Samuel dealt faithfully with the people, reminding them once more of their guilty mistake in demanding a king; and indeed they came to rue their choice. But as they would have it, so it was ordered. We may well ask God not to give us what we desire so earnestly, except as it accords with His purposes of love and wisdom. We have known and believed the love that God hath to us. Sometimes we know His will, at other times we have to confide in it blindly.
Saul's modesty was very commendable. There were many beautiful traits in his character in those early days, but, as we shall see, all the music was finally silenced when that terrible monster jealousy stole into his heart. Among other evidences of a naturally noble disposition was his determination not to heed the detracting voices which challenged his elevation to the throne. Note the r.v. margin of 1 Samuel 10:27 -"he was as though he were deaf." It was both wise and magnanimous. So for us all. When we are sure that we are in the line of God's purpose, and sincerely desire to do His will, we may be deaf to all other voices. "Fret not thyself because of evil-doers!" See Psalms 37:1-40. [source]
Chapter Summary: 1 Samuel 10
1Samuel anoints Saul 2He confirms him by prediction of three signs 9Saul's heart is changed, and he prophesies 14He conceals the matter of the kingdom from his uncle 17Saul is chosen at Mizpeh by lot 26The different affections of his subjects
What do the individual words in 1 Samuel 10:17 mean?
And called togetherSamuel-the peopletoYahwehat Mizpah
Parse: Proper Noun, masculine singular
Root: שְׁמוּאֵל
Sense: son of Elkanah by his wife Hannah and judge or prophet of Israel during the days of Saul and David.
Parse: Direct object marker
Root: אֹות
Sense: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative.