1 Samuel 10:16
And Saul said unto his uncle, He told us plainly that the asses were found. But of the matter of the kingdom, whereof Samuel spake, he told him not.
Original Language Analysis
דּוֹד֔וֹ
unto his uncle
H1730
דּוֹד֔וֹ
unto his uncle
Strong's:
H1730
Word #:
4 of 19
(figuratively) to love; by implication, a love-token, lover, friend; specifically an uncle
הִגִּ֣יד
He told
H5046
הִגִּ֣יד
He told
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
5 of 19
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
הִגִּ֣יד
He told
H5046
הִגִּ֣יד
He told
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
6 of 19
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נִמְצְא֖וּ
were found
H4672
נִמְצְא֖וּ
were found
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
9 of 19
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
דְּבַ֤ר
But of the matter
H1697
דְּבַ֤ר
But of the matter
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
12 of 19
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
14 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הִגִּ֣יד
He told
H5046
הִגִּ֣יד
He told
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
15 of 19
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
Cross References
Proverbs 29:11A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.1 Samuel 9:20And as for thine asses that were lost three days ago, set not thy mind on them; for they are found. And on whom is all the desire of Israel? Is it not on thee, and on all thy father's house?1 Samuel 9:27And as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us, (and he passed on,) but stand thou still a while, that I may shew thee the word of God.Judges 14:6And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid, and he had nothing in his hand: but he told not his father or his mother what he had done.
Historical Context
The transition from private anointing to public selection follows ancient Near Eastern patterns where kings were often designated privately before public coronation. Saul's discretion preserved this proper sequence, allowing God's public confirmation through the casting of lots at Mizpah.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you maintain humility about God's promises before they are publicly confirmed?
- What virtues did early Saul display that his later self tragically abandoned?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Saul said unto his uncle, He told us plainly that the asses were found. But of the matter of the kingdom, whereof Samuel spake, he told him not.
Saul's response reveals measured discretion: he shares one truth while withholding another. The phrase 'told us plainly' (higgid higgid) uses emphatic doubling to stress certainty about the donkeys. The matter of the kingdom (davar hammelukah) - literally 'the word/matter of the kingship' - remained unspoken. The narrator's editorial comment ensures readers understand Saul's silence was deliberate, not accidental. This discretion likely reflects obedience to Samuel's implicit guidance and appropriate humility before public confirmation. Saul did not presume upon God's private revelation by announcing himself king. Compare this restraint to his later impulsive actions. Early Saul demonstrated virtues - discretion, humility, patient waiting - that his later self tragically abandoned. The contrast between this self-controlled response and his eventual paranoid tyranny marks one of Scripture's most sobering character trajectories.