1 Samuel 10 16

1 Samuel 10:16 kjv

And Saul said unto his uncle, He told us plainly that the asses were found. But of the matter of the kingdom, whereof Samuel spake, he told him not.

1 Samuel 10:16 nkjv

So Saul said to his uncle, "He told us plainly that the donkeys had been found." But about the matter of the kingdom, he did not tell him what Samuel had said.

1 Samuel 10:16 niv

Saul replied, "He assured us that the donkeys had been found." But he did not tell his uncle what Samuel had said about the kingship.

1 Samuel 10:16 esv

And Saul said to his uncle, "He told us plainly that the donkeys had been found." But about the matter of the kingdom, of which Samuel had spoken, he did not tell him anything.

1 Samuel 10:16 nlt

"He told us that the donkeys had already been found," Saul replied. But Saul didn't tell his uncle what Samuel said about the kingdom.

1 Samuel 10 verses

1 Samuel 10 16 Meaning

1 Samuel 10:16 describes a crucial moment in Saul's early reign, where he strategically conceals the most significant part of Samuel's message from his uncle. While openly confirming that the lost donkeys were found, Saul deliberately withholds any mention of the anointing for kingship, demonstrating an initial prudence, humility, or perhaps a pragmatic sense of timing concerning this momentous divine revelation.

1 Samuel 10 16 Context

1 Samuel 10:16 follows Saul's private anointing by Samuel (10:1), his Spirit-filled prophetic experience among a company of prophets (10:10-13), and his subsequent return home to his uncle (10:14-15). His uncle asks about his conversation with Samuel. Saul has just experienced a profound encounter with God and been entrusted with an immense, nation-changing secret. The immediate context shows Saul in a transitional phase, having been divinely appointed but not yet publicly declared or accepted by the nation as king. Historically, the monarchy in Israel was a new concept, requested by the people and now being established by God through Samuel. This period is marked by the prophet's role in guiding the nascent leadership, with initial revelations often kept private until God's appointed public time. Saul's choice here highlights the tension between his personal experience of anointing and the broader political reality of presenting a king to a nation.

1 Samuel 10 16 Word analysis

• And (וְ - ve): A simple conjunction, connecting this action to the previous events of Saul's return and his uncle's inquiry.
• Saul (שָׁאוּל - Sha'ul): The son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin, and the chosen individual to be Israel's first king. His name means "asked of God."
• said (וַיֹּאמֶר - vayyomer): A common Hebrew verb indicating direct speech.
• unto his uncle (אֶל-דֹּדֹו - el dodōw): "Dōdōw" means 'his uncle.' This highlights the familial bond and the context of a private conversation, emphasizing that the one with whom he spoke was a close family member. This is not a formal council.
• The LORD (יְהוָה - YHWH): The covenant name of God, indicating His direct involvement and authority in the message delivered. Saul attributes the revelation (via Samuel) to God.
• told us (הִגִּיד לָנוּ - higgid lanu): "Higgid" means "he declared, he told, he reported." Saul reports a part of what Samuel said, specifically the successful outcome of their donkey search. The inclusion of "us" implies that Samuel confirmed the outcome to both Saul and his servant.
• that the donkeys (כִּי נִמְצְאוּ הָאֲתֹנוֹת - ki nimtza'u ha'athonot): This phrase provides the specific, factual information Saul chose to share. "Ha'athonot" refers to the specific donkeys that were lost, which were the initial reason for their journey. Saul directly confirms the resolution of the original problem.
• were found (נִמְצָאוּ - nimtza'u): Passive verb, indicating the donkeys "were found."
• But (וְ - ve): Used here adversatively, similar to "however" or "yet," introducing a contrasting action or withheld information.
• of the matter (וְאֶת־דְּבַר - ve'et-dvar): "Dvar" means 'word,' 'matter,' or 'thing.' Here it specifically refers to the subject of Samuel's revelation concerning the monarchy. This distinguishes it from the previous "matter" of the donkeys.
• of the kingdom (הַמְּלוּכָה - hammelukhah): 'The kingship' or 'the royalty.' This is the core secret Saul concealed, his anointing and election to rule Israel.
• whereof (אֲשֶׁר - asher): A relative pronoun, 'which' or 'whereof.'
• Samuel (שְׁמוּאֵל - Sh'mu'el): The prophet who had anointed Saul and given him the divine instructions.
• spake (דִּבֶּר - dibber): Another verb for speaking, emphasizing that Samuel had specifically discussed this matter with Saul.
• he told him not (לֹא הִגִּיד לֹו - lo higgid lo): "Lo" is the negative particle "not." "Higgid" is repeated here, meaning 'he did not declare/tell to him.' This phrase unequivocally states Saul's deliberate act of concealment. The structure emphasizes the omission.

Words-group analysis:

• "And Saul said unto his uncle...": Establishes a confidential, familial setting, making Saul's deliberate concealment more pointed within this trusting relationship.
• "The LORD told us plainly that the donkeys were found...": Saul offers a half-truth, fulfilling his duty to inform about the practical matter while side-stepping the divine appointment. It highlights his discernment or cunning in selecting what information to reveal. This act subtly attributes the successful search to the LORD, indirectly affirming Samuel's prophetic office without disclosing the prophetic office's main message concerning himself.
• "But of the matter of the kingdom, whereof Samuel spake, he told him not.": This is the crucial statement. It underscores Saul's initial reticence and prudence concerning his destiny as king. This withholding could stem from humility, a recognition that God's timing for public revelation was not yet ripe, or perhaps an awareness of the political sensitivities and potential challenges of announcing such news prematurely. It contrasts starkly with his later presumption and impulsiveness.

1 Samuel 10 16 Bonus section

• This verse provides an early glimpse into Saul's character, initially portraying him as discreet and potentially humble, a stark contrast to his later impulsiveness and disobedience regarding divine instructions. It suggests a calculated decision rather than accidental oversight.
• The silence of Saul implies a recognition of the significant transition for Israel from a theocracy guided by judges to a monarchy, a change that needed careful and collective acknowledgment rather than a familial announcement.
• The tension between God's private election (1 Sam 10:1) and the public confirmation (1 Sam 10:20-24) is central here, with Saul understanding the need to defer to the prophet Samuel for the appropriate time and means of public proclamation.
• The "matter of the kingdom" (hammelukhah) encompasses not just his personal anointing but the broader implications for the nation of Israel – its future governance, security, and relationship with God. This was not a private family affair.

1 Samuel 10 16 Commentary

1 Samuel 10:16 succinctly captures Saul's initial humility and wisdom in navigating the profound divine revelation he had received. Fresh from his anointing and a transformative spiritual experience, Saul chose discretion over immediate declaration, revealing only the trivial news of the found donkeys to his inquiring uncle, while purposefully concealing the momentous "matter of the kingdom." This act signifies his understanding that the private divine appointment by Samuel required careful, divinely appointed public disclosure. It portrays a nascent leader who initially possesses prudence, acknowledging that matters of such national significance, especially a divinely ordained kingship, must be revealed according to God's precise timing and method, not prematurely based on human eagerness or family ties. This discretion showcases an admirable initial character trait that would, tragically, not always remain consistent throughout his reign.