Seminaries and Institutes
1 Samuel 9–10: Saul Anointed King


“1 Samuel 9–10: Saul Anointed King,” Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide (2002), 94

“1 Samuel 9–10,” Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide, 94

1 Samuel 9–10

Saul Anointed King

In 1 Samuel 8, the people of Israel said they wanted a king, even though the prophet Samuel counseled them against it. Chapter 9 in 1 Samuel teaches us how much the Lord loves His people when we realize that even though the people of Israel did not follow the Lord’s counsel, He still helped them by inspiring His prophet to choose and train a king for them. As you read, look for what you can learn about callings from the Lord.

Studying the Scriptures

Do two of the following activities (A–C) as you study 1 Samuel 9–10.

  1. Write a News Report

    Imagine that you were a faithful Israelite news reporter who followed Saul through all the experiences of 1 Samuel 9–10. Write a brief article describing why Saul is a good choice for Israel’s king. Use scripture references to support your ideas.

  2. Write a Journal Entry

    Based on what you learned from 1 Samuel 9–10, write how you think Saul might have felt after his experience of being called as king in Israel. Pay special attention to 1 Samuel 9:21; 10:6, 9, 20–27.

  3. Apply the Words of Modern Prophets and Apostles

    How does the following statement quoted by President Harold B. Lee relate to what happened in 1 Samuel 10:26–27: “That person is not truly converted until he sees the power of God resting upon the leaders of this church, and until it goes down into his heart like fire” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1972, 118; or Ensign, July 1972, 103).