1 Samuel 6 to 10 in the King James Bible tells the story of the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Israel, the rise of the prophet Samuel as a national leader, and the people’s demand for a king. These chapters highlight Israel’s growing desire for earthly leadership while also showcasing God’s continuing guidance and intervention in the nation’s affairs. Ultimately, they reveal the tension between human desires and divine will, with the transition from prophetic to kingly leadership.
1 Samuel 6: The Return of the Ark of the Covenant
After the Philistines suffer from plagues due to the presence of the Ark of the Covenant in their territory, they decide to return it to Israel. In desperation, they consult their priests and diviners, who suggest they make a guilt offering of five golden tumors and five golden mice, representing the afflictions that had struck the Philistine cities. The priests advise the Philistines to place the Ark on a new cart pulled by two cows that had never been yoked, and to see if the cows would naturally head toward Israelite territory—if they did, it would confirm that the plagues were indeed from God.
The cows head straight toward Beth-shemesh, an Israelite town, confirming that the Lord was responsible for the Philistines’ suffering. The people of Beth-shemesh rejoice at the return of the Ark, but some of them look inside it, violating God’s command. As a result, the Lord strikes down fifty thousand and seventy men (though some translations dispute the number, the lesson of reverence is clear).
The people of Beth-shemesh, fearful of further judgment, send word to the men of Kirjath-jearim, who come and take the Ark to the house of Abinadab, where it remains for many years.
1 Samuel 7: Samuel Leads Israel to Victory
Chapter 7 marks the rise of Samuel as the central leader of Israel. The Ark remains in Kirjath-jearim for twenty years, during which the Israelites begin to seek the Lord with sincere hearts. Samuel calls the people to repentance, urging them to turn away from their idols, specifically the Baalim and Ashtaroth, and to serve the Lord alone.
The Israelites gather at Mizpeh for a time of prayer, fasting, and repentance. The Philistines hear of this gathering and decide to attack, but Samuel intercedes for the people, offering a lamb as a burnt offering to the Lord. As Samuel prays, the Lord intervenes by thundering from heaven, throwing the Philistines into confusion. The Israelites pursue and defeat them, gaining a decisive victory.
Afterward, Samuel sets up a stone between Mizpeh and Shen, calling it Ebenezer, meaning “Hitherto hath the Lord helped us” (1 Samuel 7:12, KJV). This marks the beginning of a period of peace for Israel under Samuel’s leadership.
1 Samuel 8: Israel Demands a King
In chapter 8, the Israelites, dissatisfied with the leadership of Samuel’s sons, demand a king to rule over them like the other nations. Samuel’s sons, Joel and Abiah, who serve as judges in Beersheba, are corrupt and do not walk in Samuel’s ways. This causes the people to lose confidence in their leadership.
When the elders of Israel come to Samuel with their request, it displeases him, and he prays to the Lord. God tells Samuel to listen to the people’s demand, explaining that it is not Samuel they have rejected but God Himself as their king. However, God instructs Samuel to warn the people about the consequences of having a king. Samuel delivers this warning, explaining that a king will take their sons for his army, their daughters for his service, and the best of their fields and vineyards for his own purposes. He will also impose heavy taxes and forced labor.
Despite these warnings, the people insist on having a king, saying, “Nay; but we will have a king over us; that we also may be like all the nations” (1 Samuel 8:19-20, KJV). Reluctantly, Samuel agrees and tells the people that the Lord will give them a king.
1 Samuel 9: Saul, Israel’s First King
Chapter 9 introduces Saul, who is chosen by God to be Israel’s first king. Saul, a young man from the tribe of Benjamin, is described as “a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he” (1 Samuel 9:2, KJV). Saul is also physically impressive, standing head and shoulders above everyone else.
The narrative begins with Saul searching for his father’s lost donkeys. Accompanied by a servant, Saul travels through various regions but is unable to find the animals. When they reach the land of Zuph, Saul’s servant suggests they visit the man of God (Samuel), hoping he can help them find the donkeys.
When they arrive, the Lord reveals to Samuel that Saul is the man He has chosen to be king. The day before, God had told Samuel that He would send a man from Benjamin to be anointed as captain over His people. When Samuel meets Saul, he invites him to a feast and privately tells him that the donkeys have been found. Samuel also informs Saul that he is the one whom all Israel desires.
1 Samuel 10: Saul Anointed as King
In chapter 10, Samuel takes Saul aside, pours oil on his head, and anoints him as the king of Israel. Samuel then gives Saul several signs to confirm that God has chosen him. These signs include meeting two men who will tell him that the donkeys have been found, encountering three men who will offer him food, and joining a group of prophets who are worshiping the Lord.
As Saul leaves Samuel, the signs come to pass just as Samuel had foretold. The Spirit of God comes upon Saul, and he begins to prophesy with the prophets. The people who know Saul are astonished and ask, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” (1 Samuel 10:11, KJV), indicating the transformation that God has begun in Saul’s life.
When Saul returns home, his uncle asks him about the events of his journey. Saul tells him about meeting Samuel and finding the donkeys, but he does not mention being anointed as king.
Later, Samuel gathers the people at Mizpeh to publicly proclaim Saul as king. The tribes are drawn by lot, and the lot falls on the tribe of Benjamin, then on Saul’s family, and finally on Saul himself. However, when the people look for Saul, he is found hiding among the baggage, showing his initial reluctance to take on the role. Samuel presents Saul to the people, and they shout, “God save the king” (1 Samuel 10:24, KJV).
Though many accept Saul as king, some “children of Belial” (1 Samuel 10:27, KJV) question his ability to lead. Nevertheless, Saul remains silent, and the chapter closes with the beginning of his reign.
Conclusion: The Lord’s Hand in Leadership
The events of 1 Samuel 6 to 10 mark a pivotal moment in Israel’s history. The return of the Ark to Israel demonstrates God’s sovereignty, even over foreign nations, while Samuel’s leadership brings spiritual renewal. However, the people’s desire for a king reveals their struggle to trust God’s leadership and their desire to be like other nations.
God, in His wisdom, allows the people to have a king, yet He remains in control, choosing Saul according to His purpose. These chapters emphasize the tension between human desire and divine will, as well as the beginning of a new era in Israel’s governance.
