King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 10:22 Mean?

1 Samuel 10:22 in the King James Version says “Therefore they enquired of the LORD further, if the man should yet come thither. And the LORD answered, Behold, he hath ...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Therefore they enquired of the LORD further, if the man should yet come thither. And the LORD answered, Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff.”

1 Samuel 10:22 · KJV

Context

20

And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken.

21

When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was taken, and Saul the son of Kish was taken: and when they sought him, he could not be found.

22

Therefore they enquired of the LORD further, if the man should yet come thither. And the LORD answered, Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff.

23

And they ran and fetched him thence: and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward.

24

And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him whom the LORD hath chosen, that there is none like him among all the people? And all the people shouted, and said, God save the king. God: Heb. Let the king live

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Therefore they enquired of the LORD further, if the man should yet come thither. And the LORD answered, Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff.

The assembly's response to Saul's absence was to seek the LORD further (sha'al od ba-YHWH), demonstrating proper dependence on divine guidance. The verb 'sha'al' (inquired) puns on Saul's name (Sha'ul, 'asked for'), creating wordplay throughout his narrative. God's answer is startlingly specific: 'Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff' (kelim, baggage or equipment). This divine omniscience - knowing precisely where a hiding man conceals himself - displays God's exhaustive knowledge. Whether Saul's hiding reflected genuine humility (a farmer overwhelmed by kingship), fear of responsibility, or early signs of emotional instability remains debated. The contrast with later Saul is sharp: here he hides from honor; later he relentlessly pursues David to protect his honor. God's answer is neither condemnatory nor commendatory; it simply locates His chosen servant.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Large assemblies required substantial equipment and supplies. The 'stuff' or 'baggage' (kelim) would have formed a considerable collection at Mizpah. Saul's hiding among these items showed intimate knowledge of the assembly grounds, perhaps from helping arrange the gathering.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God's precise knowledge of Saul's hiding place teach about divine omniscience?
  2. When have you hidden from responsibilities God was calling you to embrace?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיִּשְׁאֲלוּ1 of 14

“Therefore they enquired”

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

עוֹד֙2 of 14
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

יְהוָ֔ה3 of 14

“And the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הֲבָ֥א4 of 14

“should yet come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

ע֖וֹד5 of 14
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

הֲלֹ֣ם6 of 14

“thither”

H1988

hither

אִ֑ישׁ7 of 14

“further if the man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר8 of 14

“answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֔ה9 of 14

“And the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הִנֵּה10 of 14
H2009

lo!

ה֥וּא11 of 14
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

נֶחְבָּ֖א12 of 14

“Behold he hath hid”

H2244

to secrete

אֶל13 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַכֵּלִֽים׃14 of 14

“himself among the stuff”

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 10:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 10:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 20:18Numbers 27:211 Samuel 9:211 Samuel 23:2-4Judges 20:281 Samuel 15:17

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