Therefore they enquired of the LORD further, if the man should yet come thither. And the LORD answered, Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff.

1 SAMUEL 10:22KJV
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1 Samuel 10:22 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 10:22 mean?

1 Samuel 10:22 describes how the people asked God again if Saul was coming, and God told them that Saul was hiding among the baggage. The verse shows that even though Saul had been chosen as king, he was hesitant and tried to avoid being found.

The setting is the public gathering where Israel is seeking their first king, and Samuel is leading the process. The people cannot find Saul, so they "enquire of the LORD" for guidance. God reveals Saul’s location, showing both Saul’s reluctance and God’s direct involvement in the selection. This moment highlights Saul’s humility or fear at the start of his kingship.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 10:22

  • "enquired" (שָׁאַל, sha'al): This word means to ask or seek information, often used for seeking God's guidance. Here, it shows the people are depending on God for answers they cannot find themselves.
  • "hid" (חָבָא, chava'): This word means to hide oneself. Saul’s action is not just physical hiding but suggests reluctance or uncertainty about stepping into leadership.
  • "stuff" (כְּלִי, keli): This word refers to baggage or equipment. Saul is hiding among the ordinary belongings of the people, emphasizing how unexpected and humble his hiding place is.

Why 1 Samuel 10:22 matters

  • The verse clears up that Saul was not missing by accident; he was deliberately hiding, which gives insight into his character at the beginning of his reign.
  • It emphasizes that God is actively guiding the process, answering the people’s questions directly and revealing what they could not see.
  • The detail about Saul hiding among the baggage connects to the wider story, showing the contrast between God’s choice and human expectations for a king.

Where else these words appear

“thither” Hebrew H1988 · used in 11 verses

  • Genesis 16:13 And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?
  • Judges 20:7 Behold, ye are all children of Israel; give here your advice and counsel.
  • 1 Samuel 14:38 And Saul said, Draw ye near hither, all the chief of the people: and know and see wherein this sin hath been this day.

“hid” Hebrew H2244 · used in 33 verses

  • Genesis 3:8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.
  • 1 Samuel 14:11 And both of them discovered themselves unto the garrison of the Philistines: and the Philistines said, Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of the holes where they had hid themselves.
  • 2 Chronicles 22:9 And he sought Ahaziah: and they caught him,(for he was hid in Samaria,) and brought him to Jehu: and when they had slain him, they buried him: Because, said they, he is the son of Jehoshaphat, who sought the LORD with all his heart. So the house of Ahaziah had no power to keep still the kingdom.