Why is the phrase "Is Saul also among the prophets?" significant in 1 Samuel 10:12? Text of 1 Samuel 10:11-12 “11 All those who had formerly known Saul saw him prophesying with the prophets, and they asked one another, ‘What has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?’ 12 Then a man who lived there answered, ‘And who is their father?’ So it became a proverb: ‘Is Saul also among the prophets?’ ” Immediate Narrative Setting Samuel has privately anointed Saul (10:1). Three confirmatory signs prove Yahweh’s choice—including Saul “turned into another man” when the Spirit rushes upon him (10:6). The third sign is this spontaneous prophetic episode at Gibeah. Observers who once knew Saul merely as a tall Benjamite farmer are astonished: the Spirit‐empowered speech is out of character. Their exclamation crystallizes the shock and cements a proverb that will echo again in 19:24. Historical Background of Prophetic Bands Prophetic guilds flourish in early monarchy Israel (cf. 2 Kings 2:3, 5; 4:38). They use music (10:5) to facilitate Spirit-inspired utterance. Archaeological evidence from Khirbet Qeiyafa’s ostracon (10th century BC) confirms literacy and organized religious activity in Saul’s era, supporting the plausibility of such groups. Narrative Function in Saul’s Rise and Fall 1. Authentication: Yahweh publicly verifies Saul’s kingship by the same Spirit that validates later prophets. 2. Irony: The proverb’s repetition in 19:24, when Saul prophesies while pursuing David, underlines his spiritual descent—still “among” prophets yet now opposing God’s plan. 3. Foreshadowing: The episode previews the tension between charisma and obedience. Saul receives empowering grace, but later forfeits covenant faithfulness (15:22-23). Theological Implications A. Sovereign Election—The unanticipated choice of a modest Benjamite (9:21) showcases divine initiative (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:27-29). B. Regenerating Work of the Spirit—“God changed Saul’s heart” (10:9). The Old-Covenant Spirit comes selectively; the New-Covenant Pentecost universalizes the experience (Acts 2:17-18). C. Warning Against Mere Experience—Gifts without perseverance do not guarantee salvation (Matthew 7:22-23). “And Who Is Their Father?”—Explaining the Retort The bystander’s question de-emphasizes heredity: prophetic identity derives from Yahweh, not lineage. This undercuts any objection that Kish’s son lacks pedigree, paralleling Jesus’ insistence that “God can raise up children for Abraham from these stones” (Matthew 3:9). Cross-Biblical Parallels of Surprising Prophecy • Numbers 11:26-29—Eldad and Medad prophesy outside Moses’ tent. • Amos 7:14-15—Amos, a shepherd, receives a prophetic call. • Luke 1:41; 2:36-38—Spirit prompts unexpected proclamation. Pattern: God employs unlikely vessels to magnify His glory. Practical Application Believers should: • Expect God to disrupt social expectations. • Discern that external manifestations must be paired with obedience. • Celebrate the Spirit’s freedom to empower whomever He wills (John 3:8). Key Cross-References for Study Num 11:25-29; 1 Samuel 19:20-24; 1 Corinthians 12:7-11; Acts 2:15-18. Summary Statement “Is Saul also among the prophets?” signifies a divinely orchestrated, paradigm-shattering event that authenticates Israel’s first king, illustrates the Spirit’s transformative power, warns against superficial spirituality, and reinforces the consistent biblical theme that God chooses the unlikely to accomplish His redemptive purposes. |
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