1 Samuel 10:1
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?
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַשֶּׁ֛מֶן
of oil
H8081
הַשֶּׁ֛מֶן
of oil
Strong's:
H8081
Word #:
5 of 17
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
וַיִּצֹ֥ק
and poured
H3332
וַיִּצֹ֥ק
and poured
Strong's:
H3332
Word #:
6 of 17
properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as metal; by extension, to place firmly, to stiffen or grow hard
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
רֹאשׁ֖וֹ
it upon his head
H7218
רֹאשׁ֖וֹ
it upon his head
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
8 of 17
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
וַיִּשָּׁקֵ֑הוּ
and kissed
H5401
וַיִּשָּׁקֵ֑הוּ
and kissed
Strong's:
H5401
Word #:
9 of 17
to kiss, literally or figuratively (touch); also (as a mode of attachment), to equip with weapons
הֲל֗וֹא
H3808
הֲל֗וֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מְשָׁחֲךָ֧
hath anointed
H4886
מְשָׁחֲךָ֧
hath anointed
Strong's:
H4886
Word #:
13 of 17
to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint
יְהוָ֛ה
Is it not because the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
Is it not because the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
14 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
15 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
1 Samuel 16:13Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.Psalms 78:71From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.1 Samuel 9:16To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me.Psalms 2:12Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.Acts 13:21And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.Deuteronomy 32:9For the LORD'S portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.1 Samuel 26:11The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go.2 Kings 9:1And Elisha the prophet called one of the children of the prophets, and said unto him, Gird up thy loins, and take this box of oil in thine hand, and go to Ramoth-gilead:2 Kings 20:5Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD.
Historical Context
Anointing with oil was practiced throughout the ancient Near East for consecrating kings. However, Israel's understanding differed significantly: the king was not divine but served under Yahweh's authority. This private anointing at Ramah preceded the public selection at Mizpah, demonstrating God's sovereign choice before human confirmation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding that God's people are 'His inheritance' shape how leaders should exercise authority?
- In what ways does Saul's anointing point forward to Christ as the ultimate Anointed One?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
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?
The Hebrew word for 'vial' (pak) denotes a small flask, distinguishing this private anointing from the later public ceremony. The term 'anointed' (mashach) carries profound theological weight, as it designates one set apart for divine service. Notably, Samuel calls Saul 'captain' (nagid) rather than 'king' (melek), emphasizing that the true King remains Yahweh Himself. The anointing oil symbolized the Spirit's empowerment for leadership, a practice later applied to priests and prophets. Samuel's kiss represented covenantal blessing and recognition of divine appointment. This moment foreshadows the ultimate Anointed One (Messiah/Christ), who would be prophet, priest, and king. The phrase 'his inheritance' (nachalah) reminds us that Israel belongs to God alone; Saul is merely a steward over what remains God's possession.