1 Samuel 10:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Samuel 10:20
20 And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken.
Chapter Context
1 Samuel 10 is a biographical narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, truth, judgment. Written during the transition to monarchy (c. 1050-1010 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Israel transitioned from tribal confederacy to monarchy while facing Philistine military pressure.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-27: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Samuel and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Samuel 10:20
20 And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken.
Analysis
And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken.
The selection by lot begins with tribal level identification. The Hebrew 'laqad' (taken/caught) is the same word used for capturing prey or enemies, suggesting the lot 'seized' Benjamin from among the tribes. Casting lots was Israel's sanctioned method for discerning God's will in specific decisions (Proverbs 16:33: 'The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD'). The selection of Benjamin - Israel's smallest tribe, nearly annihilated in the civil war of Judges 19-21 - demonstrated God's pattern of choosing the weak and unlikely. Benjamin's territory between powerful Ephraim and Judah made them politically neutral, potentially acceptable to tribal factions. Jacob's blessing had called Benjamin a 'ravenous wolf' (Genesis 49:27); Saul's initial military success would fulfill this characterization before his tragic decline.
Historical Context
The near-extinction of Benjamin during the concubine outrage (Judges 19-21) had left this tribe diminished. Selecting Israel's first king from this smallest tribe paralleled God's choice of Israel itself - not for their greatness but despite their smallness (Deuteronomy 7:7).
Reflection
- Why does God consistently choose the unlikely and overlooked for significant purposes?
- How does the lot-casting process demonstrate that divine sovereignty works through means?