1 Samuel 9:16
To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me.
1 Samuel 9:16 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the book of 1 Samuel, God speaks to Samuel, informing him that He will send a man from the land of Benjamin to be anointed as captain over the people of Israel. This man is none other than Saul, who would become the first king of Israel. God's purpose for anointing Saul was to save the Israelites from the oppression of the Philistines. God had heard the cries of His people and had decided to intervene by raising up a leader to deliver them. This verse reflects God's compassion for His people and His desire to rescue them from their enemies. It also highlights the role of prophets like Samuel, who served as intermediaries between God and the people of Israel. The anointing of Saul marked a significant turning point in the history of Israel, as they transitioned from being governed by judges to being ruled by kings.
Theological Overview
The verse from 1 Samuel 9:16 speaks of the anointing of Saul as captain over the people of Israel by the prophet Samuel. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights God's sovereignty and providence in choosing leaders for His people. It underscores the importance of obedience to God's calling and the fulfillment of His divine purpose. The word 'anoint' in this context signifies the choosing and consecration of Saul for a specific role by God's divine authority. It also emphasizes the role of a leader in delivering God's people from their enemies, as Saul was appointed to save the Israelites from the Philistines. This verse illustrates the theme of God's faithfulness to His people and His willingness to intervene in response to their cries for help. It serves as a reminder of God's compassion and mercy towards those who seek Him.
1 Samuel 9:16 in other translations
American Standard Version
To-morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be prince over my people Israel; and he shall save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me.
World English Bible
“Tomorrow about this time I will send you a man out of the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him to be prince over my people Israel; and he shall save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked on my people, because their cry has come to me.”
Douay-Rheims
To morrow about this same hour I will send thee a man of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be ruler over my people Israel: and he shall save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked down upon my people, because their cry is come to me.
Geneva Bible (1599)
To morow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Beniamin: him shalt thou anoint to be gouernour ouer my people Israel, that he may saue my people out of the hands of the Philistims: for I haue looked vpon my people, and their crie is come vnto me.