1 Kingdoms (1 Samuel) 10:1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Nothing pleases God more than acts of charity. This is the reason priests, rulers, and prophets were consecrated with oil: they received this anointing as a symbol of God's compassion. Additionally, through this act, they were reminded that a ruler should embody greater mercy; it illustrated that the Spirit also comes upon individuals to provide grace, as God shows compassion to humanity. "Thou hast mercy on all," it is proclaimed, "because Thou canst do all things” (Prem. 11:24). Therefore, they were anointed with oil! The priesthood was instituted to embody mercy, and kings were also set apart with this anointing. If one seeks to commend the leader, the highest praise arises from acknowledging their mercy, for mercy is a fundamental trait of true authority.

Why did Samuel anoint Saul and anoint him with oil? (1 Samuel 10:1) Through this action, he imparted the divine grace present within him. Similarly, the Lord breathed upon the apostles, saying, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’ (John 20:22), for out of His abundance we have all received. Therefore, the Prophet kissed the anointed King to convey to him the grace that resides within.

Among all people, it is solely we Christians who partake in this sacred sacrament and subsequently receive an indescribable anointing from a horn, akin to David, rather than from a clay vessel, as was the case with Saul, who was in communion with the wicked spirit of earthly desires.