 mean?

Accepted Answer

1 Samuel 10:20 describes the moment when Samuel gathers all the tribes of Israel together, and through a selection process, the tribe of Benjamin is chosen. This is the first step in identifying Saul, who will become Israel’s first king, by narrowing down the group from which he will be selected. Samuel, acting as God’s prophet, brings the people of Israel together for a public event to reveal God’s chosen leader. The process involves all the tribes (large family groups), and the focus narrows to Benjamin, setting the stage for the next steps in choosing the king. This verse shows the formal and public nature of how God’s choice is revealed to the nation.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 10:20

Accepted Answer

"tribes" (שֵׁבֶט, shevet): This word refers to the main family groups within Israel, each descended from one of Jacob’s sons. The use of this term emphasizes the collective identity and structure of the nation at this time. "taken" (לָכַד, lakad): This word often means to capture or seize, but here it refers to being chosen or selected, likely by casting lots. It underscores that the selection was not random but directed by God’s will.

Question 3

Why 1 Samuel 10:20 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse clarifies that the process of selecting Israel’s first king was public, transparent, and involved all the tribes, not just a private decision. The focus on the tribe of Benjamin is significant because Benjamin was one of the smaller tribes, showing that God’s choice does not always follow human expectations. Understanding this step helps make sense of the following verses, where the selection process continues until Saul is identified, highlighting the seriousness and orderliness of God’s guidance in appointing a leader.

1 Samuel 10:20 (KJV)