What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 10:11? When all those who had formerly known Saul - The crowd knew Saul as a tall, capable young man from Gibeah, but nothing in his past suggested a prophetic gift (1 Samuel 9:1–2). - Their memory of him highlights how suddenly God can redirect a life—much like Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:1–6) or Gideon in the winepress (Judges 6:11–12). - God’s Spirit makes recognizable change visible to onlookers, proving that transformation is real (2 Corinthians 5:17). saw him prophesying with the prophets - Saul is swept up in a band of prophets just as Samuel foretold (1 Samuel 10:5–6). - This scene underscores that prophetic utterance is Spirit-initiated, not self-generated (Numbers 11:25; Acts 2:17). - Standing “with the prophets” shows immediate fellowship with God’s servants, foreshadowing how the Spirit forms unity in Christ’s body (Ephesians 4:3–4). they asked one another, “What has happened to the son of Kish?” - Shocked neighbors vocalize their amazement, much like Nazareth reacted to Jesus (Mark 6:2–3). - Their question recognizes that something beyond human lineage is at work; God is intervening despite ordinary ancestry (1 Corinthians 1:26–29). - The phrase “son of Kish” reminds readers that God chooses specific individuals for His purposes, fulfilling Samuel’s private anointing earlier in the chapter (1 Samuel 10:1). Is Saul also among the prophets? - The rhetorical question becomes a proverb (1 Samuel 10:12), capturing the idea that God can bestow spiritual gifting where it’s least expected (Amos 7:14–15). - It signals a new role for Saul: Israel’s first king will lead under prophetic influence, emphasizing that political authority must submit to divine authority (Deuteronomy 17:18–20). - The episode foreshadows later times when Saul’s obedience will waver, reminding us that an initial Spirit-empowerment requires ongoing faithfulness (Galatians 5:16–25). summary 1 Samuel 10:11 reveals God’s sudden, unmistakable work in Saul’s life. Friends who once knew an ordinary man now witness him miraculously speaking God’s words. Their astonishment—“Is Saul also among the prophets?”—testifies that the Lord can equip anyone, regardless of background, for His purposes. The verse invites confidence that when God’s Spirit moves, genuine transformation follows, startling observers and glorifying the One who changes hearts. |
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