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Anointed and Changed: God's Call on Saul's Life
1 Samuel — Chapter 10 (BSB)
Chapter Overview
In 1 Samuel 10, Samuel privately confirms Saul's anointing as Israel's first king through a series of prophetic signs (v. 1-8), each fulfilled exactly as predicted (v. 9-13), demonstrating that God's hand is unmistakably at work. Beginning in verse 1, Samuel pours oil over Saul's head and declares that the Lord has anointed him ruler over His people — a stunning, personal moment between God's prophet and the man God had chosen. The chapter reaches a powerful turning point in verse 9, where Scripture says God changed Saul's heart, signaling that true calling always involves inner transformation by God's Spirit, not merely outward appointment. When the Spirit of God rushes upon Saul in verse 10 and he prophesies among the prophets, those who know him are left astonished, asking 'Is Saul also among the prophets?' (v. 11). The chapter closes in verses 20-27 with a public selection by lot that confirms Saul as king before all Israel, yet even here Saul hides himself among the baggage (v. 22), revealing the tension between divine calling and human insecurity that every believer can relate to. This chapter matters personally because it reminds the reader that when God calls you, He also equips and transforms you — your inadequacy is never the final word.
Key Verses
1 Samuel 10:1 (BSB)
"Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, “Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?"
This intimate moment of anointing is God's declaration that He had already chosen and set Saul apart before anyone else knew it. God's calling on your life often comes quietly and personally before it is ever recognized publicly. Take comfort that the God who calls you does so with intention and purpose — He speaks your name before the crowd ever does.
1 Samuel 10:6 (BSB)
"Then the Spirit of the LORD will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be transformed into a different person."
Samuel's prophecy here is a promise that the Spirit of God would not leave Saul the same — divine calling always carries divine transformation. God does not call you to serve Him in your own strength or with your old nature unchanged. This is a reminder that the Holy Spirit's work in you is not cosmetic but deeply renewing, turning you into someone capable of what God has purposed.
1 Samuel 10:9 (BSB)
"As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul’s heart, and all the signs came to pass that day."
The truth that 'God changed Saul's heart' is one of the most striking lines in this chapter — it shows that transformation comes as a gift from God, not as a personal achievement. Every sign Samuel had spoken came to pass exactly as promised, confirming that God's Word never returns void. When you walk in step with God's calling, you can trust that His promises will be fulfilled in His perfect timing.
1 Samuel 10:22 (BSB)
"So again they inquired of the LORD, “Has the man come here yet?” And the LORD replied, “Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage.”"
Even after being anointed and transformed, Saul hid — a very human response to the weight of a God-given calling. Perhaps you have also hidden from something God has asked you to step into, feeling unworthy or overwhelmed. God's response here is gracious: He simply reveals where Saul is and brings him forward, showing that He is patient with our fears and always working to bring us into our calling.
1 Samuel 10:26 (BSB)
"Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, and the men of valor whose hearts God had touched went with him."
God did not leave Saul to walk into his calling alone — He surrounded him with people whose hearts He had specifically prepared for this moment. This is a beautiful picture of how God provides community and support for those He calls. If you are stepping into something God has placed before you, look around — He may already be placing the right people in your path.
Main Themes
- Divine calling and personal transformation
- God's faithfulness to fulfill His promises
- Human insecurity in the face of God's calling
Discussion Questions
- Is there a calling or step of faith you have been hiding from, like Saul among the baggage — and what do you think is holding you back?
- When you look back at your own life, where can you see that God quietly prepared or changed you before you were even aware of what He was doing?
Personal Application
This week, identify one area of your life where God may be calling you to step forward in faith, and take one small, concrete step toward it — trusting that the same Spirit who transformed Saul is at work in you.
Each morning this week, ask the Holy Spirit to give you a heart that is open and willing to be shaped by God, surrendering any insecurity or fear that tempts you to hide from what He is calling you into.
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for the reminder that when You call me, You also change me — that You do not leave me as I am but give me what I need to walk in Your purpose. Forgive me for the times I have hidden among the baggage, choosing fear over faith, and help me to trust that Your hand is on me just as surely as it was on Saul. Let Your Spirit rush upon me, shape my heart, and surround me with people whose hearts You have also touched. In Jesus' name, Amen.