Is Saul counted among the prophets?

Overview

The question “Is Saul counted among the prophets?” arises primarily from two key passages: 1 Samuel 10:9–12 and 1 Samuel 19:18–24. In both scenarios, observers are astonished when they witness Saul prophesying, leading them to ask, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” (1 Samuel 10:12). Understanding this question involves examining the biblical narrative, cultural context, and the broader theological themes that emerge from these accounts.

I. Scriptural Narrative

1. The First Incident (1 Samuel 10:9–13)

After Samuel anointed Saul as king, the Spirit of God came powerfully upon Saul while he was traveling with a group of prophets, and he began to prophesy. People who had known him previously were stunned and asked, “What has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?” (1 Samuel 10:11). In context, this demonstrates that Saul’s prophesying was unexpected and prompted the community to wonder whether he had joined the ranks of recognized prophets.

2. The Second Incident (1 Samuel 19:18–24)

Later, when Saul was seeking David to harm him, he sent messengers who encountered a group of prophets under the leading of Samuel, and they began prophesying. Saul, determined to capture David himself, arrived at Naioth in Ramah. There, the Spirit of God overwhelmed Saul yet again, causing him not only to prophesy but to strip off his robes and lie there prophesying all day and night (1 Samuel 19:23–24). Once again, onlookers repeated, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” (1 Samuel 19:24). This repetition emphasizes the communities’ astonishment at Saul’s prophetic behavior, particularly as he was increasingly rebellious against God at this stage.

II. The Nature of Old Testament Prophets

1. Role of Prophets

Prophets in the Old Testament acted as God’s spokespeople, delivering messages, warnings, and sometimes miraculous signs. They were recognized through divine calling: individuals like Moses (Exodus 3:10), Samuel (1 Samuel 3:10–14), and Elijah (1 Kings 17:1) received clear commissions from God. The practice of prophesying could include speaking inspired words or engaging in outward expressions of prophetic ecstasy.

2. Temporary Empowerment vs. Vocation

In Scripture, moments of prophetic utterance could be granted temporarily without indicating a permanent role or office of prophet. Balaam (Numbers 22–24) famously spoke God’s words while not being an Israelite prophet in the lifelong vocational sense. Similarly, while Saul prophesied due to the Holy Spirit’s influence, this did not necessarily designate him as a prophet by lifelong calling.

III. Cultural and Linguistic Context

1. The Question as an Idiomatic Expression

The exclamation “Is Saul also among the prophets?” became a proverbial saying (1 Samuel 10:12). It arose because people who had no history of prophetic ministry occasionally found themselves prophesying by the Spirit’s power. This phrase expressed surprise and sometimes even mockery.

2. Hebrew Terminology

The Hebrew root word for “prophesy” (נבא, naba’) refers broadly to speaking under divine inspiration. When readers see “Is Saul also among the prophets?” the Hebrew nuancing suggests an incredulous reaction. It does not necessarily mean Saul assumed an established status among the recognized prophetic community but rather that he was temporarily acting in a prophetic manner.

IV. The Biblical Portrait of Saul’s Standing

1. Anointed as King, Not Called as Prophet

Saul was specifically called by God to serve as the first king over Israel (1 Samuel 10:1). Throughout 1 Samuel, his primary role is that of king and military leader. Nothing in the text indicates that he was reshaped into the lifelong office of a prophet, unlike figures such as Samuel or Elijah.

2. Short-Lived Empowerment vs. Ongoing Disobedience

Scripture presents Saul’s prophesying as a sign of God’s Spirit resting upon him at specific times. Nevertheless, Saul’s trajectory is one of increasing disobedience (1 Samuel 13:8–14; 1 Samuel 15:9–23). While the Spirit came upon him in 1 Samuel 10 and 19, the narrative later portrays Saul in opposition to God’s purposes, culminating in his eventual rejection by the Lord (1 Samuel 15:26).

V. Archeological and Manuscript Corroboration

1. Historical Evidence for Israel’s Monarchy

Archaeological findings, such as the Khirbet Qeiyafa excavation, reveal a fortified city from the time of Israel’s monarchy that aligns with the biblical account of a centralized government in the region of Judah. While direct inscriptions mentioning Saul by name are not confirmed, these findings support the existence of a structured kingdom in the era described by Samuel.

2. Integrity of the Text

The historical reliability of 1 Samuel rests on a rich manuscript tradition preserved in sources such as the Qumran scrolls and the Septuagint. Scholars like those who have examined the Dead Sea Scrolls confirm the remarkable consistency of these books with later Masoretic texts, underscoring the text’s reliability.

VI. Theological and Devotional Implications

1. God’s Sovereignty in Allocating Gifts

The account underscores that God’s Spirit can grant prophetic insight or utterance even to those whose lives do not align long-term with God’s will. This demonstrates God’s sovereignty, as He may use seemingly unlikely individuals for a moment to accomplish His purpose.

2. Necessity of Ongoing Obedience

Saul’s encounters underscore that a brief display of divine giftings does not replace the importance of continued faithfulness. Prophesying momentarily helped confirm his initial kingship, but it did not guarantee a life of obedience.

VII. Conclusion

Whether “Saul is counted among the prophets” depends on how one defines inclusion in the prophetic vocation. According to 1 Samuel, Saul did prophesy on two notable occasions, generating the rhetorical question “Is Saul also among the prophets?” (1 Samuel 10:12). Yet scripturally, he did not fulfill the lifelong office or calling of a prophet; instead, he was periodically and surprisingly seized by the Spirit to manifest prophetic behavior.

The phrase became a proverb expressing shock that a person like Saul, chiefly recognized as Israel’s king, would exhibit overt signs of prophetic inspiration. It highlights that God can use whomever He wills at specific moments, even if that individual’s overall life trajectory does not reflect the consistent ministry of a true prophet.