שמואל א, פרק י׳, פסוק א׳

In a private and unexpected moment, far from the eyes of the public, Samuel anoints a young Saul for a high position he never anticipated or prepared for [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Samuel takes a small flask of oil [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ] and pours it over Saul's head. The primary approach among commentators is that this was not the holy anointing oil later used for the kings of the House of David, but rather regular balsam oil. The choice of vessel holds deep symbolism. While anointing from an animal horn represents an eternal, inherited dynasty, as seen with David and Solomon, pouring from a flask signifies a temporary reign that will not pass on to Saul's descendants [רד״ק, אלשיך, אברבנאל, מלבי״ם].

Following the anointing, an unusual event occurs: Samuel kisses Saul, an action not found during the later anointing of David. This kiss is meant to forge a profound spiritual connection, binding their spirits together. Because Saul is anointed with ordinary balsam oil rather than the holy oil that inherently imparts sanctity, Samuel needs to kiss him to bridge this spiritual gap. Through this act, Samuel transfers spiritual abundance, courage, and a readiness for prophecy, elevating Saul above the common people and equipping him for leadership [מלבי״ם, אלשיך]. In Midrashic tradition, this is viewed positively as a "kiss of greatness," akin to kisses shared during greetings, farewells, or among close family [רד״ק, אברבנאל].

Samuel then offers words of encouragement to strengthen and validate the moment [מצודת דוד, רד״ק], ensuring Saul understands that his appointment is a direct decree from God [אברבנאל]. Notably, Saul is designated as a leader rather than a king. This specific title further emphasizes the temporary nature of his rule. True and enduring kingship is reserved for the tribe of Judah, whereas Saul, from the tribe of Benjamin, is appointed merely as a temporary caretaker over the Israelites. The nation remains God's own inheritance, not Saul's personal property [מלבי״ם, אלשיך].

The decision to conduct this fateful anointing in secret rather than in public serves two crucial purposes. First, Samuel knows that a public lottery will soon take place to select the king. If the private anointing is already known, the Israelites might suspect Samuel of rigging the lottery in favor of the man he has just anointed [מלבי״ם, אברבנאל]. Second, the clandestine ceremony is designed to fundamentally transform Saul before he steps into the public eye. By receiving God's spirit and the unfamiliar power of prophecy in private, Saul can build belief in himself and fully prepare for his new role away from the pressures of the nation [רלב״ג, אברבנאל].