1 Samuel 10:1 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance? Took a vial of oil - The reasons of this rite the reader will find largely stated in the note on Exodus 29:7. The anointing mentioned here took place in the open field. See the preceding chapter, 1 Samuel 9:26-27 (note). How simple was the ancient ceremony of consecrating a king! A prophet or priest poured oil upon his head, and kissed him; and said, Thus the Lord hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance. This was the whole of the ceremony. Even in this anointing, Saul is not acknowledged as king, but simply נגיד nagid, a captain - one who goes before and leads the people.