And when they sought him, he could not be found— When the lot of Saul, appointing him to the kingdom, came up, he, who already knew what would be the case, had withdrawn himself; moved either by modesty, or by a dread of the weight of so great an office. The Jews have a good observation upon this occasion, that "whosoever flies dominion, him dominion follows."
REFLECTIONS on 1 Samuel 10:17-27.—The people's impatience for a king is now to be gratified. A solemn convocation is called at Mizpeh, under Samuel as president, in order to fix on the person.
1. Samuel opens the convocation with a severe rebuke of their wickedness in thus resolving to have a king, which was, in fact, rejecting God, who had hitherto governed them more immediately himself, and saved them by multiplied miracles. What man could they choose like unto him? Note; They who reject God's government, sin against their own mercies.
2. The choice of the person being yet to be referred to God, Samuel causes the tribes to come near, by their representatives, in order to cast lots, and Benjamin is chosen. Of the families of Benjamin, the lot falls on that of Matri, and Saul the son of Kish is fixed upon as the man. But while any other man would have been eager to shew himself, they cannot find him: for, perceiving how the lot was going, and expecting from what had passed that it would fall on him, he hid himself, unwilling to take a charge for which he apprehended he was unqualified; fearing too, perhaps, that this crown would be a crown of thorns, when God's displeasure at the matter had been so solemnly declared, and the state of affairs from the Philistines and Amorites looked so lowering and dangerous.
3. The people hereupon inquire farther; whether he who was chosen should yet come to the assembly, or how they might find him? And they are directed to fetch him from his hiding-place among the baggage, which was immediately done.
4. When he appeared, his majestic presence seemed designed for the dignity to which he was advanced. Samuel bids them look upon him, tall as a cedar, and admire the divine choice of a person so suited to their wishes: hereupon the earth rings with shouting, God save the king, or Let the king live; let his reign be long and glorious, under the Divine protection and blessing. Note; It is the duty of every good subject to pray for the life and prosperity of the sovereign whom God appoints over him.
5. The king, being chosen of God, must rule according to divine prescription. The manner of the kingdom, how he must govern, and they obey, Samuel declares; and for the continual observance of these rules, writes them in a book, to be laid up in the tabernacle, and referred to on occasion. Note; Kings must remember, though they are above others, they ought not to be above law.
6. The congregation broke up with very different sentiments of their king. Some respected the Divine choice, and when Saul returned to his house at Gibeah they accompanied him as a body-guard to do him honour, having their hearts touched of God, and being inclined to pay the duty that they owed to their new sovereign. But others, sons of Belial, who had no regard for a king of God's appointment, arrogantly conceiting that they could have chosen a man of greater power, influence, and rank, than the son of Kish, perhaps envious at his advancement, and thinking themselves injured by the preference given him, despised him as a mean contemptible fellow, unfit to be a king, and would not congratulate him on his accession, nor bring him any presents in token of their submission and allegiance. This contempt Saul wisely overlooked, till a proper occasion offered to shew how deserving he was of the honour conferred on him, by deeds of valour which should shame his enemies to an acknowledgment of his desert. Note; (1.) When God touches the heart, we shall be inclined to follow cheerfully Jesus our king. (2.) They who are offended at the meanness of Jesus in the manger, will tremble before him when he shall come at the head of his angelic hosts. (3.) It is sometimes wisdom to conceal our knowledge of the wrongs done us, lest the breach be made irreparable which patience and forbearance might have healed.