(1 Samuel 10 – Ezekiel 36:26)
The story of Saul’s anointing as king in 1 Samuel 10 is a powerful foreshadowing of Jesus, the true and eternal King, who not only reigns over His people but also transforms their hearts. In this passage, we see how Saul is chosen, anointed, and empowered by God, yet his kingship ultimately fails because of his disobedience. In contrast, Jesus is the perfect King, who reigns with righteousness and gives His people new hearts so they can truly follow Him.
God’s promise in Ezekiel 36:26—”I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you”—is beautifully fulfilled in Christ. Through Jesus, we receive not just outward transformation but inward renewal, making us fit for His Kingdom. Let’s explore how 1 Samuel 10 points to Jesus as the Anointed King who changes hearts.
1. The Anointing of Saul and the Anointing of Jesus
“Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on Saul’s head and kissed him, saying, ‘Has not the Lord anointed you ruler over His inheritance?’”
— 1 Samuel 10:1
Samuel anointed Saul as king over Israel, setting him apart for a divine purpose. This anointing was a visible sign of God’s calling and empowerment, symbolizing the presence of the Holy Spirit in his life. However, Saul’s anointing was only temporary—his reign would end in failure because of his disobedience.
In contrast, Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit at His baptism:
“As Jesus was coming up out of the water, He saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on Him like a dove.”
— Mark 1:10
Jesus is the true and eternal King, anointed not just with oil but with the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Unlike Saul, Jesus rules with perfect obedience and righteousness. His anointing was not for a temporary kingship but for an eternal reign over all creation.
2. The Spirit Comes with the Anointing
“The Spirit of the Lord will come powerfully upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person.”
— 1 Samuel 10:6
After being anointed, Saul experienced a temporary transformation—the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he began to prophesy. This moment foreshadows the way Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, transforms His followers.
Jesus doesn’t just give His people an external anointing; He changes their hearts from the inside out. In Ezekiel 36:26, God promises:
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”
This is what happens when we come to Jesus—we receive a new heart, and the Holy Spirit dwells within us permanently, making us new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Saul’s transformation was temporary, but through Jesus, the Holy Spirit changes us permanently. We are no longer bound to sin but are empowered to live as citizens of God’s Kingdom.
3. A New Heart for a New Kingdom
“God changed Saul’s heart, and all these signs were fulfilled that day.”
— 1 Samuel 10:9
Saul’s heart was changed for a time, but he later turned away from God. This reveals that outward signs and temporary experiences of God’s presence are not enough—we need a new heart that is fully surrendered to God.
This is where Jesus comes in. Unlike Saul, Jesus doesn’t just give us a momentary change—He gives us a new nature.
When we accept Christ:
- We move from a heart of stone (hardened by sin) to a heart of flesh (sensitive to God).
- We are born again into a new spiritual life (John 3:3).
- The Holy Spirit permanently dwells within us, guiding and shaping us into the image of Christ.
Jesus is the King who changes hearts, making His people fit for His Kingdom.
4. A Kingdom Not of This World
Saul’s kingship was established by God, but it was still part of a human kingdom—a temporary rule that would eventually end. Jesus, on the other hand, proclaimed:
“My kingdom is not of this world.”
— John 18:36
Saul was a king chosen by the people, and his reign was flawed. Jesus is the King chosen by God, and His reign is perfect and eternal. While Saul’s rule brought political change, Jesus’ rule brings heart change—something that no earthly kingdom can accomplish.
5. Jesus, the Anointed King Who Gives Us a New Heart
Saul’s anointing points us to Jesus, the true and better King. But while Saul’s transformation was temporary, Jesus’ work in us is eternal.
Through Jesus, we receive:
✅ A new heart (Ezekiel 36:26)
✅ A new spirit (Romans 8:9)
✅ A new identity as sons and daughters of God (Galatians 4:6-7)
✅ A new purpose in His Kingdom (2 Corinthians 5:18-20)
Where Saul failed, Jesus succeeded. Where Saul lost the Spirit, Jesus gives the Spirit without measure. Where Saul’s kingdom ended, Jesus’ Kingdom never ends.
Jesus is the Anointed King who rules in righteousness and gives His people new hearts.
Conclusion: Will You Surrender to the True King?
Just as Saul had a choice to obey or reject God, we too have a choice—will we surrender to Jesus, the Anointed King?
He stands ready to change your heart, fill you with His Spirit, and bring you into His Kingdom.
Are you ready to let King Jesus reign in your heart today?
