All those who had formerly known Saul and saw him prophesying with the prophets asked one another, "What has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?" When all those who had formerly known SaulThis phrase highlights the transformation in Saul's life. Saul was known to the people as the son of Kish, a wealthy Benjamite, and not as a spiritual leader or prophet. His previous life was characterized by his role in his father's household and his search for lost donkeys, which is a stark contrast to his current prophetic activity. This transformation is significant as it marks the beginning of Saul's divine appointment as king, showing that God can change a person's role and identity for His purposes. Act 9:26-27 When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join… saw him prophesying with the prophets, Prophesying in this context refers to being filled with the Spirit of God and speaking under divine inspiration. The prophets were a group of individuals who were known for their spiritual fervor and connection to God. Saul's participation with them indicates a divine endorsement and empowerment, which was necessary for his future role as king. This event is reminiscent of the Spirit of the Lord coming upon other leaders in Israel, such as the judges, to equip them for their tasks. Num 11:25-29 Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to him,… they asked one another, “What has happened to the son of Kish? The question reflects the surprise and disbelief of the people who knew Saul. It underscores the unexpected nature of Saul's transformation and the divine intervention in his life. This moment serves as a public sign of Saul's new calling and the beginning of his journey as Israel's first king. It also highlights the theme of God's sovereignty in choosing and equipping leaders, regardless of their past or social standing. Act 9:21 All who heard him were astounded and asked,… Is Saul also among the prophets?” This rhetorical question became a proverbial expression in Israel, indicating an unexpected or surprising change in someone's behavior or status. It points to the miraculous nature of Saul's transformation and the work of the Holy Spirit in his life. This phrase also foreshadows the complexities of Saul's reign, as his spiritual experiences did not always translate into faithful leadership. The question invites reflection on the nature of true spiritual transformation and the importance of ongoing obedience to God. 1Sa 19:20-24 he sent messengers to seize him. But when they saw the group… Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe son of Kish, who was anointed by Samuel to be the first king of Israel. This verse marks a significant transformation in his life as he begins to prophesy. 2. Prophets A group of individuals who were known for their spiritual insight and communication of God's messages. Saul's association with them is unexpected by those who knew him. 3. Kish Saul's father, a Benjamite, whose lineage is significant in understanding Saul's background and the surprise of his prophetic activity. 4. Israel The nation over which Saul was anointed king. This event takes place within the broader account of Israel's transition from a theocracy to a monarchy. 5. Samuel The prophet who anointed Saul and played a crucial role in guiding Israel during this transitional period. Teaching Points Transformation by the SpiritSaul's unexpected prophesying demonstrates the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. God can change anyone, regardless of their past or background. God's Sovereignty in Choosing Leaders Saul's anointing and subsequent actions remind us that God chooses leaders according to His purposes, often beyond human expectations. Community Perception vs. God's Plan The reaction of those who knew Saul highlights the difference between human perception and God's plan. We should be open to God's work in others, even when it defies our expectations. The Role of Prophecy This event underscores the importance of prophecy as a means of communicating God's will and the Spirit's role in equipping individuals for His service. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Saul's transformation challenge our understanding of who can be used by God for His purposes?2. In what ways can we be more open to the unexpected ways God might work in our lives or the lives of others? 3. How does the reaction of Saul's acquaintances reflect our own potential biases when we see God working in unexpected people? 4. What can we learn from Saul's experience about the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit in our daily walk with God? 5. How does Saul's account connect with other biblical accounts of transformation, and what does this teach us about the nature of God's calling? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 9:21Provides context for Saul's humble beginnings and his initial reluctance to accept his calling, highlighting the transformation seen in 1 Samuel 10:11. Acts 9:21 Similar to Saul's transformation, the Apostle Paul (formerly Saul of Tarsus) experiences a radical change that surprises those who knew him before his conversion. Numbers 11:25-29 Describes a similar event where the Spirit of God comes upon individuals, causing them to prophesy, illustrating the work of the Holy Spirit in empowering people for God's purposes.
People Benjamin, Egyptians, Kish, Matri, Matrites, Rachel, Samuel, SaulPlaces Bethel, Egypt, Gibeah, Gibeath-elohim, Gilgal, Mizpah, Tabor, Zelzah, ZuphTopics Acquaintance, Band, Beforetime, Behold, Formerly, Friends, Heretofore, Kish, Pass, Previously, Prophesied, Prophesying, Prophets, Saul, Saul'sDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 10:5-113275 Holy Spirit, in the church Library The King after Man's Heart'And Samuel called the people together unto the Lord to Mizpeh; 18. And said unto the children of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and of them that oppressed you; 19. And ye have this day rejected your God, who Himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto Him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Place of Jesus in the History of the World. And V the Kingdom Undivided and the Kingdom Divided The Earliest Chapters in Divine Revelation The Trial of Saul. The History Books Letter xxii (Circa A. D. 1129) to Simon, Abbot of S. Nicholas Blessed are they that Mourn And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah Samuel Links 1 Samuel 10:11 NIV1 Samuel 10:11 NLT 1 Samuel 10:11 ESV 1 Samuel 10:11 NASB 1 Samuel 10:11 KJV 1 Samuel 10:11 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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